Abstract
A major problem in the use of visual displays is the efficient transmission of information during critical periods of time. Recent studies examining display configurations have investigated increasing information transmission (e.g., vertical separation) through modification of display presentation formats. However, the results have been equivocal. The present investigation attempted to evaluate a simulated air traffic format using multi-dimensionally coded target situations. The relevant dimensions were color and alphanumeric characters. Search performance of a near miss situation of two aircraft as a function of type of code (chromatic/achromatic), density (high/low) and practice was investigated. The required response was the identification of the quadrant containing the near miss situation. Search performance was measured by the time required to locate the near miss situation and the number of correct responses. Differences in performance between coding conditions were found for the number of correct responses. A significant effect was observed for the response time as a function of display density. Results are discussed in reference to current research utilizing dynamic displays and multidimensional coding.
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