bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface Design for Mobile Army Commanders
Authors: Bennett Kevin B. , Behymer Kyle , Stansifer Craig , Shattuck Larry , Talcott Chris , Martinez Silas
Published: January 2012

The progress in developing and evaluating a prototype interface for mobile, forward-positioned Army commanders is reported. This interface currently includes novel representations of friendly and enemy combat resources and control mechanisms to re-focus granularity of attention. Army domain experts contributed substantially to design and evaluation activities: existing and proposed interfaces were reviewed, iterative design feedback was provided, a simulated combat scenario was designed, and three empirical evaluations have been performed with Army officers as participants. The evaluations have compared the RAPTOR interface with a simulated version of the Army's current computerized interface (FBCB2); the RAPTOR interface has generally produced better performance. The next step is to incorporate graphical representations of plans into the interface. These representations will include information regarding time, space, objectives, and resources. The design goal is to facilitate comparisons between pre-planned objectives for the engagement and the actual progress that is being made. Ultimately these graphical representations should facilitate a commander's capability to determine when current progress toward goals and resource expenditures have deviated (either positively or negatively) from plan.
Distributed Teams and Revealed Trust
Authors: Bloomberg Shala , Hawkins Serena , Davidson Rachel , Smith Kip
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses a laboratory study of the influence of proximity, communication mode, and performance on the formation of trust between team members. The study manipulated team proximity and communication mode and measured (1) the performance of two-person teams in a distributed command and control task and (2) their subsequent expressions of trust as revealed in an economic game. Measures of team performance included the number of errors made and time on task. Revealed trust was scored at three levels: trust, distrust, and betrayal. We treat performance in the command and control task as a subject variable to determine whether it has an impact on the subsequent expression of trust. We found a weak main effect for communication mode on performance and no effect of performance on revealed trust. However, there was a highly significant main effect for proximity on trust. Members of dispersed teams are less likely to trust each other than members of teams who work in the same location. This finding runs counter to the current trend toward distributed work groups.
A Componential Model for Assessing the Effects of Single and Composite User Interface Metaphors
Authors: Hurts Karel
Published: January 2012

A componential model is discussed for understanding the behavioral impact of user interface metaphors. The model expresses the effect of any metaphor in terms three generic components, each component corresponding to a way a metaphor can match or mismatch interface functionality. These component scores have to be estimated in some combination of task, user, and interface analysis. The main use of the model is for researchers who want to be better able to retrospectively explain or (generalizing past data into the future) predict the impact on human behavior of single and composite user interface metaphors. In order to validate the model, an experiment was conducted in which two interface metaphors were independently manipulated (present or absent) and their effect was studied on the performance of users performing several web navigation tasks using a simulated web site. The results showed that the predictions made by the model were generally confirmed by the data. These data also illustrate how the model may be used to describe unexpected negative effects of metaphors on user performance in terms of matches and mismatches. Finally, they suggest ways in which user interface metaphors can be redesigned in the future in order to better fit human cognition.
An Objective Measure for Postural Comfort
Authors: Kölsch Mathias , Beall Andrew C. , Turk Matthew
Published: January 2012

Biomechanics determines the physical range in which humans can move their bodies. Human factors research delineates a subspace in which humans can operate without experiencing musculoskeletal strain, fatigue or discomfort. We claim that there is an even tighter space which we call the comfort zone. It is defined as the range of postures adopted voluntarily — despite the availability of other postures. We introduce a measurable, objective foundation for comfort, which was previously assumed equivalent to the absence of discomfort, a subjective quantity. Interfaces designed outside a user's comfort zone can prompt the adoption of alternative use patterns, which are often less favorable because they trade off the unnoticeable potential of injury for comfort. Designing interfaces within the limits of comfort zones can avert these risks.
Optimization of Keyboard Design for Specialized Text Entry
Authors: Francis Gregory , Rash Clarence E.
Published: January 2012

As computers are introduced into ever more devices with new methods of inputting information, there has been interest in how to optimally design the information input system. We build on previous work along these lines to demonstrate a program that can quickly build the optimal keyboard layout that minimizes the time required to input a given set of data. This approach makes it possible to create different keyboard designs for different specialized uses of keyboards and/or for different individuals. In our report we outline the basic approach to the optimization process, identify situations where such optimization could be beneficial, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimization.
An Affordable Medium-Fidelity Virtual Environment Soldier Simulator Designed for Infantry Combat Research
Authors: Greenwood-Ericksen Adams , Weaver Jeanne L. , Burke Kelly , Bradley Kristy A. , Hancock Peter A.
Published: January 2012

