The Use of Automatic Object Detection Signals from Smart Cameras to Enhance Bridge Operators’ Situation Awareness

Errors in bridge/lock operations can have fatal consequences, which means adequate situation awareness (SA) is crucial during operators’ inspection process. Although operators from Rijkswaterstaat are well-trained and use carefully designed systems, accident reports revealed that SA is not always sufficient. Rijkswaterstaat considers smart cameras to support operators during their inspection process. Smart cameras have high detection rates, but they are not yet able to detect all relevant circumstances. This study therefore investigates whether reliable but partially inaccurate smart cameras enhance operators’ SA. Performance, eye movements and subjective SA were measured during an experiment. Results indicate that the applied (simulated) signals enhanced operators’ performance, which suggests SA was higher when assisted by smart cameras. Dwell time and time to first fixation revealed that signals were effective in gaining operators’ attention, and operators still actively searched for road users without awaiting signals. Subjective SA was not different when smart cameras were used.