Research in Camouflage Breaking

Article: ‘Camouflage breakers’ can find a target in less than a second
Source: Augusta University, via ScienceAlert
Published: June 8, 2021
Article: Some People Can See Through Camouflage, And It's Not as Hard as You Think
Source: ScienceAlert
Published: June 12, 2021

Experiment 1: Visual search for camouflaged target

Camouflage is used extensively by the military. From desert sand to dense jungles, visual textures and patterns are used to break up outline and conceal location. At the same time, camouflage breaking or being able to detect and localize another's camouflage is equally important, with real-world combat implications. For example, a sniper's missed shot also reveals his location, a difference between life and death in warfare. Scientists funded by the Army Research Office are studying how to train individuals to break camouflage. In the published study, six adult volunteers with normal or corrected-to-normal vision were trained to break camouflage using a deep-learning method similar to how computer scientists train self-driving cars. Specifically, the participants looked at digitally synthesized camouflage scenes like foliage or fruit, with each scene having a 50-50 chance of containing no target versus a camouflaged target like a human head. The participants could look for as little as 50 milliseconds or for as long as they wanted. After cleansing the visual palate with a random field of pixels, participants were then asked to both acknowledge whether there was a camouflaged target and identify where the target was on the screen based on memory. Interestingly, accuracy did not decrease much in the 50 millisecond viewing scenario as compared to the free viewing scenario. In a second experiment with seven different volunteers, the researchers tested a more abbreviated training protocol with more overt visual images, and found results similar to the more extensive training protocol. The researchers also plan to study the importance of context in camouflage breaking as well as explore using these techniques to identify medical problems. Beyond the military, research into camouflage breaking could also benefit the civilian sector, for instance, in image-intensive professions such as radiology as well as binocular vision in general.

Personal commentary: As a research study, I'd rate this a one-star study for its small sample size and simple study design. However, I applaud those who engage in both military service and research for both military personnel and civilians. For example, the junior researchers, one of whom is now a medical student, were in army apprenticeship during their undergraduate years when they were engaging in this project. The first author is a U.S. Navy veteran.

Branch F, Lewis AJ, Santana IN, et al. "Expert camouflage-breakers can accurately localize search targets." Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications.  6(27). 6 April 2021. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-021-00290-5