bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Eye Control to Select Switches
Authors: Calhoun Gloria L. , Janson William P. , Arbak Christopher J.
Published: January 2012

Eye-controlled switching has been proposed as a biocybernetic control approach which may increase system effectiveness while reducing pilot workload. In this experiment, six subjects selected discrete switches on the front panel of a cockpit simulator while manually tracking a target. In two eye-controlled methods, the subjects directed their gaze at the switch indicated by an auditory cue and then made a consent input (either a manual response or a verbal response). In a conventional manual condition, subjects selected the switches with their left hand. The analysis of mean switching time suggests that eye control is a feasible alternative when hands-off control is desired. Tracking performance was found to differ significantly among switching conditions, indicating the importance of quantifying the efficiency of candidate control methods in visual workload environments analogous to that of the application environment.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Improving the Intention Stage of the Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Fotta Michael E.
Published: January 2012

The intention stage of the human-computer interaction is a promising area for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. At this stage, the computer needs to have information on the intended tasks and actions of the user. At least three AI techniques – scripts, student models, and expert system dialogues – have the potential to help systems gather this information.
Task Demand and Alcohol Effects on Simulated Driving Performance
Authors: Ranney Thomas A. , Gawron Valerie J.
Published: January 2012

The effects of alcohol-impaired driving were hypothesized to vary depending upon the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver and the external demands of the driving situation. To examine the effects of task demand on the performance of drivers under sober and alcohol-dosed conditions, a driving simulation experiment was conducted. Twelve subjects drove a simulator under three levels of BAC and two levels of task demand. The task required negotiation of curves, responses to selected traffic signs and avoidance of unexpected obstacles. Alcohol effects were evident in overall driving performance, in the responses to curves, and in the number of obstacles struck. Increasing the demands of the driving task had no effect on performance in curve approach and negotiation, and influenced only one general measure of driving performance. With the exception of reaction time to signs, increased task demand did not change the effects of alcohol. In the high demand/high alcohol condition, subjects were able to compensate for the increased number of obstacles struck by more efficient responding to signs.
Skill Acquisition, Individual Differences, and Human Abilities
Authors: Ackerman Phillip L.
Published: January 2012

The nature of individual differences in novel and practiced performance on skill acquisition tasks is considered from an information processing framework that incorporates concepts derived from automatic/controlled processing and attentional resource perspectives. A set of skill acquisition experiments graphically demonstrate changes in individual differences parameters via manipulating task characteristics of 1) information processing consistency, 2) memory load, 3) stimulus novelty. A further experiment illustrates the effects of novel, but consistent information processing demands on abilities, within a transfer-of-training paradigm. Results are discussed in the context of ability/skill relations.
Effects of Practice on Detection of Abnormalities in Chest X-Rays
Authors: Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

The performance of radiology residents and staff radiologists in detecting and identifying abnormalities in chest x-rays was examined. 120 chest films were each read five times on five different sessions by each radiologist. Half of the films contained up to eight possible types of abnormality. Practice improved the detectability of abnormalities, as indexed by ROC-based measures, in both groups of readers. However, greater benefits of practice were noted for the residents than for the staff. Staff radiologists, but not the residents, had reporting criteria that were close to the optimal criterion for the diagnostic setting. Accuracy of disease identification also improved with practice in both groups. The results indicate that training and practice can lead to the stabilization of reporting criteria and improvement of diagnostic accuracy in chest x-ray diagnosis.
Multi-Modal Interfaces in Supervisory Control
Authors: Forren M.G. , Mitchell C.M.
Published: January 2012

The resource metaphor emphasizes the divisibility of attention. When performing any task, different mental operations must be carried out, each of which requires some degree of the operator's limited processing resources. In a supervisory control environment, visual processing resources are in high demand to monitor the typically large number of displays, as are manual resources to perform such tasks as adjusting dials, entering data into logbooks, and typing on keyboards. A need exists to develop multi-modal interfaces to take advantage of processing resources which are not currently used to advantage. Speech input is proposed as a means of facilitating operator interaction. An experiment incorporating speech input into a simulated control room environment compared the performance of operators using voice-augmented and keyboard inputs. It was found that speech input actually hindered the operator's control performance.
Comparison of Six Cursor Control Devices Based on Fitts' Law Models
Authors: Epps Brian W.
Published: January 2012

Six cursor control devices were compared on a target acquisition task which required subjects to move a cursor into square targets of varying sizes and at various screen distances. The target acquisition performance data were fitted to movement time models proposed by Fitts, Jagacinski, and Kvalseth. Regression analysis results indicated good predictions of target acquisition performance for the six cursor devices. The best fit was obtained with the trackball across the three models.
A Lead-Lag Compensation Approach to Display/Control Gain for Touch Tablets
Authors: Becker Jane A. , Greenstein Joel S.
Published: January 2012

