bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can 3-D Auditory Warnings Enhance Helicopter Cockpit Safety?
Authors: Haas Ellen C.
Published: January 2012

The design and use of 3-D auditory warning signals can potentially enhance helicopter cockpit safety. A study was conducted to determine how quickly helicopter pilots could respond to helicopter malfunction warning signals in a simulated cockpit environment when four different signal functions (fire in left engine, fire in right engine, chips in transmission, shaft-driven compressor failure) were presented in three different presentation modes (visual only, visual plus 3-D auditory speech signals, visual plus 3-D auditory icons). The dependent variable was pilot response time to the warning signal, from the time of signal onset to the time that the pilot manipulated the collective control in the correct manner. Subjects were 12 U.S. Army pilots between the ages of 18 and 35 who possessed hearing and visual acuity within thresholds acceptable to the U.S. Army. Results indicated that signal presentation was the only significant effect. Signal function and the signal presentation x signal function interaction were not significant. Post hoc test results indicated that pilot response time to the visual signals supplemented with 3-D audio speech or auditory icon signals was significantly shorter than that to visual signals only. The data imply that 3-D audio speech and auditory icon signals provide a safe and effective mode of warning presentation in the helicopter cockpit.
Eye Activity Correlates of Fatigue during a Visual Tracking Task
Authors: Van Orden Karl F. , Jung Tzyy-Ping , Makeig Scott
Published: January 2012

Five concurrent eye activity measures were used to model fatigue-related changes in performance during a visual compensatory tracking task. Five subjects demonstrated considerable variations in performance level within two 53-min testing sessions during which continuous video-based eye activity measures were obtained. For each subject, moving estimates of blink duration and frequency, fixation duration and frequency, and mean pupil diameter from one session were used to train an artificial neural network to produce moving estimates of changes in mean tracking performance during the same session. Applied to eye tracking data from a second session, the same networks produced moving estimates of tracking performance that were highly correlated with actual performance changes ( R2=0.65, range 0.30–0.89 across ten sessions). The results suggest that information from multiple eye measures may be combined to produce individualized and accurate estimates of sub-minute scale changes in alertness during continuous task performance.
Eye Movement Relationships to Excessive Performance Error in Aviation
Authors: Callan Daniel J.
Published: January 2012

Eight experienced pilots and eight non-rated individuals flew simulated instrument training circuits while eye movements were recorded with infrared oculometry. Each subject flew two, two hour simulations containing 32 data segments. A full circuit contained a nominal workload segment and either a high workload or low workload (monitoring) segment. Differences in performance were noted between high workload and nominal segments, and between morning and afternoon segments. Fixation duration and number of Long Fixations mirrored performance. Long Fixation frequency modelled 83% of dangerous performance deviations with a 31% false alarm rate.
On-Line Aviation Safety Inspection System (OASIS): An Electronic Job-Aid for the Aircraft Safety Inspector
Authors: Kraus David C.
Published: January 2012

The OASIS program is a turn-key software/hardware system that allows remote access to standard inspection tools, regulations, and documents used by the Aircraft Safety Inspector (ASI) during inspection, surveillance, and certification activities. The goal of the OASIS program was to work towards the empowerment of the ASI, thus providing them with the autonomy and freedom to spend more time in the field and less time back in the office. This demonstration illustrates some of the features of the program that facilitate the workflow of the ASI.
Demonstration of the Virtual Retinal Display: A New Display Technology Using Scanned Laser Light
Authors: Pryor Homer L. , Furness Thomas A. , Viirre Erik
Published: January 2012

The Virtual Retinal Display (VRD) is a new display technology that scans modulated low energy laser light directly onto the viewer's retina to create a perception of a virtual image. This approach provides an unprecedented way to stream photons to the receptors of the eye, affording higher resolution, increased luminance, and potentially a wider field-of-view than previously possible in head coupled displays. The VRD uses video signals from a graphics board or a video camera to modulate low power coherent light from a red laser diode. A mechanical resonant scanner and galvanometer mirror then scan the photon stream from the laser diode in two dimensions through reflective elements and semitransparent combiner such that a raster of light is imaged on the retina. The pixels produced on the retina have no persistence, yet they create the perception of a brilliant full color, and flicker-free virtual image. Developmental models of the VRD have been shown to produce VGA and SVGA image quality. This demonstration exhibits the portable monochrome VRD
Scaled Worlds as Research Tools: A Demonstration
Authors: Ehret Brian D.
Published: January 2012

