Human Factors Evaluation of Night Vision Goggle Design: An Exploratory study using the Repertory Grid

摘要

The main focus of night vision goggles (NVGs) research has been on developing better image intensifier tubes to achieve finer resolution, better contrast, wider field of view, larger signal to noise ratio, and advancing other tube performance related specifications. Much has been achieved in light intensification technology and NVG optics, however, if the users do not accept or prefer such modifications, they may not be able use the modified NVGs effectively. The limitation of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), commonly used in military operations include the following: they can be cumbersome; they require training in order to achieve consistency in focusing and adjusting; some NVGs have a tendency to fog up during exertion by wearers; and their field of view is limited. Thus, there are a number of areas where improvements could be made to enhance NVG users' acceptance and performance during night operations. Six senior non and No. 8722;commissioned members (NCMs) and 25 junior NCMs from the 3rd Battalion, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI) participated in this study, which uses the Repertory Grid technique to identify, from the participants' perspective, NVG constructs (i.e., individual's concepts or criteria used to evaluate NVGs) that affect the overall acceptability of NVGs in dismounted infantry operations, specifically in the context of terrain traversal. The Repertory Grid technique enabled soldiers to communicate the important and relevant features of 4 different military NVGs, and identified the most salient improvements that would enhance their performance.