Experimental Isolation of the Driver's Visual Input

Abstract

A technique for isolating the operator's visual input is presented. The method involves decreasing the visual field so that the essential information is obtained by the operator in separate visual fixations. A continuous film record is made to indicate the center of visual aim and the content of each fixation. Using this aperture device, visual positional data were obtained on ten drivers on a two-lane low traffic density road. The essential information was found to be the road edges and center lane marker. The manner in which this information was obtained differed from driver to driver. The film records refute the notion that the driver has a fixed point of forward reference, or that a common pattern of viewing is shared by all drivers. The hypothesis is presented that the persistent pattern of fixation movements forward to the limits of the road, and back again to the vehicle are explained by the contradictory requirements of perceptual anticipation and vehicular alignment with the road.