bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fidelity of Simulation VS. Transfer of Training on a Maintenance Trainer
Authors: McDonald L. Bruce , Waldrop Grace P. , Reynolds Richard
Published: January 2012

Maintenance training simulators have proven to afford equal or superior training at a lower life cycle cost than actual equipment trainers when teaching troubleshooting based on front panel indications, failure symptoms and some indrawer visual indicators. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of two-dimensional and three-dimensional fidelity of simulation and three levels of reduced accessibility to test points during training, on student troubleshooting performance while locating faults at the component level. A total of 186 students were observed and tested in the ET Splice modules of a Navy Basic Electricity and Electronics course. Conclusions are drawn about the relative training effectiveness of simulated and actual boards and recommendations are made in selecting active test points on simulated printed circuit boards.
Controllability of Remotely Piloted Spacecraft with Delayed Feedback
Authors: Ray A. M. , Wildgen A. K. , Sexton D. J.
Published: January 2012

In order to fully exploit the Shuttle orbiter's payload delivery and retrieval capabilities and to provide on-orbit servicing of other spacecraft systems, a remotely piloted free-flyer will be an essential element of the developing space transportation system. Not only will a free-flying system be able to deliver payloads to a significantly higher orbit than can the Shuttle, it will be able to retrieve satellites from their operational orbit and return them to the orbiter or the earth for servicing. Ultimately, the free-flyer can be used in the construction of large space systems that exceed a single Shuttle launch capability. Following completion of its mission, the free-flyer can return to the earth, or it can remain in orbit for storage between Shuttle missions to eliminate relaunch expenses. The free-flyer may be controlled from either the aft flight deck or a ground based station. Remote control from a ground based station has distinct advantages because it will eliminate all requirements imposed on the Shuttle for aft flight deck and cargo bay flight support equipment and interfaces.
Advanced Head up Display Development Experiences
Authors: Smith W. D.
Published: January 2012

Recent research to evolve an advanced head up display (HUD) concept has demonstrated one system which is now flying and a second, holographic system which is in final development. This research has clearly shown the importance of real display dynamics using realistic sensor data representations. The difference between using theoretical data and data representative of real operations made the difference between marginal and useful HUD utility. This paper will summarize some of the related observations and experiences.
Flight Operations Safety Monitoring Effects on the Crew Alerting System
Authors: Hanson D. C. , Boucek G. P. , Smith W. D. , Hendrickson J. F. , Chikos S. F. , Howison W. W. , Berson B. L.
Published: January 2012

In 1979, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated a study to develop design guidelines for improving future aircraft alerting systems. In the course of this work, the FAA concluded that a system which went beyond the function of an alerting system might be useful. The study was extended to examine the question as to whether a system could function as a monitor of flight safety, that is, a system that could aid the pilots in resolving problems and contribute to reducing the number of future accidents.

The study established the feasibility of the concept of complementing the alerting system with a computer to perform the flight phase status monitor function.
The Effects of Exposure Time and Retention Time on Location Memory in Visual Information Processing
Authors: Smith Leighton L. , Liles D. H.
Published: January 2012

Two experiments were conducted using sixty subjects. The task was to remember where black dots were positioned on a polar grid pattern. Three experimental parameters were used: Stimulus Complexity, Exposure Time, and Retention Time. The results showed that the effects of both Exposure Time and Stimulus Complexity were significant and non-linear. The effect of Retention Time was not significant.
Development of a Scoring Metric for Air-to-Air Combat Engagements
Authors: Breidenbach Steven T. , Ciavarelli Anthony P.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a scaling study which was conducted as an integral part of a Navy research program designed to develop and validate air-to-air combat task performance measures. Evaluation of aircrew proficiency and estimation of training progress by training personnel are but two of the many uses of valid performance measures. The primary rationale of the validation study (described in companion paper presentation; see Ciavarelli and Breidenbach) was to determine the degree of relationship between measures of air combat task performance and final engagement outcomes. In general, the outcome of an air combat engagement may be expressed as a win, loss or draw event. A favorable outcome, or win, is considered an ultimate criterion measure of air combat success. On the other hand, an unfavorable outcome, or loss, is viewed as failure. The primary objective of the scaling study was to obtain aircrew estimates concerning the desirability of engagement outcomes. It was anticipated that favorable outcomes would be weighted more substantially than unfavorable ones. A magnitude estimation scaling questionnaire was developed, pilot tested and administered to Navy fighter aircrews who had extensive air combat experience. Results of the scaling study were in agreement with other magnitude estimation experiments reported in the literature. The obtained metric (named the Air Combat Engagement or ACE Score) was successfully employed as a dependent variable in regression analysis performed during the air combat validation study. The ACE Score was also found to be sensitive in discriminating squadron performance differences. Potential applications of the ACE scale and scaling methodology include determining the willingness of aircrews to commit forces to battle and studying combat decision behavior, motivation and stress.
Developing Training Devices with an Effective Capability for Training Management and Readiness Assessment
Authors: Strasel H. C. , Finley Dorothy L. , Hawley John K.
Published: January 2012

