bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Symbol Structure on Visual Information Processing
Authors: Hamill Bruce W. , Virzi Robert A.
Published: January 2012

This investigation addresses the problem of attention in the processing of symbolic information from visual displays. Its scope includes the nature of attentive processes, the structural properties of stimuli that influence visual information processing mechanisms, and the manner in which these factors interact in perception.

Our purpose is to determine the effects of configural feature structure on visual information processing. It is known that for stimuli comprising separable features, one can distinguish between conditions in which only one relevant feature differs among stimuli in the array being searched and conditions in which conjunctions of two (or more) features differ: Since the visual process of conjoining separable features is additive, this fact is reflected in search time as a function of array size, with feature conditions yielding flat curves associated with parallel search (no increase in search time across array sizes) and conjunction conditions yielding linearly increasing curves associated with serial search. We studied configural-feature stimuli within this framework to determine the nature of visual processing for such stimuli as a function of their feature structure.

Response times of subjects searching for particular targets among structured arrays of distractors were measured in a speeded visual search task. Two different sets of stimulus materials were studied in array sizes of up to 32 stimuli, using both tachistoscope and microcomputer-based CRT presentation for each.

Our results with configural stimuli indicate serial search in all of the conditions, with the slope of the response-time-by-array-size function being steeper for conjunction conditions than for feature conditions. However, for each of the two sets of stimuli we studied, there was one configuration that stood apart from the others in its set in that it yielded significantly faster response times, and in that conjunction conditions involving these particular stimuli tended to cluster with the feature conditions rather than with the other conjunction conditions. In addition to these major effects of particular targets, context effects also appeared in our results as effects of the various distractor sets used; certain of these context effects appear to be reversible. The effects of distractor sets on target search were studied in considerable detail.

We have found interesting differences in visual processing between stimuli comprising separable features and those comprising configural features. We have also been able to characterize the effects we have found with configural-feature stimuli as being related to the specific feature structure of the target stimulus in the context of the specific feature structure of distractor stimuli. These findings have strong implications for the design of symbology that can enhance visual performance in the use of automated displays.
Investigating the Steady State Visually Evoked Cortical Response
Authors: Junker Andrew M. , Peio Karen J.
Published: January 2012

Steady state visually evoked cortical responses were obtained by sinusoidally modulating fluorescent lights. Sums of sine waves with a frequency range of 5.5 Hz to 49 Hz were presented simultaneously to subjects to allow a control theoretic examination of the describing function of the EEG response. Subjects observed the stimulus in a “lights only” condition and were also tested viewing the flickering lights while doing a video decision task presented in the same field. Results indicate that reconstruction of the describing function across several frequencies was consistent for replications of each condition. Differences between the decision condition and lights only were observed around 9.5 Hz to 11.5 Hz. Frequency dependent sensitivity to the evoking stimulus was observed, and individual differences were indicated in frequency sensitivity to the evoking stimuli.
An Electromyographic Study of Pneumatic Screwdriver Design
Authors: Johnson Steven L.
Published: January 2012

The costs of occupational injuries occurring due to the repetitive use of hand tools are large in terms of both dollars and pain and suffering. One of the most frequently used hand tools in industry is the vertical hanging screwdriver or nutdriver. Although the use of this tool has been related to wrist injuries such a carpal tunnel syndrome, there is very little known about the impact of tool design on such injuries. The paper presents a preliminary study that uses EMG to evaluate power screwdriver design parameters.
Range of Joint Motion in College Males
Authors: Houy David R.
Published: January 2012

Research was performed to determine the voluntary range of joint motion in college males. Two hand-held electrogoniometers were used to take the measurements. A total of thirty-two measurements were taken on eight different joints. Subjects were male college students. The purpose of this research was three-fold. First to update the existing data on male voluntary range of joint motion. Second, a comparison was made with data previously reported by Barter, Emanuel and Truett (1957) and data by Glanville and Kreezer (1937). A final objective was to determine if range of joint motion is a highly specific factor or if mobility in one joint can be used as a prediction of mobility in other joints. Results of this study indicate that, when compared to previously existing data, twenty-two of the thirty-two measurements were found to be significantly different. Of these twenty-two, twenty-one were significantly less than previously reported data. The intercorrelation, using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, produced data which suggests that range of joint motion is not strictly a specific factor. Of 496 total correlations, 154 were significant (31%). The results of this study indicate that range of joint motion is not strictly a specific factor, but can be used to predict joint motion capabilities in other joints as well.
Human Factors in Sports Systems: An Empirical Investigation of Events in Team Games
Authors: Franks Ian M. , Goodman David , Miller Gary
Published: January 2012

