Pilot visual attention allocation modeling based on spatial mapping

To investigate pilot visual attention allocation, salient-expectancy-effort-value (SEEV) model and multiple factor model were applied to introduce the concept of attention control space and resource allocation space. The former space described the influencing factors of attention allocation while the latter one depicted the attention resource allocated to certain area of interest. A new forecast mathematical model was established based on spatial mapping and calculated in the method of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. In order to verify the effectiveness of the new model, sixteen subjects were recruited in an ergonomics experiment to perform an unusual attitude recovery task in a high fidelity flight simulator. As evaluation index of attention allocation, the fixation distribution of subjects was recorded by eye-movement tracking device. The subjects were required to monitor the state of information targets presented on the primary flight display simulation interface according to the current experiment condition and respond to unusual information by the corresponding operation of the steering wheel. The experiment results reveal good agreement and significant correlation with the theoretical model and hence validate the effectiveness of model.