Imaging Infrared Ship Target Acquisition Studies

Abstract

Three studies illustrated the iterative interaction of laboratory research in the system design process. They focused on operator performance in an imaging infrared ship target acquisition system. Ship type, display contrast, ship orientation, and video bandwidth had significant effects on operator performance, whereas video frame rate yielded a flat function. These results were discussed in the context of a distinction between informational and image quality effects on target acquisition performance. A basis in part-task simulation for estimating times to perform component tasks was also established.

Content Validity Requirements for Simulated Sensor Imagery

“…A model board with heated metal objects representing targets was used at the US Army Night Vision Laboratory in the 1970's. Recorded sensor imagery was used as a substitute for real imagery in many early studies (e.g., Mocharnuk, Gaudio and Suwe, 1981). Recorded images were used to create "closed loop" simulations by recording the images on video disk and providing a limited level of interactive dynamics.…”