A recently developed computer system was used to analyze the events that occur during a soccer game. This system was used for two purposes. Firstly, to accumulate a large data base of information from international games (1982 F.I.F.A. World Cup Finals) and secondly, to aid in the coaching process and hence improve both individual and team performance (Canadian Olympic Soccer Team). The Computer Assisted Sport Evaluation (CASE) system allowed a complete analysis of each game and produced information relative to several key aspects of soccer. The data reported in this paper is a small part of the available information, but relates to the most crucial part of team game performance, that being the events surrounding how goals are scored and, therefore, how games are won and lost.
Robotics and the Automated Factory
Authors: Parsons H. McIlvaine
Published: January 2012

Although automation in manufacturing is by no means novel, only recently have such manifestations as increasing use of robots and CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Assisted Manufacturing) involved human factors scientists/practitioners. This panel session suggests how these can contribute to industrial productivity by examining and recommending suitable divisions of labor between automation and workers and ways to improve interactions between them. For the most part these considerations have been sadly lacking in both technical and popular discussions about industrial robots. Five panelist will approach them from two perspectives: actual human factors experience in industrial automation, including robotics, and applicable experience in closely related areas, such as the use of teleoperators in hostile environments (nuclear and battlefield).
Human Engineering Analysis for the Battle Group Tactical Trainer
Authors: Waldrop Grace P. , McDonald L. Bruce , Lambert Elizabeth Y. , Ogus L. Robert
Published: January 2012

Human Factors practicioners can influence and support the development process of trainers only if their recommendations are accepted and implemented. This acceptance can be enhanced by using a systematic analysis process which leads to the human factors recommendations. An initial human factors analysis is described herein which supported other front-end analyses, leading to a functonal description for the Naval Battle Group Tactical Trainer.
Handle Positions in a Holding Task as a Function of Task Height
Authors: Deeb J. , Drury C. G. , Begbie K.
Published: January 2012

Six handle positions in a two-handed container holding task were tested with the container at floor, waist and shoulder heights. Fifteen male and fifteen female manual materials handlers participated. Handle position effects on forces exerted, heart rate and psychophysical indicies were large, comparable to a 25 percent change in container weight. As in a previous study (at waist height only) and an industrial survey, handle positions providing both horizontal and vertical stability were better than symmetrical positions. Optimal angles of handle to container changed greatly with task height, giving almost horizontal angles at floor level and almost vertical angles at waist and shoulder level. Implications for the design of handle cutouts on containers are discussed.
An Examination of the Speed of Manipulation of Various Sizes and Shapes of Handles
Authors: Cochran David J. , Riley Michael W.
Published: January 2012

This research examined the effects of handle size and shape on two types of manual manipulation of handles. The first task evaluated was one in which the subject rotated a handle 180° in his/her hand one way, then reversed the rotation for 180° in the opposite direction. On this task smaller handles could be manipulated faster. Also triangular handles were significantly slower to manipulate than all other shapes tested except the square ones. The second task evaluated the speed of flipping a handle in the hand. For this task shape had no significant effect on the time but size did. Once again, the smaller handles could be manipulated quicker than the larger ones.
Short Term Memory Limits in Performance
Authors: Klapp Stuart T. , Philipoff Alexandra
Published: January 2012

The present experiment showed that people can remember six letters for subsequent ordered recall and simultaneously process digits in memory during the retention interval for the letters. This lack of mutual interference was observed when the digits but not their order of presentation must be retained. When the order of the digits was also required, mutual interference between the letter and digit tasks occurred. These results were interpreted as evidence against the common assumption of a unitary working memory (short-term memory) which is limited to about seven items and which is required in cognitive operations such as decision making.
Simulator Fidelity in Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Training
Authors: Allen John A. , Hays Robert T.
Published: January 2012

A program of research aimed at investigating the degree of functional and physical fidelity needed in maintenance training simulators is described. A unique aspect of this work is the use of a generic reference system to serve as both an actual equipment trainer and system for simulation. This system as well as five training simulators differing in their functional and physical resemblance to the reference system are described. Program plans, objectives, and preliminary observations are discussed.
Pilot Oriented Performance Measurement
Authors: De Maio Joe , Bell Herbert H. , Brunderman John
Published: January 2012

Flight simulators provide a complete quantitative record of a pilot's flying performance. Evaluating this record is complicated by the volume of data and by its fine detail, dozens of flight parameters, sampled many times per second. Automated performance measurement systems (APMS) reduce the volume of data to an amount which is manageable and understandable.

