Effects of full windshield head-up display on visual attention allocation.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Automotive Safety
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Traditional head-up displays (HUDs) present information but can be limited in scope.
• Full windshield head-up display (FHUD) technology integrates critical driving cues directly into the driver's forward view.
• Effective visual attention allocation is crucial for safe driving performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of FHUD on drivers' visual attention allocation.
• To compare visual attention metrics with and without FHUD across various driving scenarios.
• To determine if FHUD enhances the perception of situational cues.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight experienced drivers participated in a driving simulation study.
• Participants were divided into two groups, one using FHUD and the other not.
• Visual attention was measured by analyzing the number of fixations, mean fixation duration, and dwell time percentages in defined areas of interest.

Main Results:

• The FHUD group exhibited fewer fixations and shorter mean fixation durations compared to the non-FHUD group.
• Drivers using FHUD showed increased dwell time on the forward view and decreased dwell time on peripheral areas.
• FHUD facilitated more effective perception of driving-related cues.

Conclusions:

• FHUD has a positive effect on drivers' visual attention allocation.
• FHUD technology can help drivers process critical information more efficiently.
• FHUD shows potential for improving driver awareness and road safety.