A review of the effects of vibration on visual acuity and continuous manual control, part I: Visual acuity

This literature review specifies the decrements in human performance on tracking and visual acuity tasks during vibration in terms of frequency, acceleration, and direction of vibration. For z-axis (vertical) vibration, which has been studied most extensively, it has been possible to develop tentative equal-decrement curves in terms of frequency and acceleration. For x-axis (longitudinal) and y-axis (lateral) vibration, there are not enough data to do so. The effects of other variables are discussed briefly, and an hypothesis is offered for translating experimental results into predictions of performance decrements for workers in vibration environments.

Decrements in tracking and visual performance during vibration.

: A survey has been made of literature pertinent to the design of hand held binoculars (hereafter simply referred to as binoculars) intended to be used visually This survey covered over 5,000 open and classified literature items published during the past one hundred and sixteen years, the majority of the more important works of which were completed during the World War II years The results of the literature survey clearly indicate that the design of binoculars has not been based on visual tasks intended to be performed using such devices It has largely been governed by preceding designs and the limitations imposed by technological skill in producing instruments at a rate said to be necessary to meet military requirements This procedure may have resulted in the design of binoculars of higher quality (and hence more costly) than is required for many military purposes Accordingly it has been concluded that the procedure of designing binoculars should be changed by making allowances for the end use to which such devices are to be put Such allowances would include the limitations imposed by the characteristics of the target, the properties of medium between the target and the binocular, and the response of the human observer

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Literature Survey of Material Published Relating to Specifications of Hand Held Binoculars

A wide variety of environmental variables may affect color vision. Among them are light itself, pressure, the composition of the atmosphere, medical and non-medical drugs, and such physical effects as acceleration.

Environmental Effects on Color Vision

Visual acuity at a level of illumination comparable to overcast starlight was measured at various frequencies and amplitudes of vibration chosen to be representative of conditions aboard various ships. Measures were made with electro-optical scopes of four-power and one-power, standard Navy 7×50 binoculars, four-power field glasses, and the naked eye. Decrements in acuity under vibration were largest for the four-power scope and least for the naked eye. The decrements were, in fact, directly related to the original acuity level determined for the specific optical systems with no vibration. Despite the loss, vision with the four-power electro-optical aid remained superior to that with any other system under all conditions. The importance of antivibration mounts is emphasized.

The effect of vibration on visual acuity with electro-optical aids to night vision.

: Visual acuity at a level of illumination comparable to overcast starlight was measured at various frequencies and amplitudes of vibration chosen to be representative of conditions aboard various ships Measures were made with electro-optical scopes of four-power and one-power, standard Navy 7x50 binoculars, four-power field glasses, and the naked eye Decrements in acuity under vibration were largest for the four-power scope and least for the naked eye; they were, in fact, directly related to the original acuity level determined for the specific optical systems with no vibration Despite the loss, vision with the four-power electro-optical aid remained superior to that with any other system under all conditions These results indicate the usefulness of the aids under Naval operating conditions and, additionally, emphasize the importance of anti-vibration mounts

Howard Markowitz

Papers

The effect of vibration on visual acuity with electro-optical aids to night vision.

The Effect Of Vibration On Performance With Electro-Optical Aids To Night Vision.