1. Overview of Demo '99

For three days from July 26 to 28, 1999, a public demonstration of Advanced Cruise-Assist Highway Systems (AHS) technology was conducted in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Seeking a first-hand look at the latest developments in this area, some 300 people involved in AHS development assembled from countries around the world to witness the events in Columbus. In the United States, the first such demonstration was held in 1996 by the Transportation Research Center (TRC). In 1997, Demo '97 opened in San Diego, with the goal of automating highway vehicle operation. This year's demonstration is third in this series. In the United States, Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) program, four types of platform are promoted, corresponding to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transit vehicles and special vehicles. Of these four categories, commercialization appears most quickly in passenger and commercial vehicles. With this IVI program in mind, Demo '99 presented many test vehicle. Various technology sessions are held at the same time with this demonstration. As an International Research Fellow, I had the opportunity of participating in Demo '99, and this paper is my report on those events.

(1) Time and location:
Demo '99: July 26-28, 1999, at the Transportation Research Center, East Liberty, Ohio
Technology session: July 27-28, 1999, at the Wyndham Hotel Dublin, Columbus City, Ohio

(2) Sponsor: ITS America

(3) Participating organizations:
A group of 15 organizations took part in this year's events. Commercial vehicles and special vehicles such as snowplows, passenger vehicles (vans and sedans) were used in a wide variety of demonstrations, with contributors free to select any theme or topic for their exhibits with their own vehicles. Although most presentations were made by private-sector participants, some entries represented the collective research efforts of regional Department of Transportation (DOT) offices, private-sector research centers and local universities.

(4) Participants: approx. 270

2. Summaries of Individual Test-Drives

* Note that profiles were described on the basis of data handed out at the exhibition.

(1) 3M Intelligent Transportation Systems
[Profile]
3M is in the process of developing a 10cm-wide magnetic tape with a magnetic field running north-south pole along its length. The firm's intention is to incorporate magnetic data into the tape for use as a magnetized pavement marking tape. Using this magnetic tape system, vehicles are guided along the road in the proper position without running off the proper road even in places where the field of vision is restricted. Although the magnetic field of the tape is weak, a continuous signal is propagated through it, enabling vehicles to detect the signal at a height of 6-18 inches from the road surface. The magnetic tape is being developed to become both white line and yellow line for to be recognized by cameras.
[Overview of demonstration]
In the demonstration, two key points were made. First, the tape system can be introduced in existing maintenance and management systems and infrastructure. Second, 3M demonstrated that, because it uses magnetic sensing systems, positioning and precision targets could be easily met.

(3) American Motorcyclist Association
[Profile]
This national association of motorcyclists was established in 1924 and today boasts some 235,000 members.
[Overview of demonstration]
The AMA indicated some of the ways in which smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, which are tend to meet traffic accident, and vehicles equipped with ITS systems could work together. (no practical performance)

(4) AssistWare Technology
[Profile]
AssistWare Technology was established in 1995. It is a leader in the development of vehicle safety components.
[Overview of demonstration]
In the SafeTRACTM system, the white line on the road is monitored by a video camera. Incorporated with a database correlating drowsy driving patterns with patterns of lane departure, the SafeTRACTM system warned the driver when a drowsy driving pattern is detected. Whenever zigzag driving or lane departure occurred, a voice alarm generated a warning to the driver.

(5) California PATH Program
[Profile]
The California Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH) project was established jointly by the University of California at Berkeley and the California Transit Authority. The objective of the project is to realize far-reaching improvements to surface transportation systems through the development and evaluation of ITS.
[Overview of demonstration]
Using ultra-sensitive magnetic marker guidance systems, PATH demonstrated a system for passenger vehicles that indicates proper distances for stopping cars. In partially hidden locations such as those just ahead of a curve, this system was able to reproduce precision within centimeters in judging distance from the curb. This performance will be essential for realizing the precise control of stop positions for passengers (specifically, the disabled or the aged) of buses in future.

(6) AHMCT Research Center
[Profile]
The AHMCT Research Center was established jointly by the University of California at Davis and the California Transit Authority. Since its establishment in 1989, the Center has been researching sophisticated automation and robot engineering for use in road maintenance and construction.
[Overview of demonstration]
Observers and board an advanced snow plow vehicle and view information on the positions of road markings and obstacles on a screen, simulating the experience of driving this vehicle. Using this magnetometer and radar based system used in the Donner Summit experimental vehicle, field test is conducted in early winter of 1999.

