What Attracts the Driver’s Eye?

Attention as a Function of Task and Events

Journal Article (2022)
Authors

Yke Bauke B. Eisma (TU Delft - Human-Robot Interaction)

Dirk Eijssen (Student TU Delft)

Joost C.F. Winter (TU Delft - Human-Robot Interaction)

Research Group
Human-Robot Interaction
Copyright
© 2022 Y.B. Eisma, Dirk Eijssen, J.C.F. de Winter
To reference this document use:
https://doi.org/10.3390/info13070333
More Info
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Copyright
© 2022 Y.B. Eisma, Dirk Eijssen, J.C.F. de Winter
Research Group
Human-Robot Interaction
Issue number
7
Volume number
13
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/info13070333
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Abstract

This study explores how drivers of an automated vehicle distribute their attention as a function of environmental events and driving task instructions. Twenty participants were asked to monitor pre-recorded videos of a simulated driving trip while their eye movements were recorded using an eye-tracker. The results showed that eye movements are strongly situation-dependent, with areas of interest (windshield, mirrors, and dashboard) attracting attention when events (e.g., passing vehicles) occurred in those areas. Furthermore, the task instructions provided to participants (i.e., speed monitoring or hazard monitoring) affected their attention distribution in an interpretable manner. It is concluded that eye movements while supervising an automated vehicle are strongly ‘top-down’, i.e., based on an expected value. The results are discussed in the context of the development of driver availability monitoring systems