Artificial Optic Flow Guides Visual Attention in a Driving Scene

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether an artificial optic flow created by dot motion guides attention in a driving scene. Background To achieve safe driving, it is essential to understand the characteristics of human visual information processing as well as to provide appropriate support for drivers. Past research has demonstrated that expanding optic flow guides visual attention to the focus of expansion. Optic flow is an attractive candidate for use as a cue to direct drivers’ attention toward the significant information. The question addressed concerns whether an artificial optic flow can successfully guide attention even in a traffic situation involving the optic flow that naturally occurs while driving. Method We developed a visual search paradigm embedded in a video of a driving scene. Participants first observed an optic flow motion pattern superimposed on the video for brief period; next, when the optic flow and video ceased, they searched a static display for a target among multiple distractors. Results The target detection was faster when a target’s locus coincided with the implied focus of expansion from the preceding optic flow (vs. other loci). Conclusion The artificial optic flow guides attention and facilitates searching objects at the focus of expansion even when the optic flow was superimposed on a driving scene. Application Optic flow can be an effective cue for guiding drivers’ attention in a traffic situation. This finding contributes to the understanding of visual attention in moving space and helps develop technology for traffic safety.

Toward a Theory of Visual Information Acquisition in Driving

“…Along similar lines, peripheral vision in driving is often thought of as primarily a source of motion information and little else (Owsley, 2011). While optic flow is undoubtedly essential as a cue to the driver (Higuchi et al, 2019; McLeod & Ross, 1983), our ability to understand static scenes and make predictions about how they might change suggests that peripheral vision provides considerably more information (c.f., Blättler et al, 2011; Freyd & Finke, 1984; Wolfe, Fridman et al, 2019).…”

The Shape of a Vehicle Windshield Affects Reaction Time and Brain Activity During a Target Detection Task

“…OF is the distribution of apparent velocities of movement of brightness patterns in an image that is caused by the relative motion of objects and the observer (Horn and Schunck, 1981). Although there has been a good deal of research on attentional effects of various factors while driving, there is limited information on the influence of OF on visual attention in drivers (e.g., Higuchi et al, 2019). Furthermore, how OF affects brain activity is little known.…”

“…Therefore, it is plausible that a tilted pillar may elicit more upward OF more frequently than a vertical pillar. Moreover, given that OF itself may attract visual attention (Higuchi et al, 2019), this extraneous-OF 1 may distract the driver from necessary driving operations.…”