Enhanced perception and performance by multimodal threat cueing in simulated combat vehicle.

OBJECTIVE: In a simulated combat vehicle, uni-, bi-, and trimodal cueing of direction to threat were compared with the purpose to investigate whether multisensory redundant information may enhance dynamic perception and performance. BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that multimodal display presentation can enhance perception of information and task performance. METHOD: Two experiments in a simulated combat vehicle were performed under the instructions to turn the vehicle toward the threat as fast and accurately as possible after threat cue onset. In Experiment 1, direction to threat was presented by four display types: visual head-down display, tactile belt, 3-D audio, and trimodal with the three displays combined. In Experiment 2, direction to threat was presented by three display types: visual head-up display (HUD)-3-D audio, tactile belt-3-D audio, and trimodal with HUD, tactile belt, and 3-D audio combined. RESULTS: In Experiment I,the trimodal display provided overall best performance and perception of threat direction. In Experiment 2, both the trimodal and HUD--3-D audio displays led to overall best performance, and the trimodal display provided overall the best perception of threat direction. None of the trimodal displays induced higher mental workload or secondary task interference. CONCLUSION: The trimodal displays provided overall enhanced perception and performance in the dynamically framed threat scenario and did not entail higher mental workload or decreased spare capacity. APPLICATION: Trimodal displays with redundant information may contribute to safer and more reliable peak performance in time-critical dynamic tasks and especially in more extreme and stressful situations with high perceptual or mental workload.

Tactile cueing effects on performance in simulated aerial combat with high acceleration.

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence indicates that vibrotactile displays can potentially reduce the risk of sensory and cognitive overload. Before these displays can be introduced in super agile aircraft, it must be ascertained that vibratory stimuli can be sensed and interpreted by pilots subjected to high G loads. METHODS: Each of 9 pilots intercepted 32 targets in the Swedish Dynamic Flight Simulator. Targets were indicated on simulated standard Gripen visual displays. In addition, in half of the trials target direction was also displayed on a 60-element tactile torso display. Performance measures and subjective ratings were recorded. RESULTS: Each pilot pulled G peaks above +8 Gz. With tactile cueing present, mean reaction time was reduced from 1458 ms (SE = 54) to 1245 ms (SE = 88). Mean total chase time for targets that popped up behind the pilot's aircraft was reduced from 13 s (SE = 0.45) to 12 s (SE = 0.41). Pilots rated the tactile display favorably over the visual displays at target pop-up on the easiness of detecting a threat presence and on the clarity of initial position of the threats. DISCUSSION: This study is the first to show that tactile display information is perceivable and useful in hypergravity (up to +9 Gz). The results show that the tactile display can capture attention at threat pop-up and improve threat awareness for threats in the back, even in the presence of high-end visual displays. It is expected that the added value of tactile displays may further increase after formal training and in situations of unexpected target pop-up.