Quantitative evaluation of attention to the driving environment during automated driving at levels 3 using ERP: Evaluation of psychophysiological state of driver

Abstract

In automated driving at Level 3, drivers constantly need to allocate attention to the driving environment to react immediately to a take-over request. However, the amount of attention of drivers to the driving environment has not been quantified. The objective of this study was a quantitative evaluation of the amount of attention to the driving environment, and the psychophysiological state of the driver, during automated driving at Level 3. Attention and driver state at Level 3 were evaluated using ERP and psychophysiological indices respectively with compared to Level 2. The dual task method was used, in which twelve subjects performed driving tasks (Level 2 and Level 3) on a driving simulation system while in parallel performing an auditory oddball task. The data showed that the amount of attention to the driving environment at Level 3 decreased in comparison to Level 2, as indirectly measured by a 19.2% increase in attention to the auditory oddball task. Sympathetic nervous system activity during Level 3 automated driving decreased as compared to Level 2. In the psychological state, comfortable feeling and arousal level decreased at Level 3.