The display/control gain exhibited by a continuous control system strongly affects the human's ability to quickly and accurately operate the system. The primary objectives of this research were to develop and optimize a variable D/C gain that improves human performance with touch tablets. This variable gain moderates the speed-accuracy trade-off problem associated with traditional D/C gains. Empirical results indicate that a lead-lag compensator increased the target acquisition rate relative to a traditional D/C gain system. Error rates were low with both systems, but were greater with lead-lag compensation than in an uncompensated system. Tablet size did not appear to significantly affect performance.
Human Engineering Design Standards for Extravehicular Activity in Advanced Space Programs
Authors: Shields Nicholas
Published: January 2012

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is currently developing the Man/Systems Integration Standard which will detail the human factors engineering design requirements for future spacecraft. Several existing standards and guidelines from the Johnson Space Center and the Marshall Space Flight Center, along with human engineering standards from the Department of Defense will be superseded by this NASA wide standard. One chapter to be included in this human engineering standard, which is not usually included in general standards, will deal with extravehicular activity (EVA) where the human wears a pressurized life support system and operates in the microgravity environment. This paper details the development and contents of the EVA portion of the new NASA Man/System Integration Standard.
Volume and Surface Area of the Hand
Authors: Kaye Richard , Konz Stephan
Published: January 2012

Hand volume and surface area were measured on 30 subjects (28 male) between the ages of 18 and 25.

Volume of the preferred hand averaged 379.7 cc (100%) while the non-preferred volume was 371.6 (97.9%); the 2.1% difference is statistically significant. Mean hand volume was 375.65; assuming the hand has little fat and thus a density of 1.09 g/cc is appropriate, a weight of 409.6 g; for these subjects one hand was an average of .56% of body weight.

Surface area was measured photographically. Mean surface area for one hand (spread) was .054 square m (2.9% of Dubois surface area); for a fist it was .043 sq m (2.3% of Dubois).
Vigilance of Train Engineers
Authors: Verhaegen Paul K. , Ryckaert Rudi W.
Published: January 2012

Thirty-seven train engineers, a stratified random sample of a population of 200 passenger train engineers, were studied by interviews and personality questionnaires. For one month they registered in detail their daily activities (work, sleep, meals, etc.). For the same month records were automatically registered for speeding, false alarms, and delayed reactions to yellow signals. The results show that the errors are much more related to personality aspects than to aspects of work organization.
Visual Display Representation of Multidimensional Systems: The Effect of Information Correlation and Display Integrality
Authors: Casey Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2012

This study provides data regarding the use of object displays and schematic face displays to present dynamic, multivariate system information. Twelve subjects detected and diagnosed failures in a system whose variables were intercorrelated. Three visual, analog displays–a bar graph display, a pentagon, and a schematic face display–represented the system. These displays differed in the degree of integrality of their component features. Detection performance yielded a speed/accuracy tradeoff with little evidence of superiority for any of the displays. However, diagnosis performance showed a superiority of the more separable display. This superiority was attributed to showed a superiority of the more separable display. This superiority was attributed to the fact that diagnosis required subjects to focus attention directly on a single attribute, a focusing that benefitted from a display that separated the attributes from each other.
Lost in Computerl and: Functional Model-Enhanced Training and Interface Designs
Authors: Jamar Pamel G.
Published: January 2012

Recent research suggests that the key to effective interaction with complex systems like computers is possessing a good mental model of the system. Studies have shown that when novices are provided models and metaphors for a system, they have less difficulty learning operating procedures, recalling procedures, and devising procedural shortcuts. However, two important criticisms of these studies are: (1) they focus more on the means used to communicate a system model (e.g., metaphor) than the type of conceptual Information being communicated (e.g., functional model), and (2) their subjects have all been bright, young college students. The present research examined the effectiveness of functional model-enhanced training for a group more representative of the growing population of older, out-of-school computer users: secretaries aged 21 to 62. Text editing performance was significantly better for secretaries who received functional model-enhanced training and/or provided functional model descriptions of the text editor program. Implications for computer training and interface design are discussed.
Peripheral Vision and Peripheral Displays
Authors: Venturino Michael , Rinalducci Edward J.
Published: January 2012

Technological advances have signi-ficantly altered the nature of the man-machine inter-face. Notable changes include: 1) a redefinition of the role of the human from that of a manual operator to a monitor/manager of complex systems; and 2) the availability of large amounts of data, presented or updated at rapid rates. As a result of such changes, the human operator must monitor, integrate, evaluate, and utilize continually changing information from a large number of spatially separated displays. Such demands require complex scanning patterns among numerous displays, and maintaining large amounts of information in working memory. These requirements and demands often overload the human's limited processing capabilities, and lead to degraded performance and increased probability of error.

