bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Results of a Clinical Evaluation of Alternative Modes of Communication for the Delivery of Health Care to Remote Areas
Authors: Conrath David W. , Dunn Earl V. , Bloor W. G. , Tranquada Barbara
Published: January 2012

This paper is an interim report presenting some preliminary results obtained from a clinical experiment comparing alternative telecommunication systems used to conduct medical diagnosis remotely. The four two-way systems examined are color television, black and white television, still-frame television (TV pictures updated every 30 seconds) and hands-free telephone. To date we have found no significant differences among the four systems in the relative accuracy of the diagnoses obtained over them, in patient management, in the time taken to conduct a diagnostic session, in the reliance on investigations to assist in diagnosis, nor in the rate of referral of the patients to specialists. These results stand in stark contrast to the presumptions held by many that television, and especially color television is needed if a health care delivery system is to provide adequate care to medically remote populations.
“Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT)” Accidents: System-Induced Errors
Authors: Wiener Earl L.
Published: January 2012

Controlled flight into terrain accidents are seen as the result of system-induced errors. The cause of the errors and possible solutions in terms of aircraft, traffic control, and terminals, is discussed.
The Effects of Visual and Proprioceptive Feedback on Motor Learning
Authors: Adams Jack A. , Gopher Daniel , Lintern Gavan
Published: January 2012

A self paced linear positioning task was used to study the effects of visual and proprioceptive feedback on learning and performance. Subjects were trained with knowledge of results (KR) and tested without it. The analysis of the absolute error scores of the no-KR trials is discussed in this paper. Visual feedback was the more effective source of sensory feedback, but proprioceptive feedback was also effective. An observation that the response did not become independent of sensory feedback as a result of learning, was interpreted as supporting Adams closed loop theory of motor learning in preference to the motor program hypothesis. Other data showed that the presence of visual feedback during learning could inhibit the later effectiveness of proprioceptive feedback.
An Investigation of Effects of Contrast, and Linear Velocity upon Dynamic Visual Acuity
Authors: Reddy Malireddy R.
Published: January 2012

Variables affecting Dynamic Visual Acuity are important in the design of industrial inspection tasks. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of target-background contrast, target size, and linear velocity upon DVA.

Photographed block landolt rings were placed on white and grey backgrounds to produce ten uniformly graded contrast levels between target and background. These were then mounted on standard 35 mm photographic slide frames (2 in. x 2 in.). Gaps in the rings were oriented toward the corners of the frames.

For a given viewing time, an increase in linear velocity resulted in a marked decrease in DVA ability. Also, for a given linear velocity, an increase in viewing time resulted in an increase in DVA ability. Contrast levels and display width also affected performance.
Decision-Making Performance Measurement for a Command and Control Training System
Authors: Hammell Thomas J. , Pesch Alan J. , Lane William P.
Published: January 2012

A technique has been developed to'provide measurement of tactical decision-making performance. A comprehensibe mathematical model of the system provides an estimate of the system's effectiveness with regard to accomplishing specific interim and ultimate training and tactical objectives. The effectiveness estimate is based on particular system and situation parameters. The relationship between the operator/trainee's behavior and changes in the system parameters enables the system effectiveness values to provide a relative measure of human performance.
Aviator Performance during Day and Night Terrain Flight
Authors: Lees CPT Michael A. , Kimball Kent A. , Stone Lewis W. , Hofmann Mark A.
Published: January 2012

Terrain flying both day and night is now an Army Aviation tactical requirement. The present investigation compared terrain flight for Low Level (LL) and Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) profiles for 1) day flight with the unaided eye, 2) night flight with the unaided eye, and 3) night flight using Night Vision Goggles. Data was acquired through use of the Helicopter In-flight Monitoring System (HIMS). The total set of in-flight measures for LL and NOE were analyzed separately with further analysis on the subsets of pilot control variables, and aircraft status variables. Multiple discriminant analysis techniques were used to determine which measures best discriminated between visual conditions.
Ergonomie Dans L'Education ET Formation D'Ingenieurs-Constructeurs
Authors: Słowikowski Jerzy
Published: January 2012

