Ergonomic Guidelines of Head-Up Display User Interface during Semi-Automated Driving

Abstract

Self-driving vehicles are emerging as a result of technological advances, and the range of human behavior is expanding. The collateral information on driving is increasing, and head-up displays (HUDs) can be coupled with augmented reality displays to convey additional information to drivers in innovative ways. Interference between the actual driving environment and the displayed information can cause distractions. Research is required to find out what information should be displayed and how to properly display it considering the number of information, as well as the location and arrangement of the HUD. This study aims to examine the types of HUD information presentation that enhance the driver’s intuitive understanding. The first experiment identified which information affects drivers more in self-driving conditions in terms of error rate and importance. As a result, information that the drivers consider to be of greater importance or more relevant to their safety was selected. The level of HUD information complexity was assessed in the second experiment. The independent variables were the number of symbols, location of the HUD, and arrangement of the HUD. The results showed that the number of symbols was most affected and that fewer than six should be displayed. Besides, the arrangement of contents was more intuitive when a vertical alignment was used, and the main content should be placed in the center of the windshield area. Finally, ergonomic design guidelines of the information presentation type are proposed in this study.

Intelligibility of Haptic Signals in Vehicle Information Systems

“…The autonomous vehicle we seek to develop will actively interact with its driver based on the multimodal interface [ 24 ], and haptic research and development will need to be conducted accordingly. Particularly in terms of semi-autonomous driving, the effect of a visual display, such as a HUD, would be appropriate, as drivers look straight ahead [ 25 ]. However, in autonomous driving, signals must be presented according to a driver’s state (sleep, watching a movie, reading, etc.)…”

Automotive Holographic Head‐Up Displays

“…Design proposals incorporate a balance between the risks and the advantages of windshield HUDs such as considering driver's abilities and the priority of tasks in every single context of the transportation. [ 58 ] A need for a human‐centered approach in the design of windshield HUDs is paramount for safety and security on roads. [ 59 ] The driver's cognitive and sensory abilities need to be balanced with the driver's needs for windshield HUDs.…”

“…[ 71 ] Finally, ergonomic studies suggested that the placement and the amount of HUD projection content is crucial. [ 58 ] Fewer than 6 symbols should be displayed at one time and the main content should be placed in the center of the windshield. Gap analysis frameworks can allow for defining metrics for the component arrangement and replay field efficiency to meet the industry requirements for holographic HUDs.…”

Exploring, developing and evaluating in-car HMI to support appropriate use of automated cars

“…Several additional design choices were made in accordance with well-established ergonomic and safety guidelines for in-vehicle electronic devices to limit both the driver's visual-and mental workload, and the glances away from the centre of the road while effectively conveying the necessary information (summarized by: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2013b; Park & Im, 2020). First, all illustrations were placed as close to the centre of the road without blocking the driving situation.…”

“…It should be investigated how a specific DIT design affects drivers' gaze patterns, cognitive load and response time and quality. While general recommendations for head-up display visuals have been studied (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2013b;Park & Im, 2020), the specific placement and form of DIT visuals need to be empirically determined so they require minimal cognitive demand and gazes away from the road. In conclusion, although the current DIT prototype is designed to minimize cognitive load and distraction, an important next step would be to investigate the effects of a DITs specific design elements on drivers' attention and ability to respond to emergencies as it is active.…”