Efforts to study cognition in complex, dynamic environments can be hampered by difficulty in accurately tracking information flow. This problem can be tackled by studying task performance in the context of a scaled world—an abstracted version of the task environment designed to elucidate information flow while maintaining the critical elements of that environment. This demonstration will illustrate a scaled world developed for research on submariner situation assessment and is a companion to Ehret, Kirschenbaum and Gray, “Contending with Complexity: The Development and Use of Scaled Worlds as Research Tools” (this volume).
Subject - Actuated Viewer and Data Logger (SAVDL)
Authors: Osborne David W. , Guirleo John J.
Published: January 2012

The Subject-Actuated Viewer and Data Logger (SAVDL) is a compact apparatus capable of remotely recording the viewing time of a display, acquiring the data and synchronizing the operation with a notebook personal computer. In the implementation described in this proposal, the system is configured to measure the time a subject pilot views an instrument approach procedure chart while piloting an aircraft. The SAVDL is composed of an approach chart holder, “push to see” switch, power adapter, and notebook PC. The approach chart holder is an aluminum assembly similar to a picture frame that is sized to hold an approach chart. The holder is basically two parallel rectangular aluminum plates separated by a spacer. The plate on the viewing side has a rectangular cut-out that holds a protective clear plastic sheet and a thin LCD substrate. A slot between the plates and behind the LCD substrate provides for the insertion of the approach chart to be used. Thus the subject pilot must look through the transparent plastic sheet and the LCD substrate to view the approach chart in the holder. A cable from the power adapter applies a voltage to the LCD substrate. When this voltage is not present, the LCD substrate scatters light and the approach chart in the holder cannot be read by the subject pilot. When this voltage is present, the LCD substrate is transparent and the approach chart in the holder can be read by the subject pilot. The subject pilot applies this voltage by pressing a “push-to-see switch”, which is mounted on the control yoke. The notebook PC provides the experimenter's interface, stores the experiment's database, performs the timing function, and generates the experimental results database.
Can we Train Humans to be Systematic Inspectors?
Authors: Nickles George M. , Sacrez Valerie , Gramopadhye Anand K.
Published: January 2012

Previous research in inspection has shown that a systematic search strategy is more effective than a random search strategy in looking for defects. Moreover, past studies have shown that training can improve search strategy. The purpose of this study was to determine if a job aid could be used to train inspectors to adopt a systematic search strategy and thereby improve their search performance. The study used a computer simulated inspection task and a job aid, which included a cursor that traced a systematic search pattern over the inspection surface represented by the screen. An experiment was designed wherein sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, those who received practice and instructions on the use of a systematic search strategy and those who received training on the job aid. The results are analyzed and reported
Warning Tone Selection for a Reverse Parking Aid System
Authors: Zobel Gretchen P.
Published: January 2012

Two studies were conducted to identify characteristics of a preferred warning signal for a Reverse Parking Aid System. In the first study, twenty participants rated the perceived urgency of 6 warning tone pulse rates ranging from 1 to 8 Hz and a solid tone. The results indicated a strong differentiation of perceived urgency between the 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 4 Hz, and 6 Hz pulse rates. The majority of participants perceived the 6 Hz and higher rates as very urgent. The second study examined 6 tone frequencies ranging from 500 Hz–1500 Hz. Twenty-five participants performed reverse parking maneuvers using each of the six tones. The 750 Hz and 1000 Hz tones were rated well both with and without the radio playing, and were therefore recommended.
Speech Recognition and Automotive Applications: Using Speech to Perform in-Vehicle Tasks
Authors: Gellatly Andrew W. , Dingus Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of automatic speech recognition (ASR) system design, driver input-modality, and driver age on driving performance during in-vehicle task execution and in-vehicle task usability. Results showed that ASR system design (i.e., recognition accuracy and recognition error type) and driver input-modality (i.e., manual or speech) significantly affected certain dependent measures. However, the differences found were small, suggesting that less than ideal ASR system design/performance can be considered for use in automobiles without substantially improving or degrading driving performance. Several of the speech-input conditions tested were statistically similar, as determined by the dependent measures, to current manual-input methods used to perform identical in-vehicle tasks. Further research is warranted to determine how extended exposure to, and use of, ASR systems affects driving performance, in-vehicle task usability, and driver opinion compared with conventional manual-input methods. In addition, the research should investigate whether prolonged exposure to, and use of, ASR systems results in significant improvements compared to the current research findings.
Subsidiary-Task Assessment of age Differences in Attentional Capacity during Real and Simulated Driving: A Preliminary Analysis of the Data
Authors: Schieber Frank , Harms Michael L.
Published: January 2012

