Luminance and saliency have impact on pedestrians’ fixation distribution during natural walking: Evidence from mobile eye-tracker

The general environmental factors that influence fixation distribution as part of pedestrian visual behaviour under natural conditions are unclear. Relative luminance and saliency are considered the parameters for predicting image-based fixation; however, they are not confirmed by evidence from the natural walking scenario. Field experiments using mobile eye-tracking glasses device were conducted on 16 participants in four commercial streets during day and night. Fixation data along with processed images extracted from eye-tracking glass video were analysed to investigate if relative luminance or saliency correlates with fixation distribution while walking. The results show that fixations within a 10° viewing angle were distributed in bright and more salient areas in the field of vision. Statistical analyses found a stronger positive correlation in saliency than in relative luminance and at night-time rather than under daylight. The correlation found between relative luminance/saliency and fixation distribution suggests that relative luminance/saliency may attract the visual attention of pedestrians. It will be beneficial for practical applications via a better visual environment, including lighting and guiding facilities for pedestrians, especially at night.