Optometrists keep computer's eye on driving

A COMPUTER model simulating human vision could help improve road safety, University of Wales scientists believe.

Researchers there are familiar with the physics and biochemistry of individual components in human vision, such as the eye, nerves and brain.

But more information is needed about the way the system works as a whole.

They are building a model to illustrate how we perceive stationary, moving and colour images.

Such information could then be applied to improve safety on roads and in hazardous occupations.

According to the university's department of optometry and vision sciences, greater understanding of visual performance could lead to new ways of assessing the safety of road signs and markings.

It could also help evaluate the dangers of potentially risky situations such as driving in fog or diving into muddy water.

Robots could later be developed to imitate human performance more accurately.