bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Amplitude-Sensitive Hearing Protectors Improve Detectability of Vehicle Backup Alarms in Noise?
Authors: Casali John G. , Wright Willliam H.
Published: January 2012

Signal detection thresholds to a vehicle backup alarm were determined for audiometrically-normal subjects under broadband (pink) noise at 75, 85, and 95 dBA. The objective was to compare detection performance achieved under two contemporary amplitude-sensitive hearing protection devices (HPDs), an electronic Peltor T7-SR earmuff and a passive, orifice-type E-A-R Ultra 9000 earmuff, against detection achieved under the conventional (non-amplitude-sensitive) counterparts to these muffs, a Peltor H7A and an E-A-R 2000. Amplitude-sensitive HPDs are intended to provide better hearing in low noise levels either through band-limited amplification of outside sounds (electronic Peltor muff), or through reduced attenuation via passage of low-intensity sounds (E-A-R 9000). However, for the noise conditions and common warning signal tested, the amplitude-sensitive HPDs produced no statistically-significant advantage in masked signal threshold compared to the conventional muffs. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that these amplitude-sensitive muffs will improve aural detection of important workplace sounds of similar frequency content to the backup alarm evaluated herein. A separate analysis comparing the dBA levels experienced under the Peltor electronic muff with the circuit on and off indicated that the subjects’ gain control setting did not significantly increase the noise exposure dose over amplifier-off conditions.
Comprehension and Perceived Quality of Warning Pictorials
Authors: Silver N. Clayton , Wogalter Michael S. , Brewster Blair M. , Glover Barbara L. , Murray La Tondra A. , Tillotson Cheryl A. , Temple Tallah L.
Published: January 2012

The present study assessed the comprehensibility and quality of warning pictorials in the presence and absence of explicit context. Context was provided by a photograph and a verbal description of an environmental scene in which the pictorial might appear. A total of 248 individuals performed a comprehension test on a randomly-assigned pictorial from each of three referent categories (Keep Out, Electrical Shock, and Do Not Dig). Following this task, 185 participants were shown five pictorials (four others plus the one they had seen) associated with each of the three referent categories and then rated and ranked them on their quality to convey the referent message effectively. Results indicated that the context manipulation enhanced comprehension for pictorials two out of three referent categories. Confidence intervals indicated that comprehension levels of all the Electrical Shock symbols would fall within the ranges specified by ISO's 67% and ANSI's 85% comprehension criteria. Three of the Do Not Dig pictorials and none of the Keep Out pictorials fell within the acceptable ISO and ANSI comprehension criteria. Statistically significant average point biserial correlations were obtained between the comprehension and quality scores for each referent category. Implications for warning pictorial test and design are discussed.
Recognition of Automotive Climate Control Symbols
Authors: Hoffmeister David H. , Arsenault Jeffrey S. , Crandall Heidi E.
Published: January 2012

One Hundred Ninety Six automobile buyers were surveyed in Chicago, Illinois to determine user understanding of symbols and words commonly found on climate (heater and air conditioning) controls in today's automobiles. This survey was part of a larger market research project. Subjects were administered a paper and pencil test and were asked to identify symbols and words randomly located on a page by recording their answers on a blank line beside the symbol. They were then asked to operate climate controls labeled either with words or symbols following which they rated the ease of identifying the controls. The buyer population that was surveyed contained primarily import car buyers due to the nature of the product being researched. Recognition rates ranged from 92% to 47%, indicating that most of the symbols were relatively well understood except for the rear defrost, air conditioning, and defrost/floor air flow symbols. However, subjects also responded that words were preferred over symbols in ease of identifying functions by almost a 2 to 1 margin in preference except for the air distribution modes, where symbols were preferred over words 61% to 48%.
Building Performance Measures: A Human Factors Problem
Authors: Connelly Edward
Published: January 2012

Performance assessments via institutionalized performance measures are a key part of the ongoing, global restructuring of corporate, industrial, government, and military ways of doing business. Corporations, recognizing that the “game” is played for keeps, are reorganizing to survive and prosper in the national and international environment. Often, this restructuring is not just adding new technology, although it typically takes advantage of new technology. Instead, this is a work environment change supporting effective work interactions. Led by the training and human resources personnel, employees learn to share goals, to communicate effectively and to help each other solve problems in order to function as an effective team. Results of these efforts are truly inspiring. Organizations such as Kodak, IBM, Ford, and others have turned things around, producing profitable units providing quality products and services, and having fun while doing it (Anfuso 1994). A key part of this turn-a-round is the common understanding of how performance is evaluated, a result achieved via instutionalized performance measures.

