Distance Estimation to Flashes in a Simulated Night Vision Environment

Abstract

The Canadian Forces have recognized the importance of simulator training as a cost-effective alternative to real training; yet the effect of display simulation on visual perception is not fully understood. Fighteen subjects participated in an experiment to determine if training, in the form of immediate feedback, improved distance estimation to muzzle flashes in a simulated NVG environment. Testing was performed on a PC desktop computer using software that simulated a large open grassy field. Subjects were exposed to three flash types; five flashes, single flash, and a prolonged flash. Flashes were presented to the subjects both above and below the horizon. Significant improvement was shown in the experimental group's accuracy; this accuracy persisted over two weeks but with notable deterioration. Contrary to expectation the perception of a single flash resulted in significantly greater accuracy than the prolonged flash. This experiment reinforces the effectiveness of simulation as a tool in preparing soldiers. A bibliography of the topic is included.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA477161

Entities

People

  • Garrett Morawiec
  • Kathleen Scullion
  • Keith K. Niall

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Cognitive Workload
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Vision
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Human-Machine Interaction
  • Light Sources
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Processes
  • Optics
  • Psychology
  • Three Dimensional
  • Virtual Reality
  • Visual Perception

Readers

  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
  • ballistics.