Lars Hanson

Bio: Lars Hanson is an academic researcher from University of Skövde. The author has contributed to research in topics: Industrial robot & Computer science. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 117 publications receiving 1138 citations. Previous affiliations of Lars Hanson include Chalmers University of Technology & Saab Automobile AB.

Effect of drivers' age and push button locations on visual time off road, steering wheel deviation and safety perception

Abstract: The study examined the effects of manual control locations on two groups of randomly selected young and old drivers in relation to visual time off road, steering wheel deviation and safety perception. Measures of visual time off road, steering wheel deviations and safety perception were performed with young and old drivers during real traffic. The results showed an effect of both driver's age and button location on the dependent variables. Older drivers spent longer visual time off road when pushing the buttons and had larger steering wheel deviations. Moreover, the greater the eccentricity between the normal line of sight and the button locations, the longer the visual time off road and the larger the steering wheel deviations. No interaction effect between button location and age was found with regard to visual time off road. Button location had an effect on perceived safety: the further away from the normal line of sight the lower the rating.

Effect of button location on driver's visual behaviour and safety perception

Abstract: Although buttons are a frequently used type of control in car interiors, little research has been undertaken on how the usage of buttons affects the visual behaviour of the driver. In this study, the aim was to analyse the effect of push button location and auditory feedback on drivers' visual time off road and safety perception when driving in a real traffic situation. The effect of six button locations (five on the centre stack, one near the gear stick) was tested. Drivers' visual behaviour was studied in real traffic on a motorway. An eye tracking system recorded the visual behaviour of eight drivers who, in 96 repeated trials each, were instructed to press a specific button. Data analysis focused on the drivers' visual time off road and safety perception in relation to the location of the button to be pressed. Auditory feedback did not show a significant effect on visual time off road. The time off road increased significantly as the angle increased between the normal line of sight and button location for the five buttons placed on the centre stack. Results for the button located close to the gear stick, with the highest eccentricity, produced a short time off road. This unexpected finding is discussed in terms of three potential explanations: 1) the role of perceptual discrimination; 2) risk perception; and 3) motor control.

Preferred car driving posture using 3-D information

Abstract: Few studies have presented three-dimensional car-driving postural information. This laboratory study investigated drivers' preferred postures, preferred interior dimensions and how they characterise their postures. The minimum-maximum intervals of preferred angles corresponded well with other experimental studies and were larger than intervals for comfort, strength and alertness defined on the basis of theoretical reasoning. No preferred posture differences were found between females and males; nor were differences found when comparing posture after five and twenty minutes of driving. Preferred posture was not symmetric: significant differences were found between the left and right side. Subjects characterised their posture as comfortable, relaxing and restful.

Simulation in the design and operation of manufacturing systems: state of the art and new trends

Abstract: As the industrial requirements change at a rapid pace due to the drastic evolution of technology, the necessity of quickly investigating potential system alternatives towards a more efficient manuf...

The Effects of Text Messaging on Young Drivers

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated the effects of using a cell phone to retrieve and send text messages on the driving performance of young novice drivers. Background: Young drivers are particularly susceptible to driver distraction and have an increased risk of distraction-related crashes. Distractions from in-vehicle devices, particularly, those that require manual input, are known to cause decrements in driving performance. Method: Twenty young novice drivers used a cell phone to retrieve and send text messages while driving a simulator. Results: The amount of time that drivers spent not looking at the road when text messaging was up to ~400% greater than that recorded in baseline (no-text-messaging) conditions. Furthermore, drivers’ variability in lane position increased up to ~50%, and missed lane changes increased 140%. There was also an increase of up to ~150% in drivers’ variability in following distances to lead vehicles. Conclusion: Previous research has shown that the risk of crashing while dia...

Driver distraction : a review of the literature

Abstract: Driver distraction has been defined in many different ways. The most important difference is whether only visual inattention or also cognitive inattention should be included. Many different methods have been used to assess the prevalence and types of driver distraction that occur, and to describe the consequences in terms of driving performance and crash involvement. There is strong agreement that distraction is detrimental for driving, and that the risk for crashes increases. Drivers rather opt for repeated glances instead of extending one single glance, if the secondary task demands attention for a longer period of time. However, repeated glances have more detrimental effects on driving performance than a single glance of the same duration as one of the repeated glances. Only recently the method of remote eye tracking has emerged, which enables real time identification of visual distraction. So far this method has mostly been used in driving simulators. Different algorithms that diagnose distracted drivers have been tested with promising results. In simulators it is difficult, however, to induce true distraction, due to the short duration of the experiment and the artificial setting. A prolonged field study under naturalistic conditions could provide new insights and validation of simulator studies.