Army commanders and trainers need to know the current job performance levels of their troops. They need this information as the basis for making decisions about when and where to deploy units in battle, how much and where to allocate resources to training, what training readiness value to enter in the monthly Unit Status Report, and what specific training the soldiers should receive. The problems are that currently few data are gathered, infrequently (e.g., SQT data every two years on a decreasing number of skill areas; ARTEPs rarely!). The reasons for these problems are many. Principal among them are resource constraints (e.g., ammo, ranges, personnel time) and measurement capability limitations (e.g., lack of instrumentation and inability to directly observe in field/actual equipment situations, and nonevaluative training devices). The results are incomplete data that are out of date–and older data are of dubious value due to personnel turbulence and skills decay.

At the 25th HFS meeting we presented a concept for improving this situation and our progress towards its application. (cf. Finley, Strasel, Schendel, and Hawley, 1981). Now we describe our progress in the last year.
Methodologies for Visual Inspection Research and Development of Inspection Robot
Authors: Noro Kageyu , Komatsubara Akinori , Yokomizo Yoshimi
Published: January 2012

The limit of human physiology and psychology in regarded as one of the important trade-off items concerning the mechanization of visual inspection. Of such trade-off items, the psychological characteristics of visual inspection shown by inspectors are of particular importance to Japanese inspectors. In this study, the methods of measuring them is investigated. The results of an experiment using the Semantic Differential method indicate that psychological characteristics are composed of 4 factors and that these factors are closely related to the mental abilities required in performing a task.
Peripheral Cues and Color in Visual Simulation
Authors: Kraft Conrad L. , Anderson Charles D. , Elworth Charles L.
Published: January 2012

Flight performance as affected by visual field size, scene complexity and the use of color was measured in a Boeing 747 flight simulator. The visual simulator was a computer generated imagery system (G.E. Compuscene). Three experiments involving different flight regimes were conducted using military C-141 pilots as test subjects. Numerous parameters indicative of landing proficiency were recorded and analyzed to establish visual scene requirements.
Alcohol, Task Difficulty, and Incentives in Drill Press Operation
Authors: Flax Robert A. , Price Dennis L.
Published: January 2012

The effects of alcohol, task difficulty, and incentives on a drill press simulation were examined. On four nonconsecutive days the subject received four alcohol levels, one level per day. The levels were: 0.00%, 0.03%, 0.06%, and 0.09% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The drill press simulation task consisted of placing a drill probe alternatively into two holes in a metal plate. For every level of alcohol, each subject received eight levels of task difficulty which were varied by changing the hole size and distance between holes. Task difficulty was in units of bits of information ranging from two to nine and was derived from a portion of Welford's (1968) version of Fitts' Law. For every level of task difficulty, each subject received two levels of incentive: productivity and accuracy which were enforced by monetary rewards.

The subject's response was measured by hits and misses. A hit was defined as fully inserting the metal drill probe in either of two holes in the top metal plate of the workpiece without touching the plate. A miss was defined as a contact of the probe with the top plate.

Alcohol had a significant effect on hits ( p = 0.0001) as evidenced by a 12% decrease in hits at the 0.06% BAC, and a 19% decrease at the 0.09% BAC. Task difficulty affected both hits and misses (p = 0.0001). The greatest decrease in hits between any two levels of task difficulty was an 89% decrease from the easiest task difficulty level to the most difficult level. The largest decrease between any two levels of difficulty in misses was 57% and occurred between the eight and five bit task difficutly level. Incentive had a significant effect on hits ( p = 0.0002) and misses ( p = 0.0001). Hits were 27.5% less in the productivity condition than in the accuracy condition. Misses were 74% less in the accuracy condition than in the productivity condition.

