Micro DAS: In-Vehicle Portable Data Acquisition System

The evolution of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Data Acquisition System (DAS) for Crash Avoidance Research into a relatively inexpensive portable system (Micro DAS) that can be implemented in virtually any vehicle has opened up a wide range of research possibilities never before possible. Micro DAS is very small and can be installed directly into a test participant’s own vehicle in a short time period. Its video recording system is capable of collecting over 22 h of full-motion video. Data collection can be triggered manually or based on events defined by the researcher. Micro DAS is also designed to collect antecedent data, allowing the information leading up to an event to be studied. These features allow the system to collect real-world information on driver behavior, driver and vehicle performance, and roadway environments in situ without concerns associated with vehicle familiarity or researcher presence. The Micro DAS philosophy, architecture, sensor array, and versatility are discussed in detail.