bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Design of a Tactical Situation Display
Authors: Kuperman Gilbert G. , Wilson Denise L.
Published: July 2017

This research and development effort was directed to the design and proof-of-concept demonstration of a dynamic tactical situation display (TSD) applicable to an advanced conceptual bomber crew system. The TSD provides a primary source of mission pacing and situational awareness information in the Strategic Avionics Battle-Management Evaluation and Research (SABER) exploratory development simulator at the Human Engineering Division of the Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory. Four levels of situational awareness information are supported by SABER: (1) conventional paper products, (2) digitized (softcopy) versions of these hardcopy materials, (3) dynamic graphic representation of horizontal situation, and (4) horizontal situation display with digital terrain elevation and cultural feature underlay. The TSD described in this paper is being applied in the SABER simulation facility to support research directed to the optimization of the bomber crew system in the context of future mission requirements.
A Frame-Based Mission Decomposition Model
Authors: Kuperman Gilbert G. , Perez William A.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the results of a mathematical modeling (computer simulation) effort that applied frame-based, data processing constructs, originally developed and applied in the context of artificial intelligence, to the decomposition of a complex Air Force bomber mission. The model was written in LISP to facilitate the development of a concurrent processing environment in which to simulate the simultaneous occurrence of multiple external events/crew tasks. The model simulated a four hour segment of a strategic mission scenario. Two distinct crew complements, four-man and two-man, together with their respective levels of aircraft avionics automation, were represented during a proof-of-concept demonstration. The model provided measures of resource (crew and “black box”) utilization, presumed to correlate to “workload,” at different levels of specificity. These measures were used to identify crew task “chokepoints” (large queue sizes, task interrupts) and to evaluate the effects of automation.
TASKILLAN: A Simulation to Predict the Validity of Multiple Resource Models of Aviation Workload
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Harwood Kelly , Segal Leon , Tkalcevic Inge , Sherman Bill
Published: July 2017

The objective of this research was to establish the validity of predictive models of workload in the context of a controlled simulation of a helicopter flight mission. The models that were evaluated contain increasing levels of sophistication regarding their assumptions about the competition for processing resources underlying multiple task performance. Ten subjects performed the simulation which involved various combinations of a low level flight task with three cognitive side tasks, pertaining to navigation, spatial awareness and computation. Side task information was delivered auditorily or visually. Results indicated that subjective workload is best predicted by relatively simple models that simply integrate the total demands of tasks over time (r = 0.65). In contrast, performance is not well predicted by these models (r < .10), but is best predicted by models that assume differential competition between processing resources (r = 0.47). The relevance of these data to predictive models and to the use of subjective measures for model validation is discussed.
Stress and Pilot Judgment: An Empirical Study Using MIDIS, a Microcomputer-Based Simulation
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Stokes Alan F. , Barnett Barbara , Hyman Fred
Published: July 2017

This report presents an information processing framework for predicting the effects of stress manipulations on pilot decision making. The framework predicts that stressors related to anxiety, time pressure, and high risk situations will restrict the range of cue sampling and reduce the capacity of working memory, but will not affect decisions that are based upon direct retrieval of knowledge from long term memory. These predictions were tested on MIDIS, a microcomputer-based pilot decision simulator. Performance on a series of 38 decision problems was compared between ten subjects in a control group and ten subjects who had performed under conditions of noise, concurrent task loading, time pressure, and financial risk. The results indicated that the stress manipulation significantly reduced the optimality and confidence of decisions. The manipulations imposed their greatest effect on problems that were coded high on spatial demand and on problems requiring integration of information from the dynamic instrument panel. The effects of stress were relatively independent of problem demands associated with working memory and with the retrieval of knowledge from long term memory.
Software Usability: Requirements by Evaluation
Authors: Smith Eric , Siochi Antonio
Published: July 2017

Recent research has established the importance of defining usability requirements as part of the total requirements for a system. Instead of deciding in an ad hoc manner whether or not a human-computer interface is usable, measurable usability requirements are established at the outset. It is common to state such requirements in an operational manner: U% of a sample of the intended user population should accomplish T% of the benchmark tasks within M minutes and with no more than E errors. The formal experiments needed to test compliance with the requirements makes this method costly. This paper presents an alternative method of specifying usability requirements currently being developed and tested on a large software project at Virginia Tech.

Briefly, usability requirements are specified by having every member of the software design team and the user interface design team specify the ease of use desired for each proposed functional requirement of the system under development. The individual ratings are then compared in order to arrive at a consensus. It is this consensus that leads to the formal usability requirements which the interface must meet or exceed. As the interface is built, it is rated in the same manner as that used originally to specify the requirements.