Sur la base de l'observation des formes et des programmes de l'éducation en ergonomie qui sont réalisées actuellement, on a constaté deux tendences: l'éducation orientée à la généralité et l'éducation inclinée plus professionnellement. Dans le deuxième cas - les programmes Sororisent, pour la plupart, l'ergonomie de correction. L'éducation, qui opte à l'ergonomie de conception arrive plus rarement. De l'autre côté, ce sont les ingénieurs-constructeurs, qui en réalité introduisent l'ergonomie dans la pratique par leurs constructions. C'est pourquoi il faut prendre en considération le beso-in présenté par l'industrie mécanique au sujet des spécialistes en ergonomie. L'analyse des travaux ergonomiques réalisées dans les centres de développement et bureaux d'études techniques a permis de définir cinq types de spécialistes demandée. Sur cette base on a préparé un système d'éducation complexe en ergonomie de conception pour les ingénieurs-constructeurs. Ce systèms contient deux formes d'éducation: l'enseignement supérieur dans le cadre de l'école polytechnique et l'enseignement postgraduel. Dans le rapport on a présenté les principes méthodologiques de l'éducation et les programmes détailés.
A Procedure for Evaluating Auditory Warning Signals
Authors: Adams S. Keith , Trucks Louis B.
Published: January 2012

Auditory warning devices used on typical industrial vehicles or material handling devices are produced in quantity as standard items affording the equipment purchaser little or no choice of signal characteristics. Industrial experience has indicated that masking of auditory warning signals by industrial noise backgrounds occurs frequently, often presenting serious incidents or causing accidents. This paper presents statistical model and practical method whereby the effectiveness of auditory warning devices in industrial environments can be predicted based on spectral analyses of the signal and the background in which it is to be used.
A Method and Data for Video Monitor Sizing
Authors: Kirkpatrick Mark , Shields Nicholas L. , Malone Thomas B. , Guerin Edward G.
Published: January 2012

A number of current systems use television as a means of providing visual feedback. While considerable data have been collected regarding the influence of video system parameters on visual performance, these have not been systematically used to construct requirements and standards. This paper presents a discussion of the use of analytical methods based on existing operator performance data to establish monitor size requirements for a particular application. While the approach is presented in a specific system context, it is considered that the general method and data have wider applicability and that practical standards for television systems based on viewing requirements could be put forth.
A Unit Task Simulator for Off-Line Evaluation of Man/Computer Interfaces
Authors: Alford Edwin C. , Buck James R.
Published: January 2012

A method is shown for simulating individual operator man/computer tasks and collecting performance statistics. This method employs a minicomputer with structured software that receives user-written programs for the specific processes and for display formatting. Users can easily try out and evaluate alternative interface designs, different combinations of task assignments, or various formatting dialogues. Job and task performance characteristics are directly obtained. An illustration is given. These performance characteristics may be used comparatively or as inputs to a total system simulation for the design of large man/machine systems.
The Effects of Chronic, Low Level Baygon Exposure on Deep Brain Structures of Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Rosenstein Laurence , Elfring Gary
Published: January 2012

This study concerned itself with the development and application of a non invasive screening procedure to detect pesticide exposure in deep Brain structures Before onset of overt clinical symptoms.

This system used the electroencephalogram (EEG) as an indication of pesticide exposure. Sections of the EEG were first converted to the frequency domain. The energy content of each frequency band was then reduced by an amount determined by an energy template which best described the power spectra of a control group. The selection of a proper template was based upon the shape of the input EEG's power spectrum. By reducing the amount of energy in the input spectrum, a new spectrum was effectively generated which was then converted back to the time domain. The resulting time domain signal was the filtered EEG. This process emphasized the differences between controls and animals exposed to pesticides. These differences, usually appearing as spikes, were used as an indication of pesticide exposure.

This procedure was then used to detect long term, low level exposure to the pesticide Baygon. The study involved 20 female Rhesus monkeys and three different exposure levels (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg body weight/day). The frequency and duration of spiking that was present in the filtered EEG was used as an indication of alteration in deep brain structure electrical activity. A total of 40 minutes of EEG data was analyzed and statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that there was a statistical difference both in the frequency and duration of spiking between exposed monkeys and controls (P < 0.05).
Psycho-Physiological Reactions of Vehicle Drivers under Long Distance Driving
Authors: Ohkubo Takao
Published: January 2012

The human performances while driving of both skilled and unskilled drivers totally 4 male university students mainly between 22–24 years of age, were investigated on the three different kinds of road conditions such as a high speed automobile test course, a common road and the high way. The relationship between driving skill and psycho-physiological functions discussed. Results show the difference due to the degree of skill in driving with some such physiological parametres as pulse level and CFF. The external driving evironment and the driving hours were also greatly influential.
The Effects of Headlight Intensity and Ambient Illumination on Two-Lane Passing Behaviour
Authors: Attwood Dennis A.
Published: January 2012

The experiment investigated the ability of subject drivers to perform a two-lane passing task, with oncoming traffic, as a function of the level of ambient illumination and the headlight intensity of the oncoming vehicle.

