The impact of coloured symbology on cockpit eyes-out display effectiveness: a survey of key parameters

Maha Fares; Derek R. Jordan

doi:10.1117/12.2178266

22 May 2015 The impact of coloured symbology on cockpit eyes-out display effectiveness: a survey of key parameters

Maha Fares, Derek R. Jordan

Proceedings Volume 9470, Display Technologies and Applications for Defense, Security, and Avionics IX; and Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XX; 947003 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178266
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2015, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Colour is becoming a baseline requirement in the avionic displays market. Implemented for decades in Head Down Displays (HDD), it is thought to enhance Situational Awareness and minimise errors in decision making. Even though a wide colour gamut can be achieved in eyes-out display devices, its application and its usefulness for symbology effectiveness remains debatable. Reconciling these two issues would significantly improve the standardisation of eyes-out displays, enhancing safety while reducing costs of ownership. However, designing a robust set of colour symbology, for all eyes-out display types and in all conditions of operation - in particular Degraded Visual Environments (DVE) - is less straightforward than in HDD. In fact, the transparency dimension of the display can cause a divergence between the intent of the coloured symbology and its recognition/discrimination by the user. The effectiveness of colour as an attention getter and the associated design constraints for real situations are investigated. This report summarises the main features to take into account when assigning colour to an eyes-out display, including a discussion on the Green/Amber/Red code. The approach suggested aims at developing a model that uses colour symbology effectively in both the aircraft space- and time- frames simultaneously. In colour eyes-out displays, mission performance is clearly dependent on: Display transparency, Information categorization, Colour perception by the pilot. The interaction between these elements is key to designing a coherent set of colour design rules and the paper ends with a set of recommendations for good practice in eyes-out symbology design.

Citation Download Citation

Maha Fares and Derek R. Jordan "The impact of coloured symbology on cockpit eyes-out display effectiveness: a survey of key parameters", Proc. SPIE 9470, Display Technologies and Applications for Defense, Security, and Avionics IX; and Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XX, 947003 (22 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178266

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available