Adequate vision in spacecraft can be achieved only if specialized attention is given to all elements that influence vision and these elements are integrated into spacecraft design using a systems' engineering approach, here designated “ the visual subsystem concept.” The concept is used here to define general crew station and illumination requirements and illustrates how the requirements are affected by factors such as vibration, acceleration, dark adaptation, visual acuity, and unique environmental conditions. Design parameters are suggested for optimising crew station illumination. Areas that require further research are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AdairE. R.Duration of light-dark ratio of intermittent preadaptation as factors influencing human dark adaptation. J. opt. Soc. Amer., 1953, 43, 22–27.
CrookM. N.HarkerG. S.HoffmanA. C.KennedyJ. L.Effect of amplitude of apparent vibration, brightness, and type size on numeral reading. WADC Technical Report 6246, Wright Air Force Base, Ohio, 1950.
4.
FryG. A.AlpernM.The effect of a peripheral glare source upon the apparent brightness of an object. J. opt. Soc. Amer., 1953, 43, 189–195.
5.
JonesE. R.HannW. H.Vision in the Mercury capsule. In Armed Forces-NRC Committee on Vision, Washington, D.C., 1962.
6.
MarksR. A.The characteristics of man's task as a systems monitor in the Mercury spacecraft, McDonnell Aircraft Corp., Report 8986, 1962.
7.
MetcalfR. D.HornR. E.Visual recovery times from high-intensity flashes of light. WADC Technical Report 58–232, Wright Air Force Base, Ohio, 1958.
8.
MoteF. A.RiopelleA. J.The effect of varying the intensity and the duration of pre-exposure upon subsequent dark adaptation in the human eye. J. opt. Soc. Amer., 1953, 46, 49–56.
9.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Results of the First U.S. Manned Orbital Space Flight February 20, 1962. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1962 (a).
10.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Manned Spacecraft Center. Results of the Second U.S. Manned Orbital Space Flight, May 24, 1962. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1962 (b).
11.
RockM. L.Visual performance at low photopic brightness levels. J. appl. Psychol., 1953, 37, 412–427.
12.
SeverinS. L.Recovery of visual discrimination after high intensity flashes of light. School of Aerospace Medicine Report 62–16, 1961.
13.
ShearerJ. E.DowneyP. Design study for cabin lighting orbital flight vehicles. WADD Technical Note 60–122, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1962.
14.
SpraggS. D. S.KanwisherJ.The effects of brightness and color of illumination on performance of a complex perceptual motor task. WADC Technical Report 52–203, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1952.
15.
SpraggS. D. S.WulfeckJ. W.Visual performance as a function of the brightness of an immediately preceding visual task. WADC Technical Report 52–285, 1953 (AD 27599). Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
16.
SpraggS. D. S.RockM. L.Dial reading performance as a function of brightness. J. appl. Psychol., 1952, 36, 128–137.
17.
WhiteW. J.MontyR. A.Vision and unusual gravitational forces. Human Factors, 1963, 5, 239.
18.
WhiteW. J.RileyM. B.The effects of positive acceleration on the relation between illumination and instrument reading. WADC Technical Report, 58–332, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1958.
19.
WulfeckJ. W.WeiszA.RabenMargaret W.Vision in military aviation. WADC Technical Report 58–399, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 1958 (AD 207780).
