Underwater display visibility as influenced by turbidity, display background color, and the color and intensity of illumination

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of water turbidity, display background color, and the color and intensity of illumination on a visual reading task in a dark, flooded environment. The reading task was to read a voltmeter and make a correct oral report of the reading. The sixteen subjects used in the study were allowed to set the intensity at a level which they felt was the minimal needed without sacrificing accuracy or speed in the reading task. As was expected, the results show no difference in the effects of the other variables since subjects apparently adjusted the intensity to a level which equalized the effects of the other variables in any given condition. There was a significant statistical difference in the response times under the two water turbidities used but this difference was only .07 seconds