Authors:
Simon Schwerd
and
Axel Schulte
Affiliation:
Institute of Flight Systems, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Germany
Keyword(s):
Blink Rate, Mental Workload, Flight Simulato.
Abstract:
This study assesses blink rate as a potential indicator for mental workload (MWL) in a dual task scenario in a flight simulator. Prior research indicated that blink rate decreases as mental workload increases across various tasks and domains. In our study, we aimed to determine if these findings are consistent in a dual task environment within a fast jet simulator. Furthermore, we evaluated blink rate fluctuations caused by the dynamic shifts in MWL as tasks are executed, switched, or completed. To investigate this, we executed a flight simulator experiment involving ten participants. They were tasked with two distinct activities: first, classifying air and ground targets, and second, maintaining a specific flight altitude. The results validated that blink rate decreases with increasing task difficulty. However, when a secondary task imposes significant workload, blink rates did not reliably indicate the primary task’s difficulty. We also found that the timing of spontaneous blinks w
as influenced by task completion and switches. Specifically, blink rates surged immediately after decision-making points and during transitions between tasks.
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