Assessing driver engagement in assisted driving: Insights from Pilot Evaluation, Focus Groups and driving simulator testing

In this study we have investigated which eye-parameters that most reliably can indicate increased mental workload. Being able to detect high mental workload in individuals, allows for early detection of potentially dangerous situations, and possibly adjustment of the information flow that creates the high workload. N-back memory tasks with four difficulty levels were designed to induce mental workload for a sample of 21 university students. 17 eye parameters were measured using an Eye Tracker at a sampling rate of 250 Hz. Data indicate that peak fixation duration is the most suitable eye parameter to estimate mental workload. It has a negative relationship with mental workload, where higher peak fixation duration can be observed at lower mental workload and lower peak fixation duration at higher mental workload. Moreover, blink frequency, blink count, peak blink duration, and pupil diameter show a significant positive relationship to mental workload. Most of the saccade parameters failed to show a significant relationship, while fixation frequency, fixation duration, fixation count, blink duration, saccade velocity, and peak saccade amplitude showed a partial relationship with mental workload.

To evaluate neck muscle coactivation across different levels of mental workload during simulated flight tasks. Neck pain (NP) is highly prevalent among military aviators. Given the complex nature within the flight environment, mental workload may be a risk factor for NP. This may induce higher levels of neck muscle coactivity, which over time may accelerate fatigue, increase neck discomfort, and affect flight task performance. Three counterbalanced mental workload conditions represented by simulated flight tasks modulated by interstimulus frequency and complexity were investigated using the Modifiable Multitasking Environment (ModME). The primary measure was a neck coactivation index to describe the neuromuscular effort of the neck muscles as a system. Additional measures included perceived workload (NASA TLX), subjective discomfort, and task performance. Participants (n = 60; 30M, 30F) performed three test conditions over 1hr each while seated in a simulated seating environment. Neck coactivation indices (CoA) and subjective neck discomfort corresponded with increasing level of mental workload. Average CoAs for low, medium, and high workloads were: .0278(SD = .0232), .0286(SD = .0231), and .0295(SD = .0228), respectively. NASA TLX mental, temporal, effort, and overall scores also increased with the level of mental workload assigned. For ModME task performance, the overall performance score, monitoring accuracy, and resource management accuracy decreased while reaction times increased with the increasing level of mental workload. Communication accuracy was lowest with the low mental workload but had higher reaction times relative to increasing workload. Mental workload affects neck muscle coactivation during combinations of simulated flight tasks within a simulated helicopter seating environment. The results of this study provide insights into the physical response to mental workload. With increasing multisensory modalities within the work environment, these insights may assist the consideration of physical effects from cognitive factors.

Excessive mental workload will reduce work efficiency, but low mental workload will cause a waste of human resources. It is very significant to study the mental workload status of operators. The existing mental workload classification method is based on electroencephalogram (EEG) features, and its classification accuracy is often low because the channel signals recorded by the EEG electrodes are a group of mixed brain signals, which are similar to multi-source mixed speech signals. It is not wise to directly analyze the mixed signals in order to distinguish the feature of EEG signals. In this study, we propose a mental workload classification method based on EEG independent components (ICs) features, which borrows from the blind source separation (BSS) idea of mixed speech signals. This presented method uses independent component analysis (ICA) to obtain pure signals, i.e., ICs. The energy features of ICs are directly extracted for classifying the mental workload, since this method directly uses ICs energy features for feature extraction. Compared with the existing solution, the proposed method can obtain better classification results. The presented method might provide a way to realize a fast, accurate, and automatic mental workload classification.

