"DARWIN" is a project led by the Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF) and funded under the European Commission's BRITE EURam III Research Programme - its objective is to develop, prototype and test a vision support system that can help drivers in conditions of reduced visibility, such as those experienced at night-time and during adverse weather. The first prototype of this system, built and tested in January 2000, uses far infrared technology and a virtual image display to provide the driver with an enhanced image of the road scene ahead. Human factors evaluations using a mock-up of the DARWIN system on the CRF driving simulator in Orbassano, Italy, were completed in December 1998. These evaluations consisted of a car-following task in (simulated) conditions of substantially reduced visibility, and showed a marked tendency for volunteer drivers, when using the DARWIN system, to leave a larger gap to the vehicle in front. Furthermore, close analysis of the driving simulator's data revealed that using the system's virtual image had no negative effects on volunteers' ability to maintain a straight course. (A)
Samenvatting