Performance of the two-stage, dual-mode oculomotor servo system

ABSTRACT

Creating an optimum man-machine interface in the visual domain requires detailed knowledge of the human Precision Optical Servo system (POS) with particular focus on the oculomotor servosystem. The physiology of the human oculomotor system is more advanced than that of even his closest animal relatives. To satisfy the human's needs for defensive safety as well as provide the analytical capability supporting his inquisitiveness, two primary modes of information analysis are provided within the POS. Within the analytical mode, humans employ a multidimensional, fundamentally luminance-based, narrow-field-of-view associative correlator for interp and percept extraction. This associative correlation process relies upon the orthogonal phase coherent character of the "tremor" associated with the fine motions of the eyes. Simultaneously, a lower resolution, fundamentally luminance-based, spatial-change-detection mechanism is used to maintain awareness of a larger external environment. To support the above modes, a two-stage servomechanism is used. The angular performances of these two stages are quite different. These differences have a profound impact on good interface design.This paper provides a schematic of the complete POS, a more detailed description of the oculomotor servosystem, and the numerics describing its performance parameters. These parameters lead to the minimum recognition interval required for symbolic displays. Color is shown to play an ancillary, though important, role in the capability of the POS of the visual system. A New Chromaticity Diagram is offered that makes it easier to understand the role of color in POS operation and in color perception in general. All of the above descriptions are supported by a larger scale schematic of the overall sensory/cognitive system.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.5 Model Development

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.0 General

Keywords:
chromaticity diagram, human physiology, servomechanisms, vision temporal response