Background: The amount of mental resources required to perform simultaneously a series tasks is considered as mental workload (MWL). High and Low mental workload in the workplace is usually associated with mental fatigue, decreased performance, human error, and even harmful long-term health effects. Among the various MWL assessment techniques, the outcome measures such as questionnaires are easier and more practical in workplace settings. We aimed to compare the three current commonly advocated and used questionnaires. Material and Methods: Three common different outcome measures for evaluation of the MWL are NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT), and the CarMen-Q workload questionnaire. Among them the NASA-TLX is well known and more popular with six subscales that are used extensively in industrial and official workplaces. SWAT is the simplest one with three dimensions. The NASA-TLX is preferable method because of its higher sensitivity, especially in low MWL conditions. The CarMen-Q questionnaire is a new questionnaire with 29 items and 4 subscales that focuses on cognitive workload and mental fatigue. Conclusion: SWAT is the simplest and less sensitive measure than the NASA-TLX and CarMen-Q questionnaires. In contrast, the NASA-TLX is widely used and more known instrument for MWL evaluation.

A Space-Time Cube enables analysts to clearly observe spatio-temporal features in movement trajectory datasets in geovisualization. However, its general usability is impacted by a lack of depth cues, a reported steep learning curve, and the requirement for efficient 3D navigation. In this work, we investigate a Space-Time Cube in the Immersive Analytics domain. Based on a review of previous work and selecting an appropriate exploration metaphor, we built a prototype environment where the cube is coupled to a virtual representation of the analyst's real desk, and zooming and panning in space and time are intuitively controlled using mid-air gestures. We compared our immersive environment to a desktop-based implementation in a user study with 20 participants across 7 tasks of varying difficulty, which targeted different user interface features. To investigate how performance is affected in the presence of clutter, we explored two scenarios with different numbers of trajectories. While the quantitative performance was similar for the majority of tasks, large differences appear when we analyze the patterns of interaction and consider subjective metrics. The immersive version of the Space-Time Cube received higher usability scores, much higher user preference, and was rated to have a lower mental workload, without causing participants discomfort in 25-minute-long VR sessions.

Using near infrared spectroscopy and heart rate variability to detect mental overload

In this study, we sought to compare the mental workload of eating/drinking and phone use while driving. This was done by using Micro Saint Sharp to model a simulated driving task that included stop lights combined with either eating and drinking or a phone call. We hypothesized that the mental workload for phone use and eating/drinking would be the same, as literature suggests that eating while driving can be equally dangerous. Results show that eating and drinking were associated with a lower mental workload than phone use, and both eating and drinking are associated with significantly higher workload than baseline. This research has the potential to inform future legislation regarding driver safety.

Consolidated information from multiple sources (patient monitors, electronic medical records, infusion pumps, ventilators, medication references) may improve nurses' work and patient safety. Objective. Two hypotheses were tested, that integrated information displays (a) improve nurses' satisfaction and (b) lower perceived mental workload. Methods. In a counter-balanced, repeated measures design (integrated vs. traditional display) 12 ICU nurses performed realistic tasks using both display types. Results. Nurses' user interaction satisfaction was higher with the integrated display and it received more positive comments. Nurses' mean perceived mental workload scores were also lower, having significant differences in effort and frustration dimensions. A lower mental workload may reduce errors and improve treatment times. Integrated information displays have great promise, but technological factors such as bidirectional device communication must be addressed if these displays are to achieve their potential for improving patient safety.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between eye-catching effects and mental workload at highway tunnel entrances. Specifically, the study aimed to analyze drivers’ eye blink behavior to gain a comprehensive understanding of how visual attraction at tunnel entrances affects cognitive workload. Methods 50 participants were recruited for the naturalistic driving experiment. Four different visually attractive driving scenarios (baseline, landscape-style architecture, tip slogan, and billboard) were selected. Eye-tracking technology was utilized to record and analyze the eye blink behavior of participating drivers. Various metrics, including blink frequency, blink duration, inter-blink interval, and pupil diameter after a blink, were measured and compared across different scenarios. Results The results of the study demonstrated significant differences in drivers’ eye blink behavior across the different experimental scenarios, indicating the influence of visual attraction conditions on mental workload. The presence of eye-catching stimuli (landscape-style architecture, tip slogan, and billboard scenarios) at tunnel entrances resulted in decreased blink frequency, shorter blink duration, longer inter-blink intervals, and larger pupil diameter after a blink compared to when no specific eye-catching stimuli were present (baseline condition). These findings suggest that visual attractions capture drivers’ attention, leading to increased cognitive workload and attentional demands. Conclusions The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on driver attention and mental workload, particularly in relation to eye-catching effect in tunnel environments. The presence of eye-catching stimuli at tunnel entrances can distract drivers and increase their mental workload, potentially compromising driving performance and safety. It is crucial for transportation authorities and designers to carefully consider the design and placement of visual attractions in tunnel entrances to minimize distraction and cognitive workload. By doing so, driving safety and performance can be enhanced in tunnel entrances.

