Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology in 2003"

A TOA-based location algorithm reducing the errors due to non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation

Abstract: An effective location algorithm, which considers non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation, is presented. By using a new variable to replace the square term, the problem becomes a mathematical programming problem, and then the NLOS propagation's effect can be evaluated. Compared with other methods, the proposed algorithm has high accuracy.

Road-sign detection and tracking

Abstract: In a visual driver-assistance system, road-sign detection and tracking is one of the major tasks. This study describes an approach to detecting and tracking road signs appearing in complex traffic scenes. In the detection phase, two neural networks are developed to extract color and shape features of traffic signs from the input scenes images. Traffic signs are then located in the images based on the extracted features. This process is primarily conceptualized in terms of fuzzy-set discipline. In the tracking phase, traffic signs located in the previous phase are tracked through image sequences using a Kalman filter. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method performs well in both detecting and tracking road signs present in complex scenes and in various weather and illumination conditions.

On the accuracy of a cellular location system based on RSS measurements

Abstract: We discuss the performance of a cellular location system based on received signal strength (RSS) measurements. Each mobile station (MS) collects RSS measurements of the downlink control channels transmitted by the surrounding base stations. It is assumed that there is one-to-one mapping between the RSS and the MS location. Hence, these measurements can be used to obtain the MS location. We examine the accuracy of this method by deriving the Cramer-Rao bound, the concentration ellipse, and the circular error probability (CEP) of this method. In addition, we obtain an analytic expression that predicts the point at which accuracy deviates significantly from the bound (the threshold point). The accuracy of the method does not meet the FCC E911 requirement, but it is an attractive solution for less-demanding location-based services.

Space-time turbo equalization in frequency-selective MIMO channels

Abstract: A computationally efficient space-time turbo equalization algorithm is derived for frequency-selective multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) channels. The algorithm is an extension of the iterative equalization algorithm by Reynolds and Wang (see Signal Processing, vol.81, no.5, p.989-995, 2001) for frequency-selective fading channels and of iterative multiuser detection for code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems by Wang and Poor (see IEEE Trans. Commun., vol.47, p.1046-1061, 1999). The proposed algorithm is implemented as a MIMO detector consisting of a soft-input-soft-output (SISO) linear MMSE detector followed by SISO channel decoders for the multiple users. The detector first forms a soft replica of each composite interfering signal using the log likelihood ratio (LLR), fed back from the SISO channel decoders, of the transmitted coded symbols and subtracts it from the received signal vector. Linear adaptive filtering then takes place to suppress the interference residuals: filter taps are adjusted based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion. The LLR is then calculated for adaptive filter output. This process is repeated in an iterative fashion to enhance signal-detection performance. This paper also discusses the performance sensitivity of the proposed algorithm to channel-estimation error. A channel-estimation scheme is introduced that works with the iterative MIMO equalization process to reduce estimation errors.

Performance analysis of MIMO systems with antenna selection over quasi-static fading channels

Abstract: We analyze the performance of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems with antenna selection over quasi-static fading channels. The basic idea is that, for a given number of receive antennas, M, the receiver uses the best L out of the available M antennas where, typically, L

Application of fuzzy control algorithms for electric vehicle antilock braking/traction control systems

Abstract: The application of fuzzy-based control strategies has gained enormous recognition as an approach for the rapid development of effective controllers for nonlinear time-variant systems. This paper describes the preliminary research and implementation of a fuzzy logic based controller to control the wheel slip for electric vehicle antilock braking systems (ABSs). As the dynamics of the braking systems are highly nonlinear and time variant, fuzzy control offers potential as an important tool for development of robust traction control. Simulation studies are employed to derive an initial rule base that is then tested on an experimental test facility representing the dynamics of a braking system. The test facility is composed of an induction machine load operating in the generating region. It is shown that the torque-slip characteristics of an induction motor provides a convenient platform for simulating a variety of tire/road /spl mu/-/spl sigma/ driving conditions, negating the initial requirement for skid-pan trials when developing algorithms. The fuzzy membership functions were subsequently refined by analysis of the data acquired from the test facility while simulating operation at a high coefficient of friction. The robustness of the fuzzy-logic slip regulator is further tested by applying the resulting controller over a wide range of operating conditions. The results indicate that ABS/traction control may substantially improve longitudinal performance and offer significant potential for optimal control of driven wheels, especially under icy conditions where classical ABS/traction control schemes are constrained to operate very conservatively.

