Effects of E-Mirror Location and Size and Lane Change Direction on Lane Change Time, Eye-Off-Road Time, Mental Workload, and Preference

Abstract

Electronic mirrors (E-mirrors) are camera-based mirrorless systems that have been considered as an alternative to conventional automotive rear-view mirrors. E-mirror location and size need to be carefully determined to provide safe and preferred driving conditions. This study examined the effects of E-mirror location, E-mirror size, and lane-change direction on lane change time, eye-off-road (EOR) time, mental workload, and preference. In a fixed-base driving simulator, a total of 20 individuals (mean (SD) age = 24.7 (2.2) years) performed lane-change maneuvers under 12 different E-mirror configurations, comprising 4 E-mirror locations times 3 screen heights (6, 8, and 9.7 cm; width-to-height aspect ratios = 16:9). E-mirror location significantly affected EOR time, mental workload, and preference, whereas E-mirror size significantly affected preference only. Lane-change direction significantly affected lane change time, EOR time, and mental workload, with right lane change maneuvers demanding more time and mental workload. Considering the EOR time, mental workload, and preference, E-mirrors 8 cm high or higher should be positioned near the sides of the steering wheel or the bottom of the front inner pillars. The relevance of these findings to ergonomic design guidelines is discussed.