Eight experienced drivers performed both passing trials and gap-estimation trials, under closed-course conditions, during dawn and dusk hours. Levels of ambient illumination varied from approximately .02 to 200 foot candles during the experiments. Headlight conditions included no lights, normal low-beam headlights and low-beams with filters which reduced their intensity to about 1/3 of normal.

Results indicated that the gaps accepted by drivers in a two-lane passing situation increased with an increase in the intensity of the headlight of the oncoming vehicle. The range of gaps accepted across headlight conditions was smaller, however, at higher levels of ambient illumination than at lower levels. Best results in terms of mean gaps accepted and minimum variability in performance was achieved with the reduced intensity low-beams. Results are discussed in terms of the optimum intensities of daytime running-lights. Suggestions for future research are presented.
Alcohol Influences: A Comparison of Laboratory and Instrumented Car Research with On-Road Driving Behavior
Authors: Damkot David K.
Published: January 2012

Efforts to understand the influences of alcohol upon precrash behaviors have relied primarily upon controlled experiments and reconstruction of precrash events through analysis of accident records. As a result, it is clear that alcohol is highly correlated with highway crashes, but less apparent are the behavioral decrements responsible for those accidents. This paper discusses some parallels between epidemiological data, accident analyses, laboratory experiments, instrumented car research, and some preliminary analyses of on-road driving performance obtained unobtrusively. The relationship between alcohol influences upon reaction time, braking performance, and stopping behavior are discussed.
Vehicle Control and Driving Experience a Psychophysiological Approach
Authors: Helander Martin
Published: January 2012

An instrumented vehicle was used for real-time recording of drivers physiological characteristics (galvanic skin response, heart rate and muscle activity), steering and braking behavior and vehicle response (speed, distance travelled and triaxial accelerations).

Thirtythree drivers performed test-drives along a 25 km stretch of rural road. Seventeen of the drivers were inexperienced and the rest experienced. Response values of vehicle control variables were similar in both groups, whereas physiological responses displayed large differences. Using multiple regression techniques it is shown that for the inexperienced group, road-traffic situations involving the use of the brake explain most of the variance in the physiological measures. Similarly, the steering response was the most important variable for the experienced group.

GSR seems to be an efficient indicator of the mental effort involved in driving. Control skills develop rapidly whereas the discrepancies in physiological responses indicate the relatively slow development of skills necessary for collecting the relevant information.
Engineering Anthropometry
Authors: Kroemer K. H. E.
Published: January 2012

“Engineering anthropometry is the application of scientific physical measurement methods to human subjects for the development of engineering design standards and specific requirements and for evaluation of engineering drawings, mock-ups, and manufactured products for the purpose of assuring suitability of these products for the intended user population.” (page 6 in Roebuck, Kroemer & Thomson 1975)
Anthropometric Assessment of the Mass Distribution Characteristics of the Living Human Body
Authors: McConville John T. , Clauser Charles E.
Published: January 2012

Knowledge of the mass distribution parameters of the human body is essential for the understanding of human kinetics. A significant problem has been the development of a convenient and accurate method for measuring these parameters on the living. This paper reports two studies undertaken (1) to establish, for the first time, the principal moments of inertia of the body and body segments, and (2) to validate a stereometric technique for assessing mass distribution parameters of the living human body.
Work Environment Standards: The Ergonomic Approach
Authors: Metz Bernard G.
Published: January 2012

Work environment standards are the task of SC-5, whose creation was proposed during the first meeting of TC-159 “Ergonomics”. More specifically this sub-committee shall consider: the gaseous characteristics of the surrounding air, aerodynamical and thermal factors and effects; light and vision; non visible electromagnetic waves; sound and hearing; accelerations, impacts and vibrations. One working group will be in charge of each one of these categories of environmental factors, considering not only the work environment but also environmental problems faced by man as user of housing, public transport, hospitals, schools, etc. A special working group shall propose a common terminology to the other working groups. The inventory of existing standards in the field of environmental factors shows that for some of them an important work has been done already, which the corresponding working groups will have to consider for approval, amendment or implementation.
Product Safety and Liability Considerations for Home Furnishings
Authors: Ramsey Jerry D.
Published: January 2012

Home furnishings are not normally considered as a critical concern for product safety, but the large number of exposure hours and the vunerability of of exposed populations tend to increase the relative importance of their safe and functional design. This paper explores the scope of this problem and provides a discussion of ergonomic design factors to be considered as means of reducing the hazards associated with home furnishings.
Interindividual Differences in Adjustment to Shift Work
Authors: Akerstedt Torbjörn
Published: January 2012

