An Evaluation of Potential Reflection Problems When Using the NAS Model 3d Display in the Vertical Position in Air Route Traffic Control Centers

A production version of the NAS Model 3d plan view display was taken to the Atlanta, Oakland, and Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Centers and operated in a sector radar position at each. A typical digital sector display was simulated through the use of a Raytheon 704 computer and tape drive. A total of 166 controllers observed the display and filled out questionnaires on it, 118 seeing the display with the safety shield in place, 48 seeing it with shield removed. Ambient light level measurements were made at each of the centers. A small percentage of the controllers stated that reflections were a serious problem when the safety shield was in place. With the shield removed, a significantly smaller number indicated a reflection problem. There were very large differences in the ambient light levels at the centers.