One possible solution to this propagation of displays and consequent information overload is to make more efficient use of human visual capabilities by offloading some types of information from foveal vision to peripheral vision. If appropriate types of information are presented to each aspect of vision (foveal and peripheral), then the human operator's bandwidth of information intake may be usefully increased. However, significant issues must be addressed before attempts are made to design peripheral displays. Such issues may be grouped into three categories: 1) determine the characteristics of peripheral vision relevant to display design (e.g., luminance sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, and acuity); 2) determine the characteristics of peripheral information processing (e.g., the costs and benefits of covert orienting of attention, the effects of foveal load on peripheral processing and vice-versa, and events in peripheral vision that cause a saccade); and 3) determine what types of information structure provide useful information in peripheral vision, which would indicate what types of information should be displayed in peripheral vision. The answers to these issues will provide data that may help determine whether it is feasible to display useable information to both foveal and peripheral vision, and provide guidelines for the design of peripheral displays.

The purpose of this symposium is to address theoretical and applied issues of peripheral vision. The description and evaluation of the properties and characteristics of peripheral vision will serve as fundamental knowledge in determining the feasibility and design of peripheral displays. The symposium will be empirical in nature, with the participants presenting experimental data relevant to the above issues.
Recent Advances in Understanding Peripheral Vision
Authors: Cannon Mark W.
Published: January 2012

Recent experiments have revealed a considerable uniformity in the mechanisms mediating spatial pattern perception over the entire visual field.
The Effect of Spatial Ability on the Demand for Spatial Processing Resources
Authors: Derrick William L. , McCloy Thomas M. , Marshak William P. , Seiler Gretchen L. , Reddick Pamela A.
Published: January 2012

Building upon previous research, this study examined the relationship between the deployment of spatial resources in the performance of spatial tasks and the level of spatial ability possessed by subjects. Ten Air Force Academy cadets, classified as either high or low in spatial ability by paper and pencil measures, performed tasks that presumably demanded spatial resources. Both the baseline and dual task level of performance was superior for the high spatial ability group. These findings are related to a variable capacity model of processing resources.
Empirical Workload and Communications Analysis of Scout Helicopter Exercises
Authors: Shaffer Margaret T. , Shafer John B. , Kutche George B.
Published: January 2012

The objective was to find independent real-world data to validate results of paper-and-pencil analyses predicting workload savings by automating functions in an advanced scout-attack helicopter. Videotapes existed that had captured cockpit activities during force-on-force exercises. The videotapes were analyzed to determine the relative workload contribution of communications and crew station activities for the pilot and copilot observer. The findings indicated search activity was the single most time consuming mission-related function other than flying the aircraft. Further, data entry required a crewmember's undivided attention; therefore automated communications should consider the implications of manual data entry which may increase rather than decrease workload.
A Methodology for Predicting Crew Workload in New Weapon Systems
Authors: Aldrich Theodore B. , Szabo Sandra M.
Published: January 2012