Due to the expense of obtaining access to purpose-built virtual environments, it has traditionally been difficult for some researchers to examine questions of interest involving infantry combat performance. As part of on going research into stress and human performance in infantry combat, a highly affordable soldier simulator was constructed using off-the-shelf parts and equipment. Simulators of this type are highly flexible and scalable in design, allowing researchers to fabricate them to the requirements of the study and/or in proportion to available resources. Our demonstration will allow participants to operate the simulator themselves, or observe the demonstrators operating it. Additionally, they will be able to design their own missions and execute them in the simulator, with the assistance of trained personnel. The purpose of the demonstration is to acquaint human factors researchers with a system that demonstrates that solder simulator systems can be developed affordably and easily.
Task Challenges in the Performance of Amusement Ride Inspection
Authors: Woodcock Kathryn
Published: January 2012

Inspection is one of the principal strategies for prevention of amusement ride accidents. The task of amusement ride safety inspection was studied, focussing on regulatory inspectors responsible for permitting rides to operate. The task contains many cognitive and physical challenges to human performance. Although there is a common curriculum, rides are complex and take many different forms. Shared objective data on base rates of various failure modes is scant, therefore in practice inspectors' judgements are based predominantly on experience, which varies widely. The social environment also places weight on experience to justify delays to the show. The environment contains numerous distractions and obstructions, visual, auditory, and other and there are physical demands that can be distracting or impede assessment of the ride. If an inspection fails to detect deficiencies, the ride may later fail, therefore work will be continued to aid inspectors in the performance of their work.
Human-Information Interaction with Knowledge Associates
Authors: Thurman David A. , Cowell Andrew J. , Andrew Adrienne H. , Chappell Alan R.
Published: January 2012

Under the Novel Intelligence from Massive Data program, Battelle is working in partnership with Stanford University's Knowledge Systems Laboratory and IBM's T.J. Watson. Research Center to develop a suite of technologies for knowledge discovery, knowledge extraction, knowledge representation, automated reasoning, and human information interaction. We envision an integrated analytic environment composed of a collection of analyst associates called “Knowledge Associates for Novel Intelligence (KANI).” One of Battelle's contributions to this environment is the design of an Information Interaction Associate, through which analysts will interact with other knowledge associates in KANI and actively construct and manipulate explicit models of the situations, events, actions, and scenarios that they analyze and hypothesize about during an analysis task. This paper reports on efforts to date towards the design of this component and efforts to develop and encode of a model of the intelligence analysis process.
Effects of Radio Tuning on Driving Performance
Authors: Mouloua Mustapha , Hancock Peter A. , Rinalducci Edward , Brill Christopher
Published: January 2012

This paper introduces some of the research work on the effects of telematics, in this case a radio system, on driver's performance. Twenty-four undergraduate students participated in a series of simulated driving scenarios. In the pre- and post-allocation phases, all participants were required to drive two-four minute phases to establish their baseline scores. In the allocation phase, they were required to tune to a series of local radio stations while performing the same driving scenarios. The results indicated that participants committed more driving errors and violations during the radio-tuning phase than any of the other pre- and post-allocation phases. These errors were manifested in an increased number of crossing the median marking, leaving the roadway, and/or lane deviation. The implications of these results are also outlined in the present paper.
Relating Ability and Personality to the Efficacy and Performance of Dyadic Teams
Authors: Day Eric Anthony , Edwards Bryan D. , Arthur Winfred , Bell Suzanne T.
Published: January 2012

We examined the extent to which member ability and personality relate to differences in team performance and team efficacy in a task setting that simulated the high degree of role interdependence and human-technology interaction found in many military contexts. 168 male participants were assigned to dyadic teams and trained for two weeks to learn and perform a complex computer task that simulated the demands of a dynamic aviation environment. Participants also completed measures of general mental ability, psychomotor ability, and the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability). Team performance and team efficacy were assessed multiple times throughout training. Results indicated that ability was a critical determinant of both performance and efficacy, and personality traits yielded an incremental contribution to both performance and efficacy. In particular, psychomotor ability and conscientiousness were the strongest and most consistent factors associated with team effectiveness.
Individual Differences in Dispositional Pessimism, Stress, and Coping as a Function of Task Type
Authors: Thropp Jennifer E. , Szalma James L. , Ross Jennifer M. , Hancock Peter A.
Published: January 2012