Advances in ITS in-vehicle technologies promise to impose new information-processing demands upon drivers. Potential information “overload” problems may become especially acute among older drivers – the fastest growing segment of the driving population. In this investigation, the efficacy of a subsidiary task technique for detecting and quantifying age-differences in the attentional demands of driving-related tasks was evaluated. Young (mean age = 19.6) and old (mean age = 71.3) licensed drivers participated in a simulated as well as an on-the-road driving task while simultaneously performing a series of simple mental arithmetic computations. Response latencies on the mental arithmetic task slowed significantly for the old — but not young — drivers as the primary task of driving was made more difficult. Steering error did not change under dual-task versus single-task conditions suggesting that the mental arithmetic protocol was minimally intrusive for both young and older adults.
Application and Utility of a Human System Interface Style Guide
Authors: Shin Dalene M.
Published: January 2012

The focus of this paper is the utility and application of a Human System Interface (HSI) Style Guide. There are a number of reasons for the routine adaptation of a tool such as a style guide. First, consistent application of human factors guidelines, methods and principles is ensured in the design of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). Secondly, a style guide is a mechanism for integrating human factors early into the development of any system or process. A HSI style guide is also an explicit resource for designers responsible for user interface, standards and principles. Moreover, serving as a reference manual, a style guide positively impacts user interface design as well as implementation decisions and accompanying rationale. Finally, through the descriptive content and structure, the style guide communicates human factors processes thus allowing for full integration with all associated disciplines in design processes. Consequently, all those involved (designers, implementers, managers and reviewers or evaluators) in the GUI design and development process benefit from style guide application.
Enhancing Training Systems Design: Implementing an Event-Based Approach
Authors: Oser Randall L. , Gualtieri James W. , Cannon-Bowers Janis A.
Published: January 2012

While human factors has become increasingly involved in many aspects of training systems design (e.g., displays, functional allocation), other aspects such as software architectures and databases, have not received the same level of involvement. These aspects are important because they provide the infrastructure by which the training environment is generated. Unfortunately, few frameworks exist to support the design of training infrastructures from a human factors perspective.

One framework with potential application is the Event-Based Approach to Training (EBAT). EBAT has been empirically tested, and operationally demonstrated in numerous training environments. EBAT can guide the design of system infrastructures by highlighting linkages between all phases of training (e.g., exercise design, measurement, feedback). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of: (a) learning premises important for training system design, (b) the EBAT framework, (c) EBAT-derived design guidelines and engineering payoffs, and (d) future challenges for training systems design.
PTA: Perceptual Control Theory Based Task Analysis
Authors: Farrell Philip S. E. , Chéry Sandra
Published: January 2012

Task Analysis is a fundamental tool for analyzing human-machine systems, and has been applied in major aircraft projects supporting the Canadian Forces. The literature describes many task analysis methods under two major categories: behavioral and cognitive task analysis. This paper proposes a new task analysis based on Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) called PTA that encompasses all other analyses. PTA adopts an ego-centric approach, analyses goals and feedback, determines the cognitive compatibility, and specifies information requirements for interface and/or systems design. PTA was applied to a portion of a Coastal Patrol Aircraft task analysis. It was found that PTA provides a unified analysis, makes goals and feedback explicit, and provides a method for assessing cognitive compatibility.
Job Skill Assessment Software System
Authors: Knapp Beverly G. , Tillman Barry
Published: January 2012

The US Army Research Laboratory is developing the Job Assessment Software System (JASS). JASS is a computer program to define and measure human aptitudes required to do a job. A person familiar with the job (designer, worker, trainee, etc.) uses JASS by answering “yes” or “no” to a series of questions. The answers identify the aptitudes required. For each required aptitude, JASS presents a 7-point scale to rate the aptitude level. JASS is based on the work of Dr. Edwin Fleishman (Fleishman & Quaintance, 1984) of George Mason University. This paper will describe JASS and its recent applications and will also describe current and anticipated efforts to further develop and improve the JASS tool.
A Practical Method for the Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Risks - Quick Exposure Check (QEC)
Authors: Li Guangyan , Buckle Peter
Published: January 2012