Although the alcohol by task difficulty interaction was significant for hits ( p = 0.0001), and the incentive by task difficulty interactions were significant for both hits and misses ( p = 0.0001), plots of these effects were not subject to meaningful interpretation.
Type of Task Practice and Time-Sharing Activities Predict Performance Deficits Due to Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Fisk Arthur D. , Schneider Walter
Published: January 2012

Generally speaking, performance declines when humans ingest alcohol; however, there is little precision in predicting alcohol effects. The confusion regarding when and in what situations performance will decline because of alcohol intoxication appears to be due to inappropriate classification of information processes involved in task performance. The present research utilized principles of automatic/controlled processing theory to examine alcohol effects. Performance on tasks performed via automatic processing showed little decrement due to alcohol but large decrements occurred on controlled processing tasks. Results indicate that the type of practice and therefore the type of information processing predicts performance decrements due to alcohol. Alcohol produces a general reduction in resources and ability to share resources both within and between tasks. The results allow a delineation of alcohol effects and provide a theoretical framework for prediction of alcohol effects.
Some Human Factor Aspects of Computer Controlled Transportation Systems
Authors: Holcomb Galen A.
Published: January 2012

The new era of computer controlled transportation systems pose unique human interface problems, particularly with respect to passenger management. Passengers enter the system and the vehicles; are transported to their destination, and leave the system without visible contact with any system personnel.

Some system interactive and passenger management problems surfaced during the design of the Morgantown People Mover (MPM) System at West Virginia University, - problems that required human engineering analysis to help achieve a solution.

The system's goal is to safely transport every passenger to his or her destination. The safety aspect requires protecting everyone from self and system inflicted injury. To increase the probability of achieving the goal, each passenger and vehicle is monitored visually at each station by human operators in a Central Control Room. The driverless, rubber-tired vehicles operate on concrete guideways using 575 volt electrical power, and are computer controlled.

The main potential source of self-inflicted injury occurs from contact with the power rail when a passenger enters the guideway from either a station or from the vehicle. Entry from a station is a problem common to all electrically powered transportation systems, and the deterrent is highly visible flashing signs. However, egress from a vehicle onto the guideway is the result of passenger impatience when a vehicle stops due to an anomaly.

In a single, unidirectional guideway system, when one vehicle stops, - (and if allowed to go unchecked), - trailing vehicles continue to stop virtually paralyzing the system. This compounds the probability that a passenger will open a door which removes power.

To reduce the probability of injury or catastropic system deterioration, Human Factor personnel developed rigorous stopped vehicle traffic management procedures and automatic software response requirements. A complex system of software and manual control and display of electrification was developed, some of the requirements stemming from maintenance personnel safety requirements.
The Measurement of Three-Dimensional Hand Motion by the Use of V.T.R.
Authors: Miyashiro Nobuo
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study is to clarify the motion characteristics of some transport (reach) movements by measurement of three-dimensional motions with V.T.R.

Experiment has been carried out by following procedure; (a) Six right-handed male students aged 21 to 23yr (mean 21.7yr) served as subjects, (b) Each motion picture from two direction (Frontal and Lateral planes) was recorded on V.T.R. and the three-dimensional coordinates of the marked points were read from the synthesized picture by Position Analyzer. And displacement, velocity, acceleration, joint angle and three-dimensional motion path were calculated.

The result can be summarized in the following points;

(1) The mean overall motion path length for all experimental condition is found to be about 115 % of the linear distance.

(2) The ratio of the movement along the height axis to the short linear distance is larger than that of the long linear distance.

(3) Upper extremity joint function used each motion are different by motion distance and direction.
The Effect of Problem Complexity, Computer Power, and Feedback Aids on the Accuracy and Completness of Computer Programs
Authors: Connelly Edward M.
Published: January 2012

An essential step in the development of a computer program is the specification of the solution logic to be implemented by the program. The importance of accurate problem solution specification is further stressed by researchers in programming language and artificial intelligence who suggest that in a relatively short time computer programs will be synthesized automatically and that the job of the user will be only to specify the problem solution.

The research reported in this paper involved an investigation of the ability of computer users to specify problem solutions in the form of example solutions. This ability was evaluated as a function of the user's background and experience, the complexity of the available processor (i.e., degree of generalization of the inputs), and the available feedback aids. Further, the ability of experienced programmers to implement the problem solution in FORTRAN IV logic code was investigated.

The research reported here is part of study in multi-level communications, both abstract and concrete (i.e., general statements and examples), that may provide a method for effective two-way communication between users and computers.

Two participant groups (programmers and bookkeepers/accountants) working with three levels of problem complexity and three levels of processor complexity were used. The experimental task employed in this study required specification of a logic for solution of a Navy task force problem. This task involved choosing ships from a ship list which identified the ship type, the transiting time (the time required for the ship to get from its present position to the desired site), and stationing time (the number of days the ship can remain on station with available provisions). In addition to this specification of ship combinations, the participants had to specify by the example solution the range of transiting and stationing times required.

