bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Recogniton Accuracy for Discrete and Run-On Writing
Authors: Wolf Catherine G. , Glasser Andria R. , Fujisaki Tetsu
Published: January 2012

In an effort to reach markets in which a keyboard/mouse interface is difficult or inconvenient to use, manufacturers are now beginning to introduce light-weight portable computers which recognize hand-printed characters. The recognition accuracy that these new computers are able to achieve will be a critical factor in determining their acceptance by users. There are, however, few published studies of handwriting recognition accuracy and the variables which affect accuracy. The purpose of this study was to assess recognition accuracy as a function of a number of factors which might vary in the real-world use of handwriting recognition systems. These factors included style of writing, amount of training, interval of disuse, and alphabet. The findings suggested that recognition accuracy reached a steady-state level with a relatively small amount of training and remained at that level for as long as a month (the longest interval tested in this study). For an 82-character alphabet, character recognition accuracy was 92.7% for discrete writing and 87.6% for run-on writing. Accuracy with alphabets restricted to digits or uppercase only was quite high, with mean recognition rates ranging from 95% to 99%. The implications of these findings for the design of real-world recognition systems are discussed.
Evaluation Issues for Computer-Based Control Rooms
Authors: Stubler William F. , Roth Emilie M. , Mumaw Randall J.
Published: January 2012

The design of control centers is advancing toward totally computer-based man-machine interfaces. Computer based interfaces offer many potential advantages over traditional hardwired control panel interfaces including greater flexibility regarding the type of data displayed and its presentation. However, achieving this potential will require development of new interface concepts that will change the way operators interact with the plant. Extensive evaluation throughout the design process will be required to verify and validate the interface concepts. This paper describes a process for uncovering evaluation issues related to the computer-based control room concept and its relationship to cognitive activities of plant control. Important evaluation issues are presented.
Easi: An Electronic Assistant for Scientific Investigation
Authors: Schur Anne , Feller Dave , DeVaney Mike , Thomas Jim , Yim Morgan
Published: January 2012

Although many automated tools support the productivity of professionals (engineers, managers, architects, secretaries, etc.), none specifically address the needs of the scientific researcher. The scientist's needs are complex and the primary activities are cognitive rather than physical. The individual scientist collects and manipulates large data sets, integrates, synthesizes, generates, and records information. The means to access and manipulate information are a critical determinant of the performance of the system as a whole. One hindrance in this process is the scientist's computer environment, which has changed little in the last two decades. Extensive time and effort is demanded from the scientist to learn to use the computer system. This paper describes how chemists' activities and interactions with information were abstracted into a common paradigm that meets the critical requirement of facilitating information access and retrieval. This paradigm was embodied in EASI, a working prototype that increased the productivity of the individual scientific researcher.
Analysis and Aiding the Human Operator in Electronics Assembly
Authors: Cohen Sally , Mitchell Christine M. , Govindaraj T.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the use of the operator function model (OFM) to represent troubleshooting of printed circuit board assemblies. The model is potentially useful for understanding the troubleshooting process and providing the knowledge required by either a computer-based decision support system or an intelligent tutoring system. The model was derived from empirical data based on observations and concurrent protocols of troubleshooters. The ‘raw’ data were converted into cases. Based on analysis of the troubleshooting cases, an operator function model of troubleshooting was proposed. Model validation entailed comparison of model predicted troubleshooting with actual operator troubleshooting.
Task-Based Modeling of the User Population of a Complex Interactive System Domain
Authors: Melder Karl , Hix Deborah
Published: January 2012

This paper reports an investigation into issues concerning the user population for a complex interactive system domain, namely image processing. A variety of image processing systems are available, attempting to provide broad applicability, but are often complicated to understand and hard to use. One difficulty in producing an image processing system is defining its user population. In the image processing domain, this is a challenge because image processing has a diverse population of users, with great variances in user expertise and expectations.

To better understand the process of classifying users of complex interactive systems, we conducted a study to define the user population of image processing systems, and to determine their common goals and tasks. First, we produced a task-based model of the user population of image processing systems, with levels in the model representing classes of tasks users perform with an image processing system. We then conducted a semi-structured interview and an ordering task to gather data to validate this model. Subjects were a broad variety of image processing users at Virginia Tech. We also had each subject complete a questionnaire to help identify common goals and tasks among image processing users.