Individual differences in dispositional pessimism and choice of coping strategy on performance and stress, in target detection were investigated. The results were consistent with prior research indicating that higher levels of pessimism were associated with higher levels of stress and less effective coping strategies. Similarly, pessimism predicted emotion focused coping only in tasks with spatial uncertainty. There was evidence that the influence of personality on post-task stress may be mediated by pre-task state. Pessimism also predicted avoidant coping and task focused coping, although this prediction was only meaningful in the context of the combination of a temporal discrimination and spatial uncertainty. Hence, the degree to which pessimistic operators engage in the three coping strategies depends upon the characteristics of the task.
Functional Stability Limits during Reaching Tasks
Authors: Holbein-Jenny Mary Ann , Donaldson Amber T. Stinson , Niederklein Ryan W. , Bechtel Matthew E. , Elmer John R. , Richardson Traci L.
Published: January 2012

There is a need for stability constraints to be incorporated into ergonomic job analyses. The purpose of this study was to define functional stability limits for persons performing various reaching tasks. Forty-seven volunteers stood on a force plate and leaned as far as possible anterior, posterior and right and left diagonally. Functional stability limits were defined as the percent of the entire base of support through which subjects voluntarily displaced their center of pressure. Results showed that participants displaced their center of pressure from a minimum of 59.7% posterior with feet in a comfortable stance to 85.5% when stepping diagonally right or left toward the lean direction. The height and weight of an external load, and whether it was held in one or both hands, did not significantly affect the stability limits. These results can be used to introduce stability constraints into ergonomic job analyses.
Ergonomic Program Effectiveness: Ergonomic and Medical Intervention
Authors: McSweeney Kevin P. , Craig Brian N. , Congleton Jerome J. , Miller David
Published: January 2012

The implementation of a successful ergonomic and medical intervention program designed to reduce the number and severity of injuries and illnesses and the associated levels of discomfort in the workplace is presented. Because of the recent activity concerning the on-again-off-again OSHA Ergonomic Program Standard questions have been raised as to the value and effectiveness of an organization's ergonomics program. In light of these concerns, the immense cost associated with work related injury/illness, and the related pain and suffering associated with such injuries/illnesses, it is important to present a workable and effective ergonomic and medical intervention program. The results of this applied study demonstrate that through the application of an ergonomic and medical intervention program, workplace related injuries and illnesses can be reduced and/or eliminated.
Solutions for Reclined Seating in Office Workstation Design
Authors: Adams Thomas C.
Published: January 2012

A critical factor for comfortable and safe office work is trunk support from a slightly reclined posture. Frequently, however, workstation arrangements prevent workers from using this posture. Through the Ergonomics Program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a comprehensive approach for workstation design was developed that encourages innovative applications of basic ergonomic principles for maximizing worker comfort. Without the constraints of a preconceived arrangement, holistic solutions were developed that often looked far different from the classical computer workstation, but were better fits for the worker and work area.
A User-Centered Approach to Redesigning a Web-Based Utility: Tide.com's Stain Detective
Authors: Nelson W. Todd , Hibner Stephanie
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study for the review and redesign of Tide.com 's Stain Detective, a web-based utility for assisting users find recommended solutions to difficult laundry stains. The paper describes how user-based feedback and data from message boards was used to identify and validate specific interface challenges and information architecture problems. User-centered methodologies, such as card sorting, were used to identify a new information architecture and conceptual model for the Stain Detective utility. Finally, the approach used for developing an intuitive, user-centered “stain” taxonomy and glossary is described, which permitted the design and incorporation of a simple and effective search utility.
Comparing Three Types of Layouts for Multiple-Column Web Pages
Authors: Bernard Michael L. , Brady Laurie L. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the three major methods of content presentation by empirically examining users' objective and subjective performance for a typical multi-column website in both large and small window sizes. The three presentation methods were: fluid layout, fixed-centered layout, and a fixed, lift-justified layout. No significant differences between the layout conditions were detected in terms of search accuracy, time, or efficiency, but significant subjective differences were found that favored the fluid layout. Participants indicated they perceived the fluid layout as being the best suited for reading and finding information, as well as having a layout that is most appropriate for the screen size (for both small and large screens). They also indicated that the fluid layout looked the most professional, and consequently preferred it to the other layout conditions. Conversely, the left-justified layout was consistently the least preferred condition. Implications of these results are discussed.
Examining User Expectations for the Location of Common E-Commerce Web Objects
Authors: Bernard Michael L.
Published: January 2012

This study examined where individuals expect specific web-related objects to be located on a typical e-commerce web page. The objects examined were: 1) shopping cart button 2) login/register button, 3) help/service button, 4) account/order status button, 5) internal search engine, 6) “back to homepage” link and 7) grouping of links that go to individual merchandise items. The results provide evidence that users do have definable expectations concerning the location of these web objects on e-commerce web pages. Implications for theses findings are discussed.
New Technology Implementation
Authors: Jones Dennis R. , Smith Michael J.
Published: January 2012