The usual APMS is aircraft state oriented. The APMS keys on aircraft state (e.g., X-Y position, bank angle) to define intervals over which performance data are integrated. This APMS is relatively insensitive to pilots' intentions and so may average performances which had differing objectives, based only on their having occurred at the same point during the task sequence.

An alternative APMS has been developed which is pilot oriented. This APMS defines measurement intervals based on control inputs. Control inputs are identified by discrete changes in flight path. These intervals are psychologically relevant in that they begin with a goal-directed control input and end with a countervailing input. By relating performance in the pilot defined intervals to state defined intervals, it is possible to quantify performance on given flight segments (e.g., a level turn), and to specify factors which lead to a given level of performance.
Application of Psychological Principles to Decision Support System Design: An Overview
Authors: Phelps Ruth H.
Published: January 2012

The Behavioral Decision Making session will focus on the application of psychological principles to the design of decision support systems. In this overview the definition of a decision support system and a psychological perspective are described.
Human Performance Modeling Using the Signal Detection Paradigm
Authors: McGrew John F.
Published: January 2012

Signal detection theory has been used extensively to determine the abilities of people. It has another use than can provide a partial solution to computer simulation and system developers who must model human performance. The problem with modeling human performance, at present, is that psychology has only provided models that have limited applicability to narrow performance domains. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve can be used to model human behavior in such a way that the system developer can model the skill and motivation level of human performance. Furthermore, the developer can specify the errors and correct response that a person will make at a given skill and motivational level. This ability to model human performance should provide a means to generate design constraints for computer simulations and systems in which the human is an integral part.
Measurement of Variables for Army Recruiting/Enlistment Decision Making
Authors: Johnson Richard M.
Published: January 2012

A person considering enlisting in the Army faces a number of key choice points as he or she pursues a course of applying to the Army. In this paper, a framework is presented for examination of the enlistment decision process from several theoretical viewpoints. Existing data and missing data are discussed as they relate to satisfying modeling requirements and to meeting Army needs and personnel enlistment goals.
Simultaneous Mode versus Sequential Mode in Real-Time Computer-Mediated Conferencing
Authors: Dubrovsky Vitaly , Siegel Jane , Kiesler Sara , McGuire Timothy W.
Published: January 2012

A ‘standard’ simultaneous response mode of computer-mediated real-time conferencing was compared to a sequential response mode in order to examine whether deficiences in the former were responsible for earlier observations of arousal and disinhibited behavior of participants towards one another. Twenty four discussions of twelve groups of three and the responses on a postexperimental “preferences-difficulties” questionnaire were analyzed. It was found that both the modes have deficiences which could contribute to arousal and disinhibition. Main deficiences of the simultaneous and sequential modes are identified and discussed. Recommendations for design of conference software based on the analyses are suggested.
Field Driving Test Situations for Ml Tank Drivers
Authors: Burroughs Susan L. , Campbell Roy C. , Campbell Charlotte H. , Knerr C. Mazie
Published: January 2012

The presentation deals with the testing of Ml tank drivers and focuses on the requirement to establish reliable measures of nonprocedural portions of the tank driver's job. Tests of tank driving skills have been difficult to develop because of situational reliability problems. Actual conduct of the tests with 60 ton tanks change the driving terrain for each subsequent subject. Further, problems of rater reliability in the use of observational ratings and checklists have been encountered. The purposes of the present study were (a) to develop test methodologies for tank driving that would enable these problems to be overcome and (b) to evaluate these methodologies by developing and assessing a battery of on–tank tests of nonprocedural, tactical Ml tank driving skills.

Eleven driving tasks for which tests were to be developed were derived from an ARI criticality survey. Analysis of the tasks resulted in decisions to test nine of the tasks, but only those aspects that related to the driver and that were feasible for testing. Five of the tests were Obstacle/Judgment tests, and four were Tactical tests. The tests were tried out on 77 soldiers in two Ml OSUT classes (none of the soldiers took all the tests). The data were used to assess scorer agreement and internal consistency, to estimate utility based on reliability and variability, and to direct revisions and recommendations for future testing.