This method thus provides a structured means of specifying measurable usability requirements and a means of determining whether or not the interface satisfies those requirements. Several other benefits of this method are presented as well.
A Comparative Study of Gestural and Keyboard Interfaces
Authors: Wolf Catherine G.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents results from two experiments which compared gestural and keyboard interfaces to a spreadsheet program. This is the first quantitative comparison of these two types of interfaces known to the author. The gestural interface employed gestures (hand-drawn marks such as carets or brackets) for commands, and handwriting as input techniques. In one configuration, the input/output hardware consisted of a transparent digitizing tablet mounted on top of an LCD which allowed the user to interact with the program by writing on the tablet with a stylus. The experiments found that participants were faster with the gestural interface. Specifically, subjects performed the operations in about 72% of the time taken with the keyboard. In addition, there was a preference for the gestural interface over the keyboard interface. These findings are explained in terms of the fewer number of movements required to carry out an operation with the gestural interface, the greater ease of remembering gestural commands, and the benefits of performing operations directly on objects of interest.
Entry-Based versus Selection-Based Interaction Methods
Authors: Greene Sharon L. , Gould John D. , Boies Stephen J. , Meluson Antonia , Rasamny Marwan
Published: July 2017

Five different human-computer interaction techniques were studied to determine the relative advantages of entry-based and selection-based methods. Gould, Boies, Meluson, Rasamny, and Vosburgh (1988), found that entry techniques aided by either automatic or requested string completion, were superior to various selection-based techniques. This study examines unaided as well as aided entry techniques, and compares them to selection-based methods. Variations in spelling difficulty and database size were studied for their effect on user performance and preferences. The main results were that automatic string completion was the fastest method and selection techniques were better than unaided entry techniques, especially for hard-to-spell words. This was particularly true for computer-inexperienced participants. The database size had its main influence on performance with the selection techniques. In the selection and aided-entry methods there was a strong correlation between the observed keystroke times and the minimum number of keystrokes required by a task.
The Effects of Hypertext on Reader Knowledge Representation
Authors: Gordon Sallie , Gustavel Jill , Moore Jana , Hankey Jon
Published: July 2017

The goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of hypertext as an intra-document text format. Subjects read two articles on a color VDT, one in linear and one in hypertext format. Half of the subjects read general interest articles with instructions for casual reading and the other half read technical articles with instructions to learn the material. Afterward, subjects were given free recall tests, question probe tests, and a preference questionnaire. Results indicated that for both types of article, the linear format resulted in greater memory for the basic ideas contained in the articles. Also, for the general interest articles, subjects reading in linear format assimilated more of the macro-structure than subjects reading in the hypertext format. Consistent with these findings, a majority of the subjects expressed a preference for the linear format and perceived it as requiring less mental effort than reading hypertext. These results suggest that, at least under some circumstances, hypertext can interfere with normal cognitive processes.
Hypermedia and Interfaces: Design and Evaluation
Authors: Glenn Bernice T.
Published: July 2017

Although hypertext and hypermedia have been discussed for a number of years, it is only recently that such systems have become generally available to interface designers. A user base of thousands exists at the present time, the most widely used system being HyperCard, from Apple. Hypermedia systems differ from traditional software systems in the complexity of its domains of access, its reliance on visual presentation, and in the use of sound. These differences are beginning to revise previously held ideas and guidelines about the processes of designing and evaluating software interfaces. This session presents some of the approaches to coming to grips with this problem… a problem that will continue to grow as technological advances continue in the development of readily available hypermedia software on inexpensive hardware platforms.
The Impact of Task Characteristics on Display Format Effects
Authors: Schwartz David R.
Published: July 2017

A study was conducted to determine how well the display format effects described by Tullis (1983, 1984) and the resulting prediction equations could be generalized to other display situations. Task complexity and visual monitoring load were identified as task variables which could potentially moderate the format effects and, thus, were varied factorially. The current study also sought to extend Tullis's findings to tasks where the use of several pieces of information from predictable display locations is required. In general, the data indicate the need to study Tullis's format dimensions more fully before using his regression equations to evaluate display designs for use outside the task situation in which the equations were developed. Also, subjects were unable to evaluate their performance accurately under alternative display designs. Their evaluations seemed to be determined mostly by the perceived ease with which information was extracted from the display. This outcome should serve as a warning to system designers. That is, empirical human performance research should be conducted when performance is the paramount design criterion and a validated prediction system, such as the one developed by Tullis for search, is not available.
Guidelines for the Use of a Prototype in User Interface Design
Authors: Melkus Lovie A. , Torres Robert J.
Published: July 2017

Although the use of a prototype of the user interface of a software application early in the development cycle is a valuable tool in the design of a usable user interface, prototyping can be difficult to introduce into the development process. Furthermore, designers without experience in using a prototype can run into problems which counteract the value of this user interface design methodology.