New technology is significantly changing the industrial workplace. The implementation of new technology allows companies to improve productivity, quality, safety, working conditions, and profitability. Effective new technology implementation is necessary for companies to compete successfully in the highly competitive business world. Time and money wasted on unsuccessful new technology implementation is contrary to the goal of improving the competitiveness and profitability of the company. To effectively implement new technology it is necessary to consider all of the factors involved in the implementation process, such as: new technology characteristics, organization structure, task factors, environmental characteristics, and the human factors involved. It is also suggested to utilize a cooperative approach to new technology implementation, which relies on employee participation and teamwork throughout the implementation process. By taking a total systems view of the situation; and being aware to the interactions that exist; it is hoped that the new technology can be implemented in the most effective way possible. A case study is presented to illustrate this.
A Comparison of Manual and Electronic Status Boards in the Emergency Department: What's Gained and What's Lost?
Authors: Wears Robert L. , Perry Shawna J. , Shapiro Marc , Beach Christopher , Croskerry Pat , Behara Ravi
Published: January 2012

Emergency departments (EDs) are complex, high tempo, high risk work environments that require dynamic sharing of information across a group of caregivers. EDs commonly use status boards as tools to facilitate this sharing. Manual status boards have been replaced in some institutions by electronic ones, for a variety of reasons. We contrast the use of manual and electronic status boards in 4 different EDs to assess the gains and losses for workers.
Nursing Interruptions in a Post-Anesthetic Care Unit: A Field Study
Authors: Hillel Gillian , Vicente Kim J.
Published: January 2012

The nursing workplace is a complex environment in which nurses are frequently interrupted and distracted while they care for patients. Interruptions in the nursing workplace could be a factor in medical errors, which can result in patient injury or death. When designing medical devices to be used in the nursing workplace, it is important to take into consideration the cognitive demands that the work environment places on nurses. Furthermore, it is important to conduct user testing of devices under realistic conditions. To this end, a field study was conducted in the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit at the Toronto General Hospital, whereby 10 nurses were observed as they cared for patients. The types and frequencies of interruptions that they encountered were recorded, along with any observed detrimental effects on performance. Results showed that the most frequently occurring interruptions involved “face-to-face” verbal conversation with another nurse or physician. These results are currently being used to simulate interruptions during experiments to evaluate two patient-controlled analgesia devices under more representative conditions.
Team Communication Patterns as Measures of Team Processes: Exploring the Effects of Task Urgency and Shared Team Experience
Authors: Xiao Yan , Seagull F. Jacob , Mackenzie Colin , Ziegert Jonathan , Klein Katherine J.
Published: January 2012

Inter-member team communication is a rich yet challenging data source for understanding team processes. In this paper, we present a quantitative analysis of team communication based on videotaped real-life trauma patient resuscitation. Team communication patterns were compared under varying conditions: (a) when the team's task — patient treatment — was high versus low in urgency; and (b) when team members had more or less shared experience as a team. The results provide initial support for the utility of communication analysis for the study of team performance and team leadership. Tools for assessment of team processes are a key to effective research in team performance, especially in complex, time-pressured tasks. The team communication patterns depicted the adaptive nature of team structures, especially when the teams were confronted with potentially competing goals, such as on-the-job training and treatment of trauma patients.
From Subitizing to Counting
Authors: Crosby Martha E. , Sophian Catherine
Published: January 2012

The present research investigated how visual processing differs when individuals subitize versus count. We obtained the negligible slopes characteristic of subitizing only in the conditions in which viewers were expected to subitize (scenes presented either without distractors or with only simple distractors). We observed non-linear viewing times. Differences in fixation patterns across scene types became greater as the number of target items increased, rather than vanishing for large numerosities as would be expected from the traditional view of subitizing. Inspection of patterns of fixation supported the idea that pre-attentive processes play a substantial role in processing when targets are few in number, easy to locate, and easy to discriminate from each other.
Demonstrating Diurnal and Alcohol Effects Using the Stroud Cognitive Readiness Evaluation (SCORE)
Authors: Echeverria Diana , Heyer Nicholas J. , Bittner Alvah C. , Clark Richard W. , Woods James S.
Published: January 2012