This paper describes an analytical approach to predict the subjective rating on handling qualities of actively controlled vehicles. The approach was applied to the evaluation on handling qualities of 4 wheel steering vehicles. The validity of the approach is confirmed by comparison of the predicted results with test data. The essential feature of the approach is to use an objective function that takes into account three principal factors, i.e., the task performance, the driver’s mental workload, and his or her physical workload, to predict analytically the subjective ratings. The findings indicate that the predicted rating directly corresponds to the driver’s subjective ratings obtained through the proving ground test with a good correlation. [S0022-0434(00)00303-8]

Mobile devices, as persuasive technologies, represent an important platform to promote changes in attitudes and behaviors. They are not only understood as tools, but as a learning process that provides different opportunities to learn how to learn. The objectives of the study were to measure the quality of a virtual mobile learning object, to measure the mental workload of the educational intervention, and to evaluate the learning results. This is a technological production study with a mixed method, quasi-experimental approach. Three simulated clinical scenarios comprise the m-OVADor@, allowing for a simulated evaluation of acute pain through interactive tools. The technology met the quality criteria for educational software, with low mental workload, demonstrating a significant strategy for learning about pain among nursing students.

27 university student participants (16 female) were trained on the TRACON video game and then practiced for 20 hrs. After practice, participants performed 3 mental workload conditions in a single session. Low, medium, and high mental workload scenarios were created by varying air traffic density: participants were required to handle 5, 10, or 15 aircraft within a scenario while cardiorespiratory, performance, and subjective mental workload data were collected. Heart rate change from baseline was faster during the high than during the low scenario. Pre-ejection period and high frequency heart rate variability indicated that the autonomic modes of control differed across scenarios: high and medium workload elicited significant reciprocally-coupled sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal, whereas low workload did not elicit significant change from baseline. Respiration rate change from baseline was faster during the high and medium scenarios than during the low scenario. Performance was significantly lower for the high than the low scenario. However, subjective workload increased significantly from the low to the medium to the high scenario.

ABSTRACTObjectivesPrior to the launch of ICES Data & Analytic Services (DAS) in March 2014, only ICES scientists and analysts could access ICES data, and data could only be accessed at physical ICES locations. The DAS infrastructure, which allows public sector researchers to work with coded record level data remotely through a secure virtual environment, together with broader trends including high profile reports that call for increased access to data and the Ontario government’s Open Data initiative, prompted ICES to launch a pilot project to explore potential DAS work with the private sector.
 ApproachThree mandatory principles were established for all work with the private sector: (i) alignment with ICES’ mission, vision and values; (ii) transparency; (iii) private sector work must not detract from ICES’ research institute work. The pilot included: a jurisdictional scan; informal conversations with private sector organizations to determine potential services/studies of interest; extensive discussions with data partners; the selection and conduct of two pilot studies; focus groups with members of the general public and scientists; external advice on business model options; and an external evaluation of the pilot. No changes to data sharing agreements or ICES processes were required as work with the private sector and public sector are equally allowed under Ontario law.
 ResultsThe two pilot studies were successfully completed. The first study “The disease burden of gout in Ontario: A real world data retrospective study” was performed by researchers at IMS Brogan (a healthcare analytic services provider) who were provided with access to coded record-level data using the DAS iDAVE environment and performed their own analyses. In the second pilot study, “The impact of adherence to biologics on healthcare resource utilization in rheumatoid arthritis”, Janssen researchers established the research question and study design, and DAS staff and scientists provided advice about data holdings, performed the analyses, and provided Janssen and three government-funded decision making bodies with results tables. Research Ethics Board approval was required for both studies, and both private sector organizations are in the process of publishing findings.
 ConclusionsICES was able to work with private sector organizations without compromising the three principles. Based on the evaluation of the private sector pilot, and the findings from the focus groups, ICES will begin offering limited analytic services to private sector researchers beginning June 2016 under ICES’ existing corporate structure, and bring recommendations regarding ongoing operations to the ICES Board in June 2017.

