Ecological IVIS design : using EID to develop a novel in-vehicle information system

New in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) are emerging which purport to encourage more environment friendly or ‘green’ driving. Meanwhile, wider concerns about road safety and in-car distractions remain. The ‘Foot-LITE’ project is an effort to balance these issues, aimed at achieving safer and greener driving through real-time driving information, presented via an in-vehicle interface which facilitates the desired behaviours while avoiding negative consequences. One way of achieving this is to use ecological interface design (EID) techniques. This article presents part of the formative human-centred design process for developing the in-car display through a series of rapid prototyping studies comparing EID against conventional interface design principles. We focus primarily on the visual display, although some development of an ecological auditory display is also presented. The results of feedback from potential users as well as subject matter experts are discussed with respect to implications for future interface design in this field

Draft guidelines concerning E&D issues: The TELSCAN handbook of design guidelines for usability of systems by elderly and disabled drivers and travellers. Version 2

Draft guidelines concerning E&D issues: The TELSCAN handbook of design guidelines for usability of systems by elderly and disabled drivers and travellers. Version

Development and Simulation-based Testing of a 5G-Connected Intersection AEB System

In Europe, 20% of road crashes occur at intersections. In recent years, evolving communication technologies are making V2V and V2I faster and more reliable; with such advancements, these crashes, as well as their economic cost, can be partially reduced. In this work, we concentrate on straight path intersection collisions. Connectivity-based algorithms relying on 5G technology and smart sensors are presented and compared to a commercial radar AEB logic in order to evaluate performances and effectiveness in collision avoidance or mitigation. The aforementioned novel safety systems are tested in a blind intersection and low adherence scenario. The first algorithm proposed is obtained by incorporating connectivity information to the original control scheme, while the second algorithm proposed is a novel control logic fully capable of utilizing also adherence estimation provided by smart sensors. Test results show an improvement in terms of safety for both the architecture and high prospects for future developments

Environment mapping enabling safety and usability of an electronic tow bar

Cost efficiency and productivity as well as drivers comfort and usability are significant innovation drivers for agricultural machinery. The proposed electronic tow bar system for tillage processes consists of two vehicles, coupled by wireless data connection. An unmanned slave tractor follows a master tractor with a position dependent lateral and longitudinal offset. Operating two tractors with one driver only, increases productivity and improves the capacity load due to higher flexibility in fleet management. In return, the usability and safety of the tow bar becomes a major concern, which is addressed by an elaborate safety concept enabled by sensor based obstacle detection and mapping. Web-based geo-information, are used to support proactive path planning.This paper presents a solution to achieve both, safety and usability, for a complex platoon system. The interaction of the operator with the local and global obstacle map is designed to meet the requirements of both target functions

Driving automation: Learning from aviation about design philosophies

Full vehicle automation is predicted to be on British roads by 2030 (Walker et al., 2001). However, experience in aviation gives us some cause for concern for the 'drive-by-wire' car (Stanton and Marsden, 1996). Two different philosophies have emerged in aviation for dealing with the human factor: hard vs. soft automation, depending on whether the computer or the pilot has ultimate authority (Hughes and Dornheim, 1995). This paper speculates whether hard or soft automation provides the best solution for road vehicles, and considers an alternative design philosophy in vehicles of the future based on coordination and cooperation