Master's thesis; Digital rear-view mirrors

Background
The work will target perception and decision making in Camera Monitor Systems (CMS) or digital rear-view mirrors involving behavioural and perceptual, as well as physical measurements. For the CMS an important question is how depth perception, distance judgement and obstacle avoidance are affected by physical parameters, since the resulting image can be perceived as if located at a different distance than it would be in a common, traditional mirror. Crucial is the impact on perception, potentially leading to erroneous, and possibly fatal, decisions.

This project is suitable for MSc thesis students, working individually or together in pairs. 

Description
Vehicle manufacturers have started to introduce CMS as a replacement of the traditional rear-view mirrors. This technology is based on displays connected to cameras on the outside of the vehicle. One potential advantage is that the driver might see past dead angles (both when driving on the highway and when reversing). CMSs can also be provided with graphics or Augmented Reality (AR) information. It is also possible to use external cameras to create a synthetic bird's eye view above the vehicle when reversing or crawling. Disadvantages of digital rear-view mirrors are delays in the system, and reduced depth information. Also, the camera together with the screen has lower dynamics than the eye, and the superimposed information can overload the driver's perception and cognitive abilities.

The master thesis project will be carried out within an ongoing research project, SCREENS II, involving the partners: RISE, Scania, SmartEye, Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks. The goals are to develop methods, tools and guidelines as well as knowledge and understanding to support the Swedish automotive industry in creating road-safe, ergonomic, and healthy digital information environments.

Key Responsibilities
The study involving test persons, is composed by the following main parts:

• Literature study
• Identification of research questions.
• Planning of experiment
• Setting up of experiment
• Pilot test and running the experiment.
• Analysis of results
• Development of design guidelines.
• Report writing and oral presentations.

Qualifications

Required skills:

• Driving license

Suggested skills:

• Some experience and interest in user testing
• Interest in optics and visual perception
• Programming
• If working in pair, having worked together before with the co-applicant.

Terms

Suggested time period and extent:

• Spring 2025 and extent is 30 hp/person.

Location:

• The thesis projects will be carried out at RISE’s premises in Kista.

Remuneration:

•  A monetary remuneration will be paid at completion of the work.

Welcome with your application!
For more information, contact Kjell Brunnström, PdH, Senior Scientist, Research Leader Perceptual Media Quality at kjell.brunnstrom@ri.se or +46 708419105. The application should include a personal letter, CV, grade excerpt and a text/report that you value. The application deadline is January 15th, 2025.