Optimum mode-switching-assisted constant-power single- and multicarrier adaptive modulation

Abstract: A set of optimum mode-switching levels is derived for a generic constant-power adaptive-modulation scheme based on a closed-form expression of the average bit error ratio (BER) and the average bits-per-symbol (BPS) throughput of the adaptive-modulation scheme. This results in a constant BER, variable-throughput arrangement. The corresponding BPS throughput performance and the achievable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain are investigated for the optimum mode-switching assisted constant-power adaptive-modulation schemes employing various diversity schemes, including maximal ratio combining (MRC) receive-antenna diversity, a two-dimensional RAKE receiver, as well as transmit-diversity aided space-time (ST) coding, when communicating over various fading scenarios. The BPS throughput of our constant-power adaptive quadrature amplitude modulation (AQAM) scheme approaches the throughput of variable-power variable-rate AQAM within 1 dB. However, the achievable throughput gain of the adaptive-modulation scheme, in comparison to conventional fixed-mode modems, is substantially reduced as the diversity order of the receiver is increased. Hence, adaptive modulation constitutes a lower complexity alternative to multiple-transmitter and receiver-based systems when considering the range of techniques that can be used for mitigating the effects of the channel-quality fluctuations imposed by wireless channels.

A novel driver assist stability system for all-wheel-drive electric vehicles

Abstract: A novel driver-assist stability system for all-wheel-drive electric vehicles is introduced. The system helps drivers maintain control in the event of a driving emergency, including heavy braking or obstacle avoidance. The system comprises a fuzzy logic system that independently controls wheel torque to prevent vehicle spin. Another fuzzy wheel slip controller is used to enhance vehicle stability and safety. A neural network is trained to generate the required reference for yaw rate. Vehicle true speed is estimated by a sensor data fusion method. The intrinsic robustness of fuzzy controllers allows the system to operate in different road conditions successfully. Moreover, the ease of implementing fuzzy controllers gives a potential for vehicle stability enhancement.

Location of mobile terminals using time measurements and survey points

Abstract: Mobile terminal location has attracted much interest for its applications in emergency communications, location-sensitive browsing, and resource allocation. The paper introduces the use of nonparametric kernel-based estimators for location of mobile terminals using measurements of propagation delays. It is demonstrated that these estimators perform better than the previously used parametric maximum likelihood estimators for the case of a simulated microcell environment with line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) radio propagation at several different levels of measurement noise. Their performance is not greatly degraded by NLOS effects. Methods for calculating good values for parameters of the kernel functions are demonstrated, as well as the robustness of the estimators when the values of the parameters vary from the optimal points. A lower bound on the mean square error of location estimation that considers the transition between LOS to NLOS propagation over short distances is presented. It is demonstrated the proposed location estimation method comes close to meeting this bound.

Novel model for propagation loss prediction in tunnels

Abstract: Radio signal propagation in a tunnel exhibits distinct near and far regions with quite different propagation characteristics. This paper proposes a model that can distinguish these propagation regions and predict their respective propagation losses in the tunnel. The model relies on a break point to separate the propagation regions and a hybrid technique to calculate the propagation losses. The location of the break point is determined with the solution of a novel tunnel-propagation equation for the first time. The solution shows that the location of the break point depends strongly upon frequency, antenna position, and tunnel transversal dimensions. The model is compared with data measured in various tunnels at different frequencies (900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, and 2.448 GHz). The results show reasonable agreement between predictions and measurements.

A two-dimensional channel simulation model for shadowing processes

Abstract: A Gaussian random process with a given power spectral density (PSD) function can be modeled as a sum of sinusoids (SOS), and has been widely used to simulate Rayleigh-fading communication channels. The conventional one-dimensional (1D) channel model cannot capture the spatial correlation of shadowing processes. We here develop a two-dimensional (2D) SOS-based channel model to simulate the shadowing process. Three methods to fit the PSD of the simulated process to the true channel's PSD are explored. Performance of the proposed channel simulator is analyzed in terms of the autocorrelation function of the simulated shadowing process. Simulations illustrate the potential of the proposed channel simulation model.

