Methods of Application - Field of View Targets

The use of a new tool for the evaluation of driver visibility requirements is described. The tool takes the form of a program written for an interactive computer graphics system. XYZ coordinates of window openings, visual obstructions, mirror systems and driver eye points are supplied as data. Polar coordinate line drawings are then generated on the graphics display simulating what a driver would see directly to the front and sides or indirectly to the rear through a rear view mirror. The program can be used to evaluate driver visibility in terms of forward and rearward visibility target areas in actual vehicles or in vehicle concepts (clay models, prototypes and car body drawings) which are sufficiently well developed to permit the specification of window coordinates.