Visual-Acuity-Based, Night Vision Goggle Cockpit Lighting Compatibility Field Evaluation Test Kit: A Low-Cost Alternative

摘要

Cockpit lighting can interfere with the proper operation of night vision goggles (NVGs) in several specific ways. For each interference mechanism, the effect on the image seen through the NVGs is to reduce the brightness of portions of the image and/or reduce the contrast of the useful image (the view outside the aircraft). This reduction in brightness or contrast may be manifested as a reduction in visual acuity and/or as an observed loss of contrast or brightness. AFRL/HECV was requested by the FAA (this research effort was jointly funded by the FAA and AFRL/HECV) to investigate low-cost, alternative methodologies that can be used by civil aviation to evaluate NVG cockpit lighting compatibility. In order to facilitate the inexpensive evaluation of cockpit lighting interference with the operation of the NVGs, a field evaluation kit was developed. This kit makes it possible to conduct a low- cost version of the standard visual acuity test method currently used by the Air Force. This report describes the fabrication, components, and implementation of this field evaluation test kit, which was recommended to and delivered to the FAA.