A performance measure is a definition of how performance is to be assessed. The definition is always based on an individual's subjective preference of the worth of demonstrated performances or proposed activities. When the individual is an authority whose performance assessments significantly impact the performance of other individuals and the organization, then that individual's assessment concept demands attention. A performance measure, acceptable to that authority by virtue of it rating performances the same way the authority does, can systematize the assessment process by communicating what data are to be collected and how those data are to be processed to determine the performance rating.

Extracting information from authorities for building performance measures does not require advances in computer technology or mathematics. Instead, it requires creating an environment in which the authority can interact with a facilitator to consider alternative workplace outcomes and can provide ratings of the desirability of each outcome. To demonstrate this interaction as a human factors problem, this paper describes the environments necessary to extract the definitions of good performance from authorities. These definitions are the basis for building the equivalent performance measures.
Electronic Meeting Systems in Computer Human Interface Design: A Case Study
Authors: Miller Douglas L. , Volanth Alton J. , Wolfman G. Jonathan , Mullins R. Timothy
Published: January 2012

The increasing economic and practical necessity of groups or teams of individuals working together to accomplish shared objectives can be observed in many diverse organizations (Alvai and Keen, 1989; Kraemer and King, 1988). This trend is reflected in many ways in complex system development environments. For example, the growing emphasis on concurrent engineering practices, and the application of tools that better organize and coordinate engineering efforts across diverse groups (e.g., CASE tools), both require and reflect the need for coordinated group activities. In turn, the growth of group work environments has led to growing interest and need for tools that can support and enhance the effectiveness of group work activities. Such a tool is an electronic meeting system (EMS). This case study reports the effectiveness of an EMS applied as part of a computer-human interface (CHI) design evaluation methodology, in the design of an air traffic control system.
Transitioning Software to the Windows Environment - Challenges and Innovations
Authors: Dahl Susan G. , Allender Laurel , Kelley Troy , Adkins Richard
Published: January 2012

Over the past ten years, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Human Research and Engineering Directorate (HRED) has developed tools and techniques to support Manpower and Personnel Integration (MANPRINT). Most notably, a set of tools was developed in the DOS environment that has become known as the Hardware vs. Manpower (HARDMAN) III tools. These software tools provide an analytical basis to address the ways in which the Army's manpower, personnel, and training elements are affected by a new system. During the last two years, ARL HRED has begun an effort to improve the capabilities of this tool set by moving them into the MicroSoft Windows™ environment. This paper describes the process through which this complex DOS tool set was redesigned to provide a better functional capability as well as to take advantage of the graphical user interface provided by this environment.
The Potential of Computerized Interactive Training in Manufacturing
Authors: Batra Sanjay , Bishu Ram R. , Donohue Brian J. , Batra Sanjay
Published: January 2012

Advances in manufacturing technology has fundamentally changed the skill and knowledge requirements of machine operators. Our paper explores the potential training applications of computer-based multimedia or hypermedia environments in advanced manufacturing. We developed a prototype interactive training program for electrodischarge machining (EDM). The EDM Trainer relies heavily on graphic imagery and is based on a graphical direct manipulation design model. Ten highly skilled machinists/tool makers were recruited to evaluate the program. Participants received conceptual questions before and after training. We tracked user interactions with the program and finally, we had them answer a questionnaire. The results indicated that the trainer was effective in helping operators gain explicit conceptual knowledge. Operators were able to use the trainer right away and they took advantage of a variety of navigation links to freely explore the program.
Symposium on Distributed Simulation for Military Training of Teams/Groups: A Case Study of Distributed Training and Training Performance
Authors: Dwyer Daniel J. , Oser Randall L. , Fowlkes Jennifer E.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the first actual application of a distributed training network to the military mission called Close Air Support (CAS). It represents a “case study” and is based upon a set of data collected on military personnel during a one-week series of exercises in a distributed training environment. We describe the objectives of the measurement process, discuss the development and use of the measurement tools, provide several observations based upon the data collected, and offer several preliminary conclusions related to measuring training performance in distributed environments.
Effects of Teaching Strategies on Group Dynamics and Individual Learning
Authors: Denning Rebecca , Smith Philip J.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of adaptive teaching strategies to enhance training in cooperative learning settings. The Biology Sleuth is a multi-media learning environment developed as a testbed to vary the distribution of critical resources and the use of teaching strategies, and to study their effects on group dynamics and individual learning. Students work in a cooperative environment, aided by various resources including a knowledge-base, each other, the software, and the teacher. This study examines the effects of two teaching strategies in this environment and suggests these strategies can have a large impact on both group dynamics and individual learning. A 35% improvement (p < .05) was measured in the treatment group. This suggests that while many design features are chosen while developing training tools, designers also need to explicitly consider how these environments can be adapted during use to maximize the learning experience.
Part-Task Training of Complex Tasks: Utility of Backward Transfer
Authors: Goettl Barry P.
Published: January 2012

