Evaluation of Prototype Automotive Head-Up Display Interface: Testing Driver´s Focusing Ability through a VR Simulation

Contemporary automotive, navigation and infotainment requirements have evolved the traditional dashboard into a complex device that can often distract the driver. Head-Up Displays (HUDs) have recently attracted the attention in the field of automotive research, promoting the reduction of driver´s reaction time and to improve spatial awareness. The aptitude of the proposed HUD interface lies within the driver´s focusing ability to the HUD interface and the actual traffic. This paper analyses the performance behaviour through user-tests using different focal levels for the projection of a full-windshield HUD interface. For this purpose, a VR driving simulator has been developed to test the different depths of field configurations of a HUD while driving in various weather and traffic conditions with and without the HUD. Our simulation results reveal the users´ preferences regarding the focal point of the superimposed interface and present a comparative evaluation of the different focal levels and their impact on drivers´ behaviour and performance.