Characterization of Doppler spectra for mobile communications at 5.3 GHz

Abstract: Tapped-delay-line (TDL) channel models are developed from a measured database for outdoor and indoor mobile communications at 5.3 GHz. Meanwhile, several types of Doppler spectra are found at the different taps of the TDL models. For simulation purposes, a general three-dimensional autocorrelation function of the scattered waves is derived and connected to the distributions of angles of arrival of the waves and antenna radiation patterns. Furthermore, the propagation mechanisms of the different types of Doppler spectra observed in the TDL models are explained based on the comparisons between measured and simulated results where the Fourier transformations are performed on the autocorrelation functions to obtain the Doppler power spectra.

Positioning beacon system using digital camera and LEDs

Abstract: This paper is on a novel use of lighting or signaling devices constructed by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a positioning beacon. The idea is that the surface of the LED lighting device is divided into regions and used to show different visual patterns that are not noticeable by the human eye due to the high-frequency switching of the LEDs. A digital camera is used as a receiver to capture a sequence of images of the LED positioning beacon transmitter. Image-processing algorithms are used to decode the location code that is encoded in the visual patterns transmitted by the LED device. This idea can be applied to any LED traffic lights or signaling devices on the road and turn them into parts of a positioning beacon system. Such a system made up of high-brightness visible LEDs can provide the function of open-space wireless broadcasting of the positioning signal. The LED signaling method, transmission protocol, camera frame rate, LED flash rate, together with an implemented system and the experimental results, are presented in this paper.

Performance characteristics of cellular systems with different link adaptation strategies

Abstract: In this paper, the theoretical performance of cellular systems with different types of link adaptation is analyzed. A general link and system performance analysis framework is developed to enable the system-level performance characteristics of the various link adaptation strategies to be studied and compared. More specifically, this framework is used to compare the downlink performance of fully loaded cellular systems with fixed power and modulation/coding, adaptive modulation/coding (AMC), adaptive power allocation (APA) with system-level AMC, and water-filling (WF). Performance is studied first for idealized methods, and then for cases where some practical constraints are imposed. Finally, a hybrid link adaptation scheme is introduced and studied. The hybrid scheme is shown to overcome most of the performance loss caused by the practical constraints. Moreover, the hybrid scheme, as opposed to WF, enables the system to be tuned to meet the most important performance objective for the system under consideration, such as coverage reliability, capacity, or data rate distribution. The algorithms and the framework presented in this paper can be used to improve the link adaptation performance of modern cellular systems such as HSDPA.

Performance characteristics of the dual exponentially tapered slot antenna (DETSA) for wireless communications applications

Abstract: The dual exponentially tapered slot antenna (DETSA) is a low-profile slot line radiator that is a modified form of a Vivaldi radiator. The DETSA is created by taking a Vivaldi radiator and tapering the outside edge of the slot line conductors. The shape of the outside edge of the slot line conductors adds additional antenna design degrees of freedom. This paper describes how the different shape parameters of the DETSA impact antenna performance.

Performance analysis of SIR-based dual selection diversity over correlated Nakagami-m fading channels

Abstract: Signal-to-interference-ratio (SIR)-based selection diversity is an efficient technique to mitigate fading and cochannel interference in wireless communications systems. An approach to the performance analysis of dual SIR-based selection diversity over correlated Nakagami-m fading channels with arbitrary parameters is presented. Useful formulae for the outage probability, the average output SIR, and the average error probability for coherent, noncoherent, and multilevel modulation schemes are derived. The main contribution of the paper is that, for the first time, the proposed analysis is carried out assuming correlated Nakagami-m fading with arbitrary parameters for both the desired signals and the cochannel interferers, which is the real scenario in practical dual selection diversity systems with insufficient antenna spacing. It is shown that the presented general results reduce to the specific ones for the independent fading case, previously published. Numerical and simulation results are also presented to show the effects of various parameters, such as the fading severity, input SIR unbalance, and level of correlation, to the system's performance.

