Effects of location of information presentation in pedestrian detection system on visibility and performance

A few pedestrian warning systems for automobiles are in practical use. It has not been clarified where is best suited for the location of pedestrian information presentation. The most effective location of information presentation in pedestrian detection system was investigated. In other words, the location that assured the fastest cognition of pedestrian information was clarified. The locations of information presentation in pedestrian detection system were front glass, front display of cockpit module, and left side display of cockpit module (like car navigation system). The participants were required to pay attention to the predetermined front area as well as the randomly presented pedestrian information while carrying out a virtual driving task (tracking task) and a secondary switch pressing task such as selection of wiper function. We also investigated the effect of alarm sound presented to the participants together with the visual pedestrian information on the cognition time of pedestrian information. As a result, the front glass was most suitable for the presentation of pedestrian information. The presentation of pedestrian information to the front glass led to high visibility and faster pedestrian cognition time.