A newer exposure tool has been developed for health and safety practitioners to assess the exposure to risks for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The tool is based on the practitioners' needs for such a tool and “state of the art” research findings. QEC has been tested, modified and validated based upon various simulated and practical tasks, with the help of up to 150 practitioners. The studies have shown that the tool has a high level of sensitivity and usability, and exhibits largely acceptable inter/intra-observer reliability. Field studies also indicate that the tool is, in practice, reliable and applicable for a wide range of tasks. With a short training period and some practice, assessment can normally be completed within 10 minutes for each task.
The Use of Augmentation in Modeling Displays
Authors: Rhodenizer Lori , Pharmer James , Bowers Clint A. , Bergondy Maureen
Published: January 2012

Behavior modeling has become a popular training technique, particularly for interpersonal and managerial skills. Extensive research has been performed concerning the optimization of behavioral modeling, yet many unanswered questions remain, especially concerning the types of skills that can be effectively trained, recognition of key behaviors, and the use of technology to support recognition of key behaviors. This study investigates the effects of highlighting a display during a behavior modeling training intervention to increase cue salience of key behaviors. The results of this research suggested that the presence of a transcript to supplement modeling displays evoked a less time consuming strategy for performing a radar-based formation identification task. There are still questions concerning the role of highlighting textual information in behavioral modeling displays as an effective method for helping to make target behaviors more salient and for aiding in the recognition of key behaviors.
The Implications of Image Collimation for Flight Simulator Training
Authors: Pierce Byron J. , Geri George A.
Published: January 2012

There is some question as to whether non-collimated (i.e., real) imagery viewed at one meter or less provides sufficiently realistic visual cues to support out-the-window flight simulator training. As a first step toward answering this question, we have obtained perceived size and velocity estimates using both simple stimuli in a controlled laboratory setting and full simulator imagery in an apparatus consisting of optically combined collimated and real-image displays. In the size study it was found that real imagery appeared 15-30% smaller than collimated imagery. In the velocity studies, the laboratory data showed that the perceived velocity of real imagery was less than that of collimated imagery. No perceived velocity effects were found with the simulator imagery. Results support the position that for training tasks requiring accurate perception of spatial and temporal aspects of the simulated visual environment, misperceptions of size, but not velocity, need to be considered when real-image displays are used.
Can Computer-Based Assessment be Used for Motor Skills Learning? A Training Transfer Study
Authors: Barnett Barbara , Perrin Bruce , Curtin Jim , Helbing Katrin
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a Virtual Environment-based intelligent tutor developed to train maneuvering skills on a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and to evaluate training transfer from the VE-enhanced training environment to maneuvering an actual ROV in an underwater environment. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to one of four test groups: full training, simulation only, ROV only, or no training. Participants completed two pre-test trials, followed by training, and then two different of post-test tasks. Pre-test trials and training transfer trials were conducted in a test tank using an actual ROV. The full training group received computer-based verbal coaching, performance feedback, a VE-enhanced external, and performance based progression through a matrix of exercises organized by increasing task difficulty. Subjects in the simulation only and ROV only groups received an equal amount of unstructured practice time using the ROV simulation and the actual vehicle respectively. The No Training group performed only the pre-test and post-test trials. Comparison of pre-test and post-test performance was made across a full range of performance parameters. For most measures, no significant differences were observed between the different treatment groups. Where differences were observed, subjects with initial low ability in pre-test did not benefit from the full training system as much as the other forms of training. Transfer trials indicated that all forms of training showed significant positive transfer over that of the No Training group.
The Application of Virtual Presence Technology to Team Training
Authors: Radtke Paul H.
Published: January 2012

Knowledge about what to teach teams to improve team-related performance has increased. However, the techniques available to conduct team training are still relatively limited. The most common and most effective form of team training has been to provide teams with an opportunity to practice and receive feedback in realistic simulated team problems. Experience with these methods has increased awareness of the limitations associated with current team-training exercises. Specifically, the feedback provided tends to be over-generalized, and does not sufficiently involve the team members themselves in the process. One possible solution is the application of distributed training technologies that increases the ability of trainers and team members to share, inspect, analyze, and communicate during and after a team exercise.
Relationships between Head-Shoulder Divergences and Sickness in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Ehrlich Jennifer A. , Singer Michael J. , Allen Robert C.
Published: January 2012