(7) Delphi Automotive Systems
[Profile]
Delphi Automotive Systems is a major parts supplier which boasts the world's widest assortment of automobile parts and systems. It is currently conducting research on key collision warning technologies which enable them to link to the integrated system.
[Overview of demonstration]
Delphi demonstrated the vehicle mounted an adaptive cruise control system for adjusting the vehicle's speed using throttle restriction and brake control, and forward-looking sensor by laser and radar. The company also demonstrated a guide system of parking cars using radar.

(8) Federal Highway Authority (FHWA)
[Profile]
The Technology Truck Project is managed by the Office of Technology Evaluation and Deployment. The project used a demonstration vehicle (truck) that was built to illustrate its work to its main customer and cooperating government organization, the FHWA's ITS/CVO program.
[Overview of demonstration]
The Technology Truck is a self-contained demonstration vehicle built to introduce ITS/CVO safety technology and its advantages. Using the Technology Truck, a seasoned professional with a background in automobile safety, CVO regulations and the operation and management of vehicular transport offered a demonstration of a wide variety of safety technologies. The presentation included video, panels and a cutout model of the driver's seat.

(9) Freightliner Corporation
[Profile]
Freightliner Corporation, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is one of North America's leaders in large trucks.
[Overview of demonstration]
Using the Argosy Safety concept vehicle, Freightliner demonstrated its electronic brake system and lane departure warning system. Lane Tracker, Freightliner's exclusive lane departure warning system, uses cameras, image processing and lane recognition algorithms to detect lane departure due to driver inattention. A mechanism was demonstrated in which an alarm sounds when the vehicle strays from its lane.

(10) IDB Forum
[Profile]
The activities of the IDB Forum consist of promoting the worldwide integration of ITS Data Bus (IDB).
[Overview of demonstration]
The IDB Forum demonstrated a prototype of a vehicle incorporating an IDB device which integrated equipment from a wide variety of manufacturers. As a number of scenarios, the organization demonstrated the plug-and-play ease of use and interchangeability made possible by IDB.

(11) MnDOT/University of Minnesota Vehicle
[Profile]
The University of Minnesota Traffic Research Center conducts research into the safety technology needed to provide efficient movement of passengers and cargo.
[Overview of demonstration]
MnDOT, a partnership of 3M, Altra Technologies and Navistar-International, provided a demonstration of a snow plow vehicle equipped with DGPS and magnetic lateral guidance and advanced radar collision warning systems. A head-up display on the passenger side provided a unique form of forward detection.

(12) National Highway Traffic Safety Authority (NHTSA)
[Profile]
NHTSA's mission is to prevent loss of life, injury and economic losses caused by traffic accidents. NHTSA achieves this end by promulgation and enforcement of safety performance standards in vehicles.
[Overview of demonstration]
NHTSA presented its two demonstrations, that is, by intelligent cruise control and a driver interface using tactile feedback, and using the agency's Variable Dynamics Testbed Vehicle (VDTV). When the vehicle deviates from its lane, the system alerts the driver by creating vibration in the steering wheel. The VDTV also used automatic braking to avoid collisions. In the demonstration, an operator in the back seat used a CPU to demonstrate artificial vibration and braking.

(13) Ohio State University
[Profile]
Ohio State University has a long and impressive track record in research and development in the field of AHS/ITS technologies and systems such as sensor, sensor fusion and decision making tools; brake controls, radar and vision guidance systems; navigation and tracking systems; and communication systems.
[Overview of demonstration]
Ohio State University demonstrated a lane, vehicle and tag position location using image processing and radar. This detection system uses recognition of patterns in the forward screen to perform automatic driving, similar to Chauffeur's Tow-bar System. The university also demonstrated ACC, high-curvature steering and changing lanes using safe speed control and advanced vehicle control, using GPS and a map database.

(14) Transientel Corporation
[Profile]
Transientel is a company which offers advanced technologies, products and solutions to the shipping industry in the wireless data communications field.
[Overview of demonstration]
Transientel conducted a demonstration of its wireless data systems for vehicles, used for on-board information management and data archiving, and its roadside data processing systems.