Previous studies using the backward transfer technique identified a set of component tasks that are potentially critical to a complex, desk-top flight simulator task. This study directly tested the importance of these tasks using a part-task training paradigm. One group of subjects received part-task training concentrating on the critical component tasks. A second group received part-task training on non-critical component tasks. The third group received whole-task training. Subjects receiving part-task training on the critical tasks performed as well as subjects in the whole-task condition. Females, but not males, receiving practice on the “non-critical” tasks were worse than females in the other two groups, suggesting an aptitude x treatment interaction. Results were not replicated on a transfer task. These data illustrate the importance of selecting component tasks for part-task training, and the utility of the backward transfer technique in identifying those tasks.
A Comparison of Military Electronic Approach Plate Formats
Authors: Liggett Kristen K. , Reising John M. , Solz Thomas J. , Hartsock David C.
Published: January 2012

Electronic approach plate formats were compared to determine which facilitated the best pilot performance when flying precision and non-precision approaches. Four formats which varied in map orientation and color scheme were flown: monochrome north-up, monochrome track-up, color north-up, and color track-up. Although results revealed a statistically significant difference favoring the track-up orientation in the non-precision approaches, the differences were so small that they showed no practical impact on performance. However, when given their choice of which format to fly, pilot's overwhelmingly flew a color map format. In addition, half of the pilots flew a map orientation of north-up and half flew track-up.
Evaluation of Aircraft Pilot Team Performance
Authors: Holt Robert W. , Meiman Edward , Seamster Thomas L.
Published: January 2012

Accurate assessment of team performance in complex, dynamic systems is difficult, particularly teamwork such as Crew Resource Management (CRM) in aircraft. Seventy pilots from two fleets were evaluated as two-person crews by a Maneuver Validation (MV), which focused on proficiency on separate maneuvers, and by a Line Operational Evaluation (LOE), which focused on the crew flying a simulated line flight. Instructor/Evaluator (I/E) pilots helped design LOE content and a structured evaluation worksheet. I/E reliability training resulted in high evaluator agreement (average rwg = .80) and acceptable inter-rater correlations (average r = .54). Path analysis supported the assessment flow from Observable Behaviors to Technical and CRM performance to Captain (PIC), First Officer (SIC), and Crew evaluations for each event set. Fleet evaluations were different on the LOE assessment, but equivalent on the MV assessment. Detailed analysis of assessments also indicated a different role of the SIC across fleets. One fleet assessed SIC more on CRM performance and weighted SIC performance more in evaluating Crew performance. The other fleet assessed SIC on technical performance and weighted SIC performance less in evaluating Crew performance.
Human Factors Systems Engineering as a Requirement for the Safe and Efficient Transition to Free Flight
Authors: Braune Rolf J. , Jahns Dieter W. , Bittner Alvah C.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses a top-down analysis methodology for the design, development and evaluation of advanced technological systems like those being considered for General Aviation Free Flight and also the Advanced General Aviation Technology Experiment (AGATE). A current project sponsored by the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute is being introduced as an example.
Pilot Actions during Traffic Situations in a Free-Flight Airspace Structure
Authors: Scallen S. F. , Smith Kip , Hancock P. A.
Published: January 2012

One facet of the proposed restructuring of the National Airspace System currently generating much interest is called ‘Free Flight’. At the heart of the Free Flight system is an increased flexibility in pilot decision making and responsibility for the definition and maintenance of separation, of preferred routes and speeds, and the conduct of maneuvers in response to potential conflicts and other emergencies in the airspace. Here, we describe a simulation experiment where fifteen commercial pilots were presented with traffic conflict situations in the en route environment. Within the scenarios we manipulated density, type of conflict, and relative bearing of conflict aircraft. Pilots were required to navigate a simulated 757 aircraft to destination airport, avoiding all possible traffic conflicts. Their ability to maintain separation was the principle dependent measure. Results indicated that density and bearing did not appear to have any substantive effect on pilot response. However, overtaking conflicts produced a higher frequency of operational errors than crossing or converging conflicts. Further analysis of individual pilot responses revealed different strategies. Analysis of individual overtaking scenarios revealed patterns of pilot action associated with efficient and often creative conflict resolutions. An example of an inefficient conflict resolution was also identified.
Online Library Catalogs: Age-Related Differences in Query Construction and Error Recovery
Authors: Mead Sherry E. , Jamieson Brian A. , Rousseau Gabriel K. , Sit Richard A. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

