Validation of a HMI concept indicating the status of the traffic light signal in the context of automated driving in urban environment

Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication in combination with vehicle automation opens up new vistas to improve traffic flow efficiency at signalised intersections. Manoeuvres of automated vehicles can be adjusted according to information on the traffic light signal status and its phase change. However, even when driving automated the driver onboard needs to be informed about planned manoeuvres. This paper describes a study on evaluating a human-machine interface (HMI) concept that offers information about the traffic light signal status while approaching an intersection with activated longitudinal vehicle automation. Three different HMI concepts are visualised and evaluated that should help the driver to comprehend the selected manoeuvres of the automated vehicle. Based on the results of the usability study the final HMI concept is presented.