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Night Vision Training System (NVTS) |
The ETC Night Vision Training System model NVTS is an automated system for teaching pilots of all experience levels the problems and techniques for using unaided vision in extreme low light conditions. Loss of many visual cues, greater difficulty in target acquisition and tracking, and the effects of ground lights are among the many hazards that crew face when they fly at night. Specialized training in night vision reduces hazards and increases efficiency in night operations.
When training with the NVTS, trainees are taught the limits of the human visual system and scanning techniques to improve visual perception under night visual conditions. Every aspect of night vision is both demonstrated and taught and the trainees are presented the opportunity to react and practice what they have learned.
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| Training Description |
The automated NVTS instruction is a three-part presentation. The first section teaches students vision anatomy and physiology as it pertains to the night flying environment. The second section presents the trainees with various illusions and vision anomalies that they can experience when flying at night. The third section is an interactive learning exercise where the students can practice the off-center vision techniques that they lead in the academic presentation to improve their ability to see in the night environment.
The first section of the NVTS presentation is approximately 30 minutes in duration and achieves two purposes. First, it instructs students on basic visual system anatomy and physiology, and principles of night vision through the use of a multi?image computer generated presentation. Second, trainee dark adaptation is achieved as the light intensity of the presentation is progressively decreased. The use of state of the art computer technology and software produces a captivating, comfortably paced, high quality training experience. Factors such as pacing, light intensity, image transition, and special effects are carefully designed to produce the most effective training program. The stereo sound system enhances the training experience by increasing training realism and providing clear, pleasing sound for each student regardless of their position in the training room. The use of these techniques increases the educational value of the program, while holding student attention.
The second section of the NVTS presentation occurs after the trainees' eyes are dark adapted. The students are given demonstrations of the various illusions and visual anomalies that can occur in night visual conditions using a pre-programmed display of computer controlled light sources. The students are first taught and then practice in an interactive environment the techniques of scanning during night operations, care of white light avoidance, and the proper use of red light for in-cockpit illumination. Specifically, the trainees experience the limitations of night vision (including the night blind spot), the autokinetic illusion, the Purkinje Shift, loss of color vision, and flash blindness.
The third section of the NVTS presentation is an interactive silhouette recognition exercise. These exercises allow trainees to practice off-center vision techniques for object recognition. ETC provides three-dimensional silhouettes for ships, aircraft, and land vehicles. These silhouette images are integrated into the presentation software. This training segment is presented at the end of the Dark Adaptation Training Program. Various silhouettes (up to a maximum of 15 images) are provided. These images are animated and move across a landscape or skyscape as appropriate.
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