Browsing by Subject "Intelligent transportation systems"
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Item Bus Rapid Transit Technologies: A Virtual Mirror for Eliminating Vehicle Blind Zones: Volume 2(Center for Transportation Studies, 2005-01) Sergi, Michael Knoll; Donath, MaxThe FTA has identified the concept of Bus Rapid Transit as a means to increase the efficiency of transit operations while maintaining transit’s proven safety record. According to the FTA website www.fta.dot.gov, “BRT combines the quality of rail transit and the flexibility of buses. It can operate on exclusive transitways, HOV lanes, expressways, or ordinary streets. A BRT system combines intelligent transportation systems technology, priority for transit, cleaner and quieter vehicles, rapid and convenient fare collection, and integration with land use policy.” Because of the limited right-of -way available to build new the FTA has identified lane assist as an emerging technology, which the premise behind lane assist technology is to unique environments, such as narrow lanes. Lane assist technology will allow desired higher operating speeds while maintaining the safety of the passengers, BRT public. Vehicle and the motoring BRT vehicles to operate at the increase the safety of BRT vehicles as they operate in the more will enable deployment of BRT systems. (and possibly dedicated) lanes for BRT operations. The third objective will be to develop long term relationships with Metro Transit, the Federal Transit Administration, bus manufacturers, and technology providers to develop and implement strategies to improve transit operations. For instance, improving the ability of a bus driver to merge into and out of traffic is a high priority. Improved bus guidance technology will make bus only shoulders a viable alternative throughout the country. Progress towards meeting this objective has been made, but considerable effort will have to be expended to make lane assist technology ubiquitous throughout the transit industry.Item A Comprehensive System for Assessing Truck Parking Availability(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2017-01) Morris, Ted; Murray, Dan; Fender, Kate; Weber, Amanda; Morellas, Vassilios; Cook, Doug; Papanikolopoulos, NikosCommercial heavy vehicle (CHV) drivers are required under federal Hours of Services (HOS) rules to rest and take breaks to reduce driving while fatigued. CHV drivers and operators must balance compliance to the HOS rules against on-time delivery requirements as well as shorter lead times to plan their trips, thereby making location and parking availability of rest area facilities more critical. Without timely, accurate parking availability information, drivers are left with the dilemma of continuing to drive fatigued, drive beyond HOS CHV operation limits, or park illegally on highway shoulders or ramps—all potential safety hazards. In this study, a multi-view camera system was designed and evaluated to detect truck parking space occupancy in real-time through extensive field operational testing. A system architecture was then developed to disseminate up-to-the-minute truck parking information through three separate information delivery systems: 1) Roadside Changeable Message Signs (CMS), 2) Internet/Website information portal, and 3) an onboard geolocation application. The latter application informs the driver of parking availability of one or more parking facilities that are downstream from their current direction of travel. All three notification mechanisms were evaluated during the field test. Survey studies were conducted to provide feedback from commercial heavy vehicle drivers and operators to better understand their perceptions of parking shortages and utility of the parking information delivery mechanisms. Overall, the system has proven to provide 24/7 around-the-clock per-space parking status with no need for manual interventions to correct detection errors, with per parking space accuracy typically equal to or exceeding 95 percent. The concept of operations field tests demonstrated the feasibility of the technical approach and the potential to alter freight borne trip behaviors by allowing drivers and carriers to plan stops and improve trip efficiency.Item Cost/Benefit Analysis of Fuel-Efficient Speed Control Using Signal Phasing and Timing (SPaT) Data: Evaluation for Future Connected Corridor Deployment(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2023-03) Levin, Michael W.; Sun, Zongxuan; Wang, Shi’an; Sun, Wenbo; He, Suiyi; Suh, Bohoon; Zhao, Gaonan; Margolis, Jacob; Zamanpour, MaziarThe objective of this methodology is to refine the preliminary results from previous work (11% fuel savings for one vehicle, one intersection) to an entire corridor of SPaT signals, with different CV market penetration, and with driver awareness of fuel savings benefits. The research will proceed in three parts. First, several vehicles will be instrumented with DSRC receivers and GPS tracking to record SPaT data and the vehicle trajectories together. Offline, the project team will optimize the speed and powertrain control based on recorded SPaT data, using the recorded vehicle trajectories to identify the constraints of traffic flow. A living lab consisting of a GM car engine loaded by a transient