Effects of Superposition on Oculomotor Guidance and Target Recognition

Abstract

Searching for targets in complex scenes like X-ray baggage screening is demanding. One cause of impaired search performance is the superimposed objects of X-ray images. In this study, we compared searching for threat items in a superimposed display and a sparse display. Using both behavioral and eye movement measures, we explored the effects of superposition on search course. As expected, superposition affected accuracy rates and response times. Results showed searching in the superimposed display caused longer fixation durations, and the effect was pronounced throughout the search trial. We also found longer search initiation time and target verification time in superposition, suggesting that the initial planning of oculomotor guidance and target recognition was influenced.