The Army currently is evaluating the feasibility of single-crewmember operation of a multipurpose, lightweight helicopter, designated the LHX. To determine if a single operator can perform the LHX scout and attack missions, 29 mission segments were analyzed for excessive workload. The mission segments were divided into flight control, support, and mission functions; the functions were divided into performance elements (tasks) and were positioned on mission segment timelines. For each performance element, the man-machine interface was identified and estimates of the visual, auditory, cognitive, and psychomotor components of workload were assigned. The mission/task/workload data were used to build one- and two-crewmember computer models designed to predict total workload and to identify overloads in each mission segment. Two baseline analyses were conducted to predict workload under low-automation conditions for one- and two-crewmember LHX configurations. In addition, iterative analyses were conducted to predict the reduction in workload associated with each of 26 individual automation options and 16 combinations of options. The methodology provides a systematic means of predicting human operator workload in advance of system design.
An Evaluation of Menu Systems for Space Station Interfaces
Authors: Antin Jonathan F.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate menu systems as a means of meeting proposed basic requirements for Space Station interfaces. Three command modes were evaluated: 1) the direct mode, which displayed no menus to the subjects; all commands were typed on a QWERTY keyboard, 2) the menu mode, in which menus were displayed; all commands were selected from the menus via cursor control, and 3) the hybrid mode, which presented the same menus as were displayed in the menu mode, but subjects were free to select commands from the menu via cursor control or type them in directly. Experienced and inexperienced users performed tasks using each of the three command modes. The main performance measures indicated that the direct mode was superior to the hybrid and menu modes, yet subjective data showed a clear preference for the hybrid mode. These results were the same for the experienced as well as the inexperienced group of subjects. Based on the overwhelming preference by both groups of subjects for the hybrid mode, it is recommended that a hybrid menu system similar to the one employed in this study be a strong candidate for implementation in Space Station interfaces. However, due to the processing, display, and search resources demanded by menus, it is also recommended that users be given a simple means to activate and deactivate the menu as desired. This study shows that the menu selection dialogue can be a useful and even preferred interactive environment for all levels of users, but only if it is well designed and flexible enough to meet their different and varying needs.
Improving Effectiveness in Policing through the Use of Computer Technology
Authors: Mullins Wayman C. , Rempusheski John
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses how computer technology has improved police performance. Automated criminal history systems provide complete histories of criminals, thereby improving arrest rates and the adjudication, process. Automated fingerprint identification systems have had a significant impact in the area of criminalistics. Computer simulation has aided the police in manpower allocation, workload requirements, and training programs. Robots are being used by the police for bomb disposal, and are being considered for patrol duties, special surveillance situations, and in prisons.
Human Factors Engineering Analysis of Marine Corps Night Attack Aircraft
Authors: Breitmaier William A. , Waldrop Grace P. , Lazo John
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Marine Corps has proposed sensor and display improvements to provide night attack capability for the AV-8B and F/A–18 aircraft. The aircraft enhancements include the addition of a Forward Looking Infrared sensor displayed on a new raster Head-Up Display, Night Vision Goggle compatibility, and a color multi-purpose display. A human factors engineering analysis was performed to identify the human factors impact of the cockpit changes involved. Included in the analysis were a literature review, interviews with pilots, design considerations review, and development of recommendations based on both human factors standards and lessons learned from similar projects. The primary areas researched were: cockpit lighting, color displays, and night vision sensor utilization.
Timesharing, Cognition, and Human Performance in Complex Information Systems
Authors: Venturino Michael
Published: January 2012

Applications of advanced technology to modern systems have resulted in the requirement for the human operator to process large volumes of information at rapid rates. Such systems may impose substantial attentional and timesharing requirements on the operator, often exceeding human information processing capabilities. Consequently, there is a critical need to investigate and understand the human information processing system in order to identify generalizable, empirically derived principles of human timesharing capabilities.

Of particular interest are current theoretical approaches to human attention and information processing limitations that suggest ways to improve timesharing performance. Two of these approaches, automatic information processing theory and multiple resource theory are especially relevant to the timesharing problem.
Power Switches: Some User Expectations and Preferences
Authors: Lewis James R.
Published: January 2012

Three brief studies were conducted by the IBM Boca Raton Human Factors department to investigate user expectations and preferences regarding power switches. In the first study, 24 IBM employees were surveyed by showing them a power supply with a paddle switch in front. The results indicated that if the power switch was mounted vertically, 100% of the sample expected UP to be ON. When the switch was mounted horizontally on the front, 25% of the sample expected LEFT to be ON, and the other 75% expected RIGHT to be ON. Ninety IBM employees participated in the second study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the way people expect a rocker switch to work when it is located on the side of the machine. Overall, 46% of the sample expected the switch AWAY from the operator to be ON, and 54% expected the switch TOWARD the operator to be ON. In the third study, 49 IBM employees responded to a mailed questionnaire, and 24 participants from a temporary employment agency completed the same questionnaire. The results for the six items were:

1. For UP/DOWN switch: UP=ON: 97%, DOWN=ON: 03% 2. For LEFT/RIGHT switch: LEFT=ON:29%, RIGHT=ON:71% 3. For AWAY/TOWARD switch: AWAY=ON:52%, TOWARD=ON:48% 4. Style preference (IBM Employees), (Agency Personnel) UP/DOWN:94% UP/DOWN:58% LEFT/RIGHT:02% LEFT/RIGHT:29% AWAY/TOWARD:04% AWAY/TOWARD:13% 5. Location preference: FRONT:72%, SIDE:25%, BACK:03% 6. Side preference: LEFT:10%, RIGHT:90%

Since it appears that virtually 100% of users have the same expectation regarding the operation of a vertical power switch, designers should avoid using other power switch orientations. This is not a critical design issue, but it is better to design machines the way that users expect them to work.
A Computerized Evaluation System for Automotive Controls and Displays
Authors: Saunby Carol S. , Farber Eugene I. , Jack Daniel D.
Published: January 2012

