Research on Visual Target Detection. Part I. Development of an Air-TO-Ground Detection/Identification Model

摘要

The object was to develop a simple, operational model for predicting air-to-ground visual detection/identification of tactical targets. The model, based on data from the literature, was limited to conditions of daylight and clear visibility. A preliminary model was developed using data from a field study (J.A. Whittenburg, J. P. Robinson and J. M. Hesson. Aerial observer criterion field test manual. Arlington, Va., Human Sciences Research, Inc., Sept. 1959. HSR-RR-59/4-CE) of air-to-ground detection/identification of tactical targets. Variables to be included in the model were selected from a list of variables found to be important in previous studies. The model includes estimates of eight input variables--target size, target shape, target/ground contrast, clutter, terrain type, aircraft altitude, aircraft speed, and range--which were grouped into three composite variables (target apparent size, target distinctiveness, and effective exposure time). A numerial summary of relevant studies on target detection/identification and a description of model calculations are presented as appendices. (Author)