hydrostatic dynamometer will be used to measure the fuel consumption with and without speed control. Second, the project team will conduct traffic flow simulations to study the impacts of higher market penetration on the overall fuel benefits, including the benefits to legacy vehicles which unintentionally use SPaT based speed controls by following CVs. Third, network models will be used to predict changes in route choices as drivers recognize the benefits of fuel savings in the route utility. The numerical predictions of fuel savings will be combined into cost/benefit analyses to inform MnDOT on the future deployment of SPaT on other corridors.Item Developing ITS to Serve Diverse Populations(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2006-11) Douma, FrankIn 2003, the State and Local Policy Program (SLPP) at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs began research into how Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies can be used to deliver transportation services to an increasingly diverse population in Minnesota. The research objective was to identify the nature of the gap between the emerging needs and existing services, and to propose ways of using technology to bridge the gap, both in terms of providing better transportation options and in reducing the cost of these options. Using the information obtained from emerging demographic data, the 2003 study focused on identifying transportation challenges and opportunities for several different populations, with a particular focus on those that do not or cannot drive. This project continues this general theme through a series of analyses of ITS applications that appear most promising to improve mobility and access for Minnesota's increasingly diverse population. These applications include technologically advanced Community-Based Transit, Car Sharing, use of ITS to implement Value Pricing through conversion of an HOV lane to a High-Occupancy/Toll (HOT) lane, and evaluation of web-based Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS).Item Development and Field Demonstration of DSRC Based V2V-Assisted V2I Traffic Information System for the Work Zone(Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-06) Maitipe, Buddhika; Ibrahim, Umair; Hayee, M. ImranThis report describes the architecture, functionality and the field demonstration results of a newly developed DSRC based V2I work zone traffic information system with V2V assistance. The developed system can automatically acquire important work zone travel information, e.g., the travel time (TT) and the starting location of congestion (SLoC), and relay them back to the drivers approaching the congestion site. Such information can help drivers in making informed decisions on route choice and/or preparing for upcoming congestion. Previously, we designed such a system using DSRC based V2I-only communication, which could not handle longer congestion lengths and the message broadcast range was also very limited. Our current system, on the other hand, can achieve much longer broadcast range (up to a few tens of kms), and can handle much longer congestion coverage length (up to a few kms) by incorporating DSRC based V2I communication with V2V assistance. The new system is also portable and uses only one RSU, which can acquire traffic data by engaging the vehicles traveling on the roadside whether within or outside of its direct wireless access range. From the traffic data, it estimates important traffic parameters, i.e., TT and SLoC, and periodically broadcasts them back to the vehicles approaching the congestion well before they enter the congested area. The results from the field demonstration have indicated that new system can adapt to dynamically changing work zone traffic environments and can handle much longer congestion lengths as compared to the previous system using V2I-only communication without V2V assistance.Item Development and Field Demonstration of DSRC-Based V2I Traffic Information System for the Work Zone(2010-12) Maitipe, Buddhika; Hayee, M. ImranThis report describes the architecture, functionality and the field demonstration of a newly developed dedicated short-range communication (DSRC)-based Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) communication system for improving traffic efficiency and safety in the work-zone related congestion buildup on US roadways. The goal was to develop a portable system that can be easily deployed at a work zone site to acquire and communicate important travel information, e.g., travel time (TT) and start of congestion (SoC) location to the driver. By providing this information, i.e., SoC location and TT, drivers can make informed decisions on route choice and be prepared for upcoming congestion. The system is composed of a portable road-side unit (RSU) that can engage the on board units (OBUs) of the traveling vehicles using DSRC technology to acquire necessary traffic data (speed, time, and location). From the acquired data, the RSU periodically estimates the SoC location and TT that are broadcast to all vehicles in its coverage range. An OBU receiving the broadcast message calculates the distance to the SoC location. The distance to the SoC location and TT are then relayed to the driver, who can make smart decisions regarding whether to seek an alternate route and when to expect a sudden speed reduction. Results from the field demonstration have shown that the developed system can adapt to changing work-zone environments smoothly under various congestion patterns on the road.Item Development of a Low-Cost Interface between Cell Phone and DSRC-Based Vehicle Unit for Efficient Use of IntelliDrive Infrastructure(2010-11) Roodell, Beau; Hayee, M. ImranIntelligent transportation systems (ITS), a mission of the US Department of Transportation, focuses on intelligent vehicles, intelligent infrastructure and the creation of an intelligent transportation system through integration with and between these two components. Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), a tool approved for licensing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2003, promises to partially fulfill this mission. This research proposal intends to utilize DSRC technology to communicate the traffic safety information available at central infrastructure to a driver’s cell phone. The specific objective of this research project is to design, build and demonstrate a wireless communication interface device that can act as a traffic-safety-information transportation agent between the DSRC vehicle radio unit and a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone inside a vehicle. By having this interface device along with the DSRC radio unit in a vehicle as a separate entity or integrated with a DSRC unit, any driver will be able to receive the valuable traffic safety messages on a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The prototype was demonstrated successfully in multiple road and traffic scenarios by transmitting the traffic safety messages to the Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The next step is to show effectiveness of this system in a realistic environment for which a workzone environment has been chosen to relay traffic safety messages to vehicles approaching the workzone.Item Development of a Multiple-Camera Tracking System for Accurate Traffic Performance Measurements at Intersections(Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2013-02) Tang, HuaAutomatic traffic data collection can significantly save labor work and cost compared to manual data collection. However, automatic traffic data collection has been one of the challenges in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). To be practically useful, an automatic traffic data collection system must derive traffic data with reasonable accuracy compared to a manual approach. This project presents the development of a multiple-camera tracking system for accurate traffic performance measurements at intersections. The tracking system sets up multiple cameras to record videos for an intersection. Compared to the traditional single-camera based tracking system, the multiple-camera one can take advantage of significantly overlapped views of the same traffic scene provided by the multiple cameras such that the notorious vehicle occlusion problem is alleviated. Also, multiple cameras provide more evidence of the same vehicle, which allows more robust tracking of the vehicle. The developed system has mainly three processing modules. First, the camera is calibrated for the traffic scene of interest and a calibration algorithm is developed for multiple cameras at an intersection. Second, the system tracks vehicles from the multiple videos by using powerful imaging processing techniques and tracking algorithms. Finally, the resulting vehicle trajectories from vehicle tracking are analyzed to extract the interested traffic data, such as vehicle volume, travel time, rejected gaps and accepted gaps. Practical tests of the developed system focus on vehicle counts and reasonable accuracy is achieved.Item Development of a New Tracking System Based on CMOS Vision Processor Hardware, Phase II Prototype Demonstration(Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-05) Tang, Hua; Peng, LiIntelligent transportation systems depend on being able to track vehicle operations and collect accurate traffic data. This project targets a hardware-based video detection system for real-time vehicle detection. To allow real-time detection, customized hardware implementation of the system is targeted instead on the traditional computer-based implementation of the system. The system includes four main processing steps. First, a camera is used to capture images. Second, the captured images are segmented using the Mixture-of-Gaussian algorithm. Without sacrificing the segmentation accuracy, researchers modified the Mixture-of-Gaussian algorithm to allow more efficient and economical hardware implementation in terms of design overhead and hardware resources. Third, the segmentation regions are extracted and validated as the objects of interests. In the last step, the validation result will be wirelessly transmitted to a variable message sign, which displays necessary traffic information. Since the system design includes integration of diverse devices, the video design kit from Xilinx is used. Such a hardware-based vehicle detection system has been experimented tested with practical videos of traffic scene.Item Human Factors Evaluation of GAINS, a Prototype In-Vehicle Navigation