In-Vehicle Technologies: Experience & Research

  a good idea   7/8/00 10:21:11 AM

  Do you own a Cadillac DeVille 2000 with the Night Vision system?   7/10/00 11:57:33 AM

  Agreed - good idea   7/12/00 3:16:41 AM

  Haven't actually seen one of these except on TV   7/15/00 1:16:43 AM

  A HUGE distraction for unqualified drivers   7/19/00 10:12:41 AM

  Re: A HUGE distraction......   7/19/00 11:14:39 AM

  Distraction or Driving Aid?   7/20/00 8:13:11 AM

  Training would NOT be a satisfactory solution   7/25/00 2:00:56 PM

  Good Idea   7/25/00 2:09:16 PM

  Technology Advancements are Guaranteed   7/25/00 7:29:48 PM

  HUDs in Cars: Theory and Practice   7/26/00 9:55:38 AM

Although the idea of HUDs in cars may seem like an appropriate application of a "proven" technology (as was mentioned, HUDs have been in military and commercial aircraft for quite some time), it has not been demonstrated that HUDs are appropriate, or even necessary, for use in cars. The idea is that drivers won't have to risk taking their eyes off the road to acquire information (as with standard instrument panel displays) because (1) the HUD image is closer to the forward line-of-sight, (2) it is possible to see through the image (so, you may still be able to see the road behind the HUD image), and (3) the virtual image distance (typically greater than 10 feet ahead) is more comfortable for most viewers (particularly older drivers with presbyopia). These are some of the reasons HUDs should benefit drivers. At least, that's the theory. What's the practice? Although it is too soon to tell for sure, actual drivers using automotive HUDs may experience numerous problems. For example, the eye has to be within a small 3-D space (called the eye box) in order to acquire the image. So, if you're head is outside the eye box, you will miss important information displayed on the HUD. More pertinent to this forum is the fact that HUDs may be distracting. This may be particularly true at night when workload is "low" (drivers may be bored and/or fatigued). Also, it is important to keep in mind that HUDs will not serve as the primary information source for driving a car(at least not in the foreseeable future). In contrast, HUDs are often the primary information source for aviators. So, anytime the driver glances at the HUD it could (I am playing devil's advocate here a bit) be categorized as a distraction, even though (in the case of Night Vision systems) it is providing longer previews to some objects. So, should HUDs and/or Night Vision be in cars or not? Any opinions? Experiences? We want to hear from you.

  HUDs seem to be the Only safe method of conveying info to drivers   7/28/00 1:40:02 PM

  DataVision HUD   7/28/00 1:48:43 PM

  Re: A Huge Distraction-No way   7/28/00 2:20:31 PM

  Training would NOT be a satisfactory solution- 3 other tools would be satisfactory   7/28/00 2:39:44 PM

   A HUGE distraction for unqualified drivers - Ol' Wives tale   7/31/00 7:53:19 PM

  DataVision HUD Reply with info   8/2/00 11:19:47 AM

  HUD Distractions - No way   8/2/00 12:55:21 PM

  Better headlights and or trainng instead?   8/5/00 9:12:50 AM

  HUDs in Cars: A suggestion...   8/5/00 6:53:52 PM

  Just-in-Time learning is the solution   8/8/00 3:49:31 PM

  Just-in-Time learning in cars   8/8/00 4:19:26 PM