A two-part procedure has been developed at Ford Motor Company to assist the human factors practitioner in a systematic evaluation of automotive controls and displays. The first part is a data-gathering procedure using an automated branching human factors checklist. The second part is a scoring procedure which assesses characteristics of the control or display based on human factors criteria. The contents of both parts can be easily modified to accommodate enhancements. The procedure also has value as a training and educational tool.
An analysis of Acronyms in Written Text
Authors: McCrobie Daniel
Published: January 2012

A two-part study was conducted to examine the comprehension of acronyms in written text. In the first part of the study, 260 articles were examined for acronym usage. Acronyms were used in 81.2% of the papers and a mean of 4.13 acronyms per paper was observed. The number of acronyms was related to the author's affiliation, with papers from authors employed in government and military positions using more acronyms that authors employed in industry or colleges. Results from a questionnaire given in part two of the study showed that the mean percent correct scores for acronym identification was about 55%. Participants showed a highly variable performance on the identification task. Four of the twenty acronyms were incorrectly identified by all of the participants, five were identified by at least 95% of the sample, and performance was between these extremes on eleven acronyms. These results suggest that acronyms should always be defined in writing to ensure comprehension.
Effects of Signal Regularity upon Performance in Simultaneous and Successive Vigilance Tasks
Authors: Dittmar Mary Lynne , Zieleniewski Anne , Dember William N. , Warm Joel S. , Tudor Leslie , Lysaght Robert J.
Published: January 2012

This study assessed the effects of signal regularity upon sensing and decision making in simultaneous and successive vigilance tasks. The results indicated that signal regularity enhances perceptual sensitivity (A') and thereby seems to “tune” the perceptual system. The vigilance decrement reflected a drop in perceptual sensitivity over time in both tasks. Implications for a recently developed vigilance task taxonomy were explored.
Human Muscle Strength: Definition, Generation and Measurement
Authors: Kroemer Karl H. E.
Published: January 2012

With recent advances regarding underlying theories, experimental approaches, and instrumentation techniques, the topic of human strength exertion and measurement can now be defined, analyzed, and researched systematically. Given the acute interest in modelling the human/task/equipment system, definite knowledge of human strength capabilities is needed.
Should Wet-Bulb Thermometers be Shielded when Measuring Heat Stress?
Authors: Lee Chin H. , Ramsey Jerry D.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was performed in order to investigate the effect of radiant heat on wet bulb temperature measurement. It was found that the radiant heat affect the natural wet bulb temperature and this effect becomes larger as the radiant heat level becomes higher and air velocity becomes lower. This radiant heat and air velocity effect on natural wet bulb temperature is quantified. Also, a set of relationship between unshielded and shielded natural wet bulb temperatures under various radiant heat and air velocity was found.
Matching Individual and Job Complexity: Validation of Stratified Systems Theory
Authors: Hendrick Hal W.
Published: January 2012

Stratified systems theory holds that hierarchical differentiation of jobs in organizations differ systematically in their cognitive complexity requirements, and that managers perform most effectively and are happiest when their own complexity level matches that of their position. In the present study, the cognitive complexity level of 22 hotel managers was assessed, and their potential for promotion to Area Manager was evaluated. The relationship between the two was significant beyond .01. Of the seven who were actually promoted during a three-year period, all but two were high on complexity. One of the two low on complexity later was demoted.
Simulator Design and Instructional features for Air-to-Ground Attack: Transfer Study
Authors: Sheppard Daniel , Westra Daniel , Lintern Gavan
Published: January 2012

A transfer-of-training experiment was conducted to provide guidelines for simulator design and training procedures for air-to-ground attack. Two levels of scene detail (complex day scene versus a low detail dusk scene), three levels of field of view (160H X 80V, 135H X 60V, 103H X 60V), and three levels of simulator training trials (24, 48, 72) were tested in the experiment. Student Naval Aviators (SNAs) were trained in the Visual Technology Research Simulator (VTRS) in 30-degree bombing prior to their standard weapon training phase. Other students, not pretrained in the VTRS, were used for control comparisons. Training in the VTRS helped SNAs use their weapons flight time in the TA-4J more effectively. Forty-eight simulator trials were recommended as adequate pretraining for 30-degree bombing. There was no evidence of differential transfer for the scene detail and field-of-view factors. The least expensive field of view option tested was recommended. However, there were methodological problems with the scene type comparison and the apparent transfer equivalence of the two scenes may not fully indicate their relative training effectiveness. Data from other VTRS experiments suggest the superiority of the day scene and it was recommended.
User-Oriented Machine Design Strategies
Authors: Mangold Susan J. , Rheinfrank John J.
Published: January 2012

