Development of a Uniform Procedure for the Evaluation of Rearview Systems

An ongoing research and development program whose purpose is to develop a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of current and near-future rear vision systems is discussed. Part I, Characteristics Measurement/Evaluation, and Part II. Simulated-Use Measurement/Evaluation, are outlined and preliminary results are presented. Simulated-Use performance is measured in a simulated environment using photographic images of threat vehicles whose distance and motion are judged by mirror users. Errors are weighted relative to severity and overall effectiveness evaluated using a novel Figure of Merit. Implications for further development as a research and evaluation tool are discussed.