Examining colour usage in next generation displays when using Laser Eye Protection- maximising visual attention capacity and reducing cognitive burden
Abstract
There has been an increasing incidence of laser interference incidents, and as a result air,naval and ground forces now commonly utilise personal protective equipment in the form oflaser eye protection (LEP). Such devices decrease the intensity of specific laser wavelengthsfrom reaching the eye, protecting the retina from damage. Colored filter lens LEPs reducelight transmittance over a range of common high-power laser wavelengths, resulting inaltered color perception of the user.Next generation display technology incorporates information into head mounted displaysand visual display units. Color cues and codes are utilized in display environments to conveyoperational information, but this can require additional attention; particularly if the colourcoding is difficult to decipher. Attention capture (tunnelling) and field of view (FOV) clutterare known to decrease focus on critical cues such as target designations, closing velocity,range and weapon status indicators.Display colour choices are often not supported by scientific evidence of proveneffectiveness, or ability to minimise additional attentional demands. Display color standardsettings can be customised but are, by default, set to colors which may be confused or takelonger to process (red vs green and blue vs yellow) for personnel with a mild colour visiondeficiency. The use of laser eye protection may create the same effect as a colour visiondeficiency. Therefore, a key consideration of this project is the altered color perception thatresults when using a LEP and the potential effect on attention and operational effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2020
- Source ID
- N629092112002
Entities
People
- Amanda Douglass
Organizations
- Deakin University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy