Multidisciplinary Students Present Their Transportation-Related Projects

Jerone Dunbar and Brianna Posadas, Ph.D. students in computer and information science engineering working with Dr. Juan Gilbert, recently completed multidisciplinary projects focusing on transportation. Dunbar presented his paper at the 19th International

Conference on Human-Computer Interaction in Vancouver, Canada. The conference was held on July 12-14, 2016. Similarly, Posadas will be presenting her poster at the Transportation Planning Exchange (TransPlex) conference on August 8-10, 2017, in Ponte Vedra, Florida.

Read Dunbar’s paper abstract below.

Dunbar, J., & Gilbert, J. E. (2017, July). “The Human Element in Autonomous Vehicles.” In D. Harris, ed., International Conference on Engineering Psychology and Cognitive Ergonomics (pp. 339-362). Springer.

Abstract – Autonomous vehicle research has been prevalent for well over a decade but only recently has there been a small amount of research conducted on the human interaction that occurs in autonomous vehicles. Although functional software and sensor technology is essential for safe operation, which has been the main focus of autonomous vehicle research, handling all elements of human interaction is also a very salient aspect of their success. This paper will provide an overview of the importance of human vehicle interaction in autonomous vehicles, while considering relevant related factors that are likely to impact adoption. Particular attention will be given to prior research conducted on germane areas relating to control in the automobile, in addition to the different elements that are expected to affect the likelihood of success for these vehicles initially developed for human operation. This paper will also include a discussion of the limited research conducted to consider interactions with humans and the current state of published functioning software and sensor technology that exists.

Read Posadas’s poster abstract below.

Posadas, B. B., Waters, S., Gilbert, J. E (2017). “Extending the Privacy Calculus to Smart Vehicles.”

Abstract – Privacy calculus theory posits that decisions to disclose information are the result of complex psychological analyses that weigh sometimes competing potential risks and rewards. The “calculus of behavior” theory argues that situational constraints aid in determining behavior of an individual. Previous empirical investigations show common themes of trust with a service, and the potential benefits and risks from using that service. However, considering the advent of the “Internet of things” and intelligent vehicles, there have not been investigations into the variables that contribute to an individual’s privacy calculus process while operating an intelligent vehicle. In this study, intelligent vehicles are automobiles that use a complex series of electronics, software, sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to perform various tasks that aid or supplant the operator of the vehicle.

This study proposes to analyze how operating an intelligent vehicle alters privacy concerns. We believe the operation of a vehicle will mediate perceived privacy concerns when a user is notified of data collection. Two different intervention methods are proposed. The first is a real-time data collection device mounted on the dashboard that will inform the driver of information being collected. The second is a device that connects to the diagnostic port and transmits collected data to a mobile app. After operating the vehicle, the driver can review the data collected. Surveys about these different interventions will be distributed via Qualtrics to drivers in the United States to investigate how using these interventions may change their perceptions of the privacy in their vehicles.