Online library catalogs have become pervasive in today's library. Unfortunately, these systems have been developed by computer programmers or librarians with little analysis of user behavior on the system. The present study compared the search performance of younger and older adults with general computer experience who were novice online catalog users on a set of ten search tasks of varying difficulty. This study examined types of errors made by novice users in database query construction and subsequent error recovery. Younger adults achieved a higher overall success rate than did older adults and were more efficient in performing these searches. Older adults made more query construction errors and recovered from them less efficiently than did younger adults. These data have important implications for identifying the specific needs, limitations, and capabilities of online library catalog users and the design of online library catalog systems for adults of differing ages.
Distributed Team Decision Making: Understanding the Whole as well as the Parts
Authors: Orasanu Judith , Serfaty Daniel
Published: January 2012

This panel will address issues relating to the nature of distributed team decision making in complex dynamic environments. Panelists will address several issues: what is meant by distributed decision making, how it differs from individual decision making, methods used to study distributed decision making, problems observed in developing shared models of the problem, methods for integrating diverse perspectives, goals, and knowledge sources, and techniques to enhance decision making by distributed teams.
A Test-Battery Approach to Cognitive Engineering: To Meta-Measure or not to Meta-Measure, that is the Question!
Authors: Selcon Stephen J. , Hardiman Thomas D. , Croft Darryl G. , Endsley Mica R.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a task battery approach to system evaluation and cognitive engineering. The limitations of current techniques are discussed. An alternative paradigm using both task-specific measures and design driver measures is suggested. Such high level design driver measures have been referred to as meta-measures (Hardiman et al, 1995). In an experiment conducted to evaluate the utility of using meta-measures within the context of cockpit system assessment, an explanatory display for air combat decision support was tested within a realistic flight simulation. Multiple measures of performance were taken, together with the Situational Awareness Rating Technique (SART) as a meta-measure of Situational Awareness. Results showed that although task-specific measures clearly indicated one candidate design as producing better performance, they allowed little explanation of the underlying mechanism. Concurrent analysis of the meta-measure, however, enabled clarification of the cause of the performance differences, in this case through improved understanding, more information being available, and the information being more task relevant. The potential advantages of this approach for cognitive engineering are discussed.
A Functional Model of Flightdeck Agenda Management
Authors: Funk Ken , McCoy Bill
Published: January 2012

Our research represents an effort to understand and facilitate the management of flightdeck activities by pilots. We developed a preliminary, normative theory of Cockpit Task Management (CTM) and from it defined an error taxonomy. Based on analyses using this error taxonomy we found CTM errors in 76 (23 per cent) of 324 aircraft accident reports and 231 (49 per cent) of 470 aircraft incident reports. Concluding that CTM is a significant factor in flight safety and recognizing the need to broaden as well as refine the concept, we developed a model of Agenda Management, which includes management not only of tasks, but goals, functions, actor assignments, and resource allocations as well. Major components of the functional model include maintaining situation awareness, managing goals (recognizing, inferring, and prioritizing), managing functions (activating, assessing status, and prioritizing), assigning actors (pilots and flightdeck automation) to functions, and allocating resources (such as displays and controls) to functions.
Work Domain Analysis of a Pasteurization Plant: Using Abstraction Hierarchies to Analyze Sensor Needs
Authors: Reising Dal Vernon C. , Sanderson Penelope M.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses the use of Rasmussen's abstraction hierarchy (AH) in performing an analysis of the work domain of a Pasteurization plant. Our goal is to examine the strengths and weakness of ecological interface design (EID) for systems in which critical variables are unreliable, faulty, or not measurable. In this paper we report our use of AHs to analyze the functioning of a pasteurization plant and the impact of unreliable or faulty sensors on the intelligibility of information available to the human operator. Although there is considerable current interest in EID, building thorough AHs for complex systems is a large task and there are currently very few detailed published examples to help human factors professionals wishing to take this approach. In this paper we present details of how we built the Pasteurization plant AH and show we are using the AH in our research. We argue that because AHs can indicate information that should be displayed for a process to be intelligible, techniques like EID that use AHs are in a position to bring about a profoundly user-centered approach to system design—an approach in which the ultimate information needs of human controllers will drive the engineering agenda of sensor and instrumentation design in a feedforward manner.
Critical Success Factors and Lessons Learned from Creating a Large Windows help System
Authors: Ohnemus Kenneth R.
Published: January 2012

