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Existing driver information systems (DIS) include navigation, radio, telephone, television etc. The addition of computer functions like internet or word-processing turns DIS into car computing devices (CCD), often called CarPCs. Due to high mental and visual load of driving, solutions matching the human factors needs of the driving environment have to be developed. A usability study testing four different existing DIS was conducted. It is possible to transfer the results to future CCD. The visual channel should not be stressed by CCD. Applications running in car have to use acoustic and haptic channels for information transfer between driver and system. (A) For the covering abstract see ITRD E106371.

This paper describes how a simulator was used to evaluate information display systems. Different types of selection switches were compared and the relationship between the installation location of the display and switches was examined. Focus was on the average duration per look and average operation time

An integrated cockpit display suite, the T-NASA (Taxiway Navigation and Situation Awareness) system, is under development for NASA's Terminal Area Productivity (TAP) Low-Visibility Landing and Surface Operations (LVLASO) program. This system has three integrated components: Moving Map -- track-up airport surface display with own-ship, traffic and graphical route guidance; SceneLinked Symbology -- route/taxi information virtually projected via a Head-up Display (HUD) onto the forward scene; and, 3-D Audio Ground Collision Avoidance Warning (GCAW) system -- spatially-localized auditory traffic alerts. In this paper, surface operations in low-visibility conditions, the design philosophy of the T-NASA system, and the TNASA system display components are described.

This paper describes a Super Twisted Nematic - Liquid Crystal Display (STN-LCD), designed for automotive applications. The display can be used in navigation systems, traffic information systems, and vehicle diagnostics. In comparison to Thin Film Transfer LCDs, the STN-LCD offers a high contrast ratio, fast switching speed, and better cost benefit.

Describes the most recent version of the Toyota Electro-Multivision system which incorporates map matching technology and dead reckoning using satellite-emitted waves. It offers navigation function (map display, location, route guidance) display based on detailed map data.

This paper proposes a simple model to provide a framework for investigating human behaviour with Vehicle Navigation Aids (VNA). The model consist of planning, decision making, control, and perception. Decisions are made by comparing perceived cues from the outside view with expected cues from planning. VNA assists mainly in dynamic planning, providing support and updating to the cognitive map navigators have of their environment. Unlike other models of vehicle navigation systems that emphasize the Driver-Machine interaction in navigation, the proposed model presents navigation decisions as a dynamic process of comparing and integrating the very important outside view with information from VNA displays. The implications of the model for using multiple modal displays, for timing and pacing of information, and for visual attention competition are discussed.

Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS) are being developed to facilitate safety and efficiency for roadway users. To avoid congestion and improve route guidance, information has to be presented to the driver in a timely and digestible format. Currently, there are few methods by which an increase in such information load can be presented safely and effectively. The present experiments examine headup displays as one method of presenting this navigational information. A vital facet of information presentation is synthesis and management, such that displays do not overload drivers and create safety hazards in and of themselves. To evaluate displays in a controlled environment, the present experiments were conducted in a fixed-base simulation facility. The first experiment evaluated the differences in driver response to alpha-numeric versus iconic headup displays. The second experiment compared ego-centered against fixed-based map representations of geographical information. Results indicate the superiority of iconic headup displays and ego-centered maps.

We developed a revoluntionary new inertial navigation system named the "Electro Gyro-Cator" for use in automobiles. The Electro Gyro-Cator allows a driver to monitor his progress, plot and follow courses to a destination, select alternate routes, and drive more safely on unfamiliar roads or at night. Employing a sealed helium gas-rate gyro, the Electro Gyro-Cator offers visual display (CRT display) of a car's present location, direction and route, with overlay maps for fast, simple route selection and monitoring. The primary elements of the unit include trip and direction and route, with overlay maps for fast, simple route selection and monitoring. The primary elements of the unit include trip and direction sensors, a 16-Bit central processing unit, a CRT display screen and a collection of transparent overlay maps fitted to the screen. (Author)

Different in-car navigation map displays have been tested with 60 drivers in real driving situations. The independent variables took into account 3 variables of guidance information (map alone, map associated with auditive guidance information, and map associated with written guidance information), 2 variables of information complexity (number of symbols). The dependent variables were composed of visual explorations, the memory recalling performance, the steering-wheel movements, and the speed variations of driving. The results have shown up that map presentation associated with written directions resulted in a majority of the drivers being able to recall the route to follow. The complexity of map display designs had significant effects on the number and the duration of visual explorations and memorization performances. In the case of subjective preferences, most drivers preferred the simple map display design. Moreover, it was found that the drivers reduced the speed of their vehicles while consulting the map displays. In conclusion, it was possible to propose some recommendations concerning the designs of navigational map on board vehicles.

An experimental, non-cooperative automotive radar has been developed for collision mitigation and automatic headway control. The FM/CW radar is interfaced with a microcomputer to aid in the elimination of false alarms and handle the braking, warning, and headway control algorithms. A single-line, self-scan plasma display together with a series of sensors is also interfaced with the on-board computer to provide normal driving related information and warning messages in case of malfunctions in the car. /SASI/

This paper discusses how Head Up Displays (HUD) can increase driving safety, based on experimental results concerning certain human factors. It also describes the HUD installed in the 1988 Nissan Silvia model, the world's first ever application in a production vehicle. The construction and the optical and electronic characteristics of the HUD are presented along with the approaches taken to achieve a compact, lightweight, low- cost unit.

The development and implementation of a cathode-ray tube (CRT) display automotive information center with navigation feature is described. A structured approach to the TRIPMONITOR software graphics system design is explained. It is shown that beneficial results occur when various features are grouped together into one display and operation system. Emphasis is placed on the human factors of this next generation driver's aid.