Intelligent Transportation Systems [ITS]
As subcontractor to I-95 Northeast Consultants, Scientex developed a set of recommendations for integrated motorist communications procedures and operations, using current technology and systems; and defined future applications of new motorist information technologies and systems to support traffic management during an incident response. In addition, Scientex developed operating policies and guidelines for use of VMS and HAR in the I-95 Corridor, including principles of motorist information processing, VMS and HAR message selection and presentation, and use of abbreviations. Guidelines documents produced in this work are listed below:
I-95 Northeast Consultants and The Scientex Corporation. (1995). VMS/HAR Operating Guidelines and Recommended Practices. Final Report No. I-95 CC 9-95-09. Project 9: Coordinated VMS/HAR Strategies.
I-95 Northeast Consultants. (1995). Regional/Corridor Incident Management Reference Manual. Report No. I-95 CC 2-95-04. Project 2: Incident Management.
This research, sponsored through an inter-agency transfer to the National Institute on Aging from the U.S.DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, developed a testing protocol for assessing the efficacy of head-up displays (HUDs) for different age groups. The protocol is not device-specific and can be used to make direct comparisons among different HUDs currently being developed by various manufacturers. This protocol will be used to assess critical design and safety issues related to the use of HUDs, particularly as these issues relate to use by older drivers. A part-task driving simulator including a large-screen video projection system providing correct-perspective, high resolution dynamic driving scenes was developed by Scientex in this project. (HDTV compatible) viewing in a modular, reconfigurable design. Recommendations and guidelines for the use of HUDs for in-vehicle communications to motorists were produced. The project activities are described in the following publication:
Gish, K.W. and Staplin, L. (1995). Human Factors Aspects of Using Head-Up Displays in Automobiles: A Review of the Literature. U.S.DOT/NHTSA Publication No. HS 808 320. Washington, D.C.
Under partial funding by FHWA, Scientex developed a portable work zone traffic control system. The system provides delay information to motorists using Variable Message Signs (VMSs) and may, when this delay exceeds the time to traverse the alternate route, advise motorists to divert to it. In addition, VMS diversion messages can be supplemented by alternate route navigation instructions provided by a Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) under system control. The system also supports notification of construction-related lane closures via VMS messages and lane control signals. Two human factors studies were performed in a laboratory simulator using videotaped scenes and audiotaped messages to optimize communication of this information to passing motorists using VMS and HAR. The study methodologies and resulting recommendations were submitted to the Maryland State Highway Administration under the following title:
Gish, K. (1995). Human Factors Studies: The High-Level Design of a Condition-Responsive Work Zone Traffic Control System. An activity of the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration Office of Research and Development.
Under an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) to provide human factors support to the Office of Crash Avoidance Research (OCAR) at the U.S.DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Scientex and/or other members of our team (the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute; the COMSIS Corporation; Westat, Inc.; and Hoffman Engineering) performed Task Orders addressing vehicle visibility systems, vehicle information displays, head-up displays, object detection systems, and in-vehicle systems to monitor driver alertness and to measure driver behavior and response capability. Tasks performed by Scientex, specifically, are described below.
Guidelines and Recommendations on the Use of Head-Up Displays in Automobiles: This task applied the findings from a simulator study of HUDs and produced a guidelines document to facilitate the performance-based design and specification of future automotive HUDs.
Human Factors Support for Field Assessments of Infrared Vision Enhancement Systems: This task evaluated the potential benefits of Infrared Vision Enhancement Systems (VES) for night drivers. A field experiment collected data from observers on a closed test track; observers’ ability to detect four different targets while maintaining posted speed limits and navigating a pre-determined route was measured. A questionnaire also obtained subjective evaluations of this technology from study participants.
The Effect of False Forward Collision Warnings on Driver Responses: This task uses the NHTSA Data Acquisition System for Collision Avoidance Research (DASCAR) to obtain a comprehensive, real-time record of driver behavior to assess the effect of false collision warnings on driver responses. Older and younger drivers perform various in-vehicle tasks while driving the instrumented vehicle along public roads, where true hazards and non-hazard events are triggered under the experimenter’s control.
Findings from these studies are presented in the following journal articles:
Gish, K., Staplin, L., Stewart, J., and Perel, M. (in press). "Sensory and Cognitive Factors Affecting Automotive Head-Up Display Effectiveness." Transportation Research Record. Washington, D.C.
Gish, K., Staplin, L., and Perel, M. (in press). "Human Factors Issues Related to the Use of Vision Enhancement Systems." Transportation Research Record. Washington, D.C.