Designers with experience in a substantial prototyping effort have formulated guidelines for the use of prototyping which can help to minimize these problems.
Comparison of Typing and Handwriting in “Two-Finger Typists”
Authors: Brown C. Marlin “Lin”
Published: July 2017

Twelve subjects who are not touch typists, but have a median of ten years experience using computer keyboards performed two writing tasks: writing a short memorized passage and copying a four paragraph passage. Subjects performed each task once using a pen and paper and once using a display oriented text-editor. Typing speed was over five words per minute (wpm) faster than handwriting for both memorized and copied passages. Typing and writing were each about ten words per minute faster from memory than from copy. The number of errors was greater when typing from copy than in any other condition. These results suggest that for experienced two-finger typists, typing from a display-oriented document processor can be faster than handwriting.
A Behavioral Study of Warning Labels for Consumer Products: Perceived Danger and Use of Pictographs
Authors: Otsubo Shirley M.
Published: July 2017

This study focused on the effectiveness of warning labels placed on consumer products differing in perceived “danger” or “hazard.” A 2×4 between-subject design (N=131) was performed, incorporating two levels of product danger (circular saw=high level of danger; jigsaw=low level of danger) and four levels of warning label (words only, pictograph only, words+pictograph, and no warning). Effectiveness was investigated by studying the behavior of product users to determine who noticed, read, complied and recalled the warning message. Overall results indicated that subjects noticed, read and complied with warnings placed on the product perceived to be more dangerous than on the product perceived to be less dangerous. Additional data suggest that people more familiar with use of the product will tend to read, comply and recall the warning less than those less familiar. Also people more confident with the use of the product will tend to read and comply less than those less confident. Type of warning label showed no effect. However, in all conditions with a warning label, an average of 25.5% complied with the warning (range 12.5 – 50%), and without a warning label no one took precautionary action consistent with the warning message. The findings support the contention that the use of conspicuously designed and placed warning labels on products will influence people to behave cautiously.
Individual Differences in Flight Simulation Performance Experiments
Authors: Nolan Margaret D. , Hettinger Lawrence J. , Kennedy Robert S. , Edinger Katrina M.
Published: July 2017

In a review of flight simulation performance experiments conducted at the U.S. Navy's Visual Technology Research simulator (VTRS), it was observed that individual difference variables accounted for a major portion of the total explained variance, in many cases more than the simulator equipment variables that were deliberately manipulated. This finding underscores the importance of individual differences in performance and training research in support of man-machine systems development and implementation. The identification of the substrates underlying individual differences will impact on equipment design considerations and training program requirements for military and industrial systems.
Spreadsheet Macros for Rapid Prototyping of Computer Interface Dialogues
Authors: Marken Richard S.
Published: July 2017

The Lotus 1·2·3™ spreadsheet macro language provides a low-cost, readily accessible, and easy-to-use method for rapidly building prototypes of computer interface dialogue systems. This method of prototyping was used to evaluate specifications for the human interface component of a satellite ground control system. The prototype mimics the essential functional components of the interface dialogue, and is easily modified, making it possible to determine whether recommended changes in dialogue specifications produce actual improvements in dialogue design.
A Case Study in large Scale Computer Human Interaction Design
Authors: Lorenzetti Robert , Williamson Janet , Hoffman Larry , Beck Tim , Maguire Frank
Published: July 2017

The Reliability & Maintainability Information System (REMIS) is being developed by a team of Litton Computer Services, Tandem Computers, and SofTech under contract to the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) Logistics Management Support Center. Its purpose is to make accessible to AF managers worldwide, the data necessary to keep weapon systems combat ready in peace and sustain them in war. REMIS will modernize the collection and use of inventory, status, utilization, operational reliability, maintenance, configuration, mission capability, and awaiting parts data for aircraft, trainers, automatic test equipment, Communications-Electronics (C-E) equipment, and support equipment.

The Government procurement request for REMIS envisioned the need for human engineering of the Human Computer Interface (HCI), but there were no requirements to deliver human factors analysis documentation nor to conduct any formal testing. The HCI design task was eventually assigned to an ad hoc team (Messrs. Lorenzetti, Beck, and Maguire) with no formal human engineering experience, and with severe time constraints. Design of a user-friendly system under these constraints (using available human factors data sources) proved to be a challenging exercise!

