Virtual Head-up Displays for Augmented Reality in Cars: a User Testing to Validate the Congruence

Abstract

Head-up displays (HUD) permit augmented reality (AR) information in cars. Simulation is a convenient way to design and evaluate the benefit of such innovation for the driver. For this purpose, we have developed a virtual HUD that we compare to real AR HUDs from depth perception features. User testing was conducted with 24 participants in a stereoscopic driving simulator. It showed the ability of the virtual HUD to reproduce the perception of the distance between real objects and their augmentation. Three AR overlay designs to highlight the car ahead were compared: the trapezoid shape was perceived as more congruent that the U shape overlay.