For each of the nine tests, the data indicated that driver performance could be measured reliably. Both the Obstacle/Judgment tests and Tactical tests had been designed so that usable quantitative data could be obtained, and for every test, refinements were suggested based on data and on informal observations. For two of the Tactical tests, an innovative scoring technique using an Ml tank profile overlay was explored. Despite high ratings in the criticality survey, one Obstacle/Judgment test was recommended for deletion. While more replications and developmental refinements of the tests are needed, the analysis and development performed have produced tests that are already minimally reliable. The tests were designed for use in measuring on–tank driving performance against which to assess driver simulator training. They may also be useful in general field applications for training.
The Convex Mirror as a Traffic Control Aid: A Report on the Human Factors Considerations
Authors: Amerson Thomas L. , Little Alex D.
Published: January 2012

A study was performed on the human factors characteristics of a mirror traffic control aid. The mirror aid studied was installed at a “T” intersection as an attempt to improve the detection of vehicles proceeding along a curved through street. The intention of the traffic engineers was that the mirror aid be used in combination with direct viewing of these vehicles.

Three experiments were performed at the intersection. Experiment 1 was an unobtrusive observation of the use of the mirror by drivers stopping at the intersection. Experiment 2 was a door-to-door survey of drivers living in the neighborhood adjacent to the intersection. Driver profiles and attitudes toward mirror effectiveness were sought in the survey. Experiment 3 assessed the physical characteristics and perceptual and cognitive demands of the mirror aid upon drivers.

The results of these studies indicated that the mirror was little used by drivers proceeding through the intersection. Drivers found the mirror to be generally ineffective: They claimed that its images were too small to be easily seen, that cues to distance, depth, speed, and direction of motion were deceptive, and that normal climactic variations made the mirror unusable during much of the time. Physical measurements confirmed these subjective observations.

Suggestions, based on established human factors concepts, are offered for the improvement of driver performance and security at intersections where a mirror aid is considered.
Work Structure in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Bauman Marjorie B. , Pain Richard F. , Van Cott Harold P. , Davidson Margery K.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the assessment of the work structure of ten nuclear power plants. Work structure factors are those factors that relate to the way in which work at all levels in a plant is organized, staffed, managed, rewarded, and perceived by plant personnel. Questionnaires given to a cross-section of personnel at the plants were the primary source of data collection. Structured “critical incident” interviews were conducted to verify the questionnaire results. The study revealed that a variety of work structure factor problem areas do exist in nuclear power plants. The paper highlights a prioritized set of candidate research themes to be considered in EPRI's Work Structure and Performance Research Program.
Timely Application of Advanced Human Factors Test and Evaluation Techniques during the Acquisition of New Air Force Systems
Authors: Frazier Michael L.
Published: January 2012

To ensure that all major Air Force systems are subject to adequate human factors examination, the dependence on data-free critical analysis concerning system (and human) performance should be kept to a minimum during testing. Human factors test and evaluators (T&Eers) require the timely application of state-of-the-art (SOA) test and evaluation (T&E) techologies to keep pace with advanced system design. The Air Force needs to establish high-level policies directing human factors technology to ensure there are: 1) SOA T&E procedures, models and techniques; 2) appropriate human performance criteria; 3) current specifications, standards and handbooks; 4) qualified and trained T&Eers 5) SOA T&E instrumentation and equipment, and 6) SOA T&E software. A proposed model for transfer of human factors technologies for test and evaluation is presented.
Empirical Studies of Accident Statistics and Safety
Authors: Kvålseth Tarald O.
Published: January 2012

The relationship between the frequencies of different types of accidents and their rank order is modelled as a generalized power function. This paper presents empirical results validating the model for fatal accidents occurring in the home and for total accidents occurring in any environment. The notion of accident variety or diversity is also introduced and some variety measures are proposed and evaluated for 15 sets of accident statistics. Finally, some preliminary results are presented from an industrial safety survey.
Can We Diagnose Safety?
Authors: Hoyos Carl Graf
Published: January 2012

