The Use of Video Displays in Inspection

Human Factors issues surrounding the use of video displays in inspection are considered in this paper. These issues are organized in five categories: characteristics of the target as seen within the context of the search environment; characteristics of the presentation; characteristics of the environment in which the inspection takes place; characteristics of the inspector; and organizational characteristics. The Theory of Signal Detectability (TSD) and Arousal Theory are used throughout this paper to relate two types of errors –– missed signals and false alarms, to the inspection situation. The inspection of hand carried baggage by the airlines is used as an example to illustrate many issues raised in this paper.