Evaluating Workload Associated with Telematic Devices via a Secondary Task Protocol

There are a variety of driver distractions that negatively affect driver workload and performance. These distractions range attempting to light a cigarette, and putting on make-up, to eating or drinking, tuning the radio, using a cellular phone, or using an in-vehicle navigation system. Of particular present interest are the distracting effects of telematic devices, which include traffic information systems, telecommunication, intelligent aid and control, and navigational systems. These devices can now be found on-board various types of U.S. and foreign automobiles. Despite having many potential benefits, there are also several behavioral problems resulting from poor use of these devices. The present research was designed to investigate the deleterious effects of telematics on driver performance. It was hypothesized that all the telematic systems used in this study would degrade driver performance and increase workload. A mixed-model factorial design (2x3) was used, with telematics being a between-subject factor and allocation phase a within-subject factor (repeated measures). All participants were required to drive three, four-minute simulated (pre, during, and post) allocation phases. In the preallocation phase, participants were required to drive while performing a secondary counting task, (counting and responding to a series of randomly presented visual signals). During the allocation phase, participants were required to drive and perform the secondary counting task while either talking on the phone or tuning a radio (distractibility task). In the post-allocation phase, participants were required to drive while performing the secondary counting task. Data from the counting task (number of correct, wrong, and misses) and driving errors (collisions, crossing the median, leaving the road, maintaining the speed limit, and lane deviations) were recorded and statistically analyzed. Thirty-four participants (nine males and 25 females) from the University of Central Florida participated in this study. A series of analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to test for the effects of telematics and workload on each of the dependent measures. A significant main effect of phase on lane deviations was observed, F(2, 64) = 10.58, p < .001, indicating that more lane deviations were made during the cell phone and radio tuning use (M = 9.14) than during both of the pre-allocation (M = 4.14) and post-allocation (M = 5.88) phases. ANOVA also yielded a significant main effect of phase on crossing the median, F(3, 68) = 4.63, p < .05, indicating that more crossings were made during the allocation phase (M = 5.05) than during the pre-allocation (M = 3.05) and post-allocation (M = 4.47) phases. Similarly, the results also showed a significant effect of phase on the distraction task performance, F(2, 64) = 5.70, p < .01, indicating that more errors were made during the allocation phase (M = 6.50) than during the pre-allocation (M = 4.50) and the post-allocation (M = 3.38) phases. The present findings indicate that both cellular phone and radio systems are capacity demanding. The counting task results demonstrate the increased level of workload associated with these telematic devices. In addition, driving performance errors were also higher for both the cellular phone and the radio systems. Our findings suggest the need to regulate the use of such devices in order to avoid overloading the driver’s attentional spare capacity

Azang lat support

Issued as Final report, Project no. G-42-60

The effects of foveal lead on peripheral sensitivity in the visual field

Issued as Progress reports, nos. 1-3, Project no. G-42-60

Effects of transient adaptation at low luminances

Issued as Final report, Project no. G-42-639 (continues G-42-632

Characteristics Of Visual Fidelity In The Virtual Environment

This paper provides an overview of the literature on the visual system, placing special emphasis on those visual characteristics regarded as necessary to produce adequate visual fidelity in virtual environments. These visual cues apply to the creation of various virtual environments including those involving flying, driving, sailing, or walking. A variety of cues are examined, in particular, motion, color, stereopsis, pictorial and secondary cues, physiological cues, texture, vertical development, luminance, field-of-view, and spatial resolution. Conclusions and recommendations for research are also presented

Visual cues in the simulation of low level flight

Issued as Progress report and Final report, Project no. G-42-64

Visual Cues And Potential Problems In Flight Simulation

Several potential problems related to visual cues in simulation are discussed. One problem involves the use of colors which are isoluminant. Another concerns distributed interactive simulation or networking, where there is sometimes a lack of a level playing field between simulators based on their ability to produce the same colors. Finally, there is research which suggests that flicker or refresh rate in CRT devices used in some displays may contribute to simulator sickness

Effects Of Task Training And Instructions On Foveal Load

The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of foveal load on sensitivity in the peripheral visual field. Foveal load was manipulated by comparing the simple fixation of a cross vs. a first-order (i.e., rate) compensatory tracking task. Peripheral sensitivity was determined simultaneously for light flashes presented at different eccentricities along the horizontal meridian. The effects of training on the task were also evaluated in terms of changes in peripheral sensitivity. In general, the results showed no losses in peripheral sensitivity or a ‘tunnel vision’ effect under the experimental conditions employed. These results are contrary to data obtained by previous investigators. Reasons for these findings are discussed. © 1987 SPIE

Effects Of Task Training And Instructions On Foveal Load

The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of foveal load on sensitivity in the peripheral visual field. Foveal load was manipulated by comparing the simple fixation of a cross vs. a first-order (i.e., rate) compensatory tracking task. Peripheral sensitivity was determined simultaneously for light flashes presented at different eccentricities along the horizontal meridian. The effects of training on the task were also evaluated in terms of changes in peripheral sensitivity. In general, the results showed no losses in peripheral sensitivity or a ‘tunnel vision’ effect under the experimental conditions employed. These results are contrary to data obtained by previous investigators. Reasons for these findings are discussed. © 1987 SPIE

Effects Of Transient Adaptation On Cockpit Operations

Two experiments examined visibility loss as a function of sudden changes in luminance level such as those that might be experienced by a pilot in a high-performance aircraft. Luminance levels chosen were similar to those found at dawn and dusk or under nighttime conditions. In the first experiment, the observer was required to recognize test letters varying in spectral composition similar to what might be seen on a HUD. The large background field changed upwards or downwards a 1- or 2-log unit increment. Results indicated losses for both directions of change. No differences were found between the different test-letter colors. In the second experiment, the observer was exposed to changing background fields (2-log unit upward and downward changes) which were presented from 0 to 5 degrees from foveal fixation. In general, results indicated greater effects for background stimuli closest to central fixation (in the region of target location) and decreasing to zero with increasing eccentricity