Programs

13:00-16:30 2nd June 2024 @ Halla Room C

If you cannot attend this workshop onsite and would like to join us online, please send a request to (liu.hailong@is.naist.jp) for access to the online meeting room.

This half-day (13:00-16:05) workshop will be organized by several 20-minute invited presentations and workshop papers presentations, including a 5-minute discussion after each talk. 

Session 1

Openning (5min)

Prof. Dr. Cristina Olaverri Monreal 

Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria

Invited presentation 1 (15min+5min)

Enhancing Road Safety in Automated Driving: 

Exploring the Human Factor, Vulnerable Road Users, and Mixed Traffic Scenarios 

Prof. Dr. Cristina Olaverri Monreal 

Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria

Biography 

Cristina Olaverri-Monreal is a full professor and head of the Department Intelligent Transport Systems at the Johannes Kepler University Linz, in Austria. Prior to this position, she led diverse teams in the industry and in the academia in the US and in distinct countries in Europe. 

She served as the president of the IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society (IEEE ITSS) for the years 2022 and 2023. Presently, she holds the position of chair for the Technical Activities Committee (TAC) on Human Factors in Intelligent Transportation Systems and is the founder and chair of the Austrian IEEE ITSS chapter. 

She received her PhD from the Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich in cooperation with BMW. Her research aims at studying solutions for an efficient and effective transportation focusing on minimizing the barrier between users and road systems. To this end, she relies on the automation, wireless communication and sensing technologies that pertain to the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). 

Prof. Olaverri is a senior/associate editor and editorial board member of several journals in the field, including the IEEE ITS Transactions and IEEE ITS Magazine. 

Furthermore, she is an expert for the European Commission on ”Automated Road Transport” and consultant and project evaluator in the field of ICT and “Connected, Cooperative Autonomous Mobility Systems” for various EU and national agencies as well as organizations in Germany, Sweden, France, Ireland, etc. In 2017, she was the general chair of the “IEEE International Conference on Vehicles Electronics and Safety” (ICVES 2017). She was awarded the “IEEE Educational Activities Board Meritorious Achievement Award in Continuing Education” for her dedicated contribution to continuing education in the field of ITS. She has also been recently awarded with the prestigious 2023 IEEE MGA Diversity & Inclusion Award. 

Abstract:

As the field of automated driving continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly evident that understanding the role of human behavior in automated driving systems is crucial. This presentation explores the dynamics of mixed traffic scenarios, where automated vehicles interact with human-operated vehicles, navigating complex urban environments and varied traffic conditions. By conducting a thorough examination of the challenges posed by vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, this talk aims to offer an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in enhancing road safety considering automated driving technologies.


Invited presentation 2 (15min+5min)

Research on Human-Machine Collaborative Interaction Design for Intelligent Driving

Prof. Dr. Fang You

Tongji University, China

Biography 

Dr. Fang You is a professor at the College of Arts and Media, Tongji University, where she also supervises PhD students in Design and Automotive Engineering. She holds the title of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and serves as the Director of Tongji CarIxd Lab & UXLab. In recent years, she has led more than 10 provincial and ministerial scientific research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Late-stage Projects supported by the National Social Science Fund, High-end Foreign Expert Introduction Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Special International Science and Technology Cooperation Project of Shenzhen. Professor You has obtained 17 invention patents, along with over 20 utility model and appearance patents. She has published more than 60 papers, 5 books, 2 textbooks, and several digital media works. Her research interests encompass Interaction Design & Cognition Science, Information Design based Mixed Reality Space, and Intelligent Human-Computer Collaboration for Intelligent Cockpit. Tongji and QUT/CARRS-Q have a long history of collaboration since 2015 and we have hosted visiting professors and experts at each other's university for a few times in the past.

Abstract:

The design of intelligent cockpits aims to provide users with a comfortable and pleasant driving experience. To achieve this, it is necessary to adhere to the principles of ergonomics, which involve considering both the physical characteristics of the human body and researching human perception and psychological traits, such as the behaviors, emotions, and personal choices of drivers and passengers. Human-machine interaction systems serve as bridges between humans and intelligent cockpits, enabling precise bidirectional communication of intentions and information between users and the system, thereby facilitating the completion of various tasks during dynamic driving processes.

