french institute of science and technology for transport ... - Ifsttar

esearch orientation 2_transport system quality, safety and optimization
Modelling driver
behaviours
Moving towards a virtual human
Driving a car is an extremely complex cognitive task and
IFSTTAR has been working on it for several years. The
research focuses on developing a model that is able to
simulate the mental activities of a car driver on a computer,
from perception through to action.
From 2008 to the end of 2011, in the framework of the
European ISI-PADAS (1) project, LESCOT and LIVIC have joined
forces to install a version of the COSMODRIVE model (2) on the
SIVIC (3) virtual platform. COSMODRIVE is a cognitive model of
the driver that is based on a dynamic “perception – decision
– action” regulation loop, that is centred on the driver’s mental
representation. In a way, this representation corresponds to the
driver’s “awareness” of the situation.
The scientific and technical advances that have been made
during the project mean COSMODRIVE can now drive a car in a
virtual road environment, by using simultaneous synchronized
SIVIC simulations to simulate the external road environment,
the driver’s mental representations and some decisions, as
well as the visual strategies and driving manoeuvres that are
(1) Integrated Human Modelling and Simulation to support Human Error Risk
Analysis of Partially Autonomous Driver Assistance Systems.
(2) Cognitive Simulation MOdel of the DRIVEr.
(3) Simulation of Vehicles, Infrastructure and Virtual Sensors.
COSMODRiVE Virtual Driver
COGNiTiON MODULE
Attentional
Processes
(representation
& decision)
Automatic
Processes
(representation
& decision)
“Perception-Cognition-Action”
Regulation Loops
(Attentional versus Automatic)
PERCEPTiON
MODULE
ACTiON
MODULE
Virtual Car
implemented in order to move within the environment and
interact with other users.
The modelling work has focused on simulating the adverse impacts
of the driver being distracted (analysis of human error) in
the context of potentially critical car following situations based
on experimental data collected from drivers. In connection with
this, one of the innovations of this research has been to use
the same virtual environment as a mini driving simulator when
collecting this data and then as a simulation environment for
the COSMODRIVE model.
SiViC Virtual Platform
Virtual Eye
(SiViC Camera)
Perceptive Cycle
3D Model of the External
Road Environnement
Virtual Control/Command
Functions
57
Cognitive simulation of a driver on
the COSMO-SIVIC platform.
@ CONTACTS
thierry.bellet@ifsttar.fr & dominique.gruyer@ifsttar.fr
An electric Mini
The drivers’ verdict
IFSTTAR is carrying out the MINI E France study for
BMW. This sets out to evaluate the level of acceptability
of electric vehicles (EV) and how they modify the driving
behaviours and travel practices of users.
A panel of 47 drivers, in two successive waves, were
given the use of an electric MINI for a six month period
from December 2010 to June 2011 and from July 2011 to
December 2011. Data was collected by means of a set of questionnaires,
focus groups, travel diaries and charging diaries.
The aim was to reveal any changes in behaviours and attitudes
during the time the subjects had the use of the electric vehicle
(EV), comparing the data at the outset with that collected after
3 months and after 6 months.
It emerged that to begin with, the participants’ interest in this
study and this type of vehicle was conditioned by their sensitivity
to environmental issues and their attraction to the technology.
It is certain that the limited range, regenerative braking
and low noise level of this type of vehicle modified the users’
daily travel practices and behaviour. Some users began to drive
in a way that used less energy, in particular as a result of the
regenerative braking. They also chose their routes on the basis
of the amount of energy they had left and favoured other
modes of transport for long trips which are impossible by EV.
Finally, they appear to drive more carefully to compensate for
the vehicle’s silence, which 50% of the participants liked but
saw as potentially dangerous.
Ultimately, it emerged that while most of the drivers were happy
with the EV as it is able to satisfy 80% of their daily travel needs.
However, its limited range and lack of room it are very negative
factors which would prevent the MINI E from becoming the
household’s main car.
@ CONTACTS
corinne.brusque@ifsttar.fr & elodie.labeye@ifsttar.fr
The MINI E. (BMW).
annual report 2011 ifsttar.fr