The Stroud Cognitive Readiness Evaluation (SCORE) measures the duration of a “psychological moment” (1/Hz) at which a flickering red light fuses. The shorter the moment the more alert one is. Stereo targets are mounted on a self-contained light-weight binocular using two light emitting diode panels for each eye. A forced-choice Best-PEST protocol controls the administration of 58 two-second trials at frequencies between 15 Hz-150 Hz. A 2.5 day study demonstrates expected variation in diurnal fluctuation (20%), with ethanol consumption, (60%), and exposure to mild fatigue (1%). High test-retest reliability (>0.95) obtained in <3 minutes, its portability and ease of administration, support its use as a “cognitive fitness-for- duty” surveillance measure. Daily monitoring of expected variation in cognitive attention in populations is now feasible by comparing one's level of attention at the time of testing against baseline measurements. The SCORE is particularly suitable for tasks that require sustained vigilance over time such as required by public safety employees including airport screeners, truck and bus drivers, pilots, nuclear power workers, police, firemen, and the military.
Applying Human Factors to the Procurement of Electrosurgical Medical Devices: A Case Study
Authors: Cassano Andrea L.
Published: January 2012

Human factors evaluations are currently not conducted as part of the procurement process for medical devices in most hospitals. The complexity of medical devices and interactions between those devices, the working environment and the people who use them can create a high potential for errors. This study reports on the methods used to integrate human factors usability testing into the product evaluation of electrosurgical units (ESU's) prior to procurement. It also comments on the results of the various testing methods and the impact of the results on the final purchasing decision.

The results of the human factors evaluations were used to make a purchasing decision for a major metropolitan hospital in Canada. A new purchase was necessary because the manufacturer was no longer supporting the product in use. Surprisingly, the product of choice was the oldest on the market with few new features. It was preferred and chosen based on usability and clinical acceptance by all users.
Modeling and Simulation of Pregnant Workers
Authors: Kalish J. A.
Published: January 2012

This Research proposes to answer the question: “Can a pregnancy simulator worn by non-pregnant females of childbearing years replicate the pregnant condition closely enough to yield comparable, correlating results to a preexisting study done using pregnant subjects”? To address the legitimacy of modeling pregnancy using a pregnancy simulator, a study of working surface heights by Paul, Frings-Dresen, Salle & Rozendal (1995) is being closely replicated. Non-pregnant women of child bearing years wearing “The Empathy Belly” pregnancy simulator (U.S. Patent 4,531,919) will be used as research subjects instead of pregnant women. In this study, each volunteer will select the preferred standing working surface height to perform manual work - once while wearing the pregnancy simulator and once without it. These self selected comfortable working surface heights will be recorded along with anthropometric and demographic information from each volunteer. A comparison will be made between this new data with the current standard for working surface height by Grandjean (1988) and the outcomes of the study by Paul et al. (1995).
IAS™ — A Human Factors Methodology for Incorporating User Feedback into System Design
Authors: Turieo Melanie J. , Devine Marlene A.
Published: January 2012

“The window is too big.” “The window is too small.” “It's too loud.” “It's too quiet.” How does system design and development proceed to address the needs of the user when there is a general sense that users — and other stakeholder groups — are dissatisfied with a product, but the feedback is vague, inconsistent, and often times, conflicting? This situation occurs quite often, when designers and developers have only sparse, anecdotal information available to them about user response to a system, and there is no systematic collection or interpretation of user feedback.

This paper uses a case study format to present Investigation-Analysis-Solution (IAS)™, a methodology for systematically collecting, quantifying, evaluating, prioritizing, and incorporating human factors feedback into the system design — or redesign — process. While the example project was executed for a large-scale military system, the IAS method and tools presented are applicable and transferable to any system development, design, or redesign effort.
An Evaluation of a Job-Aiding Tool for an Inspection Task
Authors: Hall Richard , Jiang Xiaochun , Bowling Shannon R. , Khasawneh Mohammad T. , Kaewkuekool Sittichai , Gramopadhye Anand K. , Melloy Brian J.
Published: January 2012

Various job aids have been developed to improve visual-inspection performance. Many of the job aids have been developed with the purpose of training inspectors to adopt systematic search strategies. While various research has shown that systematic search strategies are superior to random search strategies, exactly what systematic search strategy constitutes the most efficient search is still unclear. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a job-aiding tool that allows inspectors to inspect a stimulus with a natural search strategy while informing inspectors of areas that have already been searched. In general, the job-aiding tool significantly increased accuracy while decreasing search times and stopping times.
Using Signal Detection Theory to Measure Situation Awareness in Command and Control
Authors: Edgar Graham K. , Edgar Helen E. , Curry Martin B.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a technique for measuring situation awareness (SA) referred to as QUASA™ (Quantitative Analysis of Situation Awareness). QUASA™ uses the principles of signal detection theory to assess situation awareness. The technique is designed to provide objective measures of individual SA, dynamic SA and different components of SA. The paper describes the theoretical basis of QUASA™ and its application in a simulated command and control environment.
The Efficacy of Training in a Complex and Dynamic Simulated Air to Ground Search and Destroy Mission
Authors: Galster Scott M. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