It was found that both programmers' and bookkeepers/accountants' scores decreased with increasing levels of problem and processor complexity, but the scores for the bookkeepers/accountants were significantly less than those of the programmers. In a regression analysis it was found that the degree of computer generalization of the user input (processor complexity) explained more variance than did problem complexity. Further for those experiment conditions where little computer generalization of user input was provided, performance was significantly lower than for other experiment conditions. This result suggests that computer generalization of user inputs is an important factor to accurate specification of problem solutions. Finally, the results show that participant strategy in generating solutions was the most significant factor affecting performance. The strategy measures, which indicated the degree of systematization of the participants, explained 58 percent of the score variance.
Exaggerated Vertical Scale in Cgi Terrain Perspectives
Authors: McGrew John F.
Published: January 2012

The use of a 3:1 ratio of vertical to horizontal exaggeration in CGI for digitized terrain data was investigated by the method of constant stimuli. Hard copy line drawings of CGI was compared with actual terrain. The overall ratio of exaggeration picked by four observers was 1.25:1 to 1.50:1. The range of exaggerations for different viewing distances was 1:1 to 1.75:1. The data showed evidence of visual constancy matching and an anchoring effect.
Quantitative Models of Image Quality
Authors: Beaton Robert J.
Published: January 2012

Fourteen image quality metrics were evaluated for hard-copy and soft-copy displays of digital images degraded by various levels of noise and blur. All quality metrics were formulated to include the displayed modulation spectrum of the image. The statistical analyses suggested that several of the metrics correlated strongly with performance, and, thus, support the proposed utility of image-dependent quality measures. An MTFA-type metric was shown to correlate highest with the average performance scores across noise and blur conditions.
Human Factors Research: A Ten Year Perspective
Authors: Unger Kenneth W.
Published: January 2012

A more complete understanding of the status of human factors research may be gained by comparing current research with that performed during a previous time period. Using Human Factors as a data base, articles which were published during 1982 were compared with those published during 1972 on a variety of dimensions. The extent to which human factors research has changed during this time period is discussed.
An Evaluation of the Equipment Tagging Process in Nuclear Power Stations
Authors: Doyle Peter , Schroeder Lothar , Brewer Stephen
Published: January 2012

The electric utility industry uses equipment “tagging” methods to identify inoperable equipment and to prevent the status of equipment from being changed for various reasons. Tagging involves identifying such equipment with small tags or other indications and maintaining records of equipment status. Operator reliability in the proper placement of tags is a function of training, good tagging procedures, adequate equipment identification techniques and tag design, among other things. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the tagging process at nuclear power plants.
A Methodology for the Evaluation of Real-Time Speech Digitization
Authors: Edman Thomas R. , Metz Stephen V.
Published: January 2012

Real-time speech digitizing technologies underlie such modern communications products as voice store and forward systems and digital PBX's. Among the human factors design issues associated with this technology, three of particular importance can be identified: i) speaker identifiability, ii) acceptability of speech quality, and iii) speech intelligibility. An experimental method for addressing issues of identifiability and intelligibility was developed and used to compare a commercial speech digitizing device with a standard toll quality telephone channel. It was found that the identifiability and acceptability of the telephone was slightly superior to the digitized speech. Additionally, results on an MRT showed intelligibility scores somewhat below optimal.
Assessing the Validity of SWAT as a Workload Measurement Instrument
Authors: Boyd Stephen P.
Published: January 2012

The Subjective Workload Asssessment Technique (SWAT) carries with it the implicit assumption that people can accurately predict the amount of mental workload they would experience under various levels of three component dimensions. Research suggests that the perceptions of these dimensions may not be independent. This study was designed to measure the subjective interactions between the dimensions used in SKAT. Mental workload was generated using a text editing task in which the dimensions were manipulated independently. Results revealed significant positive correlations between the subjective levels of the three dimensions. That is, when a subject experienced a high level of one dimension, s/he also tended to rate the other two dimensions high. It may be unreasonable to assume that people can accurately predict the magnitude of these interactions when performing the ranking process which is used to derive the workload scale.
A Validated Rating Scale for Global Mental Workload Measurement Applications
Authors: Wierwille Walter W. , Casali John G.
Published: January 2012

The Cooper-Harper (1969) scale has been extensively used for evaluation of aircraft handling qualities and associated mental workload. The scale is a 10-point scale with a decision tree. A modified version of the scale, called the MCH scale, has been devised for the purpose of assessing workload in systems other than those where the human operator performs motor tasks; namely, where perceptual, mediational, and communications activity is present. The MCH scale has been validated in three different experiments. The scale is recommended for applications in which overall mental workload is to be assessed.
Visual Complexity of Nighttime Driving Scenes
Authors: Lerner Neil D. , Gallagher Vincent P.
Published: January 2012