The sheer volume of information, 15 books and over 1,500 graphics, contained in CSC's corporate system development methodology, Catalyst,sm has created a need to have this information on-line. On-line access, it was felt, would dramatically impact productivity. To help support users and facilitate the use of Catalyst, the Microsoft (MS) help system, in conjunction with RoboHELPTM, was used to put Catalyst online in a hypertext format. Incorporating feedback and usability concerns was key in determining how its more than 20,000 users could best utilize this product. The design evolved over several months and in its final form also extended the limited functionality of the MS help system, providing a more robust product. This paper discusses the challenges surrounding the design of a large windows help system, approximately 53 MB in size (33 MB when fully compressed). The lessons learned can form the basis for creating an effective help system development process for meeting users' needs.
Placement Opportunities for Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics Professionals: Part II: Academic and Internship Positions
Authors: Morone W. F , Sottile A. , Blinn B.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes placement opportunities for HFE and ergonomics professionals in academic and internship positions, which were contained in the position announcements distributed by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) Placement Service during 1994–1995. Ten academic and twenty internship positions were announced. The features of the position announcement examined include: degree requirements, major field of study, areas of expertise, required work experience, salary, geographic location, job description and skills required. Academic positions were most frequently available in industrial engineering, and human factors ergonomics. Expertise in the area of industrial ergonomics and consumer products was most frequently desired. The most frequently cited courses to be taught were human factors/ergonomics and statistics. Among internships, knowledge of human-computer interaction was most frequently cited. Professional skills and expectations of interns are also discussed.
Automatic Shoulder Belt Manual Lap Belt Restraint Systems: Human Factors Analyses of Case Studies Data
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Laughery Keith A. , Lovvoll David R.
Published: January 2012

Automatic shoulder belts combined with manual lap belts satisfy federal requirements for passive vehicle restraint systems. Previous studies show that usage rates of the lap belts in these systems is considerably lower that usage rates for manual three-point belts. Recent years have witnessed a substantial amount of litigation involving the automatic shoulder belt manual lap belt systems. Forty-one legal cases have been reviewed in which an occupant was injured or killed in an accident while wearing the shoulder belt but not the lap belt. Particular attention was given to issues of risk perception and warnings. Analyses of these cases indicate reasons for not wearing the lap belt include: (1) feeling belted or secure when the shoulder belt was in place; (2) forgetting to fasten the belt; and (3) not familiar with the type of seat belt system. The vehicle warning systems designed to encourage lap belt use generally fail to communicate the hazards and consequences of not wearing the lap belt.
Falling out of Trains
Authors: Parsons Stuart O.
Published: January 2012

Approximately ten cases have been documented of people falling out of the side exit doors of moving passenger trains throughout the US. Most of these individuals were elderly passengers and the events usually happened late at night. Amtrak has classified most of these accidents as individuals with mental disorders or suicidal tendencies. Legal actions at the present time have been dismissed by the courts due primarily to the lack of any witnesses to the events. An investigation was conducted of a passenger car allegedly involved in one of these accidents. A number of recommendations were made including: 1) a systems engineering study of the problem, 2) an interlock system which would prevent the side exit door locking handle from being activated while the train is in motion, 3) an “All Green Board” at the engineer's station to indicate that all doors on the train are locked before starting the train, 4) a protective translucent cover installed over the regular door handle to indicate the criticality of opening this door, 5) a new warning sign on the exit doors which follows the ANSI standard, and 6) a training program, related to this dangerous situation, for all Amtrak operational personnel.
A Case Study of Using Human Factors Analyses on Warnings
Authors: Leonard S. David , Karnes Edward W.
Published: January 2012

On occasion defects appear in products after some period of use. Often, the products have been distributed to many unknown individuals requiring a program to inform them of the hazardous defect. In this study a comparison is made between two warning programs one of which did not utilize good human factors principles (considering them too academic) and a second which concerned itself with the problem of notifying individuals of an unknown and potentially deadly hazard. An analysis of the human factors principles involved in such programs was performed. The human factors principles were discussed in terms of the failures of the one program to reach the target audience with information in an acceptable form. In addition, the procedures for developing an adequate warnings program are described and the techniques for testing the warnings with individuals who are akin to the target audience were presented.
Dual-Task Performance and Visual Attention Switching
Authors: Hager Danny R. , Payne David G.
Published: January 2012

Four factors were manipulated to assess the possible performance decrements caused by concurrent performance of a visual and an auditory task. For the visual task, memory load and the degree of attentional switching were manipulated. The nature of the memoric information and the intelligibility of the speech signal in the auditory task were also manipulated. The level of single-task performance was compared with the performance of the same task under dual-task conditions to determine which factor lead to the greatest dual-task decrement. The results demonstrate that memory load and the nature of the memory representation had little effect on the performance of a concurrent task. Visual attention switching had a large effect on the amount of dual-task decrement.
Reports of Regional Body Discomfort during Carpenter Apprentice Training
Authors: Spielholz Peregrin , Wiker Steven F.
Published: January 2012

