Ruffner, J. W., Piccione, D. W., and Woodward, K. G. (1998, October). Requirements analysis for a night vision device driver training aid. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 42nd Annual Meeting, (p. 1643). Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Contact Information:
DCS POC: Dr. John W. Ruffner (ext 243) jruffner@dcscorp.com
Kim G. Woodward (ext 388) kwoodwar@dcscorp.com

Phone number:
(703) 683-8430 FAX number: (703) 836-6509

Address:
DCS Corporation, 1330 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

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Abstract:

Evidence suggests that many of the problems drivers experience at night when drivingwith night vision devices (NVDs), including image intensification (I²) and infrared (IR) devices, are due to perceptual errors. Furthermore, NVD driving skills are highly perishable and require frequent practice to maintain proficiency. The U.S. Army identified a need for a Night Driving Training Aid (NDTA) for driving with I 2 devices, such as night vision goggles NVGs. This paper summarizes the procedures used to identify the functional requirements and training requirements for an NDTA and discusses the primary findings. The approach included an analysis of Army ground vehicle accidents, a review of the NVG technical and training literature, interviews with NVG subject matter experts (SME), an analysis of present and emerging NVG training technology, as well as an analysis of media suitable for a PC-based approach. The findings suggest that the NDTA should provide Army drivers with the opportunity for acquiring and improving their knowledge of NVG capabilities and limitations and developing perceptual skills. Critical perceptual skills to be trained include: detecting and determining the depth of depressions and ditches, judging vehicle distance and closure rates, detecting and estimating the distance to obstacles, detecting and estimating the distance to roadway edges, and recovering from exposure to bright light sources.