Hybrid wireless network protocols

Abstract: Basically, there are two types of wireless network systems - base-station (BS) oriented networks and ad hoc wireless networks. In the first type, the mobile hosts communicate with base stations, while, in ad hoc networks, the mobile hosts communicate with one another directly. The BS-oriented wireless network has better performance and is more reliable. However, the ad hoc network topology is desirable because of its low cost, plug-and-play convenience, and flexibility. Its usage of bandwidth and battery power is more efficient, but route and communication connectivity is fairly weak; any migration by a host participating in one or more routes could make the route invalid. Much cost is incurred in maintaining communication. Thus, the ad hoc wireless network is only suitable for applications in a small geographical area. We propose hybrid wireless network protocols to combine the advantages of BS-oriented and ad hoc wireless networks. We allow two mobile hosts to communicate directly (one-hop direct transmission) or through another mobile host (two-hop direct transmission) within a BS-oriented network. The hybrid protocols are more flexible, reliable, and have better performance than the traditional protocols. Simulation results show that two-hop direct-transmission has a lower non-completion probability. If the communicating parties are always within a two-hop direct-transmission area, the rate of complete communication improves by about 20%.

Automotive signal fault diagnostics - part I: signal fault analysis, signal segmentation, feature extraction and quasi-optimal feature selection

Abstract: The paper describes our research in vehicle signal fault diagnosis. A modern vehicle has embedded sensors, controllers and computer modules that collect a large number of different signals. These signals, ranging from simple binary modes to extremely complex spark timing signals, interact with each other either directly or indirectly. Modern vehicle fault diagnostics very much depend upon the input from vehicle signal diagnostics. Modeling vehicle engine diagnostics as a signal fault diagnostic problem requires a good understanding of signal behaviors relating to various vehicle faults. Two important tasks in vehicle signal diagnostics are to find what signal features are related to various vehicle faults, and how can these features be effectively extracted from signals. We present our research results in signal faulty behavior analysis, automatic signal segmentation, feature extraction and selection of important features. These research results have been incorporated in a novel vehicle fault diagnostic system, which is described in another paper (see Yi Lu Murphey et al., ibid., p.1076-98).

Channel assignment using genetic algorithm based on geometric symmetry

Abstract: The paper deals with the channel assignment problem in a hexagonal cellular network with two-band buffering, where channel interference does not extend beyond two cells. Here, for cellular networks with homogeneous demands, we find some lower bounds on the minimum bandwidth required for various relative values of s/sub 0/, s/sub 1/, and s/sub 2/, the minimum frequency separations to avoid interference for calls in the same cell, or in cells at distances of one and two, respectively. We then present an algorithm for solving the channel assignment problem in its general form using the elitist model of genetic algorithm (EGA). We next apply this technique to the special case of hexagonal cellular networks with two-band buffering. For homogeneous demands, we apply EGA for assigning channels to a small subset of nodes and then extend it for the entire cellular network, which ensures faster convergence. Moreover, we show that our approach is also applicable to cases of nonhomogeneous demands. Application of our proposed methodology to well-known benchmark problems generates optimal results within a reasonable computing time.

An improved tabu search algorithm for the fixed-spectrum frequency-assignment problem

Abstract: A tabu search algorithm with a dynamic tabu list for the fixed-spectrum frequency-assignment problem is presented. For cellular problems, the algorithm can be combined with an efficient cell reoptimization step. The algorithm is tested on several sets of test problems and compared with existing algorithms of established performance. In particular, it is used to improve some of the best existing assignments for COST 259 benchmarks. These results add support to the claim that the algorithm is the most effective available, at least when solution quality is a more important criterion than solution speed. The algorithm is robust and easy to tune.

Automotive fault diagnosis - part II: a distributed agent diagnostic system

Abstract: For pt.I see Crossman, J.A. et al., ibid., p.1063-75. We describe a novel diagnostic architecture, distributed diagnostics agent system (DDAS), developed for automotive fault diagnosis. The DDAS consists of a vehicle diagnostic agent and a number of signal diagnostic agents, each of which is responsible for the fault diagnosis of one particular signal using either a single or multiple signals, depending on the complexity of signal faults. Each signal diagnostic agent is developed using a common framework that involves signal segmentation, automatic signal feature extraction and selection, and machine learning. The signal diagnostic agents can concurrently execute their tasks; some agents possess information concerning the cause of faults for other agents, while other agents merely report symptoms. Together, these signal agents present a full picture of the behavior of the vehicle under diagnosis to the vehicle diagnostic agent. DDAS provides three levels of diagnostics decisions: signal-segment fault; signal fault; vehicle fault. DDAS is scalable and versatile and has been implemented for fault detection of electronic control unit (ECU) signals; experiment results are presented and discussed.

