The Effects of TV Camera Field of View and Size of Targets upon Air-to-Ground Target Recognition

Abstract

A simulation experiment was performed to determine the effects of TV camera lens field of view and target size upon air-to-ground target recognition via closed-circuit television. Measures of performance were probability of correct target recognition, range of correct recognition, and proportion of errors committed. As the field of view decreased, (1) probability of correct recognition decreased (P < .01), (2) mean range of correct recognition increased (P < .01), (3) errors of commission did not vary (P > .05), and (4) errors of omission increased (P < .01). As target size decreased, (1) probability of correct recognition decreased (P < .01), (2) mean range of correct recognition decreased (P < .01), (3) errors of commission increased (P < .01), and (4) errors of omission increased (P < .01). The increase in mean recognition range with decreases in field of view was greater for large targets than for small targets (P < .05). The field of view had little or no effect upon errors of commission for large targets; however, for small targets, the smaller the field the greater the proportion of errors of commission (P < .01).