Influence of Head up Display on Visual Fatigue and Eye-Hand Discoordination in Runway Incursion Scenarios

Abstract

In contrast to Primary Flight Display (PFD), Head-up Display (HUD) has not been found to conducive to the detection of runway incursions, altough visual fatigue and eye-hand discoordination have both been cited as important factors in this regard. Background：Few studies that assess the impact of HUD on visual fatigue and eye-hand coordination. Method：In addressing this deficit, we performed a simulation flight test that detects runway incursion by deploying the A320 cockpit visual simulation system that integrates HUD. Results：The results demonstrate the percentage of eye-hand discoordination with HUD was 18.75%, thereby exceeding the 8.40% recorded in the application of PFD by 10.35%. Hand manipulation duration and frequency analysis indicates that it helps to reduce the pilot’s physical load. The results also demonstrate that the linear fitting coefficient of pupil diameter change over time when HUD is applied is -0.000055 less than the 0.000009 evidenced when PFD is applied. Conclusion：These results lead to the conclusion, flight operating error and visual fatigue are more easily triggered by HUD during the landing phase. Application：The results of this study may contribute to the evaluation of the application and design of HUD, along with the analysis of pilot’s visual fatigue and performance runway incursion prevention.