320 3-shift workers, 30 2-shift workers and 30 day workers filled out a questionnaire on work hours and well-being. For 3-shift workers highest ratings of well-being were reported for the afternoon shift, followed by morning, and night shifts. Two-shift workers gave ratings identical to those of the 3-shift workers on corresponding shifts. Multivariate analysis showed that neuroticism, mental demands on the job and, to some extent, also housing standards accounted for variance in well-being on the night shift. When sleep length was used as the dependent variable the most important predictors were age and experience of shift work. Finally, it was found that, above the age of 45, well-being on the night shift decreased with increased experience of shift work. In younger age groups no relations of this kind were found. (Age was held constant in all analyses.) It was suggested that the relations found may indicate the existence of a process of accumulation of costs of adjustment starting around the age of 45.
Office Automation and Managerial Productivity: Some Issues
Authors: Evans Susan M. , Kochhar Dev S.
Published: January 2012

Efforts to streamline office processes have, in the past, concentrated on augmenting clerical tasks through automated word processing and document preparation technologies. More recently, the needs for improved office productivity have directed productivity boosting technologies at managers and their jobs. This paper presents concepts of managerial productivity within the framework of evolving managerial roles in the changing office environment. Areas where office technologies could augment managerial activities and several socioeconomic considerations for the implementation of new technologies are also discussed.
Picture Recognition: A Human Factors Study of Four Illustration Types
Authors: Flamm Lois E. , Marshall Catherine R.
Published: January 2012

Documentation and job aids for the installation and assembly of mechanical apparatus have traditionally made extensive use of figures and illustrations. Evidence suggests that using illustrations to supplement text instructions will be effective only if the illustrations they contain can be quickly and accurately understood. Surprisingly, there has been little research on what makes a good technical illustration. The present study was designed to see what effect illustration type has on performance in a task which primarily involves recognition.

Twenty individuals with education or work experience in mechanical drawing and twenty individuals without such experience took part in the study. Each group consisted of equal numbers of male and female participants. Stimulus materials for the experiment were 16 geometric objects of uniformly high colorfulness assembled from two or more Playskool® Bristle Blocks in various combinations and four 35-mm slides depicting four illustration types for each of the 16 stimulus objects. The slides showed the four types of illustration of each stimulus object: a color photograph, a black and white photograph, an isometric line drawing, and a perspective line drawing. Objects were evenly divided among four complexity levels according to a pilot scaling study.

Sixteen blocks of slides were presented tachistoscopically on a back projection screen. They appeared in the same orientation and subtended approximately the same visual angle as the objects. In each block, half of the slides showed one of the four illustration types, a target item, and half depicted a non-target item. Before each block, the participant studied one object for 10 seconds. After each slide, the participant was asked to judge from memory whether or not the slide depicted an object just seen. Response time to each slide as well as ‘yes’ and ‘no’ responses were recorded.

Results showed that all the interesting effects occur for target items. Of greatest interest is the significant effect of illustration type on recognition time. Photographs resulted in faster recognition than line drawings and color photographs were faster than black and white photographs. We also found that increasing object complexity increased the time to recognize illustrations of that object.
The Influence of S-C-R Compatibility and Resource Competition on Performance of Threat Evaluation and Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Vidulich Michael , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

Stimulus/central processing/response compatibility defines the optimum assignment of tasks to input modalities (auditory, A and visual, V) and output modalities (manual, M and speech, S). Spatial tasks are S-C-R compatible with visual/manual assignments. Verbal tasks are compatible with auditory/speech assignments. Ten subjects time-shared a spatial task of aerial threat evaluation with a verbal task of fault diagnosis. All four i/o modality combinations of the threat task were performed while the fault task was performed with A/M and V/M assignments. The joint effects of compatibility, and competition between tasks for input and output modalities were demonstrated. When resource competition was held constant, the effects of compatibility were found to be enhanced in dual task conditions. When both influences varied they were demonstrated to counteract in certain conditions and balance each other's effect.
Driver Skills, Field Dependence, Susceptibility to Illusions, and Self-Perception
Authors: Bergum Judith E. , Bergum Bruce O.
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that quality of individual driving skills is related to certain self-perceptual characteristics of the individual as well as to field dependence/independence and susceptibility to basic geometric illusions. 117 undergraduate males and females responded to a 17-item driving skills questionnaire (BDS) and a 20-item biographical inventory (BBI). All subjects were also tested on the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) in addition to a five item paired-comparison test of the Muller-Lyer (arrowhead) geometric illusion (MLT).

Subjects were categorized on the basis of driving skills scores and these scores were then related to the separate items of the BBI and the individual scores of the GEFT and MLT.