The efficacy of training was evaluated in a simulated complex task environment. Eight pilots with military (fighter aircraft) experience were trained to perform primary and secondary tasks in an air to ground search and destroy mission. The training protocol utilized is described and evaluated with respect to performance measures at the beginning of the experiment compared to identical post experimental trials. The results indicate that the pilots were trained effectively under this protocol in performing the primary tasks required. Secondary task differences accounted for the majority of variance seen between the pre and post trials. Specific performance benefits in the secondary task are discussed.
Impact of Multimedia Presentation on Knowledge Acquisition for Complex Training
Authors: Scielzo Sandro , Fiore Stephen M. , Cuevas Haydee M. , Klein Jenny L.
Published: January 2012

In this study we examined principles of multimedia training design within a complex task environment. We anticipated a differential effect for multimedia instructional format (redundant or non-redundant verbal information) on knowledge acquisition. Knowledge acquisition was assessed with increasingly more complex tasks, ranging from simple concept recognition assessment to transfer tasks tapping integrative knowledge. Our results show a significant benefit for redundant instruction on more complex transfer tasks. The discussion centers on the generalizability of multimedia design principles to computer-based training for complex systems.
The Effects of Gain Adaptation on Qos Deterioration in an Internet-Based Teleoperation Using a Virtual Reality Interface
Authors: Sheik-Nainar Mohamed A. , Kaber B. David , Chow Mo-Yuen
Published: January 2012

The Internet connects millions of computers worldwide, and provides a new potential working environment for remote-controlled telerobotic systems. The main drawback of using the Internet in this application is random delays between communicating nodes. These delays are considered disturbances in human-machine interaction and may affect telepresence experiences in teleoperation systems, particularly those integrating virtual reality technology for interface presentation. This research evaluated the effect of constant and random network (communication) delays on remote-controlled telerover performance, operator workload and telepresence experiences. The research also assessed the effect of using a system gain adaptation algorithm to offset the negative impact of communication delays on various response measures. It was expected that with gain adaptation, system stability, performance and user telepresence experiences would improve with a corresponding decrease in workload. Results indicated that gain adaptation had a significant effect on performance measures. The study demonstrated that gain adaptation could reduce deterioration in telepresence experiences and improve user performance in teleoperated and telerobotic control.
Text Entry Via Palm™ Handheld in an Immersive Virtual Environment
Authors: Martin Joel Paul , Gopal Gopi Prashanth , Mohammadi-Aragh Mahnas Jean , Boggess Lois
Published: January 2012

There is a need for text entry capability in immersive virtual reality environments such as the CAVE®. Existing text entry devices distract users from the immersive experience at best, and remove them from it at worst. An implementation of a text entry method using a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) to communicate with a CAVE® application is described. To reduce the complexity of navigating with one device and entering text with another, several navigation methods using a Palm™ handheld have been devised. Their merits are discussed. One of these, a point-and-stroke navigation method, is simple, effective, and well suited to any application using a handheld computer for navigation inside a mappable environment.
The Effect of Functional Information in an Avionics Display
Authors: Smith Carl F. , Boehm-Davis Deborah A. , Chong Ronald
Published: January 2012

Allowing pilots to directly perceive the functional properties of flight may improve piloting performance. This study examines differences in piloting performance between a flight display (OZ) that displays a functional relationship between power and airspeed and a conventional Cessna display. Eight pilots performed flight maneuvers on a fixed base flight simulator over six trials per display. Pilots' performance with the functional display (OZ) showed greater control of power and reduced individual differences. The role of functional information and its implementation in future aviation displays are discussed.
Experimental Investigation of Predictive Probabilistic and Temporal Conflict Avoidance Displays
Authors: Telner Jason , Milgram Paul , Williamson Alexander R.
Published: January 2012

Inferring the future intentions and courses of aircraft or ships at various points in time can be problematic for traffic controllers. In this paper, a new graphical display concept is presented, comprising predictive information about the times, locations, and probabilities of potential traffic conflicts. Twelve participants engaged in a ship control conflict avoidance task. Results indicate that during the first block of experimental trials participants used significantly fewer manoeuvres to resolve potential conflicts and did so with better overall scores when using the new graphical display, as compared to the conventional format. However, during the second and third blocks of trials, performance did not significantly differ as a function of display condition. Nevertheless, subjective ratings strongly indicated participants' preferences for the new graphical format, suggesting that the new display format offers potential performance benefits for controllers of air and ship traffic.
Goms on the Flight Deck: A Case Study of the Boeing 777 MCP
Authors: Prada Luis Ricardo , Boehm-Davis Deborah A.
Published: January 2012