This paper presents a description of the informal user surveys and qualitative evaluations that were used as a surrogate to the more formal approaches normally recommended. After the fact, the over 900 guidelines in Smith and Mosier were reviewed, with 75 found to be specifically applicable to REMIS. REMIS conformance to each of the 75 guidelines was then assessed. Although the REMIS design was evaluated as reasonably good, we concluded that specific human engineering requirements, schedule, budget, and documentation should be provided. The accessibility of human factors data supporting design should be substantially improved if better quality HCIs are to be assured.
Personnel-Based System Evaluation Aid (PER-SEVAL)
Authors: O'Brien Larry
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the Personnel-Based System Evaluation Aid (PER-SEVAL), one of the automated tools being developed under the Army Research Institute's project to develop improved MANPRINT methods. The PER-SEVAL Aid will assist Army analysts in identifying the quality of personnel needed to support a partcular contractor's design.
Human Factors in the Naval Air Systems Command: Computer Based Training
Authors: Seamster Thomas L. , Snyder Cathrine E. , Terranova Michele , Walker William J. , Jones D. Todd
Published: July 2017

Military standards applied to the private sector contracts have a substantial effect on the quality of Computer Based Training (CBT) systems procured for the Naval Air Systems Command. This study evaluated standards regulating the following areas in CBT development and procurement: interactive training systems, cognitive task analysis, and CBT hardware. The objective was to develop some high-level recommendations for evolving standards that will govern the next generation of CBT systems. One of the key recommendations is that there be an integration of the instructional systems development, the human factors engineering, and the software development standards. Recommendations were also made for task analysis and CBT hardware standards.
Human Factors for Naval Systems: Enhanced Hardman
Authors: Malone Thomas B. , Baker Clifford C.
Published: July 2017

The U.S. Navy is developing methods for integrating the disciplines concerned with personnel considerations into the weapon system acquisition process. This integration essentially involves human factors engineering, manpower, personnel and training, and life support engineering. Since the Navy already has the HARDMAN methodology in place to ensure that manpower, personnel and training concerns are addressed early in system development, the process of integration of personnel issues will involve expanding the HARDMAN methods and data to include human factors engineering and life support engineering, resulting in the Enhanced HARDMAN process. This paper describes the objectives of Enhanced HARDMAN.
Human Engineering in the Naval Sea Systems Command
Authors: Malone Thomas B. , Baker Clifford C. , Permenter Kathryn E.
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the status of human engineering in the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). NAVSEA has pursued four major thrusts in the development and application of human engineering technology: 1) human engineering research and development efforts, 2) human engineering front-end analysis, 3) human engineering audits as part of the Logistic Review Group (LRG) formal review of each program, and 4) ship and ship system human engineering design and evaluation. This paper describes the progress that NAVSEA has made in each area.
Manprint in the Program Initiation Phase of System Acquisition
Authors: Malone Thomas B. , Perse Randy M. , Heasly Christopher C. , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: July 2017

For the U.S. Army Human Engineering Laboratory (USAHEL), Carlow Associates recently completed development of the MANPRINT Integrated Decision/Engineering Aid (IDEA) for the Program Initiation Phase of system development. The IDEA includes a standard MANPRINT process describing activities, events and products for the Phase, a decision aid and analyst's workstation to support the application of MANPRINT technology to the Program Initiation Phase, and computer-based MANPRINT tools to support the Program Initiation Phase. Specific tools included in IDEA are: 1) an early comparability analysis tool (ECA) which provides baseline system lessons learned and high MANPRINT drivers, 2) an automated task analysis tool, 3) an allocation of function tool which enables and supports the determination of the required role of the soldier in the system, and 4) a workload and human performance simulation tool based on a task network and probabilistic process variables. Efforts involved in the MANPRINT process development addressed the integration of the activities and products of Human Factors Engineering (HFE), Manpower, Personnel and Training (MPT), and System Safety (SS) and Health Hazard Assessment (HHA) with the activities of the Materiel Acquisition Process (MAP), and identification of MANPRINT technology requirements to support the application of this process.
Automation Effects in the Cockpit: A Low-Fidelity Investigation
Authors: Thornton Coleen , Braun Curt , Bowers Clint , Morgan Ben B.
Published: July 2017