Mobility model of vehicle-borne terminals in urban cellular systems

Abstract: This paper presents a new model describing the mobility of vehicle-borne terminals under realistic urban traffic conditions. The model accounts for arbitrary urban street patterns and realistic terminal movements by a limited number of parameters that can be easily measured or derived from a city map. It introduces distribution functions of street length, direction changes at crossroads, and terminal velocity to find an analytical formulation. For validation, we show by simulation that the model yields cell sojourn time and remaining sojourn time distributions in agreement with previous results. Further independent validation by measurements and by a street pattern tracing software tool prove the model's accuracy.

Dynamic channel-sensitive scheduling algorithms for wireless data throughput optimization

Abstract: The relative delay tolerance of data applications, together with bursty traffic characteristics, opens up the possibility for scheduling transmissions so as to optimize throughput. A particularly attractive approach in fading environments is to exploit the variations in the channel conditions and transmit to the user with the current "best" channel. We show that the "best" user may be identified as the maximum-rate user when feasible rates are weighted with some appropriately determined coefficients. Interpreting the coefficients as shadow prices, or reward values, the optimal strategy may thus be viewed as a revenue-based policy, which always assigns the transmission slot to the user yielding the maximum revenue. Calculating the optimal-revenue vector directly is a formidable task, requiring detailed information on the channel statistics. Instead, we present adaptive algorithms for determining the optimal-revenue vector online in an iterative fashion, without the need for explicit knowledge of the channel behavior. Starting from an arbitrary initial vector, the algorithms iteratively adjust the reward values to compensate for observed deviations from the target throughput rates. The algorithms are validated through extensive numerical experiments. Besides verifying long-run convergence, we also examine the transient performance, in particular the rate of convergence to the optimal-revenue vector. The results show that the target throughput ratios are tightly maintained and that the algorithms are well able to track sudden changes in channel conditions or throughput targets.

Steering control of automated vehicles using absolute positioning GPS and magnetic markers

Abstract: Steering control for passenger cars on automated highways is analyzed. The feasibility of an automatic steering system based on absolute positioning global positioning system (GPS) and a magnetic marker guidance system has been evaluated using computer simulations. State estimation and control algorithm issues are examined for such a control system. By use of GPS and a magnetic marker sensor, an accurate and real-time estimation of the vehicle's lateral displacements with respect to the road can be accomplished. A steering control algorithm based on road curvature preview for achieving good road tracking and providing ride comfort is also presented. The proposed estimation and control system are validated by simulation results.

A MIMO turbo equalizer for frequency-selective channels with unknown interference

Abstract: A new space-time turbo equalization algorithm is derived for frequency-selective multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) channels with unknown interference. The algorithm is an extension of our proposed MIMO equalization algorithm , which performs joint channel estimation, multiple users' signal detection, and decoding, all in an iterative manner. This paper's proposed algorithm uses estimates of the correlation matrix of composite unknown interference-plus-noise components to suppress the unknown interference while effectively separating multiple users' signals to be detected (referred to as "known user" later). The correlation matrix of the composite unknown interference-plus-noise components can be estimated by time averaging the instantaneous empirical correlation matrix over the training period. Since the iterative channel estimation yields better channel estimates as more iterations are performed, thereby the estimate of the correlation matrix of the unknown interference-plus-noise components also becomes more accurate. This results in better signal detection performances, even in the presence of unknown interferers. A series of computer simulations show that this paper's proposed algorithm can properly separate known users' signals while suppressing unknown interference.

Efficient signaling schemes for wideband space-time wireless channels using channel state information

Abstract: An orthogonal decomposition of a general wideband space-time frequency selective channel is derived assuming antenna arrays at both the transmitter and receiver. Knowledge of channel state information is assumed at both the transmitter and receiver. The decomposition provides a framework for efficiently managing the degrees of freedom in the space-time channel to optimize any combination of bit-error rate and throughput in single-user or multiuser applications. The decomposition is used to derive efficient signaling schemes and receiver structures for a variety of scenarios. For a fixed throughput system, we investigate a power allocation scheme that minimizes the effective bit-error rate. In addition, a strategy to maximize the throughput under a worst-case bit-error rate constraint is proposed. For multiuser applications, we propose a signaling scheme that achieves orthogonality among users by exploiting the temporal channel modes which are common to all users. The effect of imperfect channel state information at the transmitter is also investigated.

