Development of a Signal Detection-Based Task for Research on Distributed Human-Robot Teaming within Immersive Virtual Reality

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and validation of a dynamic signal detection-based task experienced within immersive virtual reality (IVR). The task will be used as a primary task for investigating the workload introduced by interface devices used for human-robot team communications. Participants play the role of a Soldier performing a Cordon and Search operation monitoring an environment for threats. The task differs from traditional signal detection tasks in that it is continuous, dynamic, and signal stimuli move through participants’ field of view. Implementation of the task within simulation allows for direct control, measurement, and manipulation of multiple parameters that influence performance metrics, task difficulty, and participant workload. Lessons learned during the design and development of the task are shared to guide other researchers intending to implement a signal detection-based task within IVR.

Exploring the Effect of Stimuli Characteristics on Signal Detection Performance: Sex Influenced Targeting Bias

“…This resulted in a constantly changing number of signal and noise stimuli, but a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 0.10 was maintained by predetermining stimuli spawn times to ensure the number of signals and noise in the field of view were relatively stable. The stimuli objects chosen, character designs, event rates, and other factors involved in the task were tested prior to this study to ensure appropriate task difficulty (see : Bendell, Vasquez, & Jentsch, 2019;Vasquez, Bendell, Talone, & Jentsch, 2018).…”