Results indicate validity of the model for classifying image processing user populations. Results provide the basis for continued research in a domain that requires highly flexible and adaptable interfaces to functionally complex systems. Further development of the model can provide image processing system developers with requirements for baseline functionality of an image processing system.
Providing Decision Support in Westinghouse Nuclear Power Plant Man-Machine Interface Systems
Authors: Carrera John P. , Easter James R. , Watson Craig D.
Published: January 2012

One of the primary goals of the nuclear power plant Man-Machine Interface System (MMIS) designer is to build an MMIS where the human and the machine truly complement each other to produce an integrated system. Attainment of this goal requires a well defined, rigorous design process which provides a mechanism to define the specific operational tasks to be supported, an effective allocation of these tasks between the human and machine components of the design, and a complete set of requirements for the MMIS. In the Westinghouse MMIS design process these activities are grouped together under the title of Function Based Task Analysis (FBTA). This paper describes the basis for the FBTA approach and the implementation methodology employed in the design of a modern nuclear power plant control room.
Advanced Control Complex for BWR Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Tai Ichiro , Naito Norio , Makino Maomi
Published: January 2012

A third generation control and operation system A-PODIA has been developed for Boiling Water reactor nuclear power plants. It is a highly automated monitoring and operation system which has a compact and elegant human interface. The functions and performance of A-PODIA and the future control systems are reviewed.
Investigation of Events Involving Human Performance
Authors: West Garmon , Eckenrode Richard J. , Goodman P. Clare
Published: January 2012

Human performance-related events having safety and operational effectiveness implications at commercial nuclear power plants have been the subject of continued concern. Several recent events have been investigated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff. The purpose of these investigations was to identify the root cause(s) of the human errors involved and to provide guidance to the nuclear industry on how to reduce the probability of occurrence.
Now that You have a Usability Lab, How do you Make it Effective?
Authors: Mrazek Deborah , Cocklin Tom , Schumacher Robert , Virzi Robert , Chalupnik Kay
Published: January 2012

Our presentation two years ago discussed how to design a Usability Lab. Now that you've done that, it's time to talk about how to use a Lab effectively. Our hope is that this session will let you walk away with new ideas, practical tips, things to avoid and a better understanding of how to get the most out of the investment you have made in building a Usability Lab.

Our panel is made up of five people who currently manage Usability Labs. Discussion topics range from objective setting and data collection methods to how well the usability lab is received by development teams. Each panel member will focus on one of these aspects.

Our intent is to combine formal presentations with audience discussion. In order to do this, we ask that you be prepared to help list specific areas of interest at the beginning of the session so that presenters can address these issues. Any topics not covered during the formal presentations will be used as the discussion topics for the end of the session.
Medical Misadministrations and “Peeping Tom” Research
Authors: Serig Dennis I.
Published: January 2012

From the inside it looks like “random human error,” could looking in from the outside produce a different view? In order to answer that question, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission constructed a database of information on radiopharmaceutical misadministrations. Counts, sorts, and listings of data indicated that looking through the window provided by that database gave a usefully different view of events associated with radiopharmaceutical misadministrations. The addition of data fields to “widen” and “clean” that window made it easier to look through it and to see apparent “non-randomness” that might pinpoint a place where human factors intervention could have beneficial impact.
Effects of Alcohol on Speech
Authors: Pisoni David B. , Johnson Keith , Bernacki Robert H.
Published: January 2012

In this paper we summarize previous research that assessed the effects of alcohol on speech production and discuss an analysis of the speech produced by the captain of the Exxon Valdez recorded at several points around the time of the accident at Prince William Sound. Analysis of a small number of tokens of speech recorded before, during and after the accident suggests that the captain was probably intoxicated when his ship ran aground. Large changes in pitch, duration and spectral characteristics of several classes of speech sounds suggest impairment in the fine motor control necessary for the production of speech. These findings are consistent with the results from an earlier laboratory study in which the talkers were intoxicated to known BAL values. The results are discussed in terms of the legal aspects of using speech analysis techniques to assess sensory-motor impairment from alcohol.
Impact of New Medical Technology on User Performance
Authors: Kelly Richard T. , Callan James R. , Meadows Susan K.
Published: January 2012

