Traffic Signs in Complex Visual Environments

Mace, D. J.; Perchonok, K.; Pollack, L.

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Traffic Signs in Complex Visual Environments

1982-11-01
By Mace, D. J. ; Perchonok, K. ; Pollack, L.

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Mace, D. J. ; Perchonok, K. ; Pollack, L.
Corporate Creators:

Institute for Research (State College, Pa.)
Corporate Contributors:

United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Research and Development
Subject/TRT Terms:
Publication/ Report Number:

FHWA/RD-82/102
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States
Edition:

Final Report, Sept 1979 - May 1982
Contracting Officer:

Schwab, R. N.
Corporate Publisher:

United States. Federal Highway Administration
Abstract:

The effects of sign luminance on detection and recognition of traffic control devices is mediated through contrast with the immediate surround. Additionally, complex visual scenes are known to degrade visual performance with targets well above visual threshold. A laboratory study was conducted to determine ways of measuring visual complexity and to assess the capability of changes in sign luminance to offset decrements in performance resulting from added complexity. Positive results were found for yellow warning, construction and stop signs, but not for the black on white regulatory sign. Regression equations using complexity factors, contrast, and target variables suggested that in complex scenes, complexity is a more significant determinant of sign detection than brightness or contrast. A field study was also conducted to determine if these findings could be observed in terms of real world driver performance. The effects of visual complexity were observed in the field and increasing sign brightness improved sign recognition under specific conditions.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

DOT-FH-11-9646
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/34956/dot_34956_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 4.33 MB]
Collection(s):

Federal Highway Administration
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:1046ea62c4db1e2b1e783247148c025fc2cc9ffd19f70f47bbd849e7409165252606063fafa743306dd16d9b7ff13a4732f969462c26d5c8157af4deecd133c1

File Language:

English

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