Further Progress in Development of a Performance-Based Test of Gaze Control Capability

摘要

A performance-based test of gaze capability has been developed using low-cost light-emitting-diode (LED) displays operated under the semi-automated control of a desk top micro-computer. The test is based on the ability of an individual to rapidly shift his gaze over a relatively large angle and precisely identify digits presented in a numeric array for brief, time-varied exposure times. The new test, involving four widely-spaced displays, allows the derivation of performance scores for gaze shifts involving head movements made in the left, right, up, and down directions. The results of three experiments involving Navy and Marine Corps flight candidates as subjects, support the original report findings relative to the heavy influence of exposure time on performance, and most importantly, the wide range of performance capabilities reflected within the study population. This latter point has the potential for operational significance in that the test should distinguish pilots with exceptional gaze capabilities from those with relatively poor gaze performance. Keywords: Vestibular apparatus, Head/eye coordination, Biomedical tests. (aw)