Regional discomfort questionnaires were administered to apprentice carpenters at three month intervals for a duration of six months following an ergonomics awareness training as part of apprenticeship school. Reports of frequent musculoskeletal discomfort were reported by between 20 and 29 percent of carpenters for each of the nine body regions with the exception of higher levels for the lower back. Severity ratings and frequency of discomfort were highest for the lower back and hands/wrists. There was no significant difference in reports of musculoskeletal discomfort among the baseline and follow-up questionniares (p > 0.05). The lower back was the only body region showing a decrease in the ratings of discomfort severity during follow-up. Further study of training effects on work methods and discomfort are recommended.
Demonstration: A Hypertext Database for the Design of Visual Inspection Operations
Authors: Goldberg Joseph H. , Kotval Xerxes P. , Rantanen Esa
Published: January 2012

A hypertext database was developed to aid a corporate in its evaluation and redesign of visual inspection operations. Inspection-sensitive factors were integrated into an overall framework, literature was summarized, then sites were visited to measure the levels and impacts of these factors on visual inspection operations. This information is available in many locations of the package. The resulting HTML package allows managers, engineers, and others to start either with a facility or with a specific inspection factor, then work down to the level of literature, finding appropriate answers, in one integrated framework.
Simulator Evaluation of Heavy-Vehicle Driver Workload: II: Complex Secondary Tasks
Authors: Kantowitz Barry H. , Hanowski Richard J. , Tijerina Louis
Published: January 2012

Previous research has shown that heavy-vehicle driver workload can be measured in a simulator with simple secondary tasks such as choice reaction time and immediate recall (Kantowitz, 1995). The present experiment replicates and extends these findings to complex tasks requiring drivers to use cellular phones and to interpret text message displays. Fourteen commercial drivers each drove eight simulator modules, each 100,000 feet in length. In-cab tasks were divided into cellular phone dialing, phone dialogue, text message reading, tachometer reading, clock reading, and manual radio tuning. These were evaluated in light and heavy traffic with and without pedestrian detection tasks. Complex tasks requiring message reading had the greatest impact upon driver performance. Results illustrate both advantages and limitations of driving simulators.
Pictorial Negations: Preferences for Different Circle-Slash Variations
Authors: Glover Barbara L. , Magurno Amy B. , Murray La Tondra A. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

A circle with a 45-degree slash overlayed on a pictorial has been increasingly used to depict a negation. However, in some cases this overlay could obscure critical parts of the symbol making the depiction difficult to recognise. The present study investigated whether participants would judge the acceptability of various kinds of circle-slash negation differently. Sixteen pictorials in both left-facing and right-facing orientations were combined with four versions of the red circle and slash: a conventional slash over the symbol, a slash under the symbol, a translucent slash, and a partial slash. Sixty participants rank ordered the combinations. The results generally indicated that the over and under versions were preferred to the translucent or partial slashes, an effect probably attributable to familiarity and Gestalt principles of good figures. Some symbols were differentially affected by orientation and slash type. The over slash versions were given lower evaluations when critical features were obscured. The results have implications for the development of symbols with the circle-slash negation for improved identifiability.
Conspicuity Advantage of Fluorescent Color Targets in the Field
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T. , Schnell Thomas
Published: January 2012

Daytime conspicuity of fluorescent and non-fluorescent color targets was investigated in the field against a green background in terms of visual detection and recognition, as a function of the peripheral angle and the target size. Two groups of 9 young, healthy subjects each were used. The colors white, blue, green, red, fluorescent red, fluorescent yellow-green, yellow, fluorescent yellow, orange, fluorescent orange were presented for 2 seconds at a radial distance of 30m under the peripheral viewing angles of 10°, 20°, 30° for group 1, and 30°, 40°, 50° for group 2. The target sizes 0.076m x 0.152m, 0.114m x 0.229m, and 0.152m x 0.305m were used in group 1, and 0.114m x 0.229m, 0.152m x 0.305m, and 0.229m x 0.457m were used in group 2. Fluorescent color targets (especially fluorescent yellow-green) were better peripherally detected than the non-fluorescent color targets. White, blue, and green were better recognized but exhibited relatively poor peripheral conspicuity. Therefore it appears that if one wants to maximize the peripheral daytime conspicuity, both highly conspicuous fluorescent colors along with a fairly large target size should be selected. Such a target configuration may for example be needed to attract a driver's attention in situations where a target is located in an observer's visual periphery (peripheral angle > 20°), for example a target approaching a driver at an intersection from a left or right side street.
Bridging the Gap between User-Centered Intentions and Actual Design Practice
Authors: Woods David D. , Patterson Emily S. , Corban James M. , Watts Jennifer C.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we introduce a notation that highlights necessary elements in a practice-centered design process and which can be used to describe a set of common errors committed by design organizations leading to computer-based systems that create new burdens for practitioners. These common design errors result from an organizational tendency to underinvest in modeling error and expertise and using prototypes to discover requirements. The former underinvestment can lead to designs based on uninformed, underspecified, and unexamined models of the relationship between technology and human performance. The latter can lead to commitment to a design concept before fully exploring the range of possible solutions. We suggest ways to avoid these problems by setting forth a balanced organizational investment strategy that would enhance the possibilities for the development of useful systems.
Extrapolating CRT Color Use Research to LCD Flat-Panel Color Selection: Lessons Learned
Authors: Volanth Alton J. , Miller Douglas L. , Wolfman G. Jonathan
Published: January 2012

