Optimization of Peripheral Vision.

Abstract : One of the most exciting ideas that has emerged fairly recently in the time-honored area of visual research is that of a system that consists of the central (also foveal or focal) and the peripheral (also ambient) subsystems. The subsystems functions are roughly described as 'what' and 'where'. Such broad assignment of function is acceptable as long as we don't forget that some of each function (i.e., location and identification) is subserved by both subsystems and that there is significant interaction between the two. In the past, the overwhelming amount of scientific attention has been toward the central subsystem; relatively speaking, the peripheral subsystem has been seriously neglected. This report should stimulate renewed interest within the U.S. Air Force in discovering more about the capabilities and limitations, both inherited and acquired, of the peripheral subsystem. The reports include sectionson anatomical foundations; functional performance characteristics; improvement through training; history of peripheral vision displays; and experimental occlusion techniques. Keywords: Pilot performance.