Handbook of Driving Simulation for Engineering, Medicine, and Psychology

Sensory and Perceptual Factors in the Design of Driving Simulation Displays

Author
George J. Andersen, University of California

Abstract
The Problem. Driving simulators involve the presentation of visual information (along with other information) to examine driving skill and performance. In order to optimize driving skill and performance, simulator displays should be designed in accordance with the sensory and perceptual capabilities of the driver. Role of Driving Simulators. The effect of different ways of displaying visual information on drivers’ performance in a driving simulator is itself the object of study. Key Results of Driving Simulator Studies. Driving simulator studies have indicated the types of visual information important for performing a variety of tasks. These types include sensory factors (acuity, contrast, luminance, and motion) and perceptual factors (texture, optical flow, depth and distance information, and cue conflicts). Relevant results from psychophysics studies are discussed that can be used to optimize the presentation of visual information for driving tasks. In addition, minimum standards are proposed to optimize research and training using simulators. Finally, both the role of visual factors that can contribute to simulator sickness and the role of procedures that can be used to minimize risk of simulator sickness are also discussed. Scenarios and Dependent Variables. Simulator scenarios that are highly dependent on visual factors include steering, collision detection and avoidance, car following, braking, speed regulation, and the identification/recognition of targets (i.e., roadway signs, pedestrians, traffic lights). Platform Specificity and Equipment Limitations. The present chapter will discuss how differences in the platforms and equipment in driving simulators determine what visual information is displayed, which in turn has an impact on driving performance.

Keywords
Visual Perception, Driving Tasks, Simulator Display Design, Simulator Sickness

Key Points
• Driving performance is highly dependent on visual information.
• Different driving tasks (e.g., steering control, car following, collision detection and avoidance) involve different sources of visual information. Driving simulation displays should be designed to optimize the presentation of these information sources.
• Sensory issues that can impact performance in driving simulators include spatial resolution, temporal resolution, luminance, and contrast.
• Perceptual issues that can impact performance in driving simulators include motion, optic flow, texture, and stereopsis.
• A serious issue often overlooked in driving simulation is the presence of flatness cues from conflicting perceptual information (e.g., stereopsis, accommodation, convergence) or the visibility of the frame of the display.
• Factors that result in simulator sickness are quite varied and include sensory conflicts, a wide field of view, improper position of the driver given the simulation, and display misalignment.

Key Readings
Andersen, G. J., and Sauer, C. W. (2004). Optical information for collision detection during deceleration. In H. Hecht & G. J. P. Savelsbergh (Eds.), Time-to-Contact (pp. 93–108). Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Elsevier Science.

Andersen, G. J., and Sauer, C. W. (2007). Optical information for car following: The DVA model. Human Factors, 49, 878–896.

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Eby, D. W., and Braunstein, M. L. (1995). The perceptual flattening of three-dimensional scenes enclosed by a frame. Perception, 24(9), 981–993.

Manser, M. P., and Hancock, P. A. (2007). The influence of perceptual speed regulation on speed perception, choice, and control: Tunnel wall characteristics and influences. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 39(1), 69–78.