Project. Intelligent Vehicle Initiative vehicles 

Principal investigator. Dr. Tom Dingus, Virginia Tech, 540-231-1500, tdingus@ctr.vt.edu 

External contact. none 

Project objective. To apply human factors analysis to in-vehicle ITS applications being sponsored under U.S. DOT's Intelligent Vehicle Initiative program. 

Project abstract. The U.S. Department of Transportation is carrying out a major initiative in the area of intelligent vehicles, the purpose of which is to focus on vehicle-specific ITS, as opposed to system-wide ITS. This research project has the broad objective of supporting this overall U.S. DOT initiative. At this incipient stage of research, the primary emphasis is on working with several automobile and truck manufacturers to identify projects which the manufacturers would be willing to sponsor. The general areas of research are as follows. 

1) Advanced Traveler Information Systems. In an effort to advance in-vehicle technologies to the next level, computer and software vendors are partnering with automakers to put personal computers into cars. These driver information systems are being developed to improve the quality and productivity of the drive by presenting information to the driver and performing various functions while the vehicle is in motion.

In designing for safety, efficiency and convenience, manufacturers are developing driver information systems that include hands-free voice activation and multimodal (visual, audio) forms of information presentation. These new technologies and functions change the amount and types of information being processed by the driver, thus potentially increasing attentional demand and mental workload to significant, and possibly dangerous, levels. The associated distractions can lead to recognition and decision errors, resulting in hazardous driving situations. The project will evaluate such technologies. 

2) Crash Avoidance Research - Collision Avoidance Systems including Radars, Vision Enhancement and Intelligent Cruise Control. There is significant work ongoing as part of the IVI program and product development programs in the private sector, to develop marketable systems designed to directly improve driving safety. Projects in this category generally include evaluations of technology slated for potential deployment in the near future. These evaluations include assessments of safety, usability, acceptance and market potential. 

3) Crash Avoidance Research B Heavy Truck Stability and Braking. Intelligent, active suspension systems and electronic braking systems. Truck safety is a primary concern of our society and the Department of Transportation. The Center is working with one leader in heavy truck safety to identify a project suitable for partnering. A new Class 8 tractor would be donated in exchange for evaluation of near-deployment systems. These evaluations, as described above, would primarily include safety and acceptance of these systems. 

Tasks. Exact tasks will depend on the sponsors who are found. 

Milestones. Dependent on development of sponsorships. 

Student involvement. None specifically planned at present. 

Budget.   $160,000 

Relationship to other research projects. No immediate relationship. 

Technology transfer. Transmittal of reports to participating automobile and other manufacturers, and to other interested parties. Publication in professional journals is possible. 

Potential benefits. There is a present a major impetus for the introduction of IT into the automobile, which brings with it both potential benefits and potential safety risks. An effective cost-benefit analysis can help automobile and after-market manufacturers focus their efforts on the best mix of products, and also give evidence to safety regulators about potential problem products. 

TRB keywords: ITS, vehicles