Target Acquisition Criteria for Human Observers

Abstract

A primary target acquisition threat to ground vehicle systems is the human observer whose psycho-visual capabilities are a critical element in the simulation of these phenomena. This paper discusses the Army's performance assessment methodology for determining signature countermeasures tradeoffs and the human factors elements essential for this type of analysis.

Current Army acquisition models use a very simplistic model of the human visual perception system. The minimum resolvable contrast (MRC) models, for example, consider the target as an equivalent rectangle in a uniform background scene. The criteria for detection, recognition and identification are defined in terms of the number of line pairs across a critical target dimension. Although this simple model is convenient for many battlefield effectiveness simulations; the level of detail is insufficient for most CM applications.

Several examples will illustrate the limitations of current target acquisition methodology for visual signature assessment and evaluation. A detailed description of the target/background scene and the observer psychovisual characteristics is essential for a robust simulation of these processes. In particular color, motion, shape, texture, search and clutter are essential parameters in any CM performance assessment methodology. The inclusion of these elements into future target acquisition models is the focal point for this discussion.