Heuristic evaluation study with experts of different night vision enhancement systems
Partner
VW® (Volkswagen AG)
Description
Because of reduced visibility for especially critical events at night while driving there are ambitious efforts to establish a new approach of assistance systems. Such new systems - called night vision enhancement systems - have the potential to assist the driver by presenting additional information about the further road track as well as unrecognizable critical obstacles in the direct line of driving. Typically, these systems base on infrared sensor technologies whereas an additional display in the car presents the enhanced information.
In our study we used different display types and positions to present either analogue far or near infrared sensor information. In addition, automatic pedestrian recognition software was used. All together six prototype night vision enhancement systems were evaluated by acknowledged specialists who have dealt with perceptual, ergonomic, or traffic related issues for more than ten years. The purpose of this study was to identify assets and drawbacks in the functionality and configuration of the systems. Furthermore, expected impacts on drivers' workload and therewith traffic safety were of central interest.
First, the experts used each system on a predefined public urban road at night while evaluating the used system in a free and undetermined way. Second, an interview about different important aspects of night vision was accomplished. In summary, experts see in night vision technologies a very promising and worthwhile attempt to increase traffic safety at night but it will be a long way before bringing it onto the market.
Contact
People
Prof. Dr. Josef Krems, Dr. Andreas Keinath, Dipl.Psych. Anke Mogilka, Dipl.Ing. Sabine Dittrich, Tanja Lindner, Tibor Petzoldt