Sickness is often experienced during exposure to virtual environments (VEs). Optical flow patterns may influence this VE sickness. We investigated the relationship between VE sickness and head-shoulder divergence angles while moving through a VE. The VE experience induced some level of VE sickness in all participants. Those not completing the study evidenced significantly more severe VE sickness symptoms than those completing it did. No relationships between head-shoulder divergence and sickness were revealed for experimental dropouts. However, significant correlations were found between several sickness measures and head-shoulder divergences for those completing the study. An interaction between head-shoulder divergence and time on task may exist.
The Effects of Training and Visual Detail on Accuracy of Movement Production in Virtual and Real-World Envionments
Authors: Jaeger Beverly K.
Published: January 2012

Computer-generated environments have been established as valuable training media for both proximal-field object manipulation and wide-area navigation performance. This study investigates the potential of virtual environments-based computer training for near-field navigation accuracy. Results of this investigation revealed significantly greater performance accuracy in a real-world setting for subjects that were first trained in a virtual environment. In addition, three levels of rendered visual detail were compared for precision of movement within a virtual hallway: (1) untextured polygon surfaces, (2) untextured polygon surfaces with transverse floor gradient lines placed as visual cues, and (3) fully detailed, textured surfaces. Significant effects were found for visual detail in accuracy of movement production. Within the virtual environment, performance error in the undetailed setting was significantly higher as compared to the settings with visual cues and textures. Significant differences in real-world field performance were also found between the groups that were exposed to different levels of visual detail in computer training. Field performance was significantly superior for subjects trained with visual cues as compared to those trained in an untextured virtual setting. Evidence suggests that for movement production accuracy both within a virtual environment and in the real world, fully-detailed textured surfaces are not required in the rendered setting in order to obtain the best performance. Simple surface gradients serve as adequate visual cues for near-field navigation accuracy, while a lack of consistent visual cues can be detrimental to effective movement production.
Small Fields of view Interfere with Perception of Heading during Active Control But not Passive Viewing
Authors: Richman Joel B. , Stanfield Jennifer , Dyre Brian P.
Published: January 2012

Dyre, Warren, and Garness (1996) found that heading performance during active control differed qualitatively from heading performance during passive viewing, though it was unclear exactly why. Our study examined the relationships between field of view, mental workload, and heading perception. We assessed heading performance during active control and passive viewing with a 30° field of view (Dyre et al. used 90°). Subjective mental workload ratings were collected to assess its relationship to active and passive perception of heading. We found results contrary to those of Dyre et al. (1996): heading perception was less accurate during active control than passive viewing and the relationship between simulated velocity and heading performance was reversed. Further, subjective mental workload was higher during active control than during passive viewing. These results suggest that field of view is an important optical variable mediating heading perception during active control.
Image Quality of Privacy Filters for Displays
Authors: Olacsi Gary S. , Kempic Joy , Beaton Robert J.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an image quality evaluation of privacy filters for CRT display workstations. A photometric procedure was developed to evaluate the optical quality of privacy filters across horizontal display viewing angles. Then, the procedure was applied to two commercially-available privacy filter products. The results of the optical evaluation were compared with subjective image quality judgments of the privacy-filtered CRTs viewed under various ambient illumination, screen contrast polarity, and viewing angle conditions. The findings establish a human factors basis and procedure for objectively characterizing the image quality of privacy filters used on CRT displays.
Unreliable Automated Attention Cueing for Air-Ground Targeting and Traffic Maneuvering
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Conejo Rena , Gempler Keith
Published: January 2012

We report two experiments in which pilots' attention is occasionally directed to inappropriate or inaccurate locations in space, replicating the effects of imperfect automation. A general taxonomy of human performance costs in these situations is presented. In Experiment 1, pilots are engaged in an air-ground targeting scenario. Target cueing, based upon semi-reliable sensor information, sometimes directs attention away from the true target. Yet pilots follow such guidance, even knowing its unreliability, a result of the difficulty of the unaided task. In Experiment 2, pilots in a free flight simulation are engaged in a series of traffic conflict avoidance maneuvers, using a cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI). On rare trials the CDTI knowledge of the traffic intruder's intentions, reflected in a predictor symbol, is unreliable and does not correspond with the actual aircraft behavior. Yet pilots' avoidance behavior is governed by the predictor symbol, and a display manipulation that calls attention to the inaccuracy of the predictor does little to influence pilots' reliance upon the predictor symbol although it does reduce visual workload. The data are interpreted in terms of appropriate trust calibration.
Space Shuttle Noise and Active Noise Reduction Effects on Speech Intelligibility
Authors: Segal Michele , Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

