Human Factors Evaluation of GAINS, a Prototype in-Vehicle Navigation System

摘要

This project evaluated how driver interaction with an in-vehicle navigation211u001esystem (IVNS) affects driving performance and safety. Researchers collected 211u001emeasures of simulated driving performance during interaction by 13 different 211u001esubjects with an IVNS digital map display, using a Honda Acura placed within a 211u001efixed-base wrap-around driving simulator. Subjects (Ss) navigated along a maze-211u001elike route laid out within a simulated road grid. Dummy Global Positioning System 211u001e(GPS) coordinates, corresponding to the position of the vehicle in the grid, were 211u001etransmitted to the IVNS and updated continuously as vehicle position in the 211u001esimulation environment changed. A digital map of the grid, with an icon 211u001erepresenting vehicle representing vehicle position superimposed, was displayed on 211u001ea laptop computer placed in the Acura. Results indicate that for the test 211u001erelative to the control condition: Visual interaction with the IVNS display was 211u001egreater and task completion times longer; and more variability in vehicle control 211u001ewas observed for measures of average vehicle speed, peak speed, percent braking 211u001etime, peak braking pressure and vehicle heading. It is a reasonable assumption 211u001ethat increased variability in driving performance elevates driving accident risk. 211u001eBoth the simulated driving and subjective response results, therefore, point to 211u001epossible safety implications in IVNS use for the driving public. The findings 211u001esuggest that as IVNS use becomes more widespread, both navigation benefits and 211u001epossible adverse driving safety effects of such systems need to be considered.