Despite the extensive literature available on GOMS methods for predicting task performance, there are relatively few hands-on examples of GOMS being used in an applied setting. This proof-of-concept paper will describe the use of CPM-GOMS and NGOMSL, in combination with an existing RAFIV, to evaluate the Boeing 777 autoflight system.
Tactile versus Aural Redundant Alert Cues for UAV Control Applications
Authors: Calhoun Gloria L. , Fontejon John V. , Draper Mark H. , Ruff Heath A. , Guilfoos Brian J.
Published: January 2012

In complex UAV control stations, it is important to alert operators to actionable information in a timely manner. Tactile displays may alleviate visual workload by transmitting information through the skin, cueing operators to high priority, unexpected events. The utility of tactile alerts (vibration on wrists) in substitution for aural alerts, as a redundant cue to visual alerts, was examined. Participants responded to critical events alerted with aural or tactile redundant cues, while performing multiple tasks in a simulated UAV control station. Results showed that there were no significant performance differences between the conditions employing unique aural and tactile cues. These data suggest that the non-visual alerts may be equally compelling and the tactile alerts can substitute for aural alerts as a redundant cue to visual cues. Also, there was not a strong indication that tactile alerts were advantageous in a high noise environment. However, subjective comments and trends in the data suggest that tactile alerts may be especially advantageous in noisy task environments requiring long periods of vigilance.
Synthetic Vision Displays for in-Flight and Surface Navigation with Integrated Notam Information
Authors: Roefs F. D. , Theunissen E. , Koeners G. J. M.
Published: January 2012

A synthetic vision display provides the pilot with data regarding terrain, obstacles and traffic. At present, information from NOtices To AirMen (NOTAMs) is available from printouts obtained before the flight, but is not integrated into the synthetic vision display. A study consisting of two experiments was conducted to examine the effect and desirability of integrating electronic NOTAMs in synthetic vision displays. One experiment was concerned with in-flight navigation, the other with navigation on the airport surface. By combining quantitative and qualitative measures, it was established that by integrating NOTAMs in the displays pilots' situation awareness and performance improved, whereas mental workload decreased. Pilots rated the desirability of the integration of NOTAMs very highly.
Age-Related Efffects on Warning Symbol Comprehension
Authors: Lesch Mary F.
Published: January 2012

Prior research indicates that older individuals have greater difficulty in understanding warning symbols. However, research is inconclusive regarding age-related differences in understanding warning symbols and few studies have compared specific symbols. The current study examined 31 warning symbols for comprehension by younger (18-35) and older (50-65) individuals before and after training. Significant age-related differences were observed for 15 of the 31 symbols – in every instance, the older group demonstrated poorer comprehension than the younger group. Training improved comprehension by both younger and older groups, but did not eliminate the effect of age. While rated familiarity was significantly correlated with comprehension performance, familiarity with the symbols did not explain the age effect. Rather, it is suggested that older adults' performance hinges to a greater extent on the effectiveness of symbols as cues to knowledge.
Internet Searching by Ear: Decision Flow Diagrams for Sightless Internet Users
Authors: Gorman Megan E. , Militello Laura G. , Swierenga Sarah J. , Walker Jesse L.
Published: January 2012

A cognitive task analysis was conducted to better understand strategies that sighted and sightless users rely on to navigate the web and make sense of information encountered. Across participant groups, analyses revealed that users engaged in three primary cognitive modes: orienting themselves to the page, engaging in a goal-directed search, and completing the task by finding the results. Decision flow diagrams highlighted similarities and differences between user groups. While the sighted users consistently progressed in a linear fashion through the three modes, two distinct groups emerged within the sightless participants. Highly experienced sightless users exhibited actions much like those taken by the sighted users in their interaction with a weather website; however, interview data indicate that more complex cognitive processes were required during this portion of the task for the sightless user. Intermediate sightless users exhibited a more recursive flow that involved re-orienting themselves several times to complete the tasks.
The Usability of Personal Digital Assistants as Prospective Memory Aids for Medication Adherence in Young and Older Adults
Authors: Lanzolla Vincent R. , Mayhorn Christopher B.
Published: January 2012

Medication adherence is essential to retaining functional independence into older adulthood. In the experiment reported here, 25 older and 26 young adults were asked to learn to use medication adherence software supported by a personal digital assistant (PDA). In addition to completing a battery of cognitive tests, each participant's PDA skill acquisition was assessed over time (i.e., during training, immediately following training, and after a delay). Consistent with previous research, older adults required longer to learn to use the PDA and committed more errors compared to younger adults. Over time, age differences in PDA performance were reduced suggesting that older adults might benefit from the use of PDAs as prospective memory aids.
The Effect of Frequent versus Infrequent Interruptions on Primary Task Resumption
Authors: Monk Christopher A.
Published: January 2012