The application of colors in a complex graphical user interface (GUI) can be a significant determinant of both the operational effectiveness and the customer appeal of software product. This paper reviews the process of color selection, the literature supporting selected colors, and the results of a colors verification study in the design of a GUI for a tower air traffic control system. This system includes workstations employing daylight readable, high resolution, flat panel color displays. As a result, this work also assessed the applicability of largely CRT-based literature and guidelines to LCD technology. Overall, the color scheme derived from the available literature was found to be both high in usability and customer appeal; the CRT-based body of literature was found to be largely applicable to LCD technology, with only minor color modifications required to selected colors.
A Comparison of Landing Site Safety Training Techniques for Loggers
Authors: Neale Vicki L. , Dingus Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

This study combines a systematic instructional design approach and past research findings to examine the appropriate presentation of logging safety information, increase knowledge of logging safety risks on landing sites, identify hazardous situations on a landing site, and identify risk perception of logging hazards. Three experimental groups were those who: 1) received traditional on-the-job training (OJT) from their employer, 2) watched a video tutorial that was developed without systematic instructional design principles, and 3) completed a multimedia training tutorial developed using systematic instructional design principles. Mean test scores were analyzed. For knowledge retention of safety information the multimedia group scored significantly higher than OJT, but not significantly higher than the video group. The video group scored significantly higher than the OJT group. For ability to identify hazards, the multimedia group scored significantly higher than the OJT group, the video group did not score significantly higher than the OJT group, and the multimedia group did not score significantly higher than the video group. There was no significant difference between groups for level of risk perception.
Exploring the Influence of a Virtual Body on Spatial Awareness
Authors: Draper Mark H. , Wells Maxwell J. , Gawron Valerie J. , Furness Tom A.
Published: January 2012

A virtual reality study explored the potential for a virtual body (VB) to enhance a participant's spatial awareness of a virtual environment (VE) by providing an invariant, subtle point of reference for object positioning. The study used the ecological metric of perceived reachability as the manifestation of spatial awareness. Nine subjects entered a VE and performed a maximum virtual reach estimation task in which VB configuration (full-body, hand-only, no-body) and target height (low, medium, high) were manipulated. Estimations of reach were more significantly accurate for low target heights. This seemed most attributable to the influence of the more richly patterned visual background for that condition. A complex interaction between VB configuration and target height indicates that the specific VB used may impact observed performance. Subjective comments also indicate a perceived utility of a full-body virtual body as a reference point for spatial tasks. Results are discussed in regard to potential design implications and future research opportunities.
Tabular versus Schematic Designs for Air Defense Equipment Displays
Authors: Knapp Beverly G. , Reynolds Kenneth C. , Steinberg Richard , Schafer W. J. , Markert Wendy J.
Published: January 2012

Previous studies conducted to derive the global command and control (C2) information requirements revealed categories or “windows” of information needed for the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The experiment reported here was conducted to determine the optimal presentation of local features for one global area of the interface: equipment status monitoring. Participants from the Army Air Defense School performed THAAD tasks under two levels of information load, using four equipment status designs: two alphanumeric (tabular data), a schematic (iconic diagrams), and a combination alphanumeric-schematic. Task time and accuracy were analyzed using a repeated measures factorial ANOVA. The results showed the combination alphanumeric-schematic status design produced the best performance across task and information load conditions, while the alphanumeric designs produced the worst performance. Nevertheless, results suggest that all designs may be interchangeable for simplistic recognition and low loading tasks, but task complexity will favor a combination design for the final THAAD interface.
Multiple Monitors and Knowledge of Results in Vigilance: The Decrement Still Wins
Authors: Ceplenski Peter J. , Scerbo Mark W. , Major Debra A.
Published: January 2012

