Search Space Reduction via Multi-Sensory Directional Cueing

Abstract

Spatial tactile displays allow for the cueing of directional information without drawing upon the visual and auditory channels. This work highlights the effectiveness of a tactual display versus a spatial auditory display baseline for augmenting a visual search task. Touch provides highly salient and covert signals that narrow the visual search space, potentially shortening response times, improving accuracy, and imposing minimal additional demand upon visual and auditory channels. Applications of this display technology for spatial location of targets include acquisition of potential threats in simulated and real combat environments, as well as improved localization of objects for first responders or for those with sensory impairments.