This study tested the effects of active noise reduction (ANR) technology upon speech intelligibility under conditions of simulated space shuttle mid-deck noise. Thirty-two participants (16 male, 16 female) were tested with and without ANR headsets in a repeated measures design. A pre-recording of eight presenter voices (4 male, 4 female) reciting test words from the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) was played in the presence of space shuttle mid-deck noise for each condition. There were significant differences in speech intelligibility with the use of ANR headsets, and between speech presenters. The scores obtained with the use of the ANR headsets were lower (less intelligible) than scores gained without the headsets. Gender and order effects were not observed. It is concluded that the type of ANR headset tested in this study will not aid speech intelligibility in the shuttle mid-deck noise environment.
Performance-controlled systems, fuzzy logic, and fly-by-wire controls: Revisiting applications to General Aviation
Authors: Beringer Dennis B.
Published: January 2012

A fuzzy-logic “performance control” system, providing envelope protection and direct command of airspeed, vertical velocity, and turn rate, was evaluated in a reconfigurable General Aviation simulator (configured as a Piper Malibu) at the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute. Performance of 24 individuals (6 each of high-time pilots, low-time pilots, student pilots, and nonpilots) was assessed during an eight-segment flight task requiring participants to track a 3-D course, from take-off to landing, represented by a graphical pathway primary flight display. Baseline performance for each subject was also collected with a conventional control system. All participants operated each system with minimal explanation of its functioning and no training. Results indicated that the fuzzy-logic performance control reduced variable error and overshoots, required less time for neophytes to learn (as evidenced by time to achieve stable performance), required less effort to use (reduced control input activity), and was preferred by all groups.
The Allocation of Feedforward and Feedback Control in Air Traffic Management
Authors: Smith Kip
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the framework for an information processing model of distributed decision making. It illustrates the utility of the model with an analysis of the allocation of decision making responsibilities at the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) air route traffic control centers (ATC center). These centers are FAA facilities that provide the service of managing en-route air traffic and keeping aircraft separated. The model characterizes decision making in an ATC center as a process control task in which traffic management coordinators have the primary responsibility for feedforward control and sector controllers have the primary responsibility for feedback control. The construct of feedforward control is illustrated by analyses of the role known as the 'flow position.' The construct of feedback control is illustrated by analyses of the task of sector control. The paper argues that the model presented here is an appropriate and useful framework for understanding distributed decision making and the task of controlling rapidly changing processes.
Operations Automation: Definition, Examples, and a Human-Centered Approach
Authors: Thurman David A. , Brann David M. , Mitchell Christine M.
Published: January 2012

Operations automation is automation intended to replace human controllers by carrying out activities in a manner similar to that used currently by controllers. This paper describes three complementary research efforts addressing operations automation. First, design implications based on two field studies of a prototype NASA operations automation application are summarized. Second, AutoPass, an automation architecture designed to mitigate observed problems and to incorporate, in a principled manner, human-centered automation principles is presented. AutoPass was evaluated to assess the extent to which it provides more robust, and thus, less brittle, automation in comparison to NASA's operational prototype. Finally, Apprentice, a general architecture for operations automation, is described. Apprentice offers a theory for the design of operations automation and proposes a method to address the current bottleneck in implementing robust automation—obtaining and encoding expert knowledge.
A User Decision Model for the Evaluation of the Human Computer Interface
Authors: McGrew John F.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses a dynamic model of the user's interaction with the user computer interface. It addresses how the user's decision processes interact with different levels of complexity in the user interface. Cellular automata are used to model the interaction of user decision schema and user computer interfaces. The user's decision schema determine the navigation through the interface. Users with idiosyncratic decision schema can effectively navigate only simple interfaces while users with data analytic decision schema can navigate both simple and complex interfaces.
The Effect of Task-Irrelevant Sounds on Cognitive Performance
Authors: Jones Dylan M. , Banbury Simon P. , Tremblay Sébastien , Macken William J.
Published: January 2012