Safety is an essential feature of man-environment systems - especially in industrial settings, but also in private households, schools. It implies more than the non-occurrence of accidents. The concept “safety” encompasses technical, organizational, and behavioral components. In this paper possible ways of diagnosing the development and status of these components will be discussed. This approach to the assessment of safety is analogous to approaches in which other characteristics of men-environment systems are assessed, e.g. a profile of demands on workers or of the level of occupational stress. - Experience has shown that such characteristics can be successfully assessed by means of job analysis procedures. The development of an instrument which will facilitate the assessment of components of safety will be described. Principles and activities engaged in the course of this development as well as results from attained through application of the instrument will be discussed.
Cognitive Factors Related to Computer Programming and Software Productivity
Authors: Barfield Woodrow , LeBold William K. , Salvendy Gavriel , Shodja Sogand
Published: January 2012

The significance of software productivity is discussed and methods to increase computer programming productivity are reviewed. The range of performance capabilities of computer programmers in academic work environments based on several cognitive variables are delineated. Results reveal that for 90 percent of the population these ranges can vary from a low of 1:2 to a high of 1:99. Mathematical abilities are shown to predict up to 25 percent of the variance accounting for computer programming proficiency. Also combined chemistry and mathematical skills can predict up to 40 percent of the variance in computer programming proficiency. Basic Cognitive Skills, as measured by standard cognitive ability tests, are not shown to be helpful in predicting programming proficiency, whereas chunking appears to be a useful method for determining computer proficiency.
Corporate Information Retrieval System
Authors: Shechter Joel
Published: January 2012

The Boeing Company's Corporate Information Retrieval System (CIRS) began several years ago as an experiment in effective communication between a top-level corporate executive and a computerized, distributed information processing environment. Today, this experiment has evolved into a production system that is continually being enhanced to meet the requirements of its users. It is vital to note, however, that no enhancement is accepted whose implementation is not consistent with the original concept of a friendly and uncomplicated user interface. The interactive session presented at the Human Factors Conference will consist of a live demonstration of the CIRS system, as well as an informal discussion of the CIRS philosophy and implementation.
The Effects of Level of Knowledge upon Human Problem Solving in a Process Control Task
Authors: Morris Nancy M. , Rouse William B.
Published: January 2012

The question of what the operator of a dynamic system needs to know was investigated in an experiment using PLANT, a generic simulation of a process. Knowledge of PLANT was manipulated via different types of instructions, so that four different groups were created: 1) Minimal instructions only; 2) Minimal instructions + guidelines for operation (Procedures); 3) Minimal instructions + dynamic relationships (Principles); 4) Minimal instructions + Procedures + Principles. Subjects then controlled PLANT in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar situations. Despite the fact that these manipulations resulted in differences in subjects' knowledge as assessed via a written test at the end of the experiment, instructions had no effect upon achievement of the primary goal of production; however, those groups receiving Procedures controlled the system in a more stable manner. Principles had no apparent effect upon subjects' performance. There was no difference between groups in diagnosis of unfamiliar events.
Human Aspects of Industrial Machine Actuators: Review and Reappraisal
Authors: Barfield Woodrow , Salvendy Gavriel , Hwang Sheue-Ling
Published: January 2012

This paper deals with those areas of human factors research which relate to industrial machine actuator devices. Power press actuators are emphasized for example purposes, but the material could be generalizable to other industrial machines. The actuator control is shown to be a critical part of the industrial man-machine system. If the designed actuator device does not adequately match human performance capabilities with machine performance capabilities for the system in use, then safety problems can ensue including injury, liability for injury, or damage to equipment. The introduction of new technology to the design of actuator devices is delineated and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Preliminary Analysis for Developing a Simulation of the Man-Machine System Associated with Foot-Controlled Machines in Highly Repetitive Tasks
Authors: Trump Thomas R. , Etherton John R.
Published: January 2012

Accident statistics, workplace observations, and a literature review indicate that foot controls are used to operate many different machines in the industrial workplace, and that workers sometimes inadvertently activate those foot controls. Analysis of these data indicates that several factors can interact to cause inadvertent foot control activation. Two primary factors appear to be (a) unmediated hand movements made in response to workpiece or machine problems and (b) out-of-sequence foot control movements produced by the effects of normal task rhythm acting upon the operator.
Plants as Enhancers of the Indoor Environment
Authors: Laviana Joseph E. , Mattson Richard H. , Rohles Frederick H.
Published: January 2012