This paper outlines a research project directed at determining the visual difficulty of interpreting behind-the-wheel nighttime driving scenes. A series of experiments was conducted utilizing slides which were photographed from a driver's-eye view. Three experiments assessed subjective judgment of the difficulty of the view for driving. Two further experiments examined temporal and eye-movement aspects of scene viewing. Finally, an “instability” model of scene complexity is described and related to the subjective data.
Accommodation and the Acquisition of Distant Targets by Observers with Superior Vision
Authors: Moffitt Kirk
Published: January 2012

The visual accommodation ability of young observers with healthy eyeballs has typically been underestimated. A series of experiments and demonstrations was conducted to study how a pilot might use his eyes to optimize target acquisition performance in different visual environments. Observers with uncorrected far acuities of 20/20 or better were selected for participation. Target acquisition tasks were performed while accommodation was simultaneously monitored with an infrared optometer. The target was always small and located at optical infinity. The average dark focus was more distant than is typically reported and tended to shift outwards with experience on the optometer. When observers were provided with distance information, half were apparently able to “look through” near peripheral texture in order to optimize accommodation accuracy and target detection performance. Although most observers were capable of using imagery to shift their accommodation outwards in the dark, this did not predict the ability to “look through” near texture. In a subsequent demonstration, two observers were able to focus and defocus small targets on demand. Implications for military pilots, many of whom have superior vision, are discussed.
Comfortable Driving Speed Evaluated
Authors: Seal Dennis J.
Published: January 2012

Since its enactment in 1974, the National Maximum Speed Limit (NmSL) of 55 miles per hour has remained a controversial law. Despite the enforcement efforts, recent studies have found that approximately 20 percent of all American motorists exceed the 55 m.p.h. limit. However, legislation still requires individual states to enforce the law or else forfeit millions of dollars in federal highway aid.

This study examined three questions: (a) is there a preferred speed that drivers find comfortable during travel, (b) how does it compare with the national speed limit, and (c) what is its relationship to vehicle design and driver characteristics? Taken into account were factors that made the study representative of national highway driving. For example, each of the 100 participants was selected on the basis of demographics one finds in the driving population (i.e., age category, sex, driving experience and vehicle type). Furthermore, each participant used his own vehicle to drive a highway route of 60 miles, which included typical highway settings (two-lane and four-lane, divided and un-divided) with average traffic volumes. So that the speed was truly a matter of preference, the instrument panels were covered and the only true indication of velocity was the highway environment, other vehicles, or the vestibular sense. An accelerometer was used to record both the vibration and sound levels of the sampled vehicles.

The results showed that the subjects in the study preferred a comfortable driving speed which exceeded the national maximum speed limit. More specifically, in regard to the 55 m.p.h. speed limit, the study revealed: (a) only 37% of the drivers preferred to drive 55 m.p.h. or less, (b) 34% of the drivers preferred to exceed 55 m.p.h. by 5 m.p.h., and (c) 29% of the sample established a comfortable speed of 60 m.p.h. or greater.

The results of this study are indicative of the fact that highway drivers prefer to drive at a speed in excess of 55 m.p.h. For this reason it is recommended that consideration be given to raising the national speed limit to 60 m.p.h., thereby bringing it into line with an average speed that the majority of drivers prefer. This law would help to lower the variance of highway speeds and thus reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on our national highways.

This investigation also demonstrated significant differences in preferred driving speeds between age categories. The younger drivers in this study (i.e., 16–29) preferred speeds well above the national speed limit of 55 m.p.h. Such results have important implications for the State Licensing Bureau.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Effects of an Eight-Week Aerobic Exercise Program for Female Clerical Employees
Authors: Epps Brian W. , Washburn Stelle E. , Casali John G.
Published: January 2012

This investigation was undertaken to: 1) determine the effects of a short-term aerobic exercise program on fitness, 2) pre-test possible physiological metrics for inclusion in a fitness information feedback system in anticipation of a future long-term research study. Eight female participants in an eight-week aerobic exercise program served as subjects. Three measurement sessions (pre-, mid-, and post-program) were used to collect: body weight, percent body fat, resting heart rate, resting systolic blood pressure, resting diastolic blood pressure, submaximal heart rate during bicycle ergometer exercise, recovery heart rate, and post-exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressures. VO2 max was predicted based on submaximal heart rate, workload, and weight. Subjects were given measurement results following each session as a form of fitness information feedback. Results based on multivariate analysis of variance, univariate analysis at variance, and subsequent Newman-Keuls tests revealed that short-term aerobic exercise classes can be expected to produce cardiovascular training effects, but have minimal effect on body weight and percent body fat.
The Effect of Handle Shape on Grip Fatigue in Manual Lifting
Authors: Scheller W. L.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effect which various handle shapes produced on grip fatigue. This was measured through the calculation of a time to fatigue using a spectral analysis of the surface EMG of the grip muscles and through the determination of maximal pull forces in the upward direction. Significant differences existed between the handles in the maximum pull test, but not in the times to fatigue.
SIT: A Systematic Interviewing Technique
Authors: McMillen L. D. , Fisk A. D.
Published: January 2012

