Visuo-respiratory Synchronisation in Automated Vehicles. A novel Technique to increase Take-over Speed?

Abstract Background: To date, automated vehicles (AVs) still require human drivers to take back control upon request. When a take-over request (TOR) is issued, efficient and safe interaction between the AV and the driver needs to be ensured. Visuo-respiratory synchronisation has been proposed as a novel technique to reduce reaction time (RT) to TORs. Objective: In this study, we manipulated visuo-respiratory synchronisation in an automated driving simulation study. We hypothesize that exposing drivers to synchronised ambient light reduces RT and crash rate. In an exploratory fashion, we investigate trust in automation and heart-rate variability (HRV) development. Methods: During a 15-min automated driving phase, drivers were exposed to different types of ambient light. 57 participants were assigned to one of three conditions of pulsing ambient light: synchronised with their breathing (synchronised), in a set frequency (repetitive), or absence of ambient light (no-light). The...Show moreAbstract Background: To date, automated vehicles (AVs) still require human drivers to take back control upon request. When a take-over request (TOR) is issued, efficient and safe interaction between the AV and the driver needs to be ensured. Visuo-respiratory synchronisation has been proposed as a novel technique to reduce reaction time (RT) to TORs. Objective: In this study, we manipulated visuo-respiratory synchronisation in an automated driving simulation study. We hypothesize that exposing drivers to synchronised ambient light reduces RT and crash rate. In an exploratory fashion, we investigate trust in automation and heart-rate variability (HRV) development. Methods: During a 15-min automated driving phase, drivers were exposed to different types of ambient light. 57 participants were assigned to one of three conditions of pulsing ambient light: synchronised with their breathing (synchronised), in a set frequency (repetitive), or absence of ambient light (no-light). The automation phase ended with the AV issuing a TOR. Drivers had to react as quickly as possible to avoid an obstacle. Results: No significant differences in RT or crash rate between groups were found. An exploratory analysis yielded a significant increase of trust in automation after the simulation compared to before. HRV analysis showed no clearly interpretable results. Conclusion: Our results are conflicting with the results of prior research on visuo-respiratory synchronisation. More research is needed to determine whether visuo-respiratory synchronisation is an effective technique to increase take-over speed in automated driving.Show less

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Visuo-respiratory Synchronisation in Automated Vehicles. A novel Technique to increase Take-over Speed?