Implementation and Evaluation of a Gaze-Dependent In-Vehicle Driver Warning System

Abstract

Many traffic accidents are caused by distraction of the driver. While head-up displays (HUDs) offer great advantages, these devices are still dependent on the line of sight of the driver. This paper looks at low-budget options to determine the drivers current line of sight and use the entire windshield to display warning messages accordingly within the field of view of the driver. The implemented tracking systems were tested in a static driving simulator. In a study, the gaze-dependent warning systems were compared to a standard HUD. Reaction times of the driver were measured in controlled situations of distraction and non-distraction. Results show that the reaction times decrease in distraction cases when using warning messages displayed within line of sight of the driver compared to an HUD. Furthermore, the paper provides feedback by the subjects, e.g., concerning the practicability of the different tracking systems.