The results indicated that one third of the respondents scored, by their own evaluations, as relatively poor drivers and that this group differed significantly from the larger group of relatively good drivers in terms of all three dependent measures. To a significant degree, the poor drivers tended to see themselves as generally less constrained by conventionality in several areas (i.e., parental influence, organizational ambition, and verbal behavior). They also displayed a significantly greater degree of field independence than did the good drivers, and much less susceptibility to geometric illusion effects. Of the two latter measures, the illusions appeared to be the more powerful discriminator among drivers, although as expected, they are strongly negatively correlated ( r = − .80).

The results suggest that it is possible to identify driving skills by means of simple test instruments requiring not more than a few minutes to administer, and with significant reliability. Such information could be very useful in driver training contexts as a pre-training screening device for use in tailoring programs to individual student needs.
Estimating Skill Retention from Initial Training
Authors: Rigg Kay E. , Gray Burl B. , Tillman Barry W. , Pryor Jack H.
Published: January 2012

Performance of procedural skill is known to decay in the absence of practice; for many tasks significant decay is observed over periods as short as a few weeks. This decay in performance has been observed in such diverse groups as astronauts, chemical operators and Army riflemen. Unsurprisingly, many Army basic tasks are forgotten in the period between basic training and unit assignment. This report presents the findings of a research effort to apply a mathematical training model developed by McFann-Gray & Associates, Inc. (MGA), to Army basic training: (1) to describe initial training; (2) to estimate end-of-course performance; and (3) to estimate the level of field performance after a retention interval without practice.
Human Factors in the Forest Products Industry
Authors: Sublett J. G.
Published: January 2012

The Forest Products Industry, like other “heavy industries” has for many years failed to plan and design for the human components of man-machine systems. This resulted in the humans having to adapt to poorly designed, illogical and hazardous work environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Act helped initiate the trend toward improved mill design. The rapid implementation of computer automation has provided additional impetus and opportunities for good man-machine design and modern plant design will provide five key areas for the application of Human Factors: Systems/Operations Analysis, Plant Design, Control Room Design, CRT Display Design and Training Programs.
National Standards for the Design of Visual Display Terminals
Authors: Hirsch Richard S.
Published: January 2012

Issue is taken with the absence of adequate scientific effort in the setting of national standards. Two German regulations concerning visual display terminals are discussed in particular to illustrate their implementation without appropriate scientific human factors justification. That is briefly contrasted to the scientific effort employed by industry aimed at providing products based on as thorough human factors evaluations as possible.
Design and Evaluation Aids for Interactive Video Disc Systems
Authors: Kornfeld J. R.
Published: January 2012

Using video disc storage technology and alternative input devices, system designers can give end-users of interactive systems more flexible access to information. But improving accessibility does not automatically improve usability of the information provided by such systems. To insure that users not only understand but make efficient use of information, human factors engineers need to develop new styles of structuring the information that must eventually be presented to end-users. New types of user-interface functions must be designed for giving end-users better control over the means by which they can access and use the information presented by these systems.

This paper summarizes the experience gained in improving the user-interface to an interactive video disc system, installed as a network of touch-sensitive terminals in a large public area. Questions are proposed to aid the human performance engineer in defining functional requirements, and methods are outlined for structuring the information content. Finally, step-by-step guidelines are offered for conducting structured walkthroughs of the user-interface design, and matrix formats are presented for documenting the results of these procedures.
Flight Crew Performance When Pilot-Flying and Pilot-Not-Flying Duties are Exchanged
Authors: Orlady Harry W.
Published: January 2012

This study compares reports from the ASRS database depicting operational anomalies related to flight crew performance when pilot-flying and pilot-not-flying duties were exchanged. A greater number of near midair collisions, takeoff anomalies, and crossing altitude deviations were reported when the Captain was flying. More altitude deviations, near midair collisions during approach, and landing incidents occurred when the First Officer was flying. There were differences in monitoring effectiveness and in the type and distribution of information transfer problems associated with the anomalies. In addition, a number of crew performance factors were noted that were not affected by the exchange of duties. Several of these were deemed important enough to be included as matter of general interest.
The Reliability and Validity of Flight Task Workload Ratings
Authors: Childress Mary E. , Hart Sandra G. , Bortolussi Michael R.
Published: January 2012

Twelve instrument-rated general aviation pilots each flew two scenarios in a motion-base simulator. During each flight, the pilots verbally estimated their workload every three minutes. Following each flight, they again estimated workload for each flight segment and also rated their overall workload, perceived performance, and 13 specific factors on a bipolar scale. The results indicate that time (a priori, inflight, or postflight) of eliciting ratings, period to be covered by the ratings (a specific moment in time or a longer period), type of rating scale, and rating method (verbal, written, or other) may be important variables. Overall workload ratings appear to be predicted by different specific scales depending upon the situation, with activity level the best predictor. Perceived performance seems to bear little relationship to observer-rated performance when pilots rate their overall performance and an observer rates specific behaviors. Perceived workload and performance also seem unrelated.
A Performance Comparison of Japanese and American Hand Saws
Authors: Bleed Ann S. , Bleed Peter , Cochran David J. , Riley Michael W.
Published: January 2012