Advances in medical technology have enabled many diagnostics to be performed by patients themselves. One example involves the meters used by diabetics to monitor their blood glucose levels. To reduce user error, newer meters eliminate the need to wipe excess blood from the test strip. This study examined user performance with “no-wipe” and “wipe” meters. Procedural errors and reading accuracy were observed in groups differing in blood glucose testing experience. The results indicated that, each group initially made significantly fewer errors with the “no-wipe” meters; after extended use, this difference disappeared. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the accuracy of readings obtained with the “no-wipe” and the “wipe” meters. The potential gains in effectiveness by the newer “no-wipe” technology were offset by the continued presence of another type of user error. User performance testing can identify the steps that are most critical to safe and effective use of a medical device. Improving user performance at these steps, then, can become the focus for new technology.
Development of Tactile Mice for Blind Access to Computers: Importance of Stimulation Locus, Object Size, and Vibrotactile Display Resolution
Authors: Wiker Steven F. , Vanderheiden Gregg , Lee Seongil , Arndt Steven
Published: January 2012

Graphics are used increasingly in the interface and portrayal of information in application software used by modern computers. This approach, while of benefit to the sighted population, produces significant perceptual and usability problems for the blind. This paper presents the findings of a set of experiments that were conducted to evaluate recognition performance for unseen graphic objects when: a) vibrotactile cutaneous stimuli are directly presented to either the dominant hand tasked with maneuvering a mouse-driven screen sensor, or to the nonactive hand, b) graphical element size and geometric complexity are varied, and c) pixel-to-tactor mapping ratios are varied. Results showed that kinesthetic cues, and pixel-to-tactor resolution of the vibrotactile display were far more important in terms of recognition accuracy and response rate than the locus of cutaneous stimulation.
Integrating Quality Management and Hazard Management: A Behavioral Cybernetic Perspective
Authors: Smith Thomas J. , Larson Thomas L.
Published: January 2012

Despite clear evidence of the organizational interdependence between production, quality, and safety, quality and safety typically are managed separately by most organizations. This report examines evidence for possible interactive effects between quality and hazard management programs in place at a small manufacturing firm. The primary aim is to evaluate the occurrence and nature of such interaction. With development of a highly successful quality management program by the firm, concomitant improvements in its level of both quality and safety performance have occurred over the past decade. This pattern, coupled with subjective responses from both managers and workers employed by the firm, suggests that quality and safety management programs may mutually benefit one another, which supports the concept of an integrated management approach to both programs.
Technostress: Fad, Fallacy, or Fact?
Authors: Turnage Janet J. , Howell William C.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this panel discussion is to bring together a broad range of individuals who are concerned with the possible negative effects of advanced computerized technologies. The term “technostress” was coined by Craig Brod, in his 1984 book of the same title, to describe the personal and behavioral effects of computerization on humans. Effects range from computer-related phobias and anxieties to over-identification with new technologies. Human factors specialists have thus far not specifically addressed the concept of technostress, perhaps in part because of the clinical underpinnings of the term, because it is not sufficiently defined and operationalized to lend itself to scientific scrutiny (including multi-determination and multi-finality), and/or because we have tended to focus on issues of computer user-friendliness on a micro rather than macro level. The importance of this panel, therefore, is of an epistemological nature. What is technostress? Can we as human factors professionals incorporate the concept into our research, our models, our applications? If not, why not? If so, how?
Macroergonomic Tools & Strategies: An International Overview
Authors: Robertson Michelle M.
Published: January 2012

Macroergonomic tools and intervention strategies that have been developed internationally to solve complex, organizational and technical systems problems are reviewed in this paper. These tools are loosely grouped into three categories: 1) systems tools/simulation and modeling, 2) technology transfer, and 3) participatory ergonomics. The features that characterize and define the tools are discussed and a description of their use and implementation within organizations are examined in detail. The strengths and weaknesses of each macroergonomic tool are also presented. Some of the commonalities among the various macroergonomic tools and strategies are enumerated along with future recommendations for developing and expanding macroergonomic tools. The issue of developing a potentially robust and generalized international macroergonomic database is analyzed.
A New View of Quantifying Organizational Climate through the Work Environment Scale
Authors: Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents and demonstrates the advantages of an alternative scoring procedure for Rudolf Moos' Work Environment Scale (WES: Insel & Moos, 1987). The WES measures ten aspects of the organizational and psychosocial work environment. As such, the WES provides a significant macroergonomic tool for quantitative exploration of the effects of organizational design and implementation efforts. These measures have shown to be significantly related to organizational behaviors, effects of organizational change interventions, and occupational stress and health response. However, the current scoring procedure presents interpretation difficulties because of statistical complications in the scoring. The new scoring procedure emphasizes individual item decomposition and a new data transformation, which provide increased and more coordinated information about an organization. More specific comparisons between organizations, or between groups within organizations, are possible. Examples are presented from research on park rangers and communications workers. Item analysis of the WES provides increases in quantification of organizational climate variables, allows for additional knowledge to be learned from previously collected WES data in a wide variety of occupational settings, and provides a new direction for quantitative discussions in organizational climate research and development.
Team Performance in Dynamic Systems
Authors: Hooper Kevin N. , Coury Bruce G. , Terranova Michele
Published: January 2012

