Searching and Scanning: A Review of Lawrence W. Stark's Vision Models

摘要

This report provides a brief summary of the theories and research of Dr. LawrenceW. Stark and his associates related to searching for and scanning objects in the visual field. The primary goal of this study has been to assess the applicability of the theories to U.S. Army search and target acquisition problems, especially for modeling of visual search for various targets in cluttered terrain. The Stark model refers to search as a process involving active eye movements that cover a scene, with the goal of locating a specific kind of object, while scanning is systematic inspection of an object when it has been located, to compare its features with those of stored cognitive models and to complete the recognition and identification process. Simple algorithmic models have been proposed by Stark for both the search and the scanning processes, as discussed in this report. A comprehensive top level theoretical model of visual search has been developed, incorporating the simpler models, and a very elementary prototype computer program prepared. Stark's research and models have been reviewed for this study and the useful and most promising components identified. Model discrepancies and omissions also are noted so efforts can be made to improve the model if desired and to increase its usefulness for U.S. Army modeling.