DriveVision R: Solutions for Naturalistic Driving Research
Transecurity has a rich history of driving safety and driver behavior research. We recently secured exclusive rights to market Virginia Technology Institute's data acquisition system (DAS) technology, a research-oriented system used to collect data on large naturalist driving research and field operations. The latest version of this technology is now available through Transecurity as a commercially-supported product called DriveVision R. It helps businesses and individuals capture critical real-time data that can really make an impact on driver awareness and performance and accident prevention.
Transecurity offers two Versions of DriveVision R system:
NextGen Data Acquisition System: This state-of-the art, full-feature, instrumented vehicle system captures input from a variety of angles and sources (multiple on-board sensors, remote camera, network and driver interface units), to gather data on driver performance and road incidents. It then stores key information for later reference for a variety of purposes, based on client needs.
The Internal Camera Cluster offers multiple camera angles, includes IR illumination (data capture during night-time driving), and can be mounted on the windshield behind the rear-view mirror. Data is captured from the driver's left and right side, rear and forward angle to maximize views. All camera angles combined provide a single 720 X 480 video image that is compressed in real-time and sent to data storage for review for easy storage and reference .
The optional Forward RADAR feature also enables the DriveVision R to detect, track and record the positions of external traffic, and is mounted by the license plate – the perfect place to capture outside driver behavior. It can simultaneously track up to 12 targets within an 18 degree field of view (distance of 400 meters), and provides comprehensive information that truly sheds light on all aspects of a driver incident.
Mini-Das: This scaled-down version of the NextGen system offers the same data collection capabilities but at a lower cost and easier installation. It can be installed without a skilled technician or special tools. Mini-Das is a single hardware unit system that can be mounted on the windshield on the center dash or to the right of the driver near the A-pillar, and does not obstruct driver views.
Using two built-in video cameras, it captures information on the forward roadway and toward the drivers face. It also offers IR illumination to support night-time data collection. The system can be configured to capture information in event-trigger mode or continuous mode. Event trigger mode can capture up to 50 events of 20-second duration. For continuous data mode, Transecurity advises you purchase some additional hard drives for adequate data storage.
Features for both systems:
Overview of Features
- Capture information in real time about driver behavior for use in larger collective studies
- Secure, regular seamless transfer of data to a data server for easy reference
- Exceptional data review tools and capabilities that drill down to the details of human driving behavior
- Advanced lane tracking feature offers multiple applications and works well on curved roads, at night and in the rain
- Save energy with the power management system with multiple function options
- Comprehensive driver behavior tracker unmatched in the industry
Data Software: Both systems use the same software, and collect continuous data from a vehicle from start-up to shut-down. Data files are stored on the unit they can be transferred via Ethernet or wireless WiFi connection embedded in the software. This enables all key data to be transferred seamlessly, and pulled up as needed. The advanced lane tracking feature offers multiple applications, and also works well on curved roads, at night and in the rain. Eye-head tracking is also included, and offers important data on driver awareness.
Data Transfer and Communication: Data captured is routinely transferred to a specified data storage server via WiFi or GSM cellular modem. For WiFi, after protocol is complete, the DAS system will complete communication with the server, and will hold off on communication for one hour. All data is encrypted using symmetric and asymmetric elements, and include hash values that can be used to verify the files are in tact after transfer. The optional cellular connection is on-demand.
Power Management: DriveVision R has a multi-phase power management strategy that turns on power to various parts of the system only when needed and is overall energy efficient. There are several modes, and an option to override functions on a front panel switch. Modes include: All off, Sleep, Standby, and All-on. The system runs on battery power when the vehicle is not up and running, and will continue necessary steps when the vehicle is turned back on.
Data Review: DriveVision R also offers a DataDistillery tool that allows users to manually review files, create event classifications, code data streams and generate event listings. Its focus is on human observation – in particular – the human in the loop between the simulation and the driving data analysis, to help improve the quality of data efficiency. These tools allow the user to explore collected data in find detail to better understand the nature of behavior or the system being observed. Tools include video viewer, controls, location mapping, data spreadsheets and graphs and more.
DriveVision R systems can be installed on your instrumented vehicle fleet to support your a variety of research operations and needs. Transecurity has the expertise to assist you with system installations, configuration, data management and data reduction tools, and recommend a system that fits specific requirements. Contact Transecurity with your specific research needs and we’ll be happy to help you identify how the DriveVision R can be applied to your specific needs.