More than the Useful Field: Considering peripheral vision in driving

Abstract

Applied research on driving and basic vision research have held similar views on central, fovea-based vision as the core of visual perception. In applied work, the concept of the Useful Field, as determined by the Useful Field of View (UFOV) test, divides vision between a "useful" region towards the center of the visual field, and the rest of the visual field. While compelling, this dichotomization is at odds with findings in vision science which demonstrate the capabilities of peripheral vision. In this paper, we examine driving research from this new perspective, and argue for the need for an updated understanding of how drivers acquire information about their operating environment using peripheral vision. The concept of the Useful Field and the UFOV test are not discarded; instead we discuss their strengths, limitations, and future directions. We discuss key findings from vision science on peripheral vision, and a theory that provides insights into its capabilities and limitations. This more complete basic science understanding of peripheral vision informs appropriate use of the UFOV and the Useful Field in driving research going forward.

Predicting road scenes from brief views of driving video

“…While the capabilities of the driver limit what we should expect them to do in different types of handoff situations, our results contrast with the assumption that ''sub-second viewing times are probably too short for processing dynamic traffic scenes'' (Lu et al, 2017, p. 294). It is likely that the driver's peripheral vision (Wolfe, Dobres, Rosenholtz, & Reimer, 2017) is a major contributor to their ability to quickly represent their environment, and that serial search for objects in the scene, while occasionally necessary, may not be a component of general representation without a specific task. Automated systems may need to be designed with the awareness that the driver is remarkably capable of representing the immediate future with only a brief glimpse of the road; however, a single glimpse may not be enough to make them a safe driver, or to enable a safe takeover.…”

Bicyclists’ adaptation strategies when interacting with text messages in urban environments

“…This is important given the capabilities of peripheral vision and the perception that can be achieved in the absence of selective attention (Wolfe et al 2017). A road user who is looking at the phone is indeed attempting to develop situational awareness based on peripheral input alone (Wolfe et al 2017). Future research is needed to clarify when, where and for how long peripheral input is sufficient for safe travel.…”

“…In a semi-controlled study, the posed research questions are allowed to move from the operational level to the tactical level, but when doing so, it is important to also adapt the corresponding performance indicators to this type of experimental setting. For example, performance indicators of inappropriate behaviours that are commonly used in controlled studies, such as long glance durations away from the road or large swerving but within the lane boundaries, tend to lose their meaning if these behaviours only occur in areas with no traffic, where it is supposedly safer to look away for a longer time period [due to the abilities of peripheral vision when it comes to tracking and lane keeping (Wolfe et al 2017)]. How to choose appropriate performance indicators in a semi-controlled study is not trivial.…”

Age-related sensory deficits and their consequences

“…Although the useful field of view has received considerable attention, it is also important to note the importance of peripheral vision in driving (in other words, regions outside the "useful field" of view) (Wolfe et al, 2017). For example, input from peripheral vision may help maintain lane position (Summala et al, 1996).…”