22-01-2013, 10:56 AM
Best practices for road sign planning/Sending modalities and driver perception: an experimental analysis of variable message signs using Cagliari Eye Tracker
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper is to determine driver’s level of perception of road signs and using eye tracking techniques, the length of time drivers fix their gaze on the board as well as their comprehension of the text or symbol. A test was conducted on urban and non-urban routes where different signals are installed. Drivers wear the eye tracker throughout the test and were accompanied by an operator who recorded the parameters measured by the device, checking the test was proceeding correctly, with this instrument it is possible to analyze different human performance behaviour as regards to the road signs.
Eye Tracker allows to track driver gaze: at the end of the itinerary test a gaze plot produced showing dispersion of eye gaze points (saccadic eye movements), besides using a specific software analysis will be possible to study the visual activities of subjects during task execution, discriminating between objects considered as visual distractions and those regarded as receptor signals, in this case the road signs. Modality of users perception is the basis of Information Theory and models of mental processes. Because of the complexity of the driving process that involved physical, cognitive and visual abilities, and typically may include manoeuvring among other vehicles, paying attention to other road users (drivers and pedestrians), and to road signs and obstacles (static and dynamic). Driving environment typically contains much more information than the human brain which can handle a lot of information of a certain complexity at one given time. The complexity in environment perception creates huge individual differences in visual perceptual world. Within this sphere the aim of the study is to define a better way of sending information with road signs. In particular the study seeks to analyze quantitatively the points of fixations and the difficulties of the driver during driving to perceive road signs. Using Eye Tracker it will be possible to verify if drivers see and how much their gaze remain on road signs, this study will also provide instruction for correct use and installation of these signs.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper is to determine driver’s level of perception of road signs and using eye tracking techniques, the length of time drivers fix their gaze on the board as well as their comprehension of the text or symbol. A test was conducted on urban and non-urban routes where different signals are installed. Drivers wear the eye tracker throughout the test and were accompanied by an operator who recorded the parameters measured by the device, checking the test was proceeding correctly, with this instrument it is possible to analyze different human performance behaviour as regards to the road signs.
Eye Tracker allows to track driver gaze: at the end of the itinerary test a gaze plot produced showing dispersion of eye gaze points (saccadic eye movements), besides using a specific software analysis will be possible to study the visual activities of subjects during task execution, discriminating between objects considered as visual distractions and those regarded as receptor signals, in this case the road signs. Modality of users perception is the basis of Information Theory and models of mental processes. Because of the complexity of the driving process that involved physical, cognitive and visual abilities, and typically may include manoeuvring among other vehicles, paying attention to other road users (drivers and pedestrians), and to road signs and obstacles (static and dynamic). Driving environment typically contains much more information than the human brain which can handle a lot of information of a certain complexity at one given time. The complexity in environment perception creates huge individual differences in visual perceptual world. Within this sphere the aim of the study is to define a better way of sending information with road signs. In particular the study seeks to analyze quantitatively the points of fixations and the difficulties of the driver during driving to perceive road signs. Using Eye Tracker it will be possible to verify if drivers see and how much their gaze remain on road signs, this study will also provide instruction for correct use and installation of these signs.