The introduction of greater machine “intelligence” to support users' attempts to continuously comprehend a machine tends to take place through displays and software. An important, but often overlooked, source of information is provided by the appearance of the machine. Use of an “intelligent” approach to simultaneous formation of machine surfaces, volumes and behaviors allows the designer to best distribute information content to “hard” and “soft” forms. RichardsonSmith has had the opportunity to build human factors/appearance strategies using this approach. Our emphasis has been to aid the user in learning how to operate the machine primarily by means of the application of shape, texture, color, typographic and dynamic control/display elements in a meaningful way.
User Computer Interface Issues in Nuclear Process Control: Research and Applications
Authors: Gilmore Walter E.
Published: January 2012

The use of computer systems are becoming increasingly prominent as process control and information management tools in nuclear facilities. Eventually, it is believed that almost all plant processes will be controlled and monitored via some type of computer interface. The human factors data base of design guidelines, criteria and methods for evaluating the person-process interface is far from complete. Over the past four years, the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) has been examining certain aspects of computer technology for process control functions to supplement the human factors data base and design practices.

A major objective of this symposium is to introduce these findings in a cohesive set of four papers which address related UCI issues. An evaluation of the findings will be made from different viewpoints provided by a panel of experts.

The case study approach is used in the first paper to describe the process and benefits obtained from incorporating human factors guidelines and methods in the design of a complex CRT display system for process control applications.

Five different methodologies are summarized for usefulness in evaluating the effectiveness of CRT generated displays in the second paper. The methodologies are (1) psychophysics, (2) multidimensional rating, (3) checklist evaluation, (4) non-interactive evaluation, and (5) interactive evaluation.

The third paper reports on the diagnostic and recovery performance of nuclear power plant operators with and without a response tree computer-based aid.

Identification of technological changes in control room operations are described in the fourth paper. A modified Delphi approach was combined with the Analytical Hierarchical Process to categorize and relate technology advances and to determine the relative likelihood of achieving these conceptual changes in person-process interface systems in the near term.
Operator Aids and Expert Systems in User Computer Interfaces
Authors: Nelson William R.
Published: January 2012

Recent events have demonstrated the potential for catastrophic accidents at process control facilities, resulting in severe economic damages or loss of human life. Human operators play a central role in the outcome of accidents in process control plants, because of their responsibility to make decisions regarding the appropriate corrective actions needed to control the event. In recent years, researchers have been attempting to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods for developing computer-based decision aids for process control operators. Much of this research activity has taken place within the nuclear industry. In order to assess the implications of expert systems for nuclear reactor operators, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) has sponsored a research program at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). Included in this program have been the development of a prototype expert system for nuclear reactor operators, as well as two experiments to measure the effects of the expert system on operator performance in simulated accident conditions. This paper briefly summarizes the experience gained during this research program and assesses the potential future of expert system decision aids for process control operators.
A Systematic Method to Analyze the Effects of the Non-Technological Infrastructural Factors of Industrially Developing Countries on Managerial Effectiveness and Success
Authors: Meshkati Najmedin , Driver Michael J.
Published: January 2012

The role of the management factor in technology transfer is studied. The effects of the social and cultural environments of Industrially Developing Countries (IDC) in terms of the variables influencing managerial effectiveness is also examined. An efficient and novel method for job analysis (i.e., Job Profiling) which incorporates the above variables is introduced and its theoretical foundations is discussed. Based upon the findings of a presented case it is concluded that, the Job Profiling method has to be integrated with selection criteria and should be used in conjunction with focused selection techniques to ensure the optimal match of the managers working in the IDC and their jobs.
The Effects of task Difficulty and Workload on Training
Authors: Mane Amir , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

We propose four hypotheses regarding the possible effects of workload and task difficulty on training: (1) increased levels of task difficulty will facilitate learning to the extent that these increases are (a) resource loading and (b) intrinsic to the component task to be learned. (2) Decrease of task difficulty will facilitate learning to the extent that these decreases (a) reduce the resource load and (b) are extrinsic of the component task to be learned. (3) The learner's tendency to conserve resources may lead to the adoption of undesirable, short-term, low resource strategies early in training. (4) The effect of changes in resource demand on learning will depend upon the similarity of the resource whose demand is changed to the resource involved in learning.
Effects of a Low Blood Alcohol Level on Pilot Performance
Authors: Ross Leonard E. , Mundt James C
Published: January 2012