The effects of automation and task difficulty on flight performance, subjective and objective workload, and a problem solving task were investigated in a low fidelity flight simulator. Forty-eight, two-person crews flew two forty-five minute scenarios that required the crew to select and obtain relief supplies for delivery to a disaster site. Two levels of automation (i.e., presence or absence of an autopilot) and two levels of task difficulty (i.e., presence or absence of wind and turbulence) were combined to yield a 2 × 2 design. Twenty-four crews performed in both levels of automation and one level of task difficulty. Results indicated that although crews in the automated condition reported less subjective workload, only one of the three measures of flight performance was affected by automation. In contrast, objective workload, as measured by performance of a secondary task, was increased for the pilot in the automated condition. In addition, under high task difficulty, problem solving was worse m the automated condition than in the manual condition. The results are discussed in terms of their support of earlier hypothesized effects of automation in the cockpit.
The Effects of Mixed-Fleet Flying of the Boeing 737-200 and −300
Authors: Lyall Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2017

The performance effects of pilots concurrently flying two derivatives of the Boeing 737 (−200 and −300) were assessed at America West Airlines using data gathered in flight and from a pilot survey. The B737-200 and −300 differ in levels of flightdeck automation. An activity analysis methodology was used to gather the in-flight data. Seven of the activities observed were used as dependent measures in the analyses. It was found that the pilots did significantly more hand-flying when they were on a trip in which they flew both the −200 and −300 (a mixed trip), than when they only flew one plane type (a pure trip). Also, on mixed trips where the pilots flew the −200 and then the −300: after they switched into the −300 they engaged in more flight−relevant talking and they looked out the window less than pilots who flew the −300 and then the −200, or a pure trip. These were the only significant results related to mixing the plane types. It was concluded that the airline environment studied did not show significant detrimental performance effects due to mixed-fleet flying. This was supported by the survey data where 75% of the pilots responded that it is alright to mix the planes. Implications of mixed-fleet flying on training and scheduling are discussed, and the recommendations made to America West are presented.
Effects of Long-Term Exposure to High G on Blood Oxygen Saturation and Performance
Authors: McCloskey Kathy , Popper Stephen , Repperger Daniel , Tripp Lloyd
Published: July 2017

The effects of long term exposure to a high g simulated aerial combat maneuver (SACM, or alternating peaks of +4.5Gz to +7.0Gz) were examined using blood oxygen saturation (SAO2) levels and performance measures (RTs, error rates, and comfort ratings). Four different anti-g protection device configurations were evaluated: the standard issue CSU-13 B/P anti-g suit, an experimental retrograde inflation anti-g suit (RIAGS), the RIAGS with capstan sleeves, and the RIAGS with occlusion cuffs. Overall, RIAGS with sleeves allowed subjects to endure much longer times at high g. However, when SA02 levels were correlated with time to exhaustion, there were no differences between protective suit configurations. RIAGS with sleeves appeared to lead to a slower decrement in blood oxygen saturation levels during long term exposure, allowing subjects to remain at high g longer. It was also shown that SA02 levels “rebounded” to some extent before each of the next +7Gz onsets, but when subjects approached their endurance limits this rebound effect diminished. It seems the longer subjects endured high g, the less able they were to physiologically compensate. The simplest task condition showed an increased in RT when subjects neared their exhaustion point. The more difficult task conditions showed too much variability in RTs to discern any performance patterns. It seemed enough effort and attention was directed to the task to maintain stable performance in the easy condition, but was not enough to maintain performance in the more difficult conditions. Error rates also increased as subjects neared exhaustion, as expected. However, error rates were sensitive to differences among suit configurations, whereas RTs were not. Error rates covaried with time at SACM and comfort ratings. In summary, subjects wearing RIAGS with sleeves withstood high g for longer periods of time, had less error in their performance, and rated the suit most comfortable.
Operational and Human Factors Implications of Physiological Deconditioning in Long Duration Spaceflight
Authors: Guidi Mark A. , Holland Dwight
Published: July 2017

A major factor in determining the success of any manned long duration space mission will be how well the human body can endure the microgravity environment. Data collected from long duration space missions conducted by both the United States and the former Soviet Union have shown that almost every system in the human body is adversely affected by microgravity. These adverse affects, taken individually or in concert, can have operational implications for a long duration space mission. Data collected to date indicate that significant human factors complications could arise due to the deconditioning of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and hematological systems that occur in a microgravity environment, resulting in decrements in overall astronaut performance. This paper examines some of these deconditioning effects, their immediate operational implications and possible countermeasures.
Anthropomorphic Teiloperation: Controlling Remote Manipulators with the Dataglove
Authors: Hale Joseph P.
Published: July 2017

