Symbicons: Advanced Symbology for Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Displays

Abstract

Symbicons are hybrids that combine the best aspects of symbols and icons. Symbicons possess an upright letter or logo that is placed inside a shape outline. We measured how well participants could identify Symbicons for four track attributes (platform name, platform classification, heading, and threat affiliation) for eight military platforms. We compared participant performance for Symbicons with performance for 3-D icons and conventional 2-D symbols (MIL-STD-2525B). Although participants found it easier to identify platform names with Symbicons than with 3-D icons, or data were generally non-significant and do not make a compelling case for Symbicons. Two-dimensional symbols were more quickly and accurately named than realistic 3-D icons. Our previous findings agree with this conclusion. We recommend using 2-D symbols or Symbicons rather than realistic 3-D icons for rapid, accurate platform identification.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA388300

Entities

People

  • H. M. Oonk
  • H. S. Smallman
  • M. B. Cowen
  • M. St. John

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Classification
  • Command And Control
  • Computer Programming
  • Department Of Defense
  • Engineering
  • Human-Machine Interaction
  • Identification
  • Military Research
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Psychology
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional
  • Undersea Warfare
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Vector-Borne Disease and Entomology