The evaluation of the electrooculogram as a psychophysiological measuring instrument in the driver study of driver behaviour

Abstract

Certain disadvantages of the EOG (electrooculogram) in the measurement of gaze behaviour (for example lack of stability) can be overcome by using on-line computer identification of saccades and additional keyboard marking of relevant gazes by the experimenter. This reveals the advantages of EOG measurement for precise fixation durations of gazes on defined instruments, activation decrements and increments of drivers due to time on task or mental effort (via saccadic velocity), and blink behaviour as controlled interruptions of visual behaviour. Three studies of traffic relevant questions were performed: (a) to better define optimal characteristics of digital displays; (b) to evaluate possible misperceptions caused by reflexions in the outside rear view mirror images passing through double-glazed windows of the car; (c) and to compare a head-up-display vs. conventional speedometer reading in real traffic situations. Saccades and blinks of the drivers in these situations were measured by the EOG-ON-LINE device, and its effectiveness assessed thus.

Keywords:

• EOG (electrooculogram)
• Saccades
• Blinks
• Saccadic velocity
• Vigilance
• Driver behaviour