Exploring User Understanding of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Iconography Using Novel Survey Methods

Author(s):  
Steven Landry ◽  
Bobbie Seppelt ◽  
Luca Russo ◽  
Martin Krampell

As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) increase in functionality, so do the functional requirements of their visual displays to communicate status and settings. Drivers who misinterpret in-vehicle displays may be more likely to misuse or avoid using ADAS, negating the potential safety benefits. A novel evaluation method is proposed and applied to the (at the time of surveying) latest Volvo instrument cluster. An online survey was completed by 838 Volvo car owners with varying levels of familiarity with adaptive cruise control and pilot assist. Results suggest that the concepts of a system being “available but not on” or “on but not actively providing support” can be difficult for novice users to recognize, resulting in a mode or state confusion. However, more experienced users were less likely to make these types of errors. The assessment method of providing users with partially masked images shows promise as a useful tool for evaluating comprehension of ADAS in-vehicle visual displays.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Liang ◽  
Nathan Lau ◽  
Stephanie A Baker ◽  
Jonathan F Antin

Abstract Background and Objectives The increasing number of senior drivers may introduce new road risks due to age-related declines in physical and cognitive abilities. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been proposed as solutions to minimize age-related declines, thereby increasing both senior safety and mobility. This study examined factors that influence seniors’ attitudes toward adopting ADAS after significant exposure to the technology in naturalistic settings. Research Design and Methods This study recruited 18 senior drivers aged 70–79 to drive vehicles equipped with ADAS for 6 weeks in their own environments. Afterward, each participant was enrolled in 1 of the 3 focus group sessions to discuss their changes in attitude toward ADAS based on their driving experiences. We applied structural topic modeling (STM) on the focus group transcripts to reveal key topics deemed important to seniors. Results STM revealed 5 topics of importance for seniors. In order of prevalence, these were (i) safety, (ii) confidence concerning ADAS, (iii) ADAS functionality, (iv) user interface/usability, and (v) non-ADAS–related features. Based on topics and associated keywords, seniors perceived safety improvement with ADAS but expressed concerns about its limitations in coping with adverse driving conditions. Experience and training were suggested for improving seniors’ confidence in ADAS. Blind spot alert and adaptive cruise control received the most discussion regarding perceived safety and comfort. Discussion and Implications This study indicated that promoting road safety for senior drivers through ADAS is feasible. Acceptance and appropriate use of ADAS may be supported through intuitive and senior-friendly user interfaces, in-depth training programs, and owner’s manuals specifically designed and tested for senior drivers.


Author(s):  
O. J. Gietelink ◽  
B. De Schutter ◽  
M. Verhaegen

This paper presents a methodological approach for validation of advanced driver assistance systems. The methodology relies on the use of randomized algorithms that are more efficient than conventional validation that uses simulations and field tests, especially with increasing complexity of the system. The methodology first specifies the perturbation space and performance criteria. Then, a minimum number of samples and a relevant sampling space are selected. Next, an iterative randomized simulation is executed; then the simulation model is validated with the use of hardware tests to increase the reliability of the estimated performance. The proof of concept is illustrated with some examples of a case study involving an adaptive cruise control system. The case study points out some characteristic properties of randomized algorithms with respect to the necessary sample complexity and sensitivity to model uncertainty. Solutions for these issues are proposed as are corresponding recommendations for research.


Author(s):  
Michael A. Nees ◽  
Nithya Sharma ◽  
Karli Herwig

People construct mental models—internal cognitive representations—when they interact with dynamic systems. The introduction of automation in vehicles has raised concerns about potential negative consequences of inaccurate mental models, yet characteristics of mental models remain difficult to identify. A descriptive study used semi-structured interviews to explore mental models of advanced driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and Level 2 systems). Results exposed shortcomings in drivers’ understandings of the hardware, software, and limitations of these systems and also suggested that mental models will affect behavior while using automation. Further, we found that mental models can be influenced by interface feedback (or lack thereof) and limitations experienced. Some drivers attributed purposeful design to aspects of the systems that likely were chosen idiosyncratically or arbitrarily. Our findings offered potentially useful avenues for future research on mental models of automation and corroborated concerns that inaccurate mental models may be common.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Nees ◽  
Nithya Sharma ◽  
Karli Herwig

People construct mental models—internal cognitive representations—when they interact with dynamic systems. The introduction of automation in vehicles has raised concerns about potential negative consequences of inaccurate mental models, yet characteristics of mental models remain difficult to identify. A descriptive study used semi-structured interviews to explore mental models of advanced driver assistance systems (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and Level 2 systems). Results exposed shortcomings in drivers’ understandings of the hardware, software, and limitations of these systems and also suggested that mental models will affect behavior while using automation. Further, we found that mental models can be influenced by interface feedback (or lack thereof) and limitations experienced. Some drivers attributed purposeful design to aspects of the systems that likely were chosen idiosyncratically or arbitrarily. Our findings offered potentially useful avenues for future research on mental models of automation and corroborated concerns that inaccurate mental models may be common.