Sixty-four subjects (32 men and 32 women) evaluated environmental quality and thermal comfort in a 2 − 2 design involving 2 temperature conditions, 20.0°C (68°F) and 25.6°C (78°F), within a climate controlled chamber that was either decorated with plants or was devoid of plants. The results showed that on a scale developed for measuring Occupied Space Quality, a higher rating accompanied the condition in which plants were used to enhance the environment than the condition in which no plants were used. The plants, however, did not affect the subjective thermal responses.
Subjective Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Using an Air Recirculation Device
Authors: VanDyke David A. , Rohles Frederick H. , Webster Michael P.
Published: January 2012

To determine the effectiveness of a small fan in enhancing thermal comfort in an open office, eight subjects were studied at 24.4 C (76F), 26.1 C (79F), and 27.8 C (82F) (all at 50% RH), in an environmental laboratory where each workstation was equipped with a small variable speed fan. Control trials were run at all three temperatures without the use of the fan. Three subjective responses were measured: thermal sensation (a nine category rating scale), thermal comfort (a seven pair semantic differential scale), and temperature preference. During fan tests, subjects were allowed to adjust the fan speed to their preference at 15 minute intervals. Results showed that use of the fan could allow a 3°F temperature increase while maintaining the same comfort level, or increase comfort at temperatures of 79°F and up. The 3°F increase in temperature would result in a 9% energy savings, based on the National Bureau of Standards suggestion of a reduction in air conditioning energy demand of 6% per °C or 3% per °F. The study also shows that users prefer a fan that is adjustable in speed and placement.
Simulation of a Cockpit Display Concept for Increased Airport Capacity
Authors: Abbott Terence S.
Published: January 2012

A research effort has been undertaken to determine the feasibility of employing a forward-looking cockpit display to provide information that would enable aircraft to utilize reduced separation, and hence increased runway capacity, through the application of multiple-glide-path approach techniques. The current study was an initial exploration into this concept in which traffic information was added to a HUD format to allow the pilot to monitor the traffic situation and to self space on a lead aircraft during a simulated single glide-path approach. The results of this study indicate that this display concept can provide sufficient information to the pilot for traffic monitoring and self separation. Additionally, the pilots noted that an increase in situational awareness, relative to conventional instrument flight, was provided by the traffic information on the display.
The Measurement of Spinal Loads Arising from Working Seats
Authors: Corlett E.N. , Eklund J.A.E.
Published: January 2012

The backrest on a working seat reduces back muscle tension and the need to lock the spine for the transmission of horizontal forces from the trunk to the chair. These effects reduce inter-vertebral compression forces, which cause the discs to collapse. A simple and precise method for measuring shrinkage in stature has been developed and used to examine variations in the design of seats. The findings are discussed in relation to the biomechanics of sitting, and conclusions for seat design presented.
Locus of the Information Familiarity Effect in the Search of Computer Menus
Authors: Somberg Benjamin L. , Picardi Maria C.
Published: January 2012

Preliminary empirical findings (Somberg, Boggs, & Picardi, 1982) concerning the search of computer menus indicated that one's familiarity with the information being sought had an effect on the speed with which the correct item was selected from the menu, but did not influence the scan rate per se. Results from three experiments which attempted to determine the locus of that effect are presented here. It was hypothesized that the familiarity of the desired information has an effect on either (1) the time needed to activate the category that described the information or (2) the time needed to confirm that a selected item was the correct one. As neither hypothesis received empirical validation, it was determined that the accuracy, rather than the duration, of the category activation stage is the causative agent. Category activation errors, which are more frequent when the desired information is unfamiliar, necessitate additional cognitive processing which increases the overall response latency.
Impact of Air Traffic Controllers' Strike on the Safety of National Airspace System
Authors: Arjunan Mallik M.
Published: January 2012

The findings of the study performed for FAA/DOT Office of Aviation Safety are presented. The level of safety of performance in the ATC system after the strike of August 1981 was analysed.

There were two parameters of interest, viz. 1, near mid air collisions, 2, operational error reports, of these, the operational errors related more directly to the performance of ATC and was analyzed in detail. The data consisted of 54 weekly frequency counts of operational errors and the volume of operations covering the periods from January 1980 to July 1982. The model used a linear autoregressive process, but the parameters were estimated using a derivative-free non-linear least squares estimation method. The post-strike operational error data normalized to the volume of operations were found to be lower than the same rate for the pre-strike period.

