CARS Configurable Automotive Research SimulatorCARS Konfigurierbarer Fahrsimulator zur Bewertung der Fahrerablenkung

Abstract

The complexity of automotive user interfaces increased rapidly in the last decades, drivers are now confronted with many new functions. Infotainment, entertainment and comfort systems as well as driver assistance systems contribute to this trend. The use of new functionalities inevitably increases the driver′s interaction with the user interface and decreases the driver′s focus on driving. Before introducing new functionalities in the car it is essential to evaluate their effect on driver distraction. We present CARS, an open source driving simulator tool for evaluating automotive user interfaces. We give an overview of CARS′ characteristics and present the map editor, the driving simulation tool, and the analysis tool included in CARS. Based on results from initial user studies we illustrate the effectiveness of CARS in evaluating different secondary tasks with regard to driver distraction.