The presentation will start from these requirements and share insights from laboratory research experience on intelligent driving human-machine cooperative interaction design. We will discuss research perspectives, system models, and information architecture design for the cognitive interface of intelligent cockpits. Within the realm of cognitive interface interaction design, two major themes of intelligent cockpit human-machine cooperative interaction will be explored: 1) Attention Space and Virtual Mixed Information, and 2) Cognitive Interaction Models of Virtual Humans in the Intelligent Cockpit. Real-life cases and experiments conducted in the laboratory will be used to illustrate each aspect in detail.

Masaki Kuge 1, Hailong Liu 1, Toshihiro Hiraoka 2, Takahiro Wada 1

(1. Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. 2. Japan Automobile Research Institute,Japan)  

Abstract:

This study takes a fresh perspective by focusing on the drivers of surrounding cars near to level 3 automated vehicles (AVs). We advocates for level 3 AVs using an external human-machine interface (eHMI) to provide high-risk warning information to drivers of surrounding cars during AVs issuing a request-to-intervene (RtI). Through a driving simulator-based subjects experiments, we have established that the proposed eHMI can assist the surrounding MV's driver in better comprehending the AV's driving intentions and predicting its driving behavior. This leads to increased the surrounding MV's driver confidence in handling potential risks from the AV during the take-over period. While we did not observe a significant impact of the proposed eHMI on the driving behavior of the MV drivers, i.e. participants, they reported a greater willingness to have AVs equipped with the proposed eHMI drive around them in their daily life.

Workshop paper 1 (15min+5min)

Towards Human-Like Autonomous Vehicles:

 A Qualitative Evaluation and Design Perspective

Jemin Woo, Changsun Ahn

(Pusan National University, Republic of Korea)

Abstract:

This study proposes a method for qualitatively evaluating and designing human-like driver models for autonomous vehicles. While most existing research on human-likeness has been focused on quantitative evaluation, it is crucial to consider qualitative measures to accurately capture human perception. To this end, we administered surveys to participants to discern whether the driver was human or autonomous. The survey employed direct experiential evaluation by participants. The findings of this research can significantly contribute to the development of naturalistic and human-like driver models for autonomous vehicles, enabling them to safely and efficiently coexist with human drivers in diverse driving scenarios through the interaction between human and autonomous vehicles.

Session 2

Invited presentation 3 (15min+5min)

Motion Comfort in Vehicles based on Computational Understanding of Human Motion Perception and Sickness 


Prof. Dr. Takahiro Wada 

Graduate School of Science and Technology, NAIST, Japan

Biography 

1999, PhD degree in Robotics, Ritsumeikan Univ.

1999, Research Associate, Dept. of Robotics, Ritsumeikan Univ.

2000, Assistant Prof. Kagawa University (2023, Associate Prof.)

2012, Full Professor, Ritsumeikan Univeristy

2021, Full Professor, NAIST

2018-2019, Chair of Shared Control TC, IEEE SMC

2024-  TC Co-Chair of IFAC TC 4.1 Human Machine Systems


Abstract:

In our research project, "Challenges for Human-Machine Matching through Computational Modeling of Human Motion Perception and Motion Control", we are conducting studies on human-machine matching from the perspectives of motion perception and sickness models. This presentation focuses on introducing the computational models of motion perception and motion sickness as the basis of the projects and their applications, highlighting their use for vehicle passengers. These include presenting models of motion sickness and demonstrating their capabilities in predicting human motion perception and eye movements. The potential application of the models for various techniques to reduce motion sickness will be introduced, including detection methods and generating motion signals for sickness reduction.

Invited presentation 4 (15min+5min)

The use of Generative AI and Large Language models for UX Design in Automotive Applications – An introduction & tutorial 

Dr. Ignacio Alvarez

Technical Assistant for Intel Labs Director

Biography 

Dr. Ignacio Alvarez is principal research scientist in automated driving at Intel Labs, the research arm of Intel Corporation. He is also technical assistant to Intel Labs Director. Dr. Alvarez research focuses on advanced development of automotive systems, software-defined vehicle architecture, and simulation tools. Prior to Intel, Dr. Alvarez worked at BMW developing vehicle telematics, human-machine interfaces, and advanced driver assistance solutions. An IEEE Senior Member, Dr. Alvarez has published 50+ peer-reviewed papers, edited 3 books in Automotive Engineering and contributed to standards in the fields of autonomous vehicle safety and connected vehicles. He has 60+ issued patents. Dr. Alvarez received his International PhD in Computer Science applied to Automotive Engineering from University of the Basque Country (Spain) and Clemson University (USA) in 2011. 