Teamwork is a critical component of complex decision making in dynamic systems. The research presented in this paper is concerned with team performance and the design of operator interfaces for dynamic systems. Thirty-six people were trained to supervise a simulated fluid processing plant using either a Graphic (Gr) Display or an Alphanumeric (A1) display. Baseline individual performance was obtained for operator ability to optimize system performance and diagnosis system failures. After individual performance was measured, operators were paired into teams. Teams were comprised of operators who had used either the same display or different displays as individuals, thus creating three types of teams: the A1A1 team; the GrGr team; and the GrA1 team. Each team supervised the simulated fluid processing plant in the same way as individuals, optimizing system performance while simultaneously diagnosing component failures. Results showed that, in general, teams were better able to control the system and diagnose failures than individuals; they were able to minimize fluid deviation from a set-point, used fewer control actions to control the system, required less time to diagnose failures, and probed the system less for information concerning component status. The GrA1 team produced the best overall performance of the three types of display teams.
Workload Transition: A Neglected Phenomenon
Authors: Huey Beverly Messick , Van Cott Harold P.
Published: January 2012

The Committee on Human Factors of the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council has five central objectives: (1) to advise its sponsors regarding the most important basic research needs in the field and to provide guidance on methods for investigating such problems; (2) to explore the state of knowledge in areas judged to be of particular importance as a basis for the development of detailed research agendas in these areas; (3) to provide a mechanism for encouraging contact and communication among basic and applied researchers in the field; (4) to interest both younger and senior scientists outside the field of human factors engineering in conducting basic research relevant to major theoretical and methodological issues; and (5) to respond to requests from its sponsors for advice on specific problems or issues relating to their research programs. In 1988, the U.S. Army Human Engineering Laboratory approached the Committee with a request to undertake a project to examine the performance effects of changes in workload.
Performance Differences in Psychomotor and Dichotic Listening Tests among Landing Craft Air Cushion Vehicle Operator Trainees
Authors: Nontasak T. , Dolgin D.L , Blower D.J.
Published: January 2012

Changes in the selection procedures for the U.S. Navy's landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vehicle operator training program are under development. Several cognitive, personality, and psychomotor selection tests are being evaluated. This study analyzed the performance of 36 LCAC operator trainees on an automated series of single and multiple psychomotor (PMT) and dichotic listening (DLT) tests that measure abilities involving eye-hand-foot coordination and divided attention. Point-biserial correlational analyses between test measures and training criteria resulted in a number of statistically significant correlations (p < .05). Additional analyses using the t test indicated that successful trainees performed significantly better than unsuccessful trainees on PMT measures (p < .05). In multiple task conditions, where PMT and DLT were administered simultaneously, only performance on PMT subtasks indicated significant differences between the two groups. These findings suggest that psychomotor tests have the potential to predict LCAC training program outcome.
The Godfrey-Laux Alcohol Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions Assessment Battery
Authors: Godfrey Sandra S. , Laux Lila F.
Published: January 2012

The Godfrey-Laux Alcohol Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions Assessment Battery (GLB) was developed to measure the impact of information about the effects of alcohol consumption on knowledge, attitudes, and intentions related to alcohol use. Items were selected from existing instruments and new items were constructed. They were factor analyzed, and an attitude scale measuring (in)tolerance toward alcohol use and two behavioral intention scales, one measuring intent to use alcohol responsibly and the other intent to set limits on alcohol use, were constructed based on the factors obtained.

A correlational analysis included two scores on the knowledge items (number correct and number wrong), the attitude and intention scales, and reported behavior. The highest correlations were between attitudes and intentions. Knowledge scores correlated with intentions and reported single occasion alcohol consumption rate, and substantial correlations were observed among attitudes, intentions, and reported drinking behavior (whether they drank, how often, and single occasion consumption rate).