This study examined, by measuring the time required and oxygen consumption, the efficiency of three types of hand saws cutting a standardized block of wood. An American saw which cuts on the push stroke was compared to a Japanese saw which cuts on the pull stroke and to a two handled bow saw whose teeth were clearly raked toward one handle. The bow saw was used twice, once cutting with the push stroke only and once with the pull stroke. The results showed no significant difference among saw types in the time it took to cut the wood, but did show differences in the amount of oxygen consumed. By this measure the Japanese saw was most efficient, the push bow saw and American saw second, and the bow saw cutting on the pull stroke the least efficient.
An Evaluation of Handle Shapes and Sizes
Authors: Cochran David J. , Riley Michael W.
Published: January 2012

In many industries there are numerous hand tools in use which vary considerably in handle size and shape with no apparent reasons. This research sought to investigate capabilities of males and females on two thrust maximum force tests, using various shapes and sizes of handles. To accentuate the characteristics of each size and shape, the force tests were conducted with the coefficient of friction between the hand and the handle surface reduced by the use of a disposable plastic glove and the application of a slippery film.
Effect on Operator Performance at Thin Profile Keyboard Slopes of 5°, 10°, 15°, and 25°
Authors: Suther Thomas W , McTyre John H
Published: January 2012

This study was performed to determine how keyboard geometric differences at angles of 5°, 10°, 15°, and 25° affected user keyboard performance. Sixteen participants typed from hard copy stimulus material to an IBM Datamaster (System/23). One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures produced no significant performance differences. Participants reported the keyboard uncomfortable at 5° and 25°. Participants reported no difference between the 10° and 15° positions (p <.05). The authors recommend a range of 10° to 18° for fixed sloped keyboard and 10° to 25° adjustment range for a flexible keyboard.
Design and Specification Issues for Flat Panel and Overlay Switch Person-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Pohlmann Lawrence D.
Published: January 2012

Maturing flat panel display and membrane switch technologies permit increased capability and flexibility for person-computer interfaces. A recently established Boeing product line labeled the Universal Display and Control System (UDACS) effectively exploits these increases by including as one component a large LED display that is overlayed by a transparent membrane switch. This approach provides programmable switch legends as well as a capability to display textual, tabular or limited resolution graphic data either as a complement to, or substitute for CRT displayed data.

Development of the LED panel and switch overlay from a laboratory proof of concept breadboard into a production system for a military airborne application necessitated that a variety of human engineering design and specification issues be addressed. This paper discussed selected issues in each of three categories: image quality, switch characteristics, and software considerations.

The LED display is built up of individual modules, each module being a 48 × 96 array of LEDs. The area of image quality for which quantitative guidance is notably lacking in the literature concerns the various types of uniformity-including small and large area luminance uniformity, color uniformity, and alignment within and across module boundaries. Each of these was discussed in relation to use requirements, measured uniformity, and subjective impressions.

Transparent membrane switches differ somewhat radically from more traditional switches in a number of ways. Unlike traditional switches, the optical, tactile and electrical properties are so inextricably interrelated that they cannot be considered and designed separately. For example, inclusion of a tactile positioning cue typically requires compromises in optical quality. Similarly, since there is little or no physical movement on activation, routine activation feedback must be presented in a different manner. Some of the derived switch requirements in each of the above dimensions together with their rationale were presented.

The third category addressed was software issues. Among these are operator feedback, function hierarchy and accessing schemes, and display formatting. For example, what tradeoffs must be considered in determining the utility of and necessity for labels and boundaries for groups of related switches, characteristics that are included routinely in more traditional switch panels.

