Assistance-On-Demand: a Speech-Based Assistance System for Urban Intersections

We evaluated a system to support the driver in urban intersections (called "Assistance on Demand" AoD system). The system is controlled via speech and supports the driver in monitoring and decision making by providing recommendations for suitable time gaps to enter the intersection. This speech-based control of the system allows the implementation of an "on-demand"-concept where the driver can activate the assistance only if he desires support. 24 drivers took part in the study, performing three drives each. A comparison with a manual condition without system support showed that the AoD system was highly accepted, decreased workload and facilitated monitoring of traffic. In addition, subjective acceptance highly correlated with objective acceptance measured by the actual usage of the system. This clearly justifies the "on-demand"-concept.