These results illustrate that knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and reported behavior regarding alcohol consumption are interrelated. Thus information presented in the form of a warning or some other form about the hazards and risks of alcohol use should affect related attitudes, intentions and, theoretically, behavior. The GLB should be useful both for evaluating the effects of information dissemination and for predicting behavior related to alcohol consumption.
A Revised Model of the Warnings Process Derived from Value-Expectancy Theory
Authors: DeJoy David M.
Published: January 2012

Recent research indicates that product-related perceptions and expectations account for a major portion of the variance in user self-protective behavior. The present paper examines value-expectancy theory and research and proposes a replacement for the information processing model of the warnings process. The revised model focuses on the risk appraisal activities of the user and attempts to capture the dynamic nature of precautionary behavior.
Receiver Characteristics in Safety Communications
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Brelsford John W.
Published: January 2012

Safety instructions and warnings are communications. It is important that characteristics of receivers, the target audience, be taken into account in designing such communications. Four categories of receiver characteristics that are important for warnings are demographic (gender and age), familiarity and experience with the product or situation, competence (technical knowledge, language and reading ability), and the perception of hazardousness. Research and experience indicate that variability in these receiver dimensions has important implications for the design and effectiveness of warnings. Even when the warning designer has attempted to take into account these target audience factors, there is a final step that generally should be included in the design process. This step is to “test” the warning on a target audience sample.
Modeling the Influence of Errors of Commission on Success Probability
Authors: Blackman Harold S.
Published: January 2012

A new method for modeling the influence of errors of commission is presented. This method extends the modeling done in HRA event trees to more accurately represent the population of potential human errors associated with errors of commission. The modified HRA event trees are called commission event trees (COMETs). The fundamental difference between COMETs and HRA event trees is that COMETs model errors of commission and deal with the problem of cascading errors often encountered when errors are either intentional or latent in nature. An illustration of the application of COMET is given for an error of intention in a nuclear control scenario.
Intent: A Method for Calculating Hep Estimates for Decision Based Errors
Authors: Gertman David I.
Published: January 2012

Contemporary human reliability assessment techniques applied in the nuclear industry need to address more that simple errors of omission, errors of selection, and errors in task execution. The inadvertent selection of the wrong control from a bank of controls, skipping a step in a procedure by mistake, or the misreading of a display or indicator are representative of these classes of error. The distinction between simple errors and errors involving higher level cognitive processes has been acknowledged previously. As a next step, it is desirable to determine (1) the situations which promote the occurrence of low frequency high consequence decision based errors, (2) a classification scheme or framework for these errors, and (3) the expected failure rates for these errors once entry level conditions for their occurrence have been met. This presentation addresses 1 and 3 above, and presents a method for estimating errors associated with misunderstanding procedures, confusion regarding system response and inadequate problem solving. A function defining the relationship between composite performance shaping factors and human error probabilities is presented as well.
Countermeasures to Loss of Alertness in Motor Vehicle Drivers: A Taxonomy and Evaluation
Authors: Mackie Robert R. , Wylie C. Dennis
Published: January 2012

Loss of driver alertness is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents. A diversity of possible countermeasures to loss of alertness has been suggested. A proposal taxonomy of these countermeasures, with examples of each class, is presented, and each type is tentatively evaluated in terms of ten criteria of effectiveness. Conclusions about future prospects are presented.
Sleep Deprivations and Irregular Work Schedules
Authors: Cabon Ph. , Mollard R. , Coblentz A.
Published: January 2012

Chronobiological studies show that irregular schedules lead to troubles of biological rhythms, especially of sleep-wake cycles, and arousal. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the sleep perturbations due to irregular work schedules in transport operations. The global investigation concerns sleepiness during activity as well as sleep deprivation during rest period. This paper is focused on the sleep durations for two kinds of operators: aircrews during long-haul routes and drivers for ground transport. Sleep duration was evaluated by means of wrist motor activity. For ground transport drivers, results show a strong reduction of sleep duration during day-time rests. This sleep deprivation can reach 50 percent for almost all drivers studied. These results confirm that the sleep duration is determined by the rest starting time. Sleep periods during day-time rests are organized into naps and sleep, during night-time, rests are characterized by continuous sleep. For aircrews, sleep duration during layover periods is generally normal after a north-south trip. After an eastbound or a westbound trip, a rebound effect of sleep deprivation was noted as well as poor sleep quality.
Load Carrying and Slip Length
Authors: Leamon Tom B. , Li Kai Way
Published: January 2012

