Affiliations: [a] NASA Ames Research Center, Human Factors Research Division, Moffett Field, California | [b] Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Biomathematical Section, Zurich/Switzerland
Note: [*] Reprint address: Dr. Urs J. Bucher, NASA Ames Research Center, Human Factors Research Division, Mail Stop 262-2, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000.
Abstract: Four normal subjects underwent ocular counterrolling testing in a tiltable chair. Measurements were taken in 62 different body positions in steps of 30∘ varied rolls and pitches. In each body position the eyes were recorded on video and their roll angle was determined automatically by computer analysis. The ocular counterrolling profile showed a periodic characteristic with maximal amplitude at roll tilts of 60∘. In this study we can clearly show that the eyes’ rolling response is not systematically affected when lateral body tilts are combined with any tilts in the pitch direction. This undoubtedly implies that the ocular counterrolling was mainly stimulated by the subject’s roll angle. As an empirical contribution, this study provides new data specially to be used in modelling and simulating the function of otolith organs.
Keywords: ocular counterrolling, 3D space, pitch, roll, tilt