The present paper describes a systematic interviewing technique that has proven itself effective in major corporate reorganization and large scale computer system development. The paper describes the personnel required for the interviewing team and briefly presents the technique. The advantages and limitations of the interviewing are also highlighted.
Dynamic Drilling Displays
Authors: Peacock Brian , Schlegel Robert , Dorman Rosemary
Published: January 2012

Gas and oilwell drilling is a hazardous business which relies on human vigilance to detect a sudden influx of gas from the formation into the well bore, and human control activity to manage the migration of this gas bubble to the surface. The result of human error in either case can result in a blowout which can cause considerable damage to people, equipment and the environment.

Human performance in such situations is limited by the harsh physical environment, variable levels of training and variable standards of instrumentation. Recently, computer displays have been introduced to present information in a more appropriate form for aiding human performance. The design of these displays appears to have had very little human factors input.

This paper describes some of the ways in which computers displays can be used to reduce the probability of human error and enhance human performance in gas and oilwell drilling.
An Improved Undergraduate Human Factors Course: Three Results
Authors: Halstead-Nussloch Richard , Detweiler Mark C. , Jurkat M. Peter , Hamilton Elissa L.A. , Gold Leon S.
Published: January 2012

The undergraduate human factors course was improved at the Stevens Institute of Technology. The objectives of the course improvement were twofold: 1) to increase the quality of the course, and 2) to increase enrollment. Computer-based modules were developed and implemented to achieve these objectives. Three primary findings emerged from their use. First, students finished the course with a firm grounding in the empirical and experimental methods of human factors. Second, students generated more design solution alternatives by using the modules. Third, course enrollment increased by seventy-five percent.
Effects of Alcohol and Error Criticality on Alphanumeric Target Acquisition
Authors: Barbre William E. , Price Dennis L.
Published: January 2012

Eight male subjects searched for target alphanumeric characters using a touch-entry equipped CRT under four levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), 0.0, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.09 percent. Participants visually searched randomly generated 108-character arrays for imbedded target characters, touching the CRT surface at target locations when located. Half of the search trials used arrays containing no target, providing the apportunity for “giving-up” any search trial at the discretion of the participant. A monetary incentive/penalty system was used to define low- and high-criticality search trials. Search time, touch accuracy, the number of trials completed, the percent of “give-ups”, and hand travel time were all significantly degraded by the alcohol dosages used. An alcohol-criticality interaction was observed for percent give-ups, and an alcohol-target presence interaction was significant for mean search times.
Mechanisms of Whole-Body Vibration Effects on Human Performance
Authors: Guignard John C. , Bittner Alvah C. , Harbeson Mary M.
Published: January 2012

Oscillatory ship motion and vibration effects on crews in modern naval air and sea systems can be the limiting factor in mission performance. The mechanisms of these effects, however, have not yet been clearly delineated; nor have a practical taxonomy and standard methodology for distinguishing and evaluating the deleterious action of whole-body vibratory motion on human performance been established. Some effects of vibration on performance appear to be directly attributable to immediate mechanical disruption of input and /or output (i.e., interference at the points of contact—displays or controls—between operator and task). Far more meager is clear evidence for time-dependent disruptive or degrading effects of vibration on central cognitive processes: these of course may also be affected indirectly by changes in the physiological state (including motion sickness and fatigue) induced by the motion or vibration. The distinction between direct and indirect mechanisms of performance decrement in the motion environment has important implications for both protective measures and the focus of future research. This report considers published work on the performance effects of vibration in relation to the etiology of performance change and those implications. A critical review of the methodology of performance studies in motion and vibration environments is under way at the Naval Biodynamics Laboratory; and a series of experiments (some previously published) on whole-body vibration effects on performance is also in progress. While the duality of the mechanisms of action of oscillatory motion on performance remains an open question, the evidence so far adduced for other than direct mechanical effects is sparse, at least in the frequency range of major body resonance phenomena. Further experimentation, including long-duration studies, is needed to resolve this question. Implications both for future research directions and for current national and international standardization efforts in this area are discussed.
Human Factors Guidelines for Writers of User Manuals
Authors: Clarke Margaret M. , Carroll Lisa
Published: January 2012

Instruction manuals and procedures can determine the user's success or failure with products and equipment such as household appliances, hand tools, computers, or machines. Writers of Instructions should use human factors guidelines to make sure that users readily grasp what they must do.

