Browsing by Author "Wade, Michael G."

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Human Factors Aspects of the Genesis Program
    (1994-03) Wade, Michael G.; Stackhouse, Stirling P.; Burrus, Max
    The success of in-car devices that aid drivers depends in part on driver reaction and acceptance. This project looks at the human factors considerations for the GENESIS Program, which studies the use of personal communication devices to deliver real-time traffic and transit information services. Researchers used vehicle simulation to learn more about the impact of the use of GENESIS devices. The report includes a discussion of human factors issues for consideration during the operational test evaluation phase and recommends suggestions to improve in-car computer screens and for future simulation studies.
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    Human Factors Evaluation of GAINS, a Prototype In-Vehicle Navigation System
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1999-04) Smith, Thomas J.; Wade, Michael G.; Hammond, Curtis
    This project evaluated how driver interaction with an in-vehicle navigation system (IVNS) affects driving performance and safety. Researchers collected measures of simulated driving performance during interaction by 13 different subjects with an IVNS digital map display, using a Honda Acura placed within a fixed-base wrap-around driving simulator. Subjects (Ss) navigated along a maze-like route laid out within a simulated road grid. Dummy Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, corresponding to the position of the vehicle in the grid, were transmitted to the IVNS and updated continuously as vehicle position in the simulation environment changed. A digital map of the grid, with an icon representing vehicle representing vehicle position superimposed, was displayed on a laptop computer placed in the Acura. Under the control condition, Ss were not given turn instructions. Results indicate that for the test relative to the control condition: * Visual interaction with the IVNS display was greater and task completion times longer. * More variability in vehicle control was observed for measures of average vehicle speed, peak speed, percent braking time, peak braking pressure, and vehicle heading. Subjective responses from simulated driving and a separate group of on-road Ss identify both navigation benefits and possible safety problems with the system. It is a reasonable assumption that increased variability in driving performance elevates driving accident risk. Both the simulated driving and subjective response results, therefore, point to possible safety implications in IVNS use for the driving public. The findings suggest that as IVNS use becomes more widespread, both navigation benefits and possible adverse driving safety effects of such systems need to be considered.
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    Lighted Guidance Devices: Intelligent Work Zone Traffic Control
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1995-06) Vercruyssen, Max; Williams, Gayna; Wade, Michael G.
    Annually, thousands of highway workers risk serious injury and death from drivers who enter work zones too fast or accelerate after entering the zone and then, because of their excess speed relative to the environmental limitations, have insufficient time to avoid accidents in the zone. Slow-moving vehicles are a problem in reducing traffic flow. This research investigated the effectiveness of a system of pulsing lights, that gave the illusion of movement (Phi phenomenon), in causing drivers to unknowingly synchronize their vehicle speed with the light pulses. Forty drivers participated: 20 young (10 female, 10 male; 21-42 years) and 20 older adults (10 female, 10 male; 55-87 years). Each participant made 15 passes through the work zone: a control pass with stationary white lights, two control passes with no lights, and 12 passes of test conditions -- 2 colors (red & green) x 3 apparent pulse speeds (-80, 0, & +80 mph) x 2 zone entry speeds (40 & 70 mph). Age, sex, and zone entry speed differences were found, but overall, (1) backward moving lights (-80 mph) caused drivers to reduce their vehicle speed, (2) forward moving lights (+80 mph) caused drivers to increase their vehicle speed, (3) stationary light and control lights had little or no effect, and (4) green produced stronger effects than red. Backward moving lights caused the greatest slowing in the young while forward moving lights caused the greatest acceleration in the old males and young females.
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    Simulation Validation: Evaluating Driver Performance In Simulation and the Real World
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1998-07) Wade, Michael G.; Hammond, Curtis
    Simulation offers a cost-effective way to conduct research on collision avoidance and accident prevention. To be effective, simulated performance must be a valid measure of real world performance. This project sought to validate real world driving performance based on the performance of individuals driving in simulation. The study presents performance data on 14 male and 12 female volunteer subjects who drove a route adjacent to the University of Minnesota campus and then performed in a similar computer-generated driving route. Generally, subjects reported the simulated driving test comfortable and realistic; performance and characteristics of driving in the simulator closely paralleled the real world; the qualitative pattern of driving was similar; and errors and the control parameters of driving performance suggested acceptable reliability between both driving worlds. Researchers concluded that the simulator performed reliably and provided a valid set of performance data that could be used to better understand driving behavior, especially as it related to accident prevention and collision avoidance.