A study was conducted to assess the capabilities and limitations of the DataGlove, a lightweight glove input device that can output signals in real time based on hand shape, orientation, and movement. The DataGlove was used as an input device to control the Proto-Flight Manipulator Arm (PFMA), a large telerobotic arm with an 8-foot reach. Twelve volunteers (six males and six females) participated in a 2×3(×2) full-factorial experiment in a simple retraction, slewing, and insertion task. Two within-subjects variables, time delay (0,1, and 2 seconds) and PFMA wrist flexibility (rigid/flexible) were manipulated. Gender served as a blocking variable. Retraction, insertion, and slew times, as well as total task time were collected as the dependent variables. An analysis of variance found a main effect of time delay for slewing and total task times. A post hoc Newman-Keuls pairwise comparison of the means was performed for the significant effects. Slew times with no time delay were significantly faster than slew times with either 1- or 2-second time delays. Total task time with no time delay was significantly faster than total task time with a 2-second time delay. PFMA wrist flexibility had no significant main effect on the ability of the subject to accurately and effectively operate the PFMA with the DataGlove. It was concluded that the DataGlove is a legitimate teleoperations input device that provides a natural, intuitive user interface and should be considered in future trades in teleoperation systems' designs.
Development of a Memory Aid Design Concept for Older Users
Authors: Kirkpatrick Mark , Perse Randy M. , Dutra Lisa A. , Creedon Michael A. , Cohen-Mansfield Jiska
Published: July 2017

This study was conducted to develop a design concept for an electronic memory device to enhance medication compliance in older users. The effort was supported by a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

A user-oriented approach was used to develop a design concept for a memory device for older users. One hundred seniors were interviewed to identify their physical, physiological and cognitive capabilities and limitations, as well as their preferences for memory aid functions. Specific design requirements were gathered from user testing of six currently available memory aids with 30 of the original 100 elderly subjects. The interview and user testing results were consolidated to provide the basis for tradeoff criteria for memory aid interface concepts, and for the development specifications for an optimal interface design for a memory aid designed specifically for the elderly user.

A design concept was developed for a medication device that would be easy to use, would reduce the likelihood of scheduling errors, and would be non-threatening to older users who might otherwise be intimidated by an electronic device. The Phase I effort focused on enhancing medication compliance, which is a priority issue with the senior population.
Thermostats for Individuals with Movement Disabilities: Design Options and Manipulation Strategies
Authors: Metz Stephen , Isle Brian , Dermo Sandra , Odom James
Published: July 2017

Using common household products is often difficult for people with neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injury, or arthritis. We need to better understand their capabilities when designing and adapting products that are easier for them to use. In this study, individuals with movement impairments used two experimental home control thermostats with features that allowed easier positioning and viewing. The participants employed a variety of grasping and manipulation strategies, including some that were not anticipated by the designers. Participants' preferences indicated that the appearance of the product, not just effective control design, was an important factor in their judgments. We discuss the implications of the study results for universal design and adaptation of traditional products for the elderly and those with disabilities.
Perceptual Skill and the Cerebral Hemispheres
Authors: Aretz Anthony J.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if there is a relationship between the development of a perceptual skill and the visual field of presentation for verbal and spatial stimuli. Subjects performed an extended practice Sternberg task in which targets were presented in either the left visual field (LVF) or right visual field (RVF). Both verbal (letters) and spatial (3−3 grid patterns) stimuli were used. The results indicated that visual field was not a significant factor for simple verbal stimuli. However, there was an initial LVF, or right hemisphere (RH), advantage for spatial stimuli that switched to a RVF, or left hemisphere (LH), advantage after a skill develops. These data support an analytic role for the LH, which may be the focus for feature detection expertise. Another finding was that individual differences in cerebral dominance may influence the development of perceptual skill. Together these data shed light on possible biological constraints of human information processing models.
Perception of Oncoming Vehicle Time-to-Arrival
Authors: Caird J.K. , Hancock P.A.
Published: July 2017

An experiment was conducted in a fixed-base driving simulator which manipulated the time-to-arrival (Ta) of an oncoming vehicle, the viewing distance to that vehicle and the type of oncoming vehicle to determine the perceptual basis for a left-turn decision. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to a group where either a motorcycle, a compact car, a full-size car, or delivery truck represented the oncoming vehicle. There were an equal number of participants of each gender in the four groups. As Ta was increased, underestimation of vehicle arrival time also increased. Significant main effects were found for Ta, gender of participants, vehicle type, and viewing distance, and for interactions for gender x Ta and gender x vehicle type. Males and females differed in their accuracy of judgments for vehicle types, where males were more accurate in estimating the arrival of delivery vans and motorcycles than their female peers. The pattern of results for the size of the approach vehicle were consistent with a margin-of-safety explanation which argues that driver underestimation of the arrival times of larger vehicles generally allows larger margins-of-safety than for smaller vehicles. The importance of these findings for the development of advanced in-vehicle collision avoidance and warning systems is briefly considered.
Visual Search and Detection in Background Clutter
Authors: Doll Theodore J. , McWhorter Shane W. , Schmieder David E.
Published: July 2017