When equipment is complicated, when users are handicapped by age or infirmity, or when equipment is used in distracting or stressful environments, the user's ability to absorb and process information may be heavily taxed. In these situations, procedures must be especially simple and unambiguous.

Staff in the Assessment and Field Support Program (AFSP) of Oak Ridge Associated Universities recently taught a large group of engineers and technicians, who had no background in human factors, how to write user-friendly instructions and methods. This paper describes the approach AFSP staff took in preparing and delivering this course.
A Study of Control Design and Video Game Performance
Authors: Seal Dennis J.
Published: January 2012

Whenever control input is of concern, such as during a video tracking game (e.g. Pac-Man) the form and structure of the control knob directly impacts performance. Terms such as maneuverability, control response sensitivity, and control-display ratio are often alluded to in the Journals of Human Factors Engineering.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare five different control designs (refer to Figure 1). Since the final design would integrate the controls within the console, a pair of each control was designed and mounted on an adjustable plexiglass board. In doing so, the necessary physical distance or “comfort zone” between the two controls would be determined. Other design variables that were evaluated included: (a) ease of use, comfort, (b) perceived reliability, (c) perceived durability, (d) control response and (e) control shape.

A sample of 36 individuals was chosen to compare the five different joysticks. The participants included a cross-section of experienced and non-experienced video game players, both male and female, left and right handed, and different age categories.

Each participant was randomly assigned a partner to play three different video games:

(1) Missle Command (2) Space Invaders (3) Pac-Man

These games were chosen because they involve both pursuit and compensatory tracking ability, both firing (i.e. button) and non-firing situations, and also because these games can be played individually or simultaneously. A Sony 19-inch Trinitron t.v. was used as the monitor. Some of the participants played the three games on the table surface, some with the controls on their laps, and others with the t.v. monitor and controls on the floor. After completing all three games while using all five controls, each participant was given a questionnaire form to complete and was also interviewed. The results clearly indicated that Control C, when considering all features, was the most preferred.

The responses from the sampled population as well as the observations that were noted during the trials were very useful during the early design phases of the new video game console. Participants reactions concerning control-to-control distance, control texture, control maneuverability, control weight and shape were all applied to the final design.
Human Factors in Spacelab: Crew Training
Authors: Junge Maria K.
Published: January 2012

At NASA-Ames Research Center's Life Sciences Flight Experiments Project Office two payloads for the Shuttle Spacelab are currently in development. The first payload, Spacelab-3, will launch in November 1984. Unique life sciences hardware designed to support animals in 0-g will fly for the first time. Flight crew training sessions for the Spacelab-3 astronauts began in June 1982. Human factors involvement is extensive. A thorough understanding of both the 1-g and 0-g environments is necessary. The weightlessness of the space environment creates special conditions; e.g., the time required for a 1-g laboratory experiment significantly increases in 0-g. The transportation of objects in 0-g uses different techniques than on Earth. These considerations, plus others, are incorporated into the design of the Spacelab-3 crew training program. The training begins with payload orientation sessions and then progresses to hardware and experiment task training. After successful completion of task training, the crew participates in phase training which is a full-up mission simulation. Refresher and proficiency training is conducted at appropriate intervals. Throughout the crew training sessions the flight crew has input into the flight procedures and any “crew factors” hardware modifications as needed.
Influence of Handrail Height on the Generation of Stabilizing Forces and Moments
Authors: Maki B.E. , Bartlett S. , Fernie G.R.
Published: January 2012

Although changes in handrail design parameters might affect the energy requirements and speed of stairway gait, there is little doubt that the primary consideration in handrail design lies in the prevention of falling accidents. The overall objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of changes in handrail design on stairway safety. Due to time constraints, the present study was limited to an investigation of handrail height, although there is no reason why the present experimental paradigm could not be used to study other handrail parameters.
Conducting Simulator Training Effectiveness Studies: Lessons Learned in the F-16 SAMT Evaluation
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jean A. , Hritz Rohn J. , Smith Jennifer
Published: January 2012