The analysis of operational errors of the Air Traffic Controllers reported during comparable periods before and after the strike date of August 3, 1981 showed that there was a lack of degradation of safety of the National Airspace System in the post-strike period. This was found to be true both for terminals and the air route traffic control centers.
Automated Tools for the Study of Human/Computer Interaction
Authors: Cohill Andrew M. , Ehrich Roger W.
Published: January 2012

Automated collection of human performance data in human/computer interaction studies is not only time and cost efficient, but more reliable and accurate, and less intrusive than manual data collection. In many cases, it allows that measurement of additional dependent variables. In the experiment described in this report, an automated data collection system was successfully used, resulting in time, cost, and data savings. The metering system includes modules which collected the data during the experimental session, and others which reduced the raw data into a usable form. By designing the software in flexible modules, adaptation to later studies has been simple and easy.
Comparison of Training Transfer and Effectiveness Models
Authors: Knerr C. Mazie , Nadler Lawrence B. , Dowell Susan K. , Tufano Daniel R.
Published: January 2012

The costs of training devices and simulators have induced the military to formulate models for predicting the training effectiveness, including transfer effectiveness, of the devices during their design and development. Analysis of existing models compared them on the following dimensions: objectives, components, units of analysis, metrics, and development. Development included level of completion, validation, and automation. The models analyzed were those for predicting effectiveness or prescribing device characteristics rather than models for empirical evaluation of existing devices. Baseline models included the military Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model and the Navy's Training Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness Prediction model. Other models were the Training Device Effectiveness model (TRAINVICE); Training Efficiency Estimation Model; training resource estimators; manpower, personnel, and training estimation models; multi-attribute utility estimation; and methods for specifying training device features. Most of the models were prescriptive, rather than predictive, of effectiveness. Few (including TRAINVICE) estimated transfer to the operational setting.
Color Contrast Metrics for Head-up Displays
Authors: Post David L. , Lippert Thomas M. , Snyder Harry L.
Published: January 2012

Recent evidence suggests that a useful metric of color contrast can be formulated in terms of distance between colors in a perceptually uniform color space. The present research adds to this evidence by presenting equations which relate distance in several spaces to response speeds for reading colored numerals superimposed upon colored backgrounds. The results suggest that several extant uniform color spaces provide no definite advantages over the (nonuniform) 1931 CIE tristimulus space and that improvements can be obtained by rescaling their axes. Two computationally simple metrics are presented which model global color contrast and color contrast complexity.
Is a Picture Worth 1000 Words–Written or Spoken?
Authors: Hawkins James S. , Reising John M. , Lizza Gretchen D. , Beachy Keith A.
Published: January 2012

The effectiveness of pictorial format representation of emergency procedures to aircrew members as compared to text or voice has not been demonstrated before. This study compares these variables in simulated combat missions. Although the flying performance measures revealed no statistically significant differences between the presentation modes, strong subjective differences were found.
Automated Speech Recognition in Complex Systems: Review and Analysis of Factors Affecting Performance
Authors: Root Robert W. , McCauley Michael E.
Published: January 2012

Computerized speech technology, both for automated speech recognition and automated speech generation, seems to be gaining acceptance as a valuable enhancement of the interface between computerized systems and the system user. Many laboratory studies of automated speech technology (AST) performance have reported speech recognition accuracies in excess of 90% with high reliability across users, an indication that AST is nearly ready for full service in field applications. However, several recent field evaluation studies of experimental prototype training systems incorporating AST have found recognition accuracies in the 40-60% range, an indication that AST may not yet be ready for implementation in the next generation of high-tech training systems. While the most obvious conclusion to draw from these studies would be that AST works well in the laboratory but not in a complex integrated system in the field, a critical examination of these evaluation studies seems to indicate otherwise.

This paper will first review and critically examine several studies of automated speech recognition systems, both in the field and in the laboratory, in an attempt to understand the recognition performance differences outlined above. It will then propose that AST appears, in fact, to be a viable technology, and that the poor speech recognition performance observed in some integrated training systems is due more to the design and implementation of the entire system than to the recognition capabilities of the AST itself. This paper will discuss how guidelines for future system design and evaluation can be derived from the analysis of existing systems, and will present a first-approximation set of guidelines based upon the author's own evaluations of several prototype systems. Finally, the paper will propose that consideration of a few critical features of the total system implementation, which may be relatively minor from a hardware point of view, would probably result in a significant improvement in speech recognition performance and user friendliness, in addition to enhancing the performance of the system as a whole.
What Should Simulations Simulate?
Authors: Miller R. A.
Published: January 2012

