Impact of Radionavigation Policy and IVHS Developments on the IVSAWS Program

Abstract

The Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS) applies information technology to improve the effectiveness of the existing road transportation system resulting in increased safety and better traffic management. The In-Vehicle Safety Advisory and Warning System (IVSAWS) program is a two year project to define and demonstrate a vehicular safety information system that provides both hazard alert and distress call capabilities. Warning units provide drivers with advance notification of roadway hazards in order to ameliorate these conditions. Incorporating a transmitter with the receiver in the motorist's vehicle enables IVSAWS units to summon assistance with a distress broadcast. Program aspects include hazard scenario identification, system architecture design, driver interface design, communication system design, and proof of concept field testing. Highway safety data have been examined to determine which scenarios IVSAWS could benefit. Focus is on scenarios in which driver response time is insufficient due to situation dynamics, terrain features, or known infrastructure problems. Human factors issues, system cost goals, frequency spectrum availability, and IVSAWS's relationship to other IVHS programs are all impacting the IVSAWS architecture. IVSAWS is being developed by Hughes Aircraft Company's Sensors and Communications Division under contract from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The program is scheduled to be completed in February 1993.