Human signal-detection performance in multiscreen monitoring tasks

Human monitoring performance was compared for different screens within a single display. Participants' performance with random signals and different numbers of split screens was tested for a period of time. The performance measures were hit rate, false alarm rate, and response time. Results indicated that the response time and false alarm rate significantly increased with the number of split screens. Results also showed that signal frequency significantly influenced the false alarm rate. The location of the 9-screen display was analyzed on hit rate and false alarm rate. More attention was paid to the center screen as indicated by both the higher hit rate and false alarm rate. Findings suggest that designers of monitoring systems should take into consideration the trade-off between the number of multiple split screens and the limited human capability for monitoring performance. Furthermore, it is suggested that high risk and critical information should be placed in the center region to be detected effectively.