Average search time for ground-vehicle target detectability

摘要

This paper summarizes N.P. Travnikova's model as a method to compare average search times by military observers using powered optics such as binoculars. Both discrete and continuous scanning methods are considered for target searches. This empirical model quantifies which type of vision system is best suited for the most efficient target detection for a given field of view. An analysis is also provided of the relative importance of target diameter, background luminance, and contrast upon overall detectability with the subsequent results compared to known field test data. The detectability of specific military ground vehicles over a variety of search and target acquisition tasks with several off-the-shelf binoculars is examined. Some examples on various types of search studies, such as compare looking at the target, both line retrace time effects, etc., for a low contrast target are also considered. This paper consists of two sections. The first explains the derivation of methodology and limits of its applicability. The second section offers a parametric analysis that compares the relative importance of target diameter, background luminance, and contrast upon overall target detectability with the subsequent results compared to field test data.