Research has demonstrated that knowledge of results (KR) can improve vigilance performance and that certain types of KR can even eliminate the vigilance decrement. Likewise, researchers have shown that having a number of operators perform a vigil in a multiple-monitor setting can also increase performance on sustained attention tasks. The present study was conducted to determine if using KR in a multiple-monitor setting would eliminate the vigilance decrement and improve performance as measured by signal detection indices. Subjects completed an absolute judgement task either in pairs or individually and received KR to hits, false alarms, misses, or no KR. The results indicated that even KR in a multiple-monitor paradigm was not sufficient to combat the vigilance decrement. Characteristics of the task, the social interaction between monitors, the use of signal detection indices, and the practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Evaluation of Pathway Symbology Used to Land from Curved Approaches with Varying Visibility Conditions
Authors: Reising John M. , Liggett Kristen K. , Kustra Todd W. , Snow Michael P. , Hartsock David C. , Barry Timothy P.
Published: January 2012

Global Positioning System technology has the potential to revolutionize both commercial and military aircraft landing procedures. It will enable pilots to fly complex, curved approaches rather than the more simple straight-in approaches necessitated by the Instrument Landing System used at most large airports. To complement this technology, Head-Up Display pathway symbology was developed for use in the aircraft to help pilots stay on course during these complex landings. Thirteen Air Force pilots used this pathway symbology in a simulator to land under Visual Meteorological, Partial Instrument Meteorological and Full Instrument Meteorological visibility conditions. Deviations from commanded flight path, as well as lateral and longitudinal deviations from a desired runway touchdown point, were measured. Results indicated that landing performance was acceptable for all pilots and functionally equivalent in all weather conditions. Results of this study suggest that pathway symbology could provide the cues necessary to successfully fly complex, curved approaches to landing. In addition, the merits of using Equivalency Analysis, rather than traditional Analysis of Variance in testing for performance differences is discussed.
Information Manager for Determining Data Presentation Preferences in Future Enroute Air Traffic Management
Authors: Duley Jacqueline A. , Galster Scott M. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

One proposed vision of the future National Airspace System (NAS) involves a change in philosophy from that of air traffic control to one of air traffic management, i.e. Free Flight. In order to accommodate this philosophy change, new technologies will be implemented to assist the air traffic manager (today's air traffic controller) in decision making. When enhancing the system we must also consider the interface between the air traffic manager and this new system and its corresponding new philosophy. To better determine the design of such an interface we must first understand the information needs of the air traffic manager. The present study investigated the information requirements of 58 enroute air traffic controllers. The controllers provided their preferences in presentation frequency as well as the importance of the information to be displayed. The results reveal the potential for adaptive automation as a form of information management.
Pilot Performance and Workload Using Traffic Displays to Support Free Flight
Authors: Morphew M. Ephimia , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

Arising from the need to employ innovative solutions to safely and efficiently maintain air traffic separation in increasingly denser skyways, the concept of Free Flight involves shifting some air traffic management responsibilities from air traffic control specialists on the ground, to pilots in the cockpit. Such a shift in traffic management responsibilities will be critically dependent upon the development of displays to provide traffic and hazard information to pilots in the cockpit (Wickens, Carbonari, Merwin, Morphew, & O'Brien (1997; Battiste (in progress); Johnson, Battiste, Delzell, Holland, Belcher, & Jordan, 1997). This research examined the effect of different information-varying display aids (predictors and threat vectors) for in-cockpit traffic displays, on pilot performance, workload, attentional demands, and flight safety. Fifteen pilots flew a series of traffic avoidance scenarios in a Free Flight simulation designed to assess the effects of different levels of traffic display information on these pilot variables. Three, 2D-coplanar prototype displays were compared which differed in the level of traffic information provided. Analysis of the data revealed that the traffic display with the most predictive information supported increased safety and decreased workload, without appreciable decrements in flight performance or efficiency.
Localization of Virtual Auditory Cues in a High +Gz Environment
Authors: Nelson W. Todd , Bolia Robert S. , McKinley Richard L. , Chelette Tamara L. , Tripp Lloyd D. , Esken Robert L.
Published: January 2012

The ability to localize a virtual auditory source was evaluated under varying levels of sustained (+G2) acceleration. Participants were required to judge the locations of virtual auditory cues located along the horizontal plane (elevation 0°) during exposure to 1.0, 1.6, 2.5, 4.0, 5.6, and 7.0 +Gz. The experiment was conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Dynamic Environment Simulator - a man-rated, three-axis centrifuge. No significant increases in localization error were found between 1.0 and 5.6 +Gz; however, a significant increase did occur at the 7.0 +Gz level. In addition, the percentage of reversals did not vary as a function of +Gz level. Collectively, these results indicate that one's ability to localize virtual auditory cues is well maintained at various levels of sustained acceleration.