Both man-in-the-loop and computer simulations have become relatively mature technologies and are used quite extensively in human-machine systems analysis and design. As simulation becomes more mature and its application more routinized, the fundamental assumptions, both substantive and methodological, upon which simulations rest are sometimes neglected or forgotten. As a consequence some applications of simulation may be less than optimum and there may be some uncertainty surrounding the role which simulation can and should play in the human-machine systems domain. In this paper several types of simulations are classified according to the characteristics of the modelling performed and the representations used. These classes are briefly analyzed to establish some of the ontological and epistemological assumptions required in each class. The assumptions are then compared against the reasons and objectives usually cited for using simulation in human-machine systems work. This comparison provides useful insights into the role of simulation and enables some suggestions for needed work on modelling and theories of human-machine system performance.
Modernizing Training in the Naval Shipyards
Authors: Sharon Amiel T.
Published: January 2012

The Navy's Department of the Naval Sea Systems Command has launched an ambitious program to modernize the training of its shipyard civilian workers. The Instructional Systems Development (ISD) approach has been adopted to design, develop and evaluate effective and cost-efficient training of shipyard skilled-trades. Using the expertise of instructional technologists, trade experts, technical writers and psychometricians, the program is expected to eliminate deficiencies of current shipyard training and reduce its costs.
Improving Organizational Effectiveness through Quality Circles
Authors: Brown Ogden
Published: January 2012

The American work force is experiencing an evolutionary change which bears certain implications for the ways in which organizations are managed. The major trends which have emerged are: changing attitudes and values of the worker, changing composition of the labor force, and the use of alternative management systems to cope with the changes. In this time of slower growth, declining productivity, and greater worldwide competition, the solution to “people problems” is now just as important as is the generation of capital and the introduction of new technologies. Evidence is mounting that quality of work life programs are useful in realizing the desirable goals of improved productivity and product quality. The quality control circle concept is one such approach. The history, process, and objectives of quality circles are presented, and a comparison is made of typical American and Japanese models. Worker participation in quality circles in large Japanese industrial organizations is discussed based upon empirical research. Two approaches to the use of quality control are presented. One program is oriented toward improving the product quality and the other toward better quality of customer service. Organizational effectiveness may thus be enhanced through different applications of the quality control circle concept.
Use of Neuroelectric Measures to Assess Cognitive Workload
Authors: Gevins Alan S.
Published: January 2012

It would be useful to be able to directly measure the utilization of various brain systems during performance of any choosen task. During the last few years several investigators have been developing paradigms to use the P300 component of the averaged event-related potential (ERP) to assess cognitive workload. Initial results have been encouraging, and it has been suggested that the time may be ripe to transition this type of measure from the laboratory to industrial applications. In this presentation I will discuss the potential advantages and difficulties of the neuroelectric approach to cognitive workload assessment. I will consider current knowledge of the neural origin of P300, as well as its possible neural and psychological significance. Several of the popular paradigms for eliciting P300 will be reviewed, and the permissible inferences about neurocognitive functions obtainable from variations in P300 amplitude or latency will be outlined. The practical problems of transitioning an academic laboratory paradigm to an industrial research setting will be discussed, using the example of a flight simulator. Particular attention will be directed at the contamination of brain electrical recordings by instrumental artifacts, and by head, body and eye movements. The current state-of-the-art in automated detection and filtering of these contaminants will be summarized. Individual differences and the effects of metabolic factors, drugs and fatigue will be discussed, as will techniques for reducing “irrelevant” variance due to these factors.

Recent developments in measuring neurocognitve functions will be presented, emphasizing the extraction of more detailed information about multiple, simultaneously- and sequentially-active brain systems.

Basic research supported by grants and contracts from the National Science Foundation, The Office of Naval Research, The Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine.
A Microcomputer Relaxation Technique Using Sample Statistics for Describing the Relationship between Human Factors Measures
Authors: Malzahn Don , Rahimi Mansour
Published: January 2012

The relaxation algorithm described in this paper is a method of developing an estimate of the relationship between a dependent variable and an independent variable when the only data available are sample statistics from ranges of the independent variable. An application using a micro-computer is described. The accuracy and sensitivity of the technique is compared with regression analysis.