Visual Acuity and Stereopsis with Night Vision Goggles
Abstract
Measurements of visual performance (stereopsis and visual resolution) were acquired to compare results achieved using unaided monocular and binocular viewing, monocular and binocular viewing with the AN/PVS-5A night vision goggles, and models A and B of the AN/PVS-7 biocular night vision goggles. All of the goggles were equipped with 2nd generation tubes. Using a modified Howard- Dolman apparatus to assess stereopsis, all of the goggle-assisted thresholds were very much larger than stereoscopic thresholds achieved with unaided binocular vision. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that stereopsis through night vision goggles, regardless of the model or viewing condition, is essentially eliminated and equivalent to the threshold obtained with unaided monocular viewing. In comparison, spatial resolution capability with all of the goggle systems is superior to performance with unaided vision. In agreement with previously published data, visual acuity with the goggles is approximately 20/ 50, but only for high contrast targets and simulated full moon ambient light levels. As light levels decrease to quarter moon conditions or target contrasts are reduced to more realistic values, visual spatial resolution with the goggles is much poorer. For infantry use, any differences in visual performance between monocular, biocular, and binocular designs probably are not operationally meaningful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA211552
Entities
People
- Roger W. Wiley
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab