Efficient Multimodal Cuing of Spatial Attention In this paper, the authors detail how attentional distribution can work in the important example of multimodal spatial cuing, and ground it in several classes of applications.

Behavioral studies of multisensory integration and cross-modal spatial attention have identified many poten- tial benefits of using interfaces that engage more than just a single sense in complex operating environments. Particularly relevant in terms of application, the latest research highlights that: 1) multimodal signals can be used to reorient spatial attention effectively under conditions of high operator work- load in which unimodal signals may be ineffective; 2) multimod- al signals are less likely to be masked in noisy environments; and 3) there are natural links between specific signals and particular behavioral responses (e.g., head turning). However, taking advantage of these potential benefits requires that interface designers take into account the limitations of the human operator. In particular, multimodal interfaces should normally be designed so as to minimize any spatial incongru- ence between component warning signals presented in differ- ent sensory modalities that relate to the same event. Building on this rapidly growing cognitive neuroscience knowledge base, the last decade has witnessed the development of a number of highly effective multimodal interfaces for driving, aviation, the military, medicine, and sports.