'AWARE' an in-vehicle visual communication system for drivers

This report describes a possible method of communicating with drivers using a fascia-mounted visual display. The system would warn of road conditions ahead and give instructions or advice including diversionary and navigational information. Messages to be relayed to drivers would be selected at a control office, based on information about prevailing traffic conditions. The messages would be sent in digital form via land-lines from the control office to the relevant road site where buried induction loops would continuously transmit the message. On passing these loops, the fascia-mounted display units would indicate the message by illuminating legends and digits. The front face of the display unit could readily be changed to provide for other languages. Small scale experiments carried out at the laboratory have shown that drivers can readily assimilate information by this means, giving confidence that a full-scale communication system on the lines described could be implemented using known technology. /Author/