In-vehicle man-machine interaction-the SOCRATES approach

This paper discusses the man-machine interaction (MMI) activities as part of the DRIVE II project, SOCRATES (System of Cellular RAdio for Traffic Efficiency and Safety). SOCRATES consists of three pilot projects based in London, Gothenburg and the Rhein/Hessen area of Germany, and a Kernel project which forms a focus for research and aims to feed back results to be implemented by the pilot projects. During the DRIVE I programme, the original SOCRATES project successfully proved the technology and demonstrated the feasibility of the SOCRATES approach. Hence, little effort was spent in developing the man-machine interface. The next phase of SOCRATES, in the DRIVE II programme, builds on the concept, and will implement dynamic route guidance (DRG) systems for a number of vehicles at each of the pilot sites. In addition, the initial route planning and DRG facilities are being extended to include applications such as driver information, local warnings, emergency call etc. It is therefore imperative that in the progression from field trials onwards commercial implementation, that man-machine interaction issues are addressed. As the facilities offered to the driver become more complex, so the need to simplify the interaction with the man-machine interface become greater. The interface for both DRG and for additional applications must be considered from a user point of view and the effects on driving performance considered. The MMI activities to date have included the identification of problem areas and the synthesis of data from behavioural science research which may offer solutions. The human factors issues fall into three categories: (i) Application issues. For example, what are the special requirements of an interface for a multi-function system, with particular reference to stationary or on-the-move interaction? (ii) Evaluation issues. How can the pilot studies gain both system effectiveness and behavioural data from the pilot trials? (iii) Research issues. These include consideration of the use of new technologies, such as head-up displays, in an automotive environment. This paper discusses the human factors and MMI issues being addressed within SOCRATES and relates them to research data and the pilot trials activities.<
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