Optical Flow and Texture Variables Useful in Simulating Self Motion

Abstract

The project is concerned with: (1) mathematically isolating optical flow and texture variables as candidates for visual information useful is guiding flight maneuvers; and (2) assessing the functional utility of these variables in judgment experiments and in fully interactive simulation environments. The major contribution of the reported year's effort was the development of a technique for holding optical variables invariant throughout self-motion events. The method was used to factorially study fractional rates of change as information for acceleration, deceleration, and loss in altitude. Assessment of individual differences in sensitivity to these optical variables was initiated, and the constraints on degrees of freedom in choosing variables for factorial experimental designs were determined. Optical analysis of 256 Boeing 747 simulator landings has begun to explore the applicability of our approach to flight situations. Studies of this kind will be used to guide future judgment and interactive experiments. Implications of optical analysis for aviation safety are also reported. Lastly, a review of performance measurement in research on visual control of flight is presented. The review will guide our development of optical variables and invariants as measures of performance, under the assumption that pilots make control adjustments in order to control what they perceive.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA117016

Entities

People

  • Dean H. Owen

Organizations

  • Air Force Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Data Analysis
  • Databases
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Flight Maneuvers
  • Flight Simulators
  • Flight Training
  • Information Science
  • Measurement
  • Military Aircraft
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Psychology
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.