On-line Method for Evaluating Driver Distraction of Memory-decision Workload Based on Dynamics of Vestibulo-ocular Reflex

Abstract

Recently, development of in-vehicle information systems provides much information to driver. Despite the usefulness of such systems, it is concerned that information processing demand to the drivers leads to distractions that exert a negative effect on the appropriate driving behavior with handle, quick detection of obstacles and reaction on brake pedal. However, the on-line method to evaluate the influence of distractions while driving has not yet been proposed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose the method to quantitatively evaluate the influence of driver distractions caused by information processing demand in real time. For this purpose, we focus on VOR (vestibulo-ocular reflex) which is involuntary eye movement to compensate against disturbance on the head position for gaze stabilization. First, our method is to identify the eye movement model for a particular subject from measured data without another information processing demand. This model represents the subject's dynamics of VOR. After that, the eye movement is measured when the subject get distracted by paying attention to information processing demand, and it is compared with the identified model output in real time. This model-based method makes it possible to quantitatively evaluate the influence of distraction on VOR. This study experimentally has confirmed that the proposed on-line method is effective to evaluate the influence of driver distractions.