Effect of Extraneous Color-Coded Targets on Identification of Targets on CRT Displays
Abstract
Sonar operations, using the broadband waterfall display, search for a thin line which constitutes a target track. Although current displays are monochromatic, color may well be added in the future. To examine the usefulness of color coding the target tracks on such displays, we have measured the response times of individuals to lines coded with different colors; compared different sets of colors; measured the effect of varying the background colors; and brightness; and measured the effects of different colors of ambient lighting. These studies have shown that operators can handle as many as 20 different colors without undue confusion, that color recognition is best with a background of intermediate gray rather than white or black, that performance is the same with black and blue backgrounds, and that the color of the ambient light does not affect performance with CRT displays. Currently, the basic problem is how many different colors can be used to code different tracks without undue confusion. We have found as noted above, that a surprisingly large number of colors can be recognized and recalled without undue confusion on the part of the operator. These studies, however, presented only one color-coded target at a time. The present study sought to determine to what extent the CRT operator's performance is affected by the presence on the screen of several target tracks, in different colors. If the operator is trying to identify one specific target track, will his performance be degraded by the presence of other target tracks in the vicinity?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219473
Entities
People
- David F. Neri
- Matthew J. Shim
- Robyn Bivenour
- Saul M. Luria
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory