Overview - ISO/TR 23049:2018 (External visual communication for automated vehicles)
ISO/TR 23049:2018 provides ergonomic guidance for designers and developers of external visual communication on automated vehicles, with a particular focus on Automated Driving System - Dedicated Vehicles (ADS‑DV) as defined in SAE J3016. The Technical Report addresses how ADS‑DVs could visually communicate with other road users (pedestrians, cyclists, other drivers) to improve human‑vehicle interaction, learnability and public acceptance. It is guidance rather than a prescriptive performance standard and does not specify system functionality or technical implementation.
Key topics and recommendations
- Purpose & scope
- Guidance for visual, external messaging so road users can learn and understand AV behaviour.
- Emphasizes consistency and societal learnability across the industry.
- Types of information to communicate
- Vehicle state: speed, acceleration/deceleration, idle (e.g., traditional signals like brake lights).
- Driving mode: whether the vehicle is under automation (ADS‑DV).
- Perception: what the vehicle “sees” in the environment (e.g., detected pedestrians or obstacles).
- Recognition & acknowledgment: whether the vehicle recognizes specific road features or users.
- Belief state: the vehicle’s understanding or expectations (e.g., intent regarding right‑of‑way).
- Intent: planned manoeuvres (similar to turn signals but potentially richer).
- Guidance: telling others what to do (not recommended currently due to safety and legal risks).
- Format & human factors
- Focus on visual modality because traffic interaction is primarily visual.
- Limit number of signals, ensure distinctness and salience, avoid distraction and ambiguity.
- Consider directional targeting, cultural/local norms, and crowded environments.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses this TR
- OEMs and AV system designers creating external displays and signalling concepts.
- Human factors and UX teams working on human‑vehicle communication.
- Regulators, policy makers and city planners evaluating AV deployment and signage needs.
- Road safety researchers assessing behavioral impacts and public acceptance.
- Practical uses
- Informing concept design for exterior LEDs, displays or light patterns.
- Developing user studies to validate learnability and comprehension.
- Aligning industry practices to reduce road‑user confusion and improve traffic safety.
Related standards and context
- References SAE J3016 for ADS‑DV definitions.
- Aligns with policy discussions (e.g., NHTSA) on AV communication and accessibility (audible alerts for low‑speed EVs).
- Intended to support harmonized approaches rather than mandate technical specifications.
Keywords: ISO/TR 23049:2018, external visual communication, automated vehicles, ADS‑DV, ergonomics, human‑vehicle interaction, vehicle intent, visual signalling, vehicle-to-pedestrian.