A recent evaluation of simulator training effectiveness encountered many difficulties associated with the military field environment. These problems arose despite careful planning. The experiences of this study provide useful lessons on various topics, including the following: obtaining equipment for evaluation purposes, scheduling the study, interacting with military organizations, and general planning strategies.
The Effect of Battle Simulation Characteristics on Command and Control Performance
Authors: Barber Herbert F. , Thomas Gary S. , Kaplan Ira T.
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Army is rapidly expanding its use of computer simulations to provide command and control training for battalion through corps level command groups. However, little is known about the impact that the characteristics of these simulations have on the command group's performance. The purpose of this effort was to determine the effect of battle simulation system and scenario characteristics on measures of command group performance. Using a fractional factorial design, five battalion command groups were trained in four controlled, one-day, exercises. Each exercise included a particular combination of five system and scenario characteristics selected for investigation: weather, terrain, communication, mission, and combat ratio. Two frequently used types of command group performance measures were obtained: (1) observer ratings of how well command and control behaviors were performed (process), and (2) battlefield outcomes (product) generated by the interaction of the command group with the computer-simulated environment. Analysis of the results indicated that the system and scenario characteristics had a significant effect on simulated battlefield outcomes, but no significant effect on ratings of command group performance. No significant relationship between performance ratings and simulation outcomes was observed. The variations in system and scenario characteristics may have influenced the simulation outcomes by altering the simulated environment without affecting how well the command group processes were performed.
Cognitive Guidelines for Computer-Aided Instruction: A Navigational Case Study
Authors: Sebrechts Marc M.
Published: January 2012

In order to realize the full benefits of computer aided instruction, the computer tools must reflect the cognitive demands of the user. In particular, computer-aided instruction must be sensitive to restrictions on human memory and attention, and it must facilitate the development of internal models of the relevant target domains. To this end, we have developed a set of preliminary guidelines which have been used in the development of computerized aids for training people to use a maneuvering board for ship navigation.
Query Languages for Document Retrieval — An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Van Praag John , Gilfoil David , Murray J. Thomas
Published: January 2012

As automation of office functions becomes more widespread and longstanding, large on-line databases of documents will commonly be accessed by personnel unschooled in database logic. It is necessary, therefore, to design query languages for document retrieval that are intuitive, simple, and fast. It is likely that effective query languages will be those that systematically provide the user with powerful memory cues, with highly interactive structures guiding the formation of queries, and with a very simple and learnable syntax.

No one query language will suit every potential user; a means of optimizing the design of query languages, therefore, is to fit each language to the requirements of a specific population of users.

At Exxon Office Systems we have, in the past year, designed two query languages, one aimed at occasional users, the other at regular users. These languages are attempts to provide convenient document management facilities of the kind alluded to above. A study was implemented to test the learnability and usability of these languages, using flat file search as a baseline.

Sessions involved retrieval by subjects of documents from large (500 member) artificially generated databases of documents; subjects were run over multiple sessions. The raw data consisted of full keystroke capture of each session. By replacing the database mid-experiment, effects of acquisition of the query languages were separated from effects of memorization of the database.

Learnability and usability were evaluated by statistical analysis of learning curves, command usage, response times, and individual differences. Both query methods appeared far preferable to flat file search, especially as users gained facility with them. One method was more easy to use but less powerful–and appeared to be appropriate for casual users; the other method was slightly harder to use, but provides the regular user with a more flexible and powerful tool for document management.

Another outcome of the study was a preliminary model of the document management process–a model whose parameters depend on features of the query language, the database, and the population of users. By observing how features of a query language affect the parameters of the model it should be possible to refine the language so as to improve its effectiveness for a given population of users.
The Relationship between Computer Languages and Problem-Solving Style
Authors: Newsome Sandra L. , Bottner Alfred L. , Katz Irvin R.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the influence of prior computer experience on writing computer programs in natural English. A multiple regression analysis revealed that knowing more computer languages predicted more total number of words in the English programs. It was also found that subjects who knew both PASCAL and BASIC used more loops in their English programs than subjects who knew BASIC but not PASCAL. Types of loops used and the implications of loop structure for problem-solving style are discussed.
Tracking with Multiple Independent Response Functions
Authors: Berkhout Jan , Stedman Mark
Published: January 2012

If N independent response functions are represented electronically in a man-in-the-loop control system, it is possible to present each of several operators with a display consisting of the system forcing function minus all other operator response functions. This situation has been termed both social tracking (ST) and multi-vector tracking (MVT). There is evidence that MVT can provide faster learning in dual training environments, and generally better tracking in special applications, such as targeting a wire-guided missile, where multi-operator crewing can be cost-effective. A single operator may also profit from independent response function representation within a control system for each of several limbs, and for each of several segregated frequency bands.