Road projections as a new and intuitively understandable human-machine interface

Abstract

Abstract Various sensors in nowadays cars are already used to assist the driver or to inform him through several display technologies. However, some information cannot properly be displayed through conventional systems. This article shows the development of an assistance system through projections on the road beginning from human perception and interpretation of different symbols. The results of a simulator study are displayed, where test subjects had to state how they intended to react when seeing certain symbols on the road and how they interpreted these signs. As most promising symbols for all possible actions, two parallel lines were used in a further dynamic field study. The outcome of this study is presented and discussed. Having additional information about the car width displayed on the road, drivers managed challenging situations better without being distracted. Projections on the road showed a big potential of being used in broad traffic as assistance systems.