Mobile User Interface Development for the Virginia Connected Corridors
Abstract
The purpose of this research and development activity is to build a mobile application with a user interface that is appropriate for use while driving in a connected vehicle (CV) environment. Existing applications could potentially provide the desired functionality of imparting information to road users, but the suppliers are do not currently support usage “while driving” to reduce their liability as it pertains to driver distraction. Therefore, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) will advance the state of the art by developing a multi-functional application with a user interface that is appropriate for use while driving.
The application that was developed is a smartphone (Android platform) based application which provides drivers with information about road conditions ahead and also allows users to contribute information about the conditions that they are experiencing. This application works with dedicated short range communications (DSRC) and LTE communications and will allow for rapid, near term deployment of CV technology. This application allows a substantial component of CV technology to be experienced by a large number of users without the cost of purchasing a new vehicle.
This project represents the development effort required to build an initial mobile application featuring driver messaging concepts based on several CVI-UTC research projects as well as applications provided by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) that fit within their strategic interests and transportation technology implementation plans. An initial mobile application is being developed that can provide real benefits for an initial beta test user group that will increase safety and mobility across many modalities.
Highlights
- This project has resulted in the development of the Northern Virginia Connected Vehicle Test Bed Mobile Application component of the overall CV program. The mobile application is an Android phone based application that provides the driving public in Northern Virginia with a downloadable user interface application where drivers can receive traveler information messages from the VDOT traffic operation systems and make reports of driving conditions back to a cloud system.
- The mobile application has been designed to provide a configurable user interface and interaction model that is designed to be appropriate for use while driving. Distraction reducing features including large format visual message presentation, automated message filtering, text-to-speech message annunciation, and a speech-to-text driver reporting capability.
- The mobile application includes a best path message routing capability that will make use of DSRC message communication infrastructure when equipped with an on-board DSRC radio and within range or cellular data communications when the phone is stand-alone and not within range of a roadside DSRC radio unit. The result is a flexible system that can be used to present traveler information messages to drivers anywhere within the state of Virginia with a minimum Android smartphone device.
- The mobile app interfaces with the cloud computing environment to access a variety of messages that are constantly updated from VDOT Operations computing systems and the 511 Virginia driver information system. Categories of information include:
- Traffic congestion messages indicating the location and duration of traffic backups
- Traffic incident events such as crashes, stalled vehicles, special incidents such as sporting events, and other traffic relevant roadway anomalies
- Special weather events such as slick bridges, snow packed roads, standing water, fog and rain
- Work Zone information including general work zone locations and speeds, specific areas of work zones where work is actively occurring, and special driver instructions such as lane shifts or flagging operations, etc.
- Dynamic message sign content such as the information that is currently shown on overhead signs along the Northern Virginia transportation corridors
- Future additions to be added soon include ATM information regarding prescribed travel speeds, dynamic lane operations, and HOV requirements and EMS information regarding the presence and status of emergency responder vehicles
- Drivers may use the system to report various roadway conditions to provide crowd-sourced information back to the cloud computing environment. These reports are classified, validated, and converted into additional messaging for other drivers that happen to be navigating through the same area
- The goal of this operational testing is to evaluate the VDMS system as a tool to support TOC’s efforts to manage traffic. More specifically, it is to gain feedback from TOC operators on the usability, and the effectiveness of the VDMS system as an information dissemination tool to support advanced traffic management.
Sponsor Organization
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
USA
UTC Grant Manager
Harwood, Leslie
Phone: 540-231-9530
Email: lharwood@vtti.vt.edu
Performing Organization
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
3500 Transportation Research Plaza
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
USA
Research Investigators
Mollenhauer, Michael
Noble, Alex
Doerzaph, Zac
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