Slipping and falling is a major economic problem. Past research has concentrated on the relationship between the shoe and the floor surface while more recent research has extended into the human factors of slipping. The measurement of slipperiness, as opposed to the coefficient of friction, depends on a thorough understanding of why slips start and how the human ends or avoids them. Strandberg identified the ratio of the horizontal force to the vertical force in determining the limiting point in slip prevention. One implication would be that if the vertical force were increased, for example, by load carrying then the tendency to slip would be decreased. This appears counter intuitive and an experiment was performed to investigate it. Five subjects were exposed to a slippery surface while protected from falling. Three conditions were evaluated; no-load, back mounted load, and front mounted load which were designed to minimize any gait changes. The addition of the load significantly increased the average slip distance at both slow and high speeds, although the differences between a front and rear loading did not reach significance. This suggests that it is not sufficient to identify the maximum frictional demand, but account should be taken of the frictional availability at various parts in the heel strike slip stop cycle. Thus methods of measuring slipperiness to determine potential slip and fall accidents must accommodate measurements over the whole cycle and must allow matching with the friction demands of Strandberg.
Event Capture and Analysis Tools for Graphic User Interfaces
Authors: Hammontree Monty L. , Hensley Billy W. , Hendrickson Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2012

This was a demonstration of a set of tools used to: 1) compare and evaluate software applications and prototypes; 2) evaluate documentation and instructional material; and 3) process video tape recordings of human-computer interaction (HCI). These tools include an event capture tool, which records events related to objects in graphical user interfaces, data filtering tools, which translate and aggregate user-generated events into meaningful characterizations of the interaction, and a multimedia data analyzer, which couples event logs and video recordings from HCI testing sessions.
Demonstration of Lockheed's Computer-Human Interface Rapid Prototyping (CHIRP) Toolkit
Authors: Remington Robert J.
Published: January 2012

The main purpose of this demonstration is to show the capabilities of the CHIRP Toolkit which is being developed at the Lockheed Rapid Prototyping Laboratory in Sunnyvale, CA. CHIRP is designed to aid the human factors engineer in the development, demonstration and evaluation of advanced forms of computer-human interaction (CHI). The demonstration will show the ease with which high fidelity prototypes of interactive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) can be developed using a form of visual programming. CHIRP contains both primitive GUI objects (e.g., a button and a menu selection bar) and higher-level prefabricated interface modules (e.g., a panel of buttons and a complete pull-down menu structure). Reusable maps, globes, images, graphs, analog displays and other useful graphical objects are stored in application graphics libraries. Special interactive graphics creation utilities are provided to support rapid development of application scenarios involving orbital mechanics, image processing, tracking and signal processing.

Examples resulting from a variety of rapid prototyping activities involving CHIs for graphics-oriented military and commercial applications will be shown. These examples will illustrate the value of CHI prototyping in all phases of the computer system development cycle. CHIRP-based prototypes have been successfully used for marketing activities, for verification of system requirements, for simulating concepts of operation, for risk reduction studies, for usability evaluations, and for training users. Specific examples shown in this demonstration include a data fusion GUI designed for a proof of concept review, an animated 3D graphics orbital mechanics simulation used for requirements analysis and risk reduction studies, and an interactive GUI remote diagnostics prototype used for workload analysis studies and as a part-task trainer. Since the CHIRP Toolkit is a continuously evolving product, the demonstration will include a brief preview of future developments, including a capability to prototype multimedia CHIs which incorporate imagery, sound, and interactive video.
Knowledge as Design: A Methodology for Overcoming Knowledge Acquisition Bottlenecks in Intelligent Interface Design
Authors: McNeese Michael D. , Zaff Brian S.
Published: January 2012

This paper documents the historical perspective of ‘knowledge as design’ as a natural human philosophy which necessarily resulted in user centered design praxis. A revival of this philosophy is called for in the presentation of the advanced knowledge and design acquisition methodology. The application of this methodology for overcoming bottleneck problems and alleviating brittleness in the Pilot's Associate is described and evaluated. The paper discusses three specific techniques designed to capture these perspectives: IDEF modeling, concept mapping, and design storyboarding. An integrative structure combining these techniques is proposed as an interactive way to let users, as well as other design team members, assimilate, progressively deepen, and combine knowledge for the purpose of developing intelligent systems and human-machine interface designs. Results indicate that pilots were able to successfully reveal their own comprehension of an air-to-ground mission and transform conceptual knowledge into actual designs for an intelligent pilot-vehicle interface.
Nuclear Power Plant Alarm Systems: Problems and Issues
Authors: O'Hara John M. , Brown William S.
Published: January 2012