System(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1999-04) Smith, Thomas J.; Wade, Michael G.; Hammond, CurtisThis 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.Item Human Factors Evaluation of the Volvo Dynaguide and Ford Indikta RBDS-TMC Receivers(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1995-03) Burrus, Max; Johnson, Sara M.; Stackhouse, StirlingThis report presents the results of a one year comprehensive human factors analysis on the Volvo Dynaguide Mapping system and the Indikta Voice messaging devices supplied by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. RBDS-TMC devices provide a means of transmitting traffic information to motorist using the existing Traffic Management Center's (TMC) resources. This study examined the devices and the means of transmitting information using ergonomic and human factors principles. This study expanded upon the functions of these devices and their ability to transmit information, as well as their integration within the automobile. Further we examined the message assembly software and the resultant messages delivered to the end users. To complete this study we completed a feasibility of on-road study methods, and surveyed the TMC control room staff as to their desires and needs in workplace design and management. Six tasks were completed with the following findings: Ergonomically, both devices require further refinement to provide a user friendly interface. Linkage analysis and flow charting extracted areas where operation of the device was impeded by design as well as highlighting the many positive features of each device. Simulation study elicited the need for further examination of user preferences and the need to use a wide age-based study group. This was evident in the differing opinions of younger versus older drivers. Assessment of the message assembly program and delivered message content revealed several areas of needed refinement, including beta testing of the outputs of the devices with the message assembly software. Finally, an on-road protocol feasibility study was completed and a workplace assessment was completed at the TMC control room.Item Improving Carsharing and Transit Service with ITS(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2008-09) Douma, Frank; Gaug, Ryan; Horan, Tom; Schooley, BenThis report examines Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as they apply to carsharing and transit. Two modes that provide mobility to those who do not own a car. In the first study, researchers developed and administered a survey to members of HOURCAR, a local not-forprofit carsharing organization (CSO), and a randomly selected control group. The data reveals that (1) each HOURCAR removes 2.5 other vehicles; (2) HOURCAR members demonstrate an interest in deciding whether a car is their most efficient option for their trip, (3) HOURCAR respondents were not significantly different from the control group in terms of household size, income, age or housing type; and (4) most members indicated convenience and financial considerations were key to joining. The second study seeks to understand how citizen perceptions of trust and confidence in an agency, and its services, are impacted by the use of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS), specifically, an online trip planner developed and maintained by MetroTransit. A survey and focus group indicate connections between online use and perceptions about the agency. Notably, a strong positive view of the trip planner was associated with trust in the agency to perform the service.Item ITS and Locational Privacy: Suggestions for Peaceful Coexistence(University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2011-10) Douma, Frank; Aue, SarahContinuing developments in the fields of transportation technology and privacy law present an abundance of opportunities for conflict. Without knowledge of the legal framework that applies to emerging technology, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) developers set themselves up for frustration as ideas that appear flawless in an engineering office may become controversial when they reach the implementation stage. From the legal perspective, advocates of comprehensive privacy law struggle to update existing law at a pace that keeps up with innovative advancements in technology. This paper reviews several cases where implementation of transportation technologies has raised civil liberties arguments, examining them from legal and political perspectives. The understanding of privacy both as a political concept and a legal protection provides the foundation for future ITS progress, allowing new technologies to be developed in ways that can withstand these types of challenges or avoid them altogether.Item ITS and Transportation Safety: EMS System Data Integration to Improve Traffic Crash Emergency Response and Treatment - Phase III Report(Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, 2011-10) Schooley, Benjamin; Horan, Thomas A.; Hilton, BrianThe transportation safety and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) literature has called for the development of better information system tools to support EMS to aid in reducing the human impact of medical emergencies. Building upon previous research by the researchers, this