Recent interruptions research suggests that the timing of interruptions can play a critical role in the level of task primary disruption. An unanswered question regarding interruption timing is whether greater task disruption in terms of primary task resumption time is experienced with more frequent interruptions. The present study used a VCR programming task with a pursuit-tracking interruption task to measure how quickly people resume the primary task after an interruption. The results showed that primary task resumption times were faster for more frequent interruptions, which was contrary to the predicted outcome. In addition, frequent interruptions did not result in the more resumption errors or longer time-on-task results as predicted. These results are discussed as evidence that more frequent interruptions may compel people to adopt aggressive goal maintenance strategies when dealing with interruptions, but further research is required to fully test this hypothesis.
Paintshop: A Microworld Experiment Investigating Temporal Decisions in a Supervisory Control Task
Authors: Hildebrandt Michael , Harrison Michael
Published: January 2012

This paper explores temporal aspects of control behavior in order to support the design of systems where functions can be allocated flexibly in time. Dynamic Function Scheduling, an extension of Dynamic Function Allocation approaches, highlights the role of temporal information and temporal reasoning in supervisory control decisions. The microworld experiment presented 30 participants with a supervisory control task where they had to monitor production in a simulated paint station, make strategic decisions about automatic or manual production, and handle faults. Independent variables were event rate, the knowledge of event rate information, the availability of an online progress indicator, and the cost of fault servicing. Results showed that knowledge of event rate information improved performance, but availability of an online progress indicator had no additional effect. Implications for the investigation of temporal control behavior are discussed.
Dynamic Mental Models in Weather Forecasting
Authors: Trafton J. Gregory
Published: January 2012

There are many definitions, descriptions, and usages of the term “mental model.” Frequently, the definition of mental model is not described, leaving what the author means as an exercise for the reader. I propose a very explicit definition for a dynamic mental model and then show how that definition can be applied in the domain of meteorological forecasting. Specifically, I suggest that a dynamic mental model is a mix of images and propositions, relies on qualitative and spatial relationships, allows dynamic, runnable results to be inspected, and results in an inference. Finally, I offer suggestions on how to improve the usefulness of the term mental model.
Weather Forecasting and the Principles of Complex Cognitive Systems
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , Coffey John W.
Published: January 2012

This presentation will illustrate some of the principles for the design of complex cognitive systems that were manifested in a recent project on weather forecasting (Hoffman, et al., 2000). One focus here is on how technologies and workspaces can facilitate or interfere with knowledge-sharing. A second focus is the notion of methodological opportunism. This is illustrated by a discussion of a new knowledge elicitation method, the Cognitive Modeling Procedure, which is intended to support the rapid refinement and behavioral validation (in the field setting) of macrocognitive models of practitioner reasoning.
A Centralized Display for Mission Monitoring
Authors: Trujillo Anna C.
Published: January 2012

Humans traditionally experience a vigilance decrement over extended periods of time on reliable systems. One possible solution to aiding operators in monitoring is to use polar-star displays that will show deviations from normal in a more salient manner. The primary objectives of this experiment were to determine if polar-star displays aid in monitoring and preliminary diagnosis of the aircraft state. This experiment indicated that the polar-star display does indeed aid operators in detecting and diagnosing system events. Subjects were able to notice system events earlier and they subjectively reported the polar-star display helped them in monitoring, noticing an event, and diagnosing an event. Therefore, these results indicate that the polar-star display used for monitoring and preliminary diagnosis improves performance in these areas for system related events.
Heuristic Automation for Decluttering Tactical Displays
Authors: John Mark , Manes Daniel I. , Smallman Harvey S. , Feher Bela A. , Morrison Jeffrey G.
Published: January 2012

Tactical displays can quickly become cluttered with large numbers of symbols that can compromise effective monitoring. Here, we studied how heuristic automation can aid users by intelligently “decluttering” the display. In a naval air defense task, users monitored a cluttered airspace and executed defensive responses against significant threats. An algorithm continuously evaluated aircraft for their levels of threat and decluttered the less threatening ones by dimming their symbols. As expected, 27 Navy experts appropriately distrusted and spot-checked the automation's assessments, and decluttering did not affect which aircraft were judged significantly threatening. Nonetheless, decluttering improved response timeliness to threatening aircraft 25% compared with a baseline display with no decluttering, it increased attention to threats, and 25 of 27 participants preferred decluttering. Heuristic automation, when properly designed to guide users' attention by decluttering less important objects, should prove valuable in many cluttered monitoring situations.