Abstract:

The field of User Experience (UX) development in Automotive is rapidly evolving. The recent rise of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) has opened new capabilities in UX design and development. This keynote explores the multifaceted applications of these technologies offering practical insights and tutorial-like examples for effectively harnessing Generative AI power. The talk will include innovative applications such as generating personas for in-cabin user interaction, creating visual assets to streamline design experimentation, and supporting the development, and testing of UI code. Each of these areas will be illustrated with concrete examples, demonstrating the transformative potential of Generative AI in speeding the ability of researchers and developers to craft more intuitive and user-centered automotive experiences. Furthermore, the keynote will address the challenges and opportunities presented by more advanced Generative AI applications, such as finetuning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), model ensembles, and handling multimodality. Through this exploration, we aim to illuminate the path toward more sophisticated use of Generative AI in automotive UX design, paving the way for future advancements and a deeper understanding of these groundbreaking technologies.


Workshop paper 2 (15min+5min)

Driving the Future: Addressing Generational Trust and Ownership Barriers in the Adoption of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Clare Mutzenich, Fergus McVey, Ceire Martin, Claire Harding

 (7th Sense Research, United Kingdom)

Abstract:

The advent of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) promises a transformative shift in transport, ushering in an era of shared mobility and interconnectedness. However, recent events highlight the challenges facing the widespread acceptance of CAVs and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Drawing on insights from a survey of over 3,000 transport users in the UK, our study reveals two significant hurdles impeding the transition to shared autonomy. Firstly, user adoption presents a formidable challenge, slowing the pace of relinquishing control to driverless mobility, due to low trust and acceptance across generational groups. Secondly, the enduring preference for private vehicle ownership acts as a barrier to embracing shared mobility solutions. To address these challenges, we introduce the SASS Model, which categorises individuals into four distinct groups based on their emotional and rational inclinations towards CAVs and MaaS: Sceptics, Alarmists, Swing Voters, and Supporters. Each group necessitates a tailored approach to effectively communicate the benefits of CAVs. Strategies include addressing the concerns of Alarmists, providing reassurance to Sceptics, educating Swing Voters about the advantages of an automated future, and leveraging the backing of Supporters. Ultimately, the momentum of the automated (r)evolution will be driven by rational Sceptics and Swing Voters, highlighting the importance of targeted messaging and positioning by the automotive industry and transport providers to secure widespread adoption. 

FINAL_DfT_IIIEConference_2024_presentation.pdf

Workshop paper 3 (15min+5min)

A Meaningful Human Control Perspective on User Perception of Partially Automated Driving Systems: 

A Case Study of Tesla Users

Lucas Elbert Suryana, Sina Nordhoff, Simeon Craig Calvert, Arkady Zgonnikov, Bart van Arem

(Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands)  

Abstract:

The use of partially automated driving systems raises concerns about potential responsibility issues, posing risk to the system safety, acceptance, and adoption of these technologies. The concept of meaningful human control has emerged in response to the responsibility gap problem, requiring the fulfillment of two conditions, tracking and tracing. While this concept has provided important philosophical and design insights on automated driving systems, there is currently little knowledge on how meaningful human control relates to subjective experiences of actual users of these systems. To address this gap, our study aimed to investigate the alignment between the degree of meaningful human control and drivers’ perceptions of safety and trust in a real-world partially automated driving system. We utilized previously collected data from interviews with Tesla ``Full Self-Driving'' (FSD) Beta users, investigating the alignment between the user perception and how well the system was tracking the users' reasons. We found that tracking of users' reasons for driving tasks (such as safe maneuvers) correlated with perceived safety and trust, albeit with notable exceptions. Surprisingly, failure to track lane changing and braking reasons was not necessarily associated with negative perceptions of safety. However, the failure of the system to track expected maneuvers in dangerous situations always resulted in low trust and perceived lack of safety. Overall, our analyses highlight alignment points but also possible discrepancies between perceived safety and trust on the one hand, and meaningful human control on the other hand. Our results can help the developers of automated driving technology to design systems under meaningful human control and are perceived as safe and trustworthy.