A compact planar inverted-F antenna with a PBG-type ground plane for mobile communications

Abstract: The ground plane affects the characteristics of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) significantly. Using the idea of the high-impedance surface to construct the ground plane, a new type of compact PIFA with a photonic bandgap type (PBG-type) ground plane is proposed. Both the traditional PIFA and the proposed antenna are analyzed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method in detail. It is found that the two antennas have similar directivity pattern characteristics, but the size of the latter can be reduced obviously. The results also show that the bandwidth of a traditional PIFA is not greatly affected by the thickness of the metallic ground plane and that the shapes of the directivity patterns are not greatly affected by the ground plane under the small size condition. The operating-frequency band of the proposed antenna can be adjusted by changing the dielectric substrate thickness of the ground plane. They are suitable for mobile communication applications.

Topology-transparent time division multiple access broadcast scheduling in multihop packet radio networks

Abstract: Many topology-dependent transmission scheduling algorithms have been proposed to minimize the time-division multiple-access frame length in multihop packet radio networks (MPRNs), in which changes of the topology inevitably require recomputation of the schedules. The need for constant adaptation of schedules-to-mobile topology entails significant problems, especially in highly dynamic mobile environments. Hence, topology-transparent scheduling algorithms have been proposed, which utilize Galois field theory and Latin squares theory. We discuss the topology-transparent broadcast scheduling design for MPRNs. For single-channel networks, we propose the modified Galois field design (MGD) and the Latin square design (LSD) for topology-transparent broadcast scheduling. The MGD obtains much smaller minimum frame length (MFL) than the existing scheme while the LSD can even achieve possible performance gain when compared with the MGD, under certain conditions. Moreover, the inner relationship between scheduling designs based on different theories is revealed and proved, which provides valuable insight. For topology-transparent broadcast scheduling in multichannel networks, in which little research has been done, the proposed multichannel Galois field design (MCGD) can reduce the MFL approximately M times, as compared with the MGD when M channels are available. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithms outperform existing algorithms in achieving a smaller MFL.

Performance evaluation of location management in UMTS

Abstract: The universal mobile telecommunications system utilizes a three-level location-management strategy to reduce the net costs of location update and paging in the packet-switched service domain. Within a communication session, a mobile station (MS) is tracked at the cell level during packet transmission. In the idle period of an ongoing session, the MS is tracked at the UTRAN registration area (URA) level to avoid frequent cell updates while still keeping the radio connection. If the MS is not in any communication session, the MS is tracked at the routing-area (RA) level. The inactivity counter mechanism was proposed in 3GPP 25.331 to determine when to switch between the three location-tracking modes. In this mechanism, two inactivity counters are used to count the numbers of cell and URA updates in an idle period between two packet transmissions. If the number of cell updates reaches a threshold K/sub 1/, the MS is switched from cell tracking to URA tracking. After that, if the number of URA updates reaches a threshold K/sub 2/, the MS is tracked at the RA level. The paper proposes analytical and simulation models to investigate the performance of the inactivity counter mechanism. Our study provides guidelines for K/sub 1/ and K/sub 2/ selection to achieve lower net costs of location update and paging.

A low-cost driving simulator for full vehicle dynamics simulation

Abstract: This paper describes the construction of a low-cost PC-based driving simulator that can perform five degree-of-freedom (DOF) motions similar to a road vehicle. The mathematical equations of vehicle dynamics are first derived from the 2-DOF bicycle model and incorporated with the tire, steering, and suspension subsystems. The equations of motion are then programmed by MATLAB, transferred into C++ code in the MIDEVA environment, and further developed into a motion platform control program by C++Builder. To achieve the simulator functions, a motion platform that is constructed by five hydraulic cylinders is designed, and its kinetics/inverse kinetics analysis is also conducted. Driver operation signals such as steering wheel angle, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal positions are measured to trigger the vehicle dynamics calculation and further actuate the cylinders by the motion platform control program. In addition, a digital PID controller is added to achieve the stable and accurate displacements of the motion platform. The experiments prove that the designed simulator is adequate in performing some special road driving situations discussed in this paper.