The paper concluded with an attempt to delineate those issues for which reasonable design guidance is available and suggested specific research needs in some of the areas where design guidance is lacking.
Improved Electronic Warfare Displays for Attack Aircraft
Authors: Farrell Richard J. , Andres Weslie L. , Gilmour James D.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study was to develop improved concepts for the processing and display of electronic warfare (EW) information to the crew of Navy attack aircraft. The study was crew oriented in that the emphasis was on what information the aircrew needs to respond most effectively to EW threats and how this information might be displayed for most effective use by the aircrew. The study involved four activities: (1) identification and review of EW threat characteristics and threat warning sensor capability, (2) determination of what information about EW threats is needed by aircrews, (3) development and evaluation of several candidate display concepts and (4) utilization of the results of the previous three activities to evolve two display concepts and associated information processing algorithms for future simulator evaluation.
Computer Generated Pictorial Stores Management Displays for Fighter Aircraft
Authors: Aretz Anthony J. , Calhoun Gloria L.
Published: January 2012

Four methods of presenting stores management information were evaluated in a flight simulation: 1) alphanumeric, 2) color pictorial, 3) black and white pictorial, and 4) alphanumeric/color pictorial. Results indicated that pilots performed equally well with the alphanumeric, color pictorial, and alphanumeric/color pictorial formats but that performance with the black and white pictorial format was significantly worse than all three of these formats. Subjective data indicated significant pilot preference for the alphanumeric/color pictorial format. These results indicate one potential advantage of color pictorial formats in the cockpit. Mainly, in addition to the specific information provided by the alphanumeric format, the color pictorial format provides a “situational awareness” where the pilot can obtain important information at a glance. Also supported by this study is the continued exploration of color computer graphics in the cockpit to increase the efficiency of information transfer between the pilot and the aircraft.
Changes in Maze-Solving Errors Due to Stress
Authors: Ward Sharon L. , Poturalski Richard J.
Published: January 2012

Maze-solving was examined as a candidate performance measurement tool for assessing the effect of stress. Stress was induced by limiting the amount of time available for subject input. The usefulness of this task as a measurement tool was evaluated in a series of three experiments. The first experiment sought to isolate a particular maze configuration (size and difficulty level) which would show reliable and sensitive differences among a range of dot speeds. The second experiment assessed the effect of repeated presentation on performance. The final experiment in this series investigated the effect of dot speed on maze performance using a within-subject design and the maze configuration chosen in the first experiment. Results from these experiments were consistent: increases in dot speed produced reliable decrements in performance. The strategies used in solving these mazes were examined qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The number of incorrect paths chosen increased as the dot speed increased, and errors that did occur were not as readily corrected. Furthermore, the errors that occured with increased dot speed were typically errors of commission, rather than simple failures of motor coordination. These tendencies indicated that the decrement in performance scores with increased dot speed was due to shortened planning horizon.
Numbering Formats for Hierarchic Lists
Authors: Smith Sidney L. , Aucella Arlene F.
Published: January 2012

Sixteen people scanned lists of hierarchically numbered items to perform various tasks. For tasks involving location of individual items, a list format with complete numbering permitted superior performance. For tasks requiring perception of list structure, an alternative format with implicit numbering was equally good if not better.
Evaluating a Method for Structuring the User-System Interface
Authors: McDonald James E. , Stone Jim D. , Liebelt Linda S. , Karat John
Published: January 2012

Fitting machines to their users is the goal of human factors. This task must be accomplished at both the physical interface and the cognitive interface. While the methods of physical interface design are fairly standard, few techniques are recognized for designing the cognitive interface. This paper presents and validates one method of cognitive interface design. Expert subjects provided similarity ratings for all possible pairs of machine functions. These similarity data represent psychological distances among functions. The distance data were subjected to a Multi-dimensional Scaling procedure to yield coordinates for each function in N-dimensional space. The coordinates were converted into euclidean distances for analysis by a hierarchical clustering algorithm. The desired number of “clustered functions” can then be selected for the system of interest. This procedure was employed to construct a menu of word processing functions. A paired-associate learning study demonstrated that significantly fewer errors were made in learning the menu organized via this procedure than were committed on a menu exhibiting a random structure.
A Design Tool for Color Displays
Authors: Carter Robert C.
Published: January 2012

The colors that are used to code information on a display can be chosen so that the information can be located rapidly. However, it is not easy to choose the best colors without the aid of a method. In this paper a method for choosing high-contrast display colors is discussed, refinements and variations of the method are suggested, and possible uses are mentioned.
Choosing the Right “Bit Pad”: Human Factors Aspects of Digitizing Tablet Size
Authors: Knight James L.
Published: January 2012

Entry of non-alphanumeric information into computer graphics systems is frequently accomplished by moving a drawing implement over the surface of a digitizing tablet. These tablets are commercially available in a wide range of sizes. Therefore, an important question from both ergonomic and economic standpoints concerns the optimum size for the digitizing tablet. To answer this question, models of human movement control were applied to the graphic operator's task. An experiment was conducted to obtain appropriate model parameter values and to empirically evaluate the resulting predictions of the generated models. A combination of task analysis and movement control modelling thus allowed selection of an optimum digitizing tablet size for a range of computer-graphics entry tasks. Details and results of this methodology will be presented.
Transient Evoked Potential and Eye Movement Recordings during Simulated Emergencies
Authors: Wilson Glenn F. , O'Donnell Robert D.
Published: January 2012

