Augmented Reality as an Advanced Driver-Assistance System : A Cognitive Approach

AR is progressively being implemented in the automotive domain as an ADAS system. This increasingly popular technology has the potential to reduce the fatalities on the road which involve HF, however the cognitive components of AR are still being studied. This review provides a quick overview of the studies related with the cognitive mechanisms involved in AR while driving to date. Related research is varied, a taxonomy of the outcomes is provided. AR systems should follow certain criteria to avoid undesirable outcomes such as cognitive capture. Only information related with the main driving task should be shown to the driver in order to avoid occlusion of the real road by non-driving related tasks and high mental workload. However, information should not be shown at all times so it does not affect the driving skills of the users and they do not develop overreliance in the system, which may lead to risky behaviours. Some popular uses of AR in the car are navigation and as safety system (i.e. BSD or FCWS). AR cognitive outcomes should be studied in these particular contexts in the future. This article is intended as a mini-guide for manufacturers and designers in order to improve the quality and the efficiency of the systems that are currently being developed