Despite the incorporation of advanced technology into nuclear power plant alarm systems, human factors problems remain. This paper identifies issues to be addressed in order to allow advanced technology to be used effectively in the design of nuclear power plant alarm systems. The operator's use and processing of alarm system information will be considered. Based upon a review of alarm system research, issues related to general system design, alarm processing, display and control are discussed. It is concluded that the design of effective alarm systems depends on an understanding of the information processing capabilities and limitations of the operator.
Emerging Issues for Procedures in the Nuclear Industry
Authors: Tolbert Carol A. , Moore Christopher J. , Wieringa Douglas R.
Published: January 2012

Procedures in the nuclear industry are likely to be driven by the technological advances in computers. Due to the increasing interest in automation, many human factors issues regarding the delivery of procedures are emerging. In existing American nuclear plants, for example, a major area of concern is the concurrent use of automated and hard-copy procedures. In future American nuclear plants, if all procedures are automated, issues of usability will be elicited. Because the technical database pertaining to the human factors aspects of procedure automation is sparse, individuals working in this domain face significant challenges.
Fuzzy Expert System for Selection of Chairs for Elementary School Pupils
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Noro Kageyu
Published: January 2012

The development of a simple method for allocating suitable chairs to obese children as well is difficult but is very important. An attempt was made to develop a decision support system by incorporation of the experience and knowledge of health teachers who have long studied chairs for elementary school pupils. The application of fuzzy logic that is expected to make inferences and judgments close to those of humans was considered appropriate to the new system.

The field experiment confirmed that the fuzzy system has the following advantages as simple method for selecting chairs for elementary school pupils.
Understanding What We Think We Know: The Role of Content Analysis in T&E
Authors: Wheeler William A. , Fleming Tammy E.
Published: January 2012

Though we are quite clever in developed ways to measure and express system performance, including human system performance, we frequently stop short of understanding what our results mean. One reason for this is that we do not have cost effective and efficient ways to use the richness of data available in written or verbal information. Techniques of protocol and content analysis provide ways to use such data, but are usually too expensive and time consuming to use in applied settings. This paper explores the possibility of human factors specialists using commonly available personal computers and software in ways that allow practical analysis of verbal and written material as part of a T&E effort.
User Field Testing of Laser Protective Lenses
Authors: Jezior Barbara A. , Blackwell Cynthia L. , Shearer Vicki M.
Published: January 2012

A methodology for user field testing of military, laser protective lenses is described. It addresses the difficulty of testing the effects of their reduced light transmittance and color distortion when there is little or no control over the independent variables of illumination and environmental colors and contrasts. The thrust was to collect field data on more than 70 variables from over 250 soldiers, the rationale being that this “shotgun” approach would surface any critical problems. Moreover, if these field data were somewhat consistent with laboratory data, confidence could be placed in relative levels of soldier performance while wearing the lenses. No established methodology for such field testing existed, and a number of performance tasks had to be modified or constructed which were typical of military operations. The Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test was also conducted to investigate color discrimination ability while wearing the lenses. This test was intended to supplement other laboratory data and to serve as a reference for the field color distortion data. Analyses of the field test data validated the approach. The data base and procedures created will facilitate future research; there are clear indications of how to refine the tests now that the nature of response data has been more defined.
Abilities Evaluation Method for Military Intelligence Personnel
Authors: Knapp Beverly G. , Seven Sally A. , Muckler Frederick A. , Akman Allan
Published: January 2012

This paper describes initial development of a method for assessing Military Intelligence (MI) occupational specialties in their capability to meet new Intelligence Electronic Warfare (IEW) system performance demands. The method is based on the abilities requirements approach first elaborated by Fleishman and Quaintance (1984). Development involved: identification of ability dimensions, selection of ability elicitation procedure, incorporation of Intelligence-specific functional overlay to the procedure, and iterative administration of the procedure with experts. Discussed are the refinements to the method achieved, the development of working databases, and how this method will be applied to match between IEW systems demands and current MI capabilities.
Multidimensional Scaling Analysis of Terrain Features Relevant for Simulating Low-Altitude Flight
Authors: Kleiss James A.
Published: January 2012