Pilots and non-pilots were tested on simulator flying tasks after attaining a .04% blood alcohol concentration and after ingestion of placebo drinks. Half of the pilots and half of the non-pilots were blind with respect to the contents of their drinks while half were informed. Two turbulence conditions were employed, and subjects were instructed to scan for aircraft silhouette targets that appeared on monitors in front and to the sides of the subject. The subject's task was to maintain straight and level flight, with the pilots given an additional flight segment during which the simulator's instruments and external horizon display gradually indicated an unusual attitude, either a banked steep climb or banked steep descent, while the subject was performing other tasks such as copying weather information or changing radio settings. Head movements, control movements, time to detect targets, and simulator flight measures were digitized and computer recorded and analyzed. Alcohol affected the performance of pilots and non-pilots on several performance measures during straight and level flight. The performance of pilots during the divided attention unusual attitude flight segment was such that unsafe flight conditions would have resulted.
Perceptions of Consumer Products: Hazardousness and Warning Expectations
Authors: Wogalter Michael S. , Desaulniers David R. , Brelsford John W.
Published: January 2012

This research examines several characteristics of consumer products that influence warning communication. Seventy-two generically-named products were rated according to perceived hazardousness, familiarity, and several other measures: 1) willingness to read warnings, 2) need for warnings, 3) location of warnings, and 4) appearance of products with warnings. The results indicate that reported willingness to read warnings is strongly and positively related to the perceived hazardousness of the product. Though product familiarity is significantly related to willingness to read warnings, it provides little predictive value beyond hazardousness. Additional analyses showed, the more hazardous the product: 1) the greater the need for warnings, 2) the closer to the product one expects to find a warning, and 3) the less warnings detract from the appearance of such products. Implications of these results are discussed with regard to applications for warning design.
A System for Evaluating Screen Formats
Authors: Tullis Thomas S.
Published: January 2012

In previous research, six parameters for objectively evaluating screen formats were identified. Based upon analyses of usability data from 520 displays, regression equations were developed for predicting user's search times to extract information from the displays as well as their subjective ratings of the displays. Recently, a program for measuring these parameters, recommending possible format improvements, and making usability predictions was developed for PC-compatible computers. This program, called the Display Analysis Program, is described and a sample output for a poorly designed screen presented. A revised version of the screen illustrates how the recommendations from the program can lead to an improved design.
Survey of SWAT Use in Operational Test and Evaluation
Authors: Acton William H. , Rokicki Stephen M.
Published: January 2012

This paper summarizes findings on the utility of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) as a tool for flight test and other test and evaluation (T&E) applications. SWAT is a multidimensional subjective rating instrument which combines ratings of time stress, mental effort, and psychological/emotional stress into a single workload scale with interval properties. A number of T&E programs were surveyed to determine how SWAT has been implemented and and to detail the difficulties that have been encountered. Recommendations regarding some potential procedural refinements are offered.
Scenario Analysis: A Tool for Planning OT&E
Authors: Courtright John F. , Kidd Stanley T. , Drumheller Melinda
Published: January 2012

The effective use of resources to evaluate defense systems is a matter of continuing interest to the operational test and evaluation (OT&E) community. A three-phased methodology was developed to identify potential problem areas, and to focus evaluation efforts on those areas. Phase 1 identifies areas upon which to focus attention through OT&E scenario analysis. Phase 2 determines the data required to evaluate problem areas. Phase 3 determines the procedures to be employed to collect the data. This approach provides OT&E personnel with a systematic method of optimizing the allocation of test resources.
Assessing Satellite Control Capability Status
Authors: Christensen Carrie , Courtright John F. , Frazier Michael L.
Published: January 2012

As the status of space systems move from research and development into that of full operational systems, they are subject to operational test and evaluation. The objective of this paper is to examine the performance and workload levels of the satellite control operator as an effect of downtimes, anomalies, and malfunctions, all contributors to the reliability and availability of the satellite system. These observations are based on a review of the command and control operations centers for several Department of Defense (DOD) satellites.
Display Systems for Electrical System Control Centers
Authors: Wise John A.
Published: January 2012