Workload and distraction are problems that affect road driving and can cause very serious accidents. Drive assistance systems are very important to help drivers relieve fatigue of driving by increasing road safety and reducing the number of accidents. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a useful driver assistance system to set and maintain a safe distance from the front vehicle, modulating speed and limiting sudden braking. However, the effects of the ACC on overall driver behaviour have not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this study, the authors assessed the influence of ACC on mental workload and attention of drivers in a real driving environment. The results of several evaluations were considered: subjective assessment of workload (NASA-TLX), physiological measurements of workload (brain activity through electroencephalographic technique and the analysis of visual behaviour through an eye monitoring device) and performance-based measurements (via Vbox Pro Video mounted on the vehicle). 52 drivers were involved in the study, 26 ACC experts and 26 non-experts, who drove along the ring road of Bologna (Tangenziale di Bologna) (Italy), both using ACC and manually, without the help of any device. During the test a secondary task was introduced: the sudden arrival of a braking car. Results showed that the use of ACC increased distraction when driving.

BackgroundYouth and young adults with disabilities experience many barriers in securing employment such as discrimination, inaccessible environments, and lack of support. Youth often need to decide whether and how they should disclose their need for accommodations to employers, which can help them to do their best at work. However, few evidence-based toolkits focusing on disability disclosure exist for youth with various types of disabilities. Supporting youth to develop self-advocacy skills is salient because they are an underrepresented and marginalized group in the labor market.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to conduct a pilot evaluation of a web-based toolkit to enhance disability disclosure for youth and young adults helping to advocate for their needs and request workplace accommodations.MethodsWe conducted 2 in-person focus groups to codevelop a web-based disability disclosure toolkit, which was followed by a pilot evaluation with a pre-post survey. Primary outcomes focused on the relevance of the toolkit content, preliminary perceived impact on knowledge and confidence, and open-ended feedback on the usefulness of the toolkit. Secondary outcomes focused on effectiveness (ie, measures of self-determination).ResultsA total of 14 youths with various types of disabilities took part in the study (aged 20-25 years; n=11, 78% female) including 3 who participated in the codevelopment focus group sessions and 11 youths who participated in the surveys. Our findings involved three main themes in the codevelopment sessions that included (1) disability disclosure and workplace accommodation experiences (ie, knowing when, whether, and how to disclose their disability and request workplace accommodations), (2) usefulness of the tool (ie, relatable content, format and design, and suggestions for further development), and (3) perceived impact of the toolkit (ie, navigating disclosure decisions and how to approach employers and develop other relevant employment skills). The survey findings showed that the majority of participants (10/11, 91%) reported that the toolkit increased or changed their knowledge or understanding of disability disclosure. Most participants (8/11, 73%) reported that the toolkit helped to increase their perceived confidence in their daily activities. The majority of participants (8/11, 73%) agreed or strongly agreed that the toolkit was easy to understand and comprehensive. Regarding the preliminary impact of the toolkit, participants did not demonstrate any significant improvements in self-determination (all P>.05).ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of codeveloping a disability disclosure toolkit with youth to enhance its relevance for their needs. Our toolkit indicates preliminary potential as an educational resource for youth and young adults with disabilities as they search for and secure employment. Further research is needed to assess the impact of the tool with larger samples to understand the impact of workplace disability disclosure decisions for youth with disabilities.