Eye movement analysis of visual information acquisition in driving: an overview

This paper describes the basic techniques of eye movement analysis and discusses, in particular, two systems developed by the systems research group at the Ohio State University. Particular emphasis is placed on the corneal reflection 3- vidicon system used in automobile driving. The research potential of eye movement technique is outlined and specific studies using this technique are briefly presented. Applications include the use of eye movement technique to study perceptual search and scan pattern development in novice drivers, in predicting degradation patterns due to fatigue, and the use of eye movement techniques in studying drivers at moderate levels of blood alcohol. The paper also describes briefly some of the more theoretical problems associated with eye movement technique as applied to driving; specifically, the role of peripheral vision in driving and the concept of spare visual capacity. The role of eye movements in information acquisition is proposed as one of the key elements in both the learning of driving performance and its degradation due to various stresses, and its special role in system evaluation for examples of highway signing. As an explanation of accident phenomena, eye movement technique also offers great potential (a).