Multidimensional scaling was used to identify the features of real–world terrain that are salient to pilots during low–altitude, high–speed flight. Subjects were ten United States Air Force and Air National Guard pilots experienced in low–altitude flight. The stimuli were 17 short (five–seconds duration) videotape segments depicting low–altitude, high–speed flight over a variety of real–world terrains. Pilots rated pairs of terrains with respect to similarity of terrain features relevant for visual low–altitude flight. Similarity ratings were submitted to a multidimensional scaling analysis using ALSCAL. A two–dimensional solution revealed dimensions corresponding to 1) the presence/absence of hills and ridges and 2) the presence/absence of large objects clustered into groups. Results suggest that designers of flight simulators should focus on representing hills and ridges, and large trees and buildings with high perceptual fidelity.
Use of Voice Technology for Language Training
Authors: Kincaid J. P. , Thomas Margaret , Arnold David , Lindeis Ann-Elise
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the Language Technology Project at the University of Central Florida. The goal of this project is to develop, evaluate, and commercially produce language courseware and training techniques for personal computers (PCs), including IBM and MacIntosh, equipped with voice interfaces. The primary emphasis of the Language Technology Project has been in the development of demonstration courseware. The second area is the evaluation of courseware, including research regarding effective computerized instructional strategies. Informal field-testing of one package in an Orange County (Florida) elementary school suggests that the style of instruction is readily compatible with students as young as the first grade. Several studies have also provided insight into instruction design.
The Transfusion Medicine Tutor: Methods and Results from the Development of an Interactive Learning Environment for Teaching Problem-Solving Skills
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Mille Thomas E. , Gross Susan , Guerlain Stephanie , Smith Jack W. , Svirbely John , Rudmann Sally , Strohm Patricia , Galdes Deborah K.
Published: January 2012

Investigations of students and practicing medical technologists indicate that both groups make significant numbers of errors on tasks such as antibody identification. One potential solution to help with this problem is to provide access to a computerized learning environment in which users can get exposure to a larger and much broader set of problems than would otherwise be possible. This paper describes such a learning environment, the Transfusion Medicine Tutor, and discusses the ways in which it supports guided discovery learning.
Representing Expert Knowledge for Instructional System Design: A Case Study
Authors: Gordon Sallie E. , Kinghorn Rhonda A. , Schmierer Kim A.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the process by which an AI knowledge engineering technique was used for performing knowledge acquisition within the context of Instructional System Design. The method is a type of cognitive task analysis in which conceptual graphs are developed using several complementary knowledge acquisition methods. The graphs can be used to explicitly represent a variety of knowledge types including semantic, rule, and implicit knowledge. We outline the process by which we applied the method to represent expert knowledge for instructional design in the domain of engineering mechanics, and describe modifications and lessons learned from the application.
Effects of Color-Coding, Retention-Interval, and Task on Time to Recognize Target-Updates
Authors: Jubis Rebecca M. T.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the relative effects of color, shape, and color+shape codes on time to recognize whether or not targets were updated in sequentially-presented diagrams. These relationships were examined with different retention-intervals (RIs) and tasks, with and without updates. Response-time was faster with color+shape or color than shape, across tasks and across RIs, whether or not targets were updated. However, the benefit of both color conditions was greater when targets were updated and subjects performed a distractor task during the RI; i.e., color showed a greater resistance to interference effects.
Target Acquisition Criteria for Human Observers
Authors: Gerhart Grant R.
Published: January 2012

A primary target acquisition threat to ground vehicle systems is the human observer whose psycho-visual capabilities are a critical element in the simulation of these phenomena. This paper discusses the Army's performance assessment methodology for determining signature countermeasures tradeoffs and the human factors elements essential for this type of analysis.

Current Army acquisition models use a very simplistic model of the human visual perception system. The minimum resolvable contrast (MRC) models, for example, consider the target as an equivalent rectangle in a uniform background scene. The criteria for detection, recognition and identification are defined in terms of the number of line pairs across a critical target dimension. Although this simple model is convenient for many battlefield effectiveness simulations; the level of detail is insufficient for most CM applications.

Several examples will illustrate the limitations of current target acquisition methodology for visual signature assessment and evaluation. A detailed description of the target/background scene and the observer psychovisual characteristics is essential for a robust simulation of these processes. In particular color, motion, shape, texture, search and clutter are essential parameters in any CM performance assessment methodology. The inclusion of these elements into future target acquisition models is the focal point for this discussion.
Perceiving Correlations from Scatterplots
Authors: Meyer Joachim , Shinar David
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effects of statistical training and various perceptual characteristics of scatterplot displays on intuitive estimates of correlations. University professors and first year undergraduate students estimated correlations from scatterplots (1) with three different levels of correlation in the data, (2) with or without a regression line, and (3) with three different types of dispersion of the data point clouds. The faculty generally used higher and a wider range of values, but both groups perceived a higher correlation when a regression line was present and both groups were equally influenced by the different types of dispersion of the point cloud. These findings indicate that the estimation of correlations from scatterplots is a perceptually based process, which is largely independent from formal statistical training.