Spatial Contrast Sensitivity through Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System

Abstract

Visual acuity is often used to assess vision through image intensifying devices such as night vision goggles (NVG). Fewer attempts have been made to measure contrast sensitivity through NVGs. Such information would be useful to better understand contrast processing through NVGs under various stimulus conditions. In this study, computer-generated letter charts were used to measure, contrast sensitivity through third generation NVGs for a range of letter sizes. The red phosphor of a standard color monitor proved to be an effective stimulus for third generation devices. Different night sky conditions were simulated over a 3 log unit range. The results illustrate the profile of contrast sensitivity through third generation NVGs over a range of night sky conditions. Comparison of measurements through NVGs to measurements obtained without the device but at the same luminance and color distinguish between effects of luminance and noise on contrast sensitivity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA279338

Entities

People

  • Jeff Rabin

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Army Aviation
  • Biological Sciences
  • Electro-Optics
  • Health Services
  • Information Processing
  • Libraries
  • Military Research
  • New York
  • Night Vision
  • Night Vision Devices
  • Optics
  • Recognition
  • Schools
  • Simulations
  • United States

Readers

  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.