Laboratory Investigations of Biomedical Factors Influencing Laser Designator Operator Performance

摘要

A field simulation laboratory has been constructed which will facilitate the controlled investigation of factors which may influence laser designator operations. The primary objectives in developing this laboratory were to obtain accurate low-cost on-line assessment of pursuit tracking performance under conditions where experimental variables could be precisely controlled. The results of the preliminary studies indicate that the tracking performance data obtained with the use of the laboratory laser designator simulator are consistent with those obtained under field conditions in which prototype viscous-mounted laser designator devices are used. The methods and results outlined in this report demonstrate the feasibility of using relatively inexpensive microcomputer, laser, and video electronic systems to study human tracking performance in a laboratory situation where biomedical variables which influence soldier performance may be monitored under precisely controlled conditions. The data obtained through use of the simulator will be of value during the selection and training of designator operators and will provide information for use in developing means of protecting the operator from the effects of hazardous environments.