Evaluation of Cognitive Distraction in a Real Vehicle Based on the Reflex Eye Movement

Abstract

We have developed a method to estimate driver distraction by mean of involuntary eye movement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and optokinetic response (OKR) by using a driving simulator. This paper presents a practical application of the method to the real vehicle situation. The main concern was whether we can measure the eye movement of VOR and OKR caused by the road surface vibration in the situation. The experiments were conducted with participants sitting on the passenger seat for safety reasons. The results have shown that our method can be applied for evaluating cognitive distraction not only in a driving simulator but also in actual vehicles.