Overview
The Red Scientific Visual Occlusion Goggles implement the occlusion method defined in ISO 16673:2007 and the NHTSA Driver Distraction Guidelines. Electronically controlled liquid crystal lenses alternate between transparent and opaque states, measuring how much visual attention in-vehicle tasks require. The lightweight, adjustable frame is battery or USB powered, with TTL trigger I/O for synchronization and RS Logger compatibility.
Used for NHTSA compliance testing, in-vehicle HMI development, touchscreen and display assessment, voice interface studies, and academic human factors research.
How It Works
During testing, the goggles alternate between opaque and transparent states at precise intervals. Participants perform in-vehicle tasks while vision is periodically blocked:
- Total Shutter Open Time (TSOT) — Sum of open intervals needed to complete the task
- Total Task Time (TTT) — Total time from task start to completion
- Resumability (R) — How well users resume tasks after each interruption
NHTSA guidelines specify that tasks should be completable within 12 seconds of cumulative glance time.
Test Procedure
The ISO 16673 occlusion method uses timed intervals to simulate driver glances:
Lenses become transparent. Participant views the interface and continues their task.
Lenses become opaque. Vision is blocked, simulating eyes-on-road time.
Cycle continues until task completion. Total Task Time sums all open intervals.
Standards Compliance
ISO 16673:2007
International standard for the occlusion method to assess visual demand due to the use of in-vehicle systems. Defines test apparatus, procedures, and metrics.
NHTSA Guidelines
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Visual-Manual Driver Distraction Guidelines use occlusion testing as a key acceptance criterion.
Get Started
Interested in using visual occlusion goggles for your research? Contact us to discuss your requirements and get a quote.