project seeks to advance a prototype of a mobile and web-based information service, known as CrashHelp, designed for use by various emergency medical practitioners involved in the end-to-end continuum of emergency patient care. The broad objective in this report was to examine the potential to provide – through a geographic information system (GIS)-based visual and interactive platform -- an easy to use analytical tool that can provide a holistic view of crash information (such as distance, age, severity of crash) that can better serve practitioners and agencies in planning for and responding to traffic crashes. The specific research objectives were to: (1) collect and examine information regarding the potential for using the CrashHelp system in the state of Idaho as a case-study; (2) identify and develop aggregate performance metrics for end-to-end EMS responses to automobile crashes for inclusion in CrashHelp; and (3) expand the CrashHelp prototype to include aggregate level clinical and operational performance metrics that would provide valuable decision-level information for planners and practitioners.Item ITS and Transportation Safety: EMS System Data Integration to Improve Traffic Crash Emergency Response and Treatment – Phases IV and V(Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-09) Schooley, Benjamin; Horan, Thomas A.; Abed, Yousef; Murad, AbdullahResearchers developed a software system called “CrashHelp” to improve the information exchange from emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners to emergency room/trauma center providers. The system combines mobile smartphone, multimedia, Web server, and location-based technologies for paramedics to send key information to hospital providers in a more data-rich manner than is currently available. This study outlines the development of a second version of CrashHelp and summarizes the results of an initial pilot testing in the Boise, Idaho, region. In addition, the study contains an analysis of the data system standards for EMS and intelligent transportation systems to understand how they should be applied to the CrashHelp system. Finally, the study investigates the potential sustainability of the CrashHelp system in several respects, including deployment in regions with little prior infrastructure, as well as in more urban and developed areas. This included investigating business models and deployment models for delivering CrashHelp as a product or service in the future.Item ITS Personal Data Needs: How Much Do We Really Need to Know?(Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-07) Douma, Frank; Garry, Thomas; Simon, StephenThe recent spread of geolocation technology in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) raises difficult and important policy questions about locational privacy. However, much of the current public discussion on locational privacy and ITS appears at risk of becoming increasingly disconnected. In one camp are privacy advocates and others who oppose the spread of ITS locational technology on privacy grounds. In the other camp are technologists and the ITS industry who generally view privacy issues as a secondary matter. The net result is that the ITS privacy debate often involves two sides talking past each other, with too little energy spent on finding potential common ground. This disconnect in part results from a lack of basic clarity, on both sides, about just what the needs and interests of those involved in the ITS privacy issue are and how they relate to the betterment of the transportation system. This report sheds new light on the ITS privacy debate by identifying just who is involved in the ITS privacy problem and what their goals are with respect to privacy and ITS data. The analysis identifies the types of locational data and the methods for obtaining it that create privacy conflicts and, in turn, recommends general approaches for both policymakers and industry practitioners to better manage these conflicts. The report represents a first effort in mapping the interests of participants in the ITS privacy debate.Item Lessons for High School Students: 2008 Implementation and Evaluation Report(University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2008-12) Glick, David A.The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute at the University of Minnesota is developing materials for high school students in an effort to increase their awareness of transportation-related issues and careers. Five lesson plans were developed in early July 2008 and piloted during three of the four weeks of Exploring Careers in Engineering & Physical Science (ECEPS), a summer camp experience for high school students that is a program of the Institute of Technology Center for Educational Programs (ITCEP) at the University of Minnesota. Lesson plans were continuously modified during the summer camps based on feedback from surveys that were administered to students. The modifications were needed to help improve the lesson plans for future high school classroom use. In addition, the lesson plans were piloted at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, MN in October 2008. The lesson plans will be piloted at two additional high schools in the next several months; Anoka-Hennepin Secondary School in Anoka, MN