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The central theme of the present paper is to elevate the role of driver state monitoring in traffic safety. It is demonstrated that driver state (including driver distraction, alcohol impairment, and drowsiness) is a major contributing factor of highway crashes. We contend that modifying driver behavior based on the real-time assessment of driver state and delivery of feedback to drivers has the potential to enhance traffic safety. We also contend that integrating driver state information with other safety technologies such as forward collision warning systems and lane departure warning systems will produce a significantly greater benefit than the non-integrated components. The ongoing research activities at the automotive manufacturers and suppliers, research universities, and the government agencies will accelerate the introduction of these safety technologies that will ultimately enhance traffic safety and driver acceptance.

As automobile manufacturers seek to provide customers with a growing array of in-vehicle information and functionality, information management becomes an important task for the driver. The organization of controls and information in the human/machine interface (HMI) is a major factor determining the efficiency with which users access and process information. This paper describes two studies in which empirical psychological methods are used to identify users' conceptual organization of automotive system functions. Results provide guidance for laying out controls and structuring hierarchical menus in HMIs for two products.

This paper describes the development of two integrated circuits (ICs) designed to provide pulse width modulation (PWM) control of direct current permanent magnet (DCPM) motors such as those used in automotive vehicles. One of the ICs is for low side driving of the load. The other IC is for high side driving of the load. The development of these ICs was undertaken because of the growing problem of providing adequate electrical power for the ever-increasing electrical loads in today's and tomorrow's automobiles.. Calculations, lab tests and vehicle applications indicate increases of vehicle electrical power efficiencies were achieved. This paper contains the rationale for development of the ICs, a brief definition of PWM application and the control methods, a description of the control systems and a discussion of the IC architecture.