Washout algorithm with fuzzy-based tuning for a motion simulator

In the virtual environment, reality can be enhanced by offering the motion based on a motion simulator in harmony with visual and auditory modalities. In this research the Stewart-Gough-platform-based motion simulator has been developed. Implementation of vehicle dynamics is necessary in the motion simulator for realistic sense of motion, so bicycle dynamics is adopted in this research. In order to compensate for the limited range of the motion simulator compared with the real vehicle motion, washout algorithm composed of high-pass filter, low-pass filter and tilt coordination is usually employed. Generally, the washout algorithm is used with fixed parameters. In this research a new approach is proposed to tune the filter parameters based on fuzzy logic in real-time. The cutoff frequencies of the filters are adjusted according to the workspace margins and driving conditions. It is shown that the washout filter with the fuzzy-based parameters presents better performance than that with the fixed ones.