and Maplewood High School in Maplewood, MN. The lesson plans were also presented at the Minnesota Science and Math Teachers Association in October 2008 to gain interest from teachers. Feedback from survey results and discussions with teachers, will allow for the implementation of new curriculum enhancements and designs for future transportation lessons.Item Low-Cost Portable Video-Based Queue Detection for Work- Zone Safety(2011-01) Morris, Ted; Schwach, Jory A.; Michalopoulos, Panos G.Highway work-zone safety is a major concern for government agencies, the legislature, and the traveling public. Several work zone intelligent transportation systems (WZITS) have been developed as a safety countermeasure to warn drivers of dangerous traffic conditions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of a WZTIS is diminished if the actual traffic flow conditions do not correspond with the sensor information leading to false warnings; these confuse drivers and reduce the credibility of the system, which is often ignored. This can lead to situations where drivers crash into work-zone areas because they are unprepared to stop. The national cost of crashes due to this was estimated to be nearly $2.5 billion. Such “dangerous” traffic conditions are typically characterized by unpredictable queue formations that propagate rapidly into higher speed traffic immediately upstream from the active work zone. False positives or missed warnings could be reduced if the location of queue tails in addition to vehicle speeds in proximity to the active work zone can be accurately detected. In this study, a low-cost rapidly deployable and portable queue detection WZITS warning system is proposed. To demonstrate WZITS feasibility, a queue detection algorithm was designed and tested using widely available, field proven, machine vision hardware that can be integrated into the current portable system prototype, using video data collected in the field from the portable device. The warning trigger generated by the algorithm can then be transmitted to a remote upstream location for triggering roadside emergency warning devices (such as VMS, flashers, etc.).Item Minnesota Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Pilot Safety Program: A Report on the Program's Background and Initial Successes(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2009-08) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramLocal transportation agencies continue to set aggressive safety goals. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to significantly improve highway safety using standard safety solutions because much of this benefit has already been realized. Low-cost intelligent transportation systems (ITS) solutions are now more readily available and can help local transportation agencies reach their safety goals. However, relatively few agencies are currently using ITS technologies. In 2008, the Minnesota ITS Pilot Safety Program was established to help local transportation agencies overcome the barriers that exist to implementing ITS technologies by funding ITS consulting assistance for these agencies. The pilot program was a joint venture sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Aid for Local Transportation, the MnDOT Office of Traffic Safety and Operation, the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, and ITS Minnesota. In the initial round of funding, four projects were funded in the amount of $10,000 each, and one project later withdrew. Two of the projects are now complete, and the local transportation officials overseeing those projects report significant initial success. In Saint Louis County, a new and promising solution for dynamic school bus warning signs was identified. The county and consultant are now seeking funding to begin development and testing of a system. In Olmsted County, location-specific ITS intersection safety systems were recommended, and the county plans to fund the purchase and installation of these devices over time through its annual capital improvement program. A third project in the City of Edina is scheduled to be completed in fall 2009.Item Multimedia Information Presentation in Smart Cars and Highways(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1995-06) Shekhar, Shashi; Fetterer, Andrew; Kalantar, MaryamAn essential component of Advanced Traveler Information Systems, in-vehicle route displays give drivers route options, alert them to incidents, and show their present location. In this report, researchers explore multimedia interfaces to present route information to travelers using map, text, and auditory-based representations, focusing on developing portable multimedia interfaces. The report concludes that the graphical user interface (GUI) for display of route information is satisfactory for small road maps. The GUI also proved useful for visually checking map quality. The Tcl/Tk toolkit, in which the GUI was developed, is a reasonable tool to design an interface because it is portable to many platforms. Speech generation tools are not yet robust enough for use with large maps. Future work could include extending the GUI to provide a hierarchical display for large roadmaps, extending the amount of information conveyed to the user, and improving speech generation techniques.