Use of eye-tracking in ergonomics: a field study of lift truck operators' work activity

ABSTRACT

Besides the work of Hella [1991], few studies exist on the visual behavior and visual needs of operators of powered industrial vehicles. Lift trucks, as an example, serve a useful purpose in industry but are also involved in occupational injuries and deaths. An analysis of work inspectors' reports [CSST 2005] from 1974 to 2004 identified 84 cases where the accident was fatal either for the lift truck operator or a co-worker. In 28 of these cases, the lack of visibility offered by the lift truck or due to the load carried, or the visual demands of the operator at the time of the accident, were either cited or presumed factors. Collision and overturning are the main types of fatal accidents. The aim of this paper is to present preliminary results of the use of an eye-tracker to study vision-related issues, and to discuss the feasibility of using such an instrument in field studies.

REFERENCES

• 1: CSST 2005. Inspector's reports of the Quebec Workmen Compensation Board (CSST) are available online at http://www.csst.qc.ca/portail/fr/actualites/
• 2: Hella, F., Tisserand, M. and Schouller, J-F. 1991. Analysis of eye movements in different tasks related to the use of lift trucks. Applied Ergonomics 22, 2, 101 -- 110.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.4 IMAGE PROCESSING AND COMPUTER VISION
      I.4.8 Scene Analysis
          Subjects: Tracking

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Ergonomics

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        I.2.10 Vision and Scene Understanding
  I.5 PATTERN RECOGNITION
      I.5.2 Design Methodology
          Subjects: Pattern analysis

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Human Factors