Transportation Expertise

In-Vehicle Information Systems

In-vehicle information systems include specialized traffic information systems, cell phones, text messaging, email, vehicle diagnostics, and, in some situations, warning systems and emergency help systems. The challenge is to provide the information in a manner that drivers can readily comprehend but that does not interfere with driving.

Most of UMTRI’s research has related to the use of phones while driving, in particular the effects of answering phones and of the different methods of entering phone numbers, as well as the impact of reading information (especially on HUDs). UMTRI has also conducted considerable research on driver interfaces for warning systems.

Selected projects in this area:

Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems
Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Investigator: David J. LeBlanc
11/23/2005 - 11/22/2009

Human Factors for Wiser Brain Speech Interfaces: Interface Development
Sponsor: Nissan Motor Company
Investigator: Paul Green
10/01/2005 - 05/31/2006

Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems
Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Investigator: James R. Sayer
11/23/2005 - 11/22/2009

MI Technology Tri-Corridor Fund, Funding Category 1: Neural Mechanisms of Driving Safety and Speech Distraction Using fMRI and MEG Imaging
Sponsor:
Investigator: John M. Sullivan
09/01/2005 - 08/31/2008

Evaluation of Industry Safety Principles for In-Vehicle Information and Communication
Sponsor: Humansystems, Inc.
Investigator: Paul Green
01/10/2005 - 03/31/2006

Safety Vehicles(s) Using Adaptive Interface Technology (SAVE-IT)
Sponsor: Delphi Automotive Systems
Investigator: David W. Eby
05/25/2004 - 05/31/2008