Image intensifier tubes, as part of night vision devices, have been the primary devices for the detection and amplification
of near infrared light for night vision operations. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel all-optical night vision amplifier
device with a potential to replace the image intensifier tube in night vision goggles. This image amplifier is based on a
novel structure of semiconductor and spectrally tunable liquid crystal (LC) materials within a thin cell. The LC reacts to
near-infrared (NIR) radiation but is unaffected by visible light, allowing see-through capability including visible-wavelength
cockpit light. The technology is made very attractive by its high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and contrast
without expensive, bulky, and heavy optics or high-voltage components.
Standard black and white printed targets have been used for numerous vision related experiments, and are ideal with
respect to contrast and spectral uniformity in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions of the electromagnetic (EM)
spectrum. However, these targets lack the ability to refresh, update, or perform as a real-time, dynamic stimulus. This
impacts their ability to be used in various standard vision performance measurement techniques. Emissive displays, such
as a LCD's, possess some of the attributes printed targets lack, but come with a disadvantage of their own: LCD's lack
the spectral uniformity of printed targets, making them of debatable value for presenting test targets in the near and short
wave infrared regions of the spectrum. Yet a new option has recently become viable that may retain favorable attributes
of both of the previously mentioned alternatives. The electrophoretic ink display is a dynamic, refreshable, and easily
manipulated display that performs much like printed targets with respect to spectral uniformity. This paper will compare
and contrast the various techniques that can be used to measure observer visual performance through night vision devices
and imagers - focusing on the visible to infrared region of the EM spectrum. Furthermore, it will quantify the
electrophoretic ink display option, determining its advantages and situations that it would be best suited for.
Helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) are being increasingly used by the military outside of the traditional cockpit
environment. In these applications, attention, functional field of view (FOV), and mental workload are important human
factors issues. While some research has begun to address these issues, not many have considered how alternative
placements of the monocular eyepieces in the visual field effects performance. We investigated task performance using a
monocular HMD that was adjustable so that it could be placed within or outside of the FOV of the user. There were three
parts to the experiment. In the first part, observers performed a visual search task to serve as a baseline measure of
performance. In the second part observers wore the HMD in one of two positions and again performed the search task.
Finally in the third part, observers completed the search task while performing a reaction time task that was displayed on
the HMD (again placed in the two positions). Results of task performance are discussed in terms of the functional FOV,
attentional demands on the user, and differences between tasks to be performed on an HMD. Recommendations are
given for design, use, and future research on HMDs.
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