Two traditions of vision modeling have coexisted for many years with little or no transfer of information between them. Those interested in models of visual target acquisition for real-world scenarios have developed engineering models, which are essentially empirical summaries of visual performance data. On the other hand, basic researchers in visual psychophysics and neurophysiology have developed quantitative models of pattern perception. The basic research models have increased in generality and scope to the point that they are potentially powerful tools for addressing certain real-world needs that have recently come to the fore. The needs include quantitative, theory-based methods for evaluating target signatures, effects of background clutter, and observer false alarm rates. This paper reviews the shortcomings of existing target acquisition models, and reports work in progress to develop an improved model of target acquisition that incorporates a model of pattern perception from basic vision research.
Target Acquisition in Cluttered Environments
Authors: Birkmire Deborah P. , Karsh Robert , Barnette B. Diane , Pillalamarri Ramakrishna
Published: July 2017

The relationship of human target acquisition times and detection probabilities to electronically measured visual clutter was investigated. Ninety computer-generated scenes simulating infrared imagery and containing different levels of clutter and zero, one, two, or three targets were produced. Targets were embedded in these scenes counterbalancing for range and position. Global and local clutter were measured using both statistical variance and probability of edge metrics. Thirty-three aviators, tankers, and infantry soldiers were shown still-video images of the 90 scenes and were instructed to search for targets. Analyses indicate differences between the aviators and tankers in search times and types of errors. Results of multiple regression analyses of global clutter, local clutter, range, target dimension, target complexity, number of targets, and experience on search times are given and discussed in terms search strategies.
Controlling Contrast in Target Acquisition Simulations Involving Complex Backgrounds
Authors: Kosnik William
Published: July 2017

Visual target acquisition (TA) often involves detecting targets against natural backgrounds that have complex luminance distributions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simple technique that controls target contrast in the presence of varying backgrounds. Target contrast was measured by the root mean square (rms) method and was controlled by adjusting only the target luminance, leaving the background unchanged. The technique was tested in a TA paradigm in which observers searched for an aircraft that was embedded in 1) a uniform background, 2) a natural terrain background, or 3) a moving natural terrain background. Four target contrast levels were tested. The results showed that TA time varied with background and target contrast. Significant differences in TA time were observed among the different backgrounds for targets of the same physical contrast, especially at low contrast levels. Although contrast had a systematic effect on TA performance, factors other than contrast influenced TA performance. It was concluded that background structure increased TA time by camouflaging targets and by introducing distractors to the task. Such an approach could be used to model TA performance under conditions where target and background complexity are an inherent feature of the TA task.
Influence of Background Appearance on Visual Accommodation
Authors: Benel Russell A. , Benel Denise C. R.
Published: July 2017

Many experimental and real-world viewing situations provide a context in which the target stimulus is displayed against a background set at a different but determinate distance. Conversely, other situations occur where the background distance is indeterminate, i.e., a textureless background. There has been evidence accumulating over the past two decades to suggest that the assumption of accurate visual accommodation will not be sustained under all these circumstances. Although earlier assumptions held that the centrally located stimulus would determine the level of accommodation, this experiment tests that assumption by varying the cues to background distance (well-textured, lighted, distant background and the same background unilluminated) and the distance to the target stimulus. Two groups of six participants observed targets (2 deg.) at six distances (0.9, 1.8, 3.7, 7.3, 14.6 and 29.3 m) and their visual accommodation was measured with a laser optometer. Results indicated that the group viewing the visible distant background evidenced a more distant accommodative response with the typical lag of accommodation. These results indicate that conditions of accommodation in the natural environment may have a profound effect on accommodative accuracy. In turn, this inaccuracy has been shown by others to correlate with inaccuracies in the perception of size and distance. Inaccurate accommodation has been found to delay target detection appreciably as well. Ameliorative approaches are discussed.
Monitoring Automation Failures: Effects of Automation Reliability and Task Complexity
Authors: Molloy Robert , Parasuraman Raja
Published: July 2017