Author(s):  
Chelsea A. DeGuzman ◽  
Birsen Donmez

Much of the existing research on drivers’ understanding of adaptive cruise control (ACC), a type of advanced driver assistance system, was conducted several years ago. Through an online survey, this study aimed to assess ACC knowledge among ACC owners and non-owners now that this system is more widely available. Along with knowledge of ACC features and limitations, demographic information, experience with technology, and experience with ACC (for owners) were also collected to investigate which factors predicted knowledge of ACC features and limitations. Results showed that owners today may have a better understanding of some of the main limitations of ACC compared with research conducted over 10 years ago. However, a large percentage of owners still had misperceptions about their ACC system. While owners had a slightly higher percentage of correct answers overall, they did not differ from non-owners in their knowledge of limitations. As this technology is becoming more common, even non-owners may be becoming aware of common limitations; owning and using ACC does not seem to result in a better system understanding. Higher income was associated with a higher percentage of correct responses on the ACC knowledge questionnaire for both owners and non-owners, and for non-owners, higher education level was also significantly associated with a higher percentage of correct responses. Future research should focus on developing training materials that are accessible to all drivers, so that drivers in lower education and income groups are also supported to understand how advanced driver assistance systems work and benefit from these technologies.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252688
Author(s):  
Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios ◽  
Jennifer Tichon ◽  
Oliver Briant

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are being developed and installed in increasing numbers. Some of the most popular ADAS include blind spot monitoring and cruise control which are fitted in the majority of new vehicles sold in high-income countries. With more drivers having access to these technologies, it is imperative to develop policy and strategies to guarantee the safe uptake of ADAS. One key issue is that ADAS education has been primarily centred on the user manual which are not widely utilised. Moreover, it is unclear if user manuals are an adequate source of education in terms of content and readability. To address this research gap, a content analysis was used to assess the differences in ADAS-related content and readability among the manuals of the highest selling vehicles in Australia. The qualitative findings showed that there are seven themes in the user manuals: differences between driving with and without ADAS, familiarisation requirements, operational limits of the ADAS, potential ADAS errors, behaviour adaptation warnings, confusion warnings, and malfunction warnings. The quantitative analysis found that some of the manuals require several years of education above the recommended for a universal audience (>8 years) to be understood. Additionally, there is a notable number of text diversions and infographics which could make comprehension of the user manual difficult. This investigation shows that there is a lack of standardisation of ADAS user manuals (in both content and delivery of information) which requires regulatory oversight. Driver ADAS education needs to be prioritised by policymakers and practitioners as smart technology continues to increase across the transport system. It seems that current strategies based on user manuals are insufficient to achieve successful adoption and safe use of these technologies.


Author(s):  
Kathleen Berman ◽  
Keith Campbell ◽  
Valerie Gawron ◽  
Jeffrey Long ◽  
Samir Yuha

Logs of vehicle controller area network (CAN) bus traffic supplemented by accelerometer and GPS data can provide valuable information about the use and operation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to the broader safety research community. Although CAN bus message codes are often manufacturer-specific, third-party libraries provide partial decoding of messages from many vehicle models, which can be augmented by reverse-engineering additional signals. This study explored the value of CAN bus, accelerometer, and GPS data that were logged on a variety of light vehicle models with an emphasis on availability of lane keep assist/lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. This study demonstrated that in-vehicle ADAS variables such as system on/off status and whether the system is actively controlling the vehicle could be determined on a variety of vehicle types. Associated control variables such as steering wheel angle, gas pedal state, and brake pedal state could also be determined from most vehicles tested. CAN messages, together with roadway features identified via GPS location, can provide a richer understanding of ADAS efficacy. Comparisons of message structure between models may also inform standardization efforts for electronic data recorders and telematics.


Author(s):  
Md Mahmudur Rahman ◽  
Lesley Strawderman ◽  
Daniel W. Carruth

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs) has been developed to enhance driver performance and comfort and improve transportation safety. The potential benefits of these technologies include: reduction in the number of crashes, enhanced vehicle control for drivers, reduced environmental impact, etc. However, for these technologies to achieve their potential, drivers must accept them and use them appropriately in traffic. This study investigated the effect of driving contexts on driver acceptance, more specifically, on the intention to use such technologies. Three contextual factors were considered: drivers’ fatigue level, time pressure, and time of day. Data collection was done using an online survey approach ( n = 386). Results found that fatigue and time pressure significantly affect drivers’ intention to use an ADAS. Results showed that drivers have increased intention to use an ADAS when they are fatigued or when there is no time pressure, as compared to a general driving condition.


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