Exploring the effects of visual cognitive load and illumination on pupil diameter in driving simulators

Abstract

Pupil diameter is an important measure of cognitive load. However, pupil diameter is also influenced by the amount of light reaching the retina. In this study we explore the interaction between these two effects in a simulated driving environment. Our results indicate that it is possible to separate the effects of illumination and visual cognitive load on pupil diameter, at least in certain situations.