Two studies examined the effects of automation reliability and task complexity on the monitoring of automation failures during performance of a flight-simulation task. In the first study, 24 students performed tracking and resource management tasks while an automation routine monitored for system malfunctions over four 30-minute sessions Detection of automation failures was significantly higher for variable reliability automation (mean = 81.6%) than for constant reliability automation (mean = 32.7%), indicating that constant-reliability automation induced complacency in monitoring. The effect of automation reliability was eliminated when 16 more subjects were required to complete the monitoring task only. Neither group of subjects exhibited a vigilance decrement. In the second study monitoring performance and vigilance decrement were examined for a situation in which only one automation failure occurred during a session. 36 students were randomly assigned to one of three task groups: simple (visual discrimination task), single-complex (monitoring only) or multi-complex (tracking, resource management, and monitoring). In both the simple and the multi-complex tasks, more subjects detected the automation failure in the first ten minutes of a session than in the last ten minutes of a session (67%-17% and 75%-42% respectively). Subjects in the single-complex condition detected the automation failure equally well in both time periods (92%-83%). The results point to two areas of potential costs in the automation of a task: (1) constant patterns of automation reliability can lead to inefficiency in monitoring automation failures; and (2) infrequent automation failures in multi-task conditions can lead to a vigilance decrement. While these costs should not prohibit the implementation of automation, they should be considered in the design of any automated system.
A National Comparison of Health Information Management Students' Career Expectations and Anticipated Involvement in Professional Activities
Authors: Westbrook Johanna , Callen Joanne , Alechna Natalia
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to present the results of a survey of Australian health information management students relating to their career aspirations and expectations and anticipated involvement in professional activities following graduation. To explain reasons for the differences in results between states and student years, interviews were conducted with academic staff and other health information management educators. Three hundred and sixty three students completed the questionnaire in 1996, which represented a response rate of 86%. It was found that the majority of students thought they had made the correct career choice and were confident they would find full-time employment within six months of graduation. A high percentage of students also indicated that they would undertake continuing education after graduation. There was less support for involvement in the activities of their professional association, particularly at a national level. Students in New South Wales and Queensland indicated that they would be significantly less likely to work in the field of health information management for the rest of their careers. They also reported they would be significantly less likely to conduct research in an area related to health information management. Victorian students were significantly more likely to present a paper at a conference than students from Queensland, New South Wales or Western Australia. Western Australian students were significantly more likely to report that they would undertake postgraduate studies compared to students from the other three states.
Patient Access to Medical Information Part II: A Survey of Medical Practitioners' Attitudes
Authors: Westbrook Johanna I. , Nugent Michelle A.
Published: July 2017

The attitudes of 107 doctors towards patient access to medical records and communication with patients were investigated using a 21-item questionnaire. The average doctor expressed conservative attitudes, and showed little awareness of research findings demonstrating the benefits of communication with patients. No significant differences were found between the attitudes of surgeons and physicians. Attending medical officers differed significantly from interns and residents in their responses to four items. Attending medical officers had more conservative attitudes towards patient access to records, but were more in favour of verbal communication with patients. Responses on nine items were compared with those made by American doctors in a survey by Steiner (1978). Australian medical practitioners were significantly more conservative in their responses towards access and regarded their patients as less knowledgeable and interested in being informed.
Analysing DRG Data from a Coding Perspective
Authors: Reid Beth
Published: July 2017

In this paper the author discusses the benefits of analysing diagnosis related groups (DRGs) from a coding perspective. Relevant literature is reviewed on issues associated with local coding practices, selection of principal diagnosis, “DRG creep”, the accuracy of coded data and methods for detecting coding errors. The author argues for employing a coding expert such as a medical record administrator in order to gain important insight into the analysis of DRG data and to provide feedback to coders for continuing quality assurance of coded data.
Sydney University's HIM Graduates Celebrate 40 Years of HIM Education
Authors: Watson Phyllis J
Published: July 2017

Sixty past graduates helped to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the School of Health Information Management in the Cumberland Campus grounds of the University of Sydney on Saturday, 19th October, 1996.
HIMs in Practice: Community Health Services
Authors: Stilianos Vicki , Boucher Karen
Published: July 2017

What is community health? A perfectly reasonable question for two newly graduated HIMs taking on positions in community health settings.
Air Journal Bearing Utilizing Near-Field Acoustic Levitation Stationary Shaft Case
Authors: Stolarski T A , Xue Y , Yoshimoto S
Published: July 2017

Results of a study to examine a unique idea of self-levitating journal bearing are presented in this article. The idea represents a radical departure from the current bearing technology. It utilizes acoustic levitation, which relies on the sound energy radiated by an object supporting a load. Acoustic levitation has been demonstrated to support loads of up to 10 kg. In order to support a load the acoustic wave emitted by the radiating surface must be reflected back towards the radiating surface by the levitating object. The radiation pressure increases as the gap between the source of sound and levitating object narrows. Computer simulation and experimental testing of a prototype device were carried out and provided a conclusive proof of the idea.