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This report presents the results of a one year comprehensive human factors analysis on the prototype Delco RDS device supplied by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. RDS devices provide a means of transmitting traffic information to motorist using the existing Traffic Management Center's 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. The study was completed by examining the data entry tasks required to transmit messages and the TMC's operations as pertaining to messages and delivery to the end-users. Five tasks were completed with the following findings: Ergonomically, the prototype device requires further refinement to provide a user friendly interface. Linkage analysis and flow charting extracted areas where operations of the device was impeded by design. Simulation and on-road study elicited difficulty in operating the device while maintaining driving proficiency. Highly significant deviations were found between normal driving behavior and driving performance when simultaneously operating the device. This suggests an increase in attentional demand which is placed on the driver operating the device when they should be focused on the task of driving. Finally, assessment of data entry personnel and the TMC operations found several areas for improvement in the Crusader (TM) message assembly program interface and message content. Recommendations are provided following each task.

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.

This research established a concise set of human factors guidelines for evaluating devices and also assessed the Genesis project's message format suitability. It provides a literature review and synthesis of human factors relating to the use of devices, such as cellular phones, pagers, and car radios, and to other tasks that drivers may undertake while driving. The work revealed that the use of information-providing devices such as pagers or PDAs will increase information processing workload; that the findings from the use of a particular device under particular conditions cannot be generalized to other devices or conditions; and that only empirical findings will show whether and under what conditions reading traffic information displayed on pagers or PDAs will seriously degrade driving performance. Work on message format evaluation showed that message formats could be improved and that improvement would result in better legibility and comprehension and decrease the time a driver would attend to the display.

This report summarizes human factors research for IVHS/ITS projects and focuses on the following five tasks: The comparative evaluation of ITS in-vehicle information prototypes. This experiment compares drivers' reaction to the use of three forms of in-vehicle information systems in driving simulation: the Delco prototype, the Volvo Dynaguide prototype, and a procedure that presented a voice generation information system. It includes recommendations for in-vehicle device designs. The evaluation of driver response to an in-vehicle ITS technology. This experiment evaluated drivers' responses to information presented on an in-vehicle ITS. Geographic databases for IVHS management. This work extends the concept of relational databases to model traffic information in an approach that uses abstract data types and triggers. The improvement of simulation facilities. This task describes the acquisition and installation of equipment and software to improve simulation capabilities at the Human Factors Research Laboratory and its impact on research efforts. In-vehicle collision avoidance warning systems for IVHS. This experiment examined the effects of presenting warnings of vehicle proximity on turn decisions.

This 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.