Center for Technology Development (CTD)

specializes in developing, manufacturing, implementing, and maintaining innovative systems for transportation research. The center collaborates with other centers and groups within VTTI to provide innovative research support. It is continuously developing advanced systems for data collection with the goal of collecting a wide range of detailed data while remaining unobtrusive to participant drivers.

CTD is comprised of three different groups, including, Advanced Development, Data Acquisition, and Mechanical Systems. These groups provide technical support for various projects, as well as the Smart Road.

Advanced Development

The Development Group is responsible for software development at VTTI. They are specialists in real time data acquisition hardware and software development, machine vision road tracking, machine vision head tracking and data analysis advancements.

Data Acquisition

The Data Acquisition Group is responsible for electronic hardware design. Their capabilities range from advanced circuit board design, with the use of Arm Processors, DSP, FPGA, to systems integration and complete project development from conception to completion. They are pioneers in the field of distributed data acquisition systems, covert surveillance, and large field deployments of many data acquisition systems.

Mechanical Systems

The Mechanical Group is responsible for extensive mechanical fabrication ranging from small to large hardware to suit the needs of all research projects. They have the ability to tailor these fabrication techniques to research needs based on size and requirement by using various techniques such as sheet metal forming, vacuum bagging composites and thermo forming plastics to CNC machined parts using our 4 axis Haas, and finishing in house using our anodizing/paint/power coat facilities.

They are also capable of designing complex components to utilize the benefits of low and high volume injection molding, urethane casting and many of the of current rapid prototyping technologies.

In addition to these methods they utilize 3d laser scanning software and CAD technology to reproduce complex geometry and design custom components with seamless integration. Their ability to design, evaluate and simulate in a digital environment is a great benefit which reduces the development cost time involved on a project.

Current Projects

CTD is providing the primary management and technical development for:

• Vehicle Infrastructure Wireless Communications
• Fatigue Monitoring System
• Enhanced Computer Vision/Imaging Systems

CTD is providing technical support for the following projects:

• Teen Practice Driving (CASR)
• Spectral Effects (LIT)
• Motorcycle Feasibility (CASR)
• Fast Dash (CTBS)
• Cell Phone Pilot Study (CASR)

Currently, CTD is developing VTTI's "next generation" data acquisition system as well as the the institute's newest data acquisition software, "SOL." The center is also continuing the development of "Road Scout", a lane tracking software.

Previous Projects

100-Car Study

Completed by the Center for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), this project evaluated driver behavior by installing 100 data acquisition systems in vehicles. The Center for Technology Development developed and maintained a state-of-the-art miniaturized networked data collection system for covert installation of video surveillance, data collection hardware, and in-vehicle displays. The Center will continue to develop, test, implement and maintain these state-of-the-art vehicle- and infrastructure-based systems for transportation research.

Drowsy Driver Warning System Field Operational Test

Completed by the Center for Truck and Bus Safety (CTBS), this project evaluated a Drowsy Driver Warning System (DDWS) in a Field Operational Test (FOT). The Center for Technology Development modified and installed data acquisition systems into 38 trucks to monitor driver drowsiness.

Field Demonstration of an Advanced Heavy Vehicle Indirect Visibility System

Completed by the Center for Truck and Bus Safety (CTBS), this project evaluated the use of enhanced visual information devices and whether or not they improved situational awareness and driving safety of tractor trailer operators. The Center for Technology Development installed all needed research equipment as well as developed and installed a data acquisition system on all test vehicles.

Enhanced Rear Signaling for Heavy Trucks

Completed by the Center for Truck and Bus Safety (CTBS), this project evaluated the methods of reducing or mitigating Heavy Truck crashes where the vehicle has been struck in the rear by another vehicle. The project focused on assessing the benefits of countermeasures. The Center for Technology Development developed different lighting systems for testing and a data acquisition system for collection of research events.

40 Teen Driver Preventing Motor Vehicle Crashes Among Young Drivers

Completed by the Center for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), this project evaluated the driving abilities of 40 teen participants from the learner permit phase through nine months of licensed driving. The Center for Technology Development developed, installed, and collected data using custom data acquisition systems.

Older Driver Naturalistic Driving Study

Completed by the Center for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), this project evaluated senior drivers. The Center for Technology Development developed, installed, and collected data using custom data acquisition systems.