In order to test pilots reactions to emergency conditions while flying a motion based simulator brain evoked potentials and eye movements were recorded. Several emergency situations were individually presented to the pilots at critical points of their missions. The pilots responded quickly to each type of emergency. The eye movements showed that the pilots very efficiently responded to the emergencies with their gaze patterns. The evoked response data supported this finding.
The Integration of Human Factors Methodology into Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Reviews
Authors: Maddox Michael E. , Brickey Michael C.
Published: January 2012

Investigations following the Three Mile Island (TMI) accident concluded that the nuclear plant control room design process did not give adequate attention to the human operators and their response under conditions of severe plant upsets or accidents. In an attempt to review existing nuclear control room design and prevent future accidents, the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued several requirements. The response of most nuclear utilities to the requirements was confusion and uncertainty. This paper briefly reviews the evolution of NRC requirements since the TMI accident, and it describes a utility pilot study to demonstrate the usefulness of human factors methods in meeting these requirements. This utility pilot study suggests that those human engineering problems likely to affect the ability of control room operators to complete emergency procedures should be assigned the highest priority for mitigation.
HFS Job Description Survey: The Question of Gender
Authors: Downing Jacqueline V.
Published: January 2012

This paper reports findings with respect to sex differences from a job description survey of members, fellows, and associates of the Human Factors Society living in the continental U.S. Gender differences are reported for salary, where we work, what we do, characteristics of our jobs, and job satisfaction. Only those at the masters degree level are included because of the small number of females with doctorates in the sample.
Development and Testing of the Operator Training Package for a Small Computer System
Authors: Kennedy Peter J.
Published: January 2012

The training package for the System/23 Datamaster was developed in accordance with human factors principles and an interactive testing strategy. The viability of the training was assessed by observations, interviews, and post-training task assignments, using surrogate operators. Revisions were incorporated into the training materials and testing was repeated. The result of this interactive testing process was a highly successful training package.
Testing Small System Customer Set-Up
Authors: Lewis James R.
Published: January 2012

Customer Set-Up is a proven approach to reducing service costs and providing products at lower prices to customers. To ensure the effectiveness of Customer Set-Up instructions and procedures, these instructions and procedures must be studied before being shipped with their associated product. This paper will address several points to consider when planning a study of a Customer Set-Up system, such as procedure, appropriateness of subjects, number of subjects, the iterative procedure, studies vs. test, and development of test criteria.
Remote Systems: Some Human Factors Issues in Teleoperator and Robot Development: An Interactive Session
Authors: Clarke Margaret M.
Published: January 2012

This interactive session will focus on human factors issues involved in extending human capability into hostile environments by means of both teleoperator and robot systems. Topics include human and computer integration into both state-of-the-art and advanced systems. Speakers represent military, industrial, national laboratory, space, and university experiences.
Development and Validation of a Performance Measurement System for Air-to-Air Combat
Authors: Ciavarelli Anthony P. , Breidenbach Steven T.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the background, research strategy, and empirical results related to a research program which was aimed at developing operational training performance criteria.

Measures of operational performance are desired by military training personnel to objectively evaluate the progress of training, aircrew proficiency, and combat readiness. The research community also has an interest in obtaining objective aircrew performance measures to validate ongoing laboratory research related to aviator selection, training methods, and environmental physiology.

Performance measures, collected on the Navy's Tactical Aircrew Combat Training System (TACTS), were initially selected on the basis of aircrew task analysis data. These candidate measures were subsequently validated against statistical criteria. An air-to-air combat engagement outcome scoring metric was derived and used as a dependent variable measure in multiple correlation analysis. The scoring metric, Air Combat Engagement (ACE) score, is described in a companion paper presentation (see Breidenbach and Ciavarelli). Multiple regression methods were useful in selecting and weighting task-based measures of air combat success.

The stability of performance measures selected was assessed through use of a double, cross-validation procedure. Results of this study, with some qualification, show that the measures selected can be used as viable air-to-air combat performance criteria for both operational training and research applications.
An Analytic Process Method for Defining Appropriate Measures of Systems' Performance and Effectiveness
Authors: Finley Dorothy L. , Strasel H. C. , Bloom Richard L. , Oates John F.
Published: January 2012

A definition of what constitutes a training system, and a systematic analytic process for better defining necessary and sufficient measures of training and other systems are presented. The research to develop the definition and process was accomplished within the context of a relatively complex Army man-machine system.