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) sponsored a project that identified the display needs of power system control centers, evaluated currently available display systems, prepared a prototyped a display set, and wrote a handbook on the effective design of such systems. Project results are described, examples of currently used displays presented and analyzed. Improved and entirely new power system control center displays are presented along with the rationale for their design.
Relative Value of Pictures and Text in Conveying Information: Performance and Memory Evaluations
Authors: Fisk Arthur D. , Scerbo Mark W. , Kobylak Richard F.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the results of two experiments that examine the relative value of pictures and text for transmitting information in technical documentation. Work on this topic is required because, at present, there are few guidelines for deciding how to present information to communicate procedural information (such as technical manuals, job aids, programmed instruction, etc) when decisions must be made between pictures and text (as they often must when attempting to computerize documentation). The results of both experiments do provide some support for previous research showing that it is best to provide procedural instructions both pictorially and textually. An important finding was that if performance speed is important then, as expected, pictures are generally preferable to textual instructions; however, if memory of the instructions is important and instructional designs cannot predict what environment subjects may be faced with (at least if recognition is critical) then textual instruction should be provided because it appears that it provides more flexibility in usage.
Mpt in the Air Force
Authors: Speigel John , Skinner Mike
Published: January 2012

The Air Force recognizes the importance of Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MPT) issues in weapon system acquisition. To give supportability of future weapon systems equal consideration to cost, schedule, and performance of the system, the Air Force has set out to build an integration system to monitor MPT issues.
Citations of Research in Engineering Psychology and Human Factors
Authors: Anderson Nancy S. , Byrne Jani Gabriel
Published: January 2012

Comparisons were made of citations of research publications in six literature reviews of engineering psychology: Fitts (1958); Melton and Briggs (1960); Chapanis (1963); Poulton (1966) and Alluisi and Morgan (1976). The frequencies of literature citation were compared to those presented by O'Hare (1985) who analyzed the literature citations by Wickens and Kramer (1985). The types of literature and content reflect changes in the fields of engineering psychology and human factors from 1958 to the present day.
Planning for a Ph.D. Progpam in Human Factors Psychology
Authors: Gilson Richard D. , Cox Gena L.
Published: January 2012

Trained Human Factors experts are being sought increasingly in government, industry and academia. In response, program accreditation guidelines have been recommended for adoption by the Human Factors Society in order to set professional training standards. But what are the considerations to be addressed before starting an institutional Human Factors degree program? At the University of Central Florida cautious optimism has led to a feasibility study of these considerations in anticipation of a Ph.D. offering in Human Factors. Feasibility, Planning, and Implementation stages required for Ph.D. authorization in Human Factors will be presented. In particular, emphasis will center on the primary issues of need for such a program balanced against available resources. The Central Florida area is fortunate to have a growing base of government and industrial concerns interested in Human Factors research. In addition, these same concerns have resources in terms of people, equipment, and laboratory space that they are willing to share in a cooperative effort in exchange for trained professionals. The sum total can be reduced program cost combined with an applied curriculum producing Human Factors experts who can “hit the ground running”.
Use of Job Task Analysis to Determine Training Requirements
Authors: Bloom Robert S. , Yanko Denise M.
Published: January 2012

This paper contains a discussion of how two job task/human performance analysis systems have been used in the nuclear utility industry to a) determine training program curriculum and content requirements, and b) provide data for management decisions regarding training system development. This is a presentation of the methods used in a performance analysis of a variety of workers, the products created, and to what end those products were used. The paper is a pragmatic application which training systems personnel can use in their work situations to develop training programs grounded in data generated by job task/human performance analysis.
Training, Generalizable Rules and Computer Data Entry Tasks
Authors: Stammers R B
Published: January 2012

A study is reported where different forms of pretraining are given prior to the learning of a set of data entry tasks. The pretraining consisted of either an explicit description of the rules governing operation of features of the system or a general introduction to the system. Advantages for the “rules” group were demonstrated only for the most complex sub-tasks.
Operator Modeling: Conceptual and Methodological Distinctions
Authors: Jones Patricia M. , Mitchell Christine M.
Published: January 2012

In trying to understand how a human operator interacts with a complex system, it is important both from a theoretical and an applied viewpoint that we build a model of the human's behavior in such an environment. This paper briefly reviews different models of the human operator and characterizes them in terms of four conceptual dimensions: purpose, structure, content, and specificity. Methodological issues in operator modeling are also considered.
Providing On-Line Advice for a Dynamic Control Task: A Case Study in Intelligent Support System Design
Authors: Roth E. M. , Elm W. C. , Woods D. D. , Gallagher J. M.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes an Intelligent Manual Feedwater Control Station (IMFCS) that provides on—line expert guidance for a process control task: control of feedwater during power plant startup and operation. The IFMCS provides control action advice derived from analysis of the performance of expert operators. It represents a novel approach to advisory systems in that (a) the IMFCS does not attempt to replicate in detail the surface activities of domain experts, but rather abstracts the cognitive competencies required for expert performance and provides a domain representation that promotes those competencies; (b) the advice takes an analogue graphic display form; (c) a common frame of reference is established between machine advisor and human practitioner that integrates advice and “explanation” avoiding problems associated with opaque advice.