(15) Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. (VTNA)
[Profile]
VTNA is a member of the international Volvo Group. It conducts design, production and marketing of large trucks in North America.
[Overview of demonstration]
VTNA demonstrated a "living technology": a practical technological research vehicle incorporating a wide range of IVI features. The latest version of this tractor includes drowsy driving prevention measures, forward and lateral movement control, prognostics and diagnostics, and the latest communication technology.

3. Overview of Technology Sessions

Presentations on a variety of technological development projects were delivered by 16 presenters. Brief descriptions of some of these presentations are given here.

(1) 3M Intelligent Transportation Systems
The focus of 3M's magnetic tape development project is on raising the safety and efficiency of snow plow vehicles. Further, the company is starting to widen its field of view to encompass other vehicle platforms and applications. In its presentation, 3M discussed applications for its technology in the traffic field.

(2) Altra Technologies, Inc. (ATI)
ATI's presentation offered an overview of ATI and discussed some of the technical issues involved the demonstration vehicles shown at Demo '99 and its collision warning systems and effect of these.

(3) California PATH Program
Dr. Han-shue Tan of the PATH program explained the principles of the discrete magnetic marker guidance system. Specifically, applications announced include the use of high-precision docks, snow plow vehicle guidance, and high-speed lane tracking for passenger vehicles and class eight trucks.

(4) US DOT/ITS Joint Program Office
Revisions of the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative were explained. Details included program plans, cooperation agreements and advisory correspondence from ITS America.

(5) University of Iowa and 3M
Daniel V. McGehee, University of Iowa In this project, Prof. McGehee spoke about the design of a driver interface for lane tracking systems in snow plow vehicles. The results of a survey were announced, from over 1,700 snow plow vehicle drivers in Minnesota and Iowa, who were asked about driving technique in conditions of poor visibility.

(6) University of Minnesota ITS Research Center Dr. Craig Shankwitz, Director
Driver Assistive System on which the Center is working is integrated high-reliability DGPS with augmented conformal head-up displays and haptic feedback through steering wheels; global and spatial databases; and radar to driver safety in situations of poor visibility, such as snowy, foggy or nighttime conditions.

(7) Washoe Sleep Disorders Center & EYE Com, Inc. William C. Torch
EC uses differential infrared light reflections (IR) from the eyes and eyelids to measure such parameters of drowsiness as frequency and interval of blinking and PERCLOS (percentage of time with eyes closed). EC records eyeblink data and transmits it to a remote site, where drowsiness/alertness analysis is conducted. This technology can also be used for warning to/communicating with/control drivers and the disabled.

4. Impressions

Since AHS Demo '97 was held in San Diego, the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation has announced its IVI program and is proceeding with development in four categories of vehicle (passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transit vehicles and special vehicles). The hallmark of this exhibition seemed to be an exceptionally large number of demonstrations involving commercial vehicles such as trucks and special vehicles such as snow plow vehicles. Clearly, in the United States, the adoption of AHS that meets the needs of drivers and fleet managers alike is realizing quickly.
Most of the demonstration technology on display fell within the scope of AHS-i (information provision) and AHS-c (assisted driving), which are being promoted in Japan. The focus of the content exhibited at the event was on early practical application and commercialization, rather than on long-term research and development, and on infrastructure-free technologies such as obstacle detection, lane departure warnings and vehicle braking by sensing technology of the vehicle. Methods used for lane departure sensing ranging from white-line detection and marker sensing to GPS, varied widely from one demonstration vehicle to another depending on types of vehicles. This variety suggests that future ITS will need to improve performance by linking and integrating multiple sensing methods rather than relying on a single technique.
At the same time, a close look at the development system in the United States reveals considerable variation from region to region. Many announcements of results, and of ongoing efforts at the technology sessions, concerned joint research and development efforts by regional DOT offices, regional universities and private-sector research institutions. A research and development system for AHS technology is established that is centered on local universities, benefiting from the unique characteristics of each region and the particular research strengths of individual universities. The author was struck by the many valuable lessons this system holds for Japan.
Finally, participants and attendees showed great interest in the proving tests Japan is preparing for 2000, asking numerous questions about them. It was evident that expectations from countries around the globe are heightening for results in many areas of AHS research and development, such as the integration and fusion of AHS technologies and harmonization with infrastructure and types of vehicles.