The effects of background sounds on cognitive performance are of great relevance to the study of efficiency in work environments such as offices and flight deck, where the presence of extraneous auditory stimuli is common. A number of laboratory studies have shown large and consistent disruption of performance, despite participants' consciously trying to ignore the task-irrelevant sounds. This breakdown of selective attention suggests that unattended sound is processed to some extent and that this process interferes wwith processing task-relevant information. The features of the sounds and those of the tasks, which augment and reduce the degree of disruption, as well as the practical implications of those findings, are discussed in this review.
Affective Computing
Authors: Hudlicka Eva , Associates Psychometrix , McNeese Michael , Corker Kevin , King Ray , Healy Jennifer , Hudlicka Eva , Serfaty Daniel , Wellens Rod
Published: January 2012

Although central to human development and functioning, emotions have, until recently, had a somewhat marginal status in scientific disciplines in general, and have been largely ignored in the more applied settings such as human factors. Over the past 10 years, however, research in emotion in both psychology and neuroscience has established that emotion is intricately linked with what has been traditionally thought of as purely cognitive functions; that is, attention, perception, memory, planning, learning, etc. These realizations, together with increasing demands in the areas of human-machine interaction, and advances in human-computer interactions technologies, have fueled the recent burgeoning interest in a broad area termed 'affective computing'. The objective of this panel is three fold: 1) provide a broad overview of affective computing; 2) highlight specific areas in affective computing relevant to human factors; and 3) provide alternative perspectives regarding the feasibility of selected affective computing efforts.
Work Domain Analysis Workbench: Supporting Cognitive Work Analysis as a Systematic Practice
Authors: Sanderson Penelope , Eggleston Robert , Skilton Walter , Cameron Stuart
Published: January 2012

If cognitive engineering is to become accepted as part of engineering practice and to make contributions throughout the system life cycle, its concepts and techniques need to be clarified. Methods and criteria need to be available to ensure that an analysis is adequate. In this paper we focus on the prospects for Cognitive Work Analysis (Rasmussen et al., 1994; Vicente, 1999) to become more systematic and we hypothesize that software tools may help. We have developed a prototype software environment to support the first step in CWA, Work Domain Analysis. The Work Domain Analysis Workbench (WDAW) lets users enter, edit, visualise, manipulate, and query certain kinds of work domain structures. The WDAW supports discovery during analysis, facilitates creation of a work domain representation, and helps ensure analytic adequacy and consistency. We provide examples of the WDAW in use with existing data sets.
Systems Engineering Approach in User Interface Design for Telephony Products: Fun and Challenges
Authors: Lu Hongzheng “Cindy”
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses a systems engineering approach for integrating human factors in telephony product design and development process. The process is described in detail and the fun and challenges are discussed. Recommendations are made for the challenges facing the human factors engineer. The purpose is to come up with strategies to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of integrating human factors in the product design and development process.
Transparent, Layered Interfaces: The Effect of Metaphor Appearance and Composition on Mental Model Accuracy
Authors: Hurts Karel , Kooman Joost
Published: January 2012

In this paper a laboratory experiment is reported which attempted to assess the effect of the metaphor of semi-transparent sheets provided with file tabs, on the accuracy of the user's mental model of the interface. Fifty-six subjects were given two tasks each. Each task consisted of physical manipulation puzzles in which squares had to be moved into a predefined pattern within each of three rectangular, 2D spaces (sheets). In the second task the sheets either seemed semi-transparent sheets stacked on top of each other, the “active”, topmost, squares having brighter and more saturated colors than the “inactive” ones, or seemed completely transparent (all squares having the same brightness and saturation). Furthermore, the sheets in this task either seemed to have file tabs to indicate which sheet was on top (file tab metaphor) or had the same functionality with a more abstract appearance. The correctness and efficiency of all actions undertaken during the experiment were recorded. Results show that the presence of both metaphors (irrespective of the presence of the other metaphor) during the second task facilitated an accurate mental model. However, the two metaphors combined into the composite metaphor of semi-transparent sheets provided with file tabs only in an additive (non-interactive) way. Finally, it was found that working without the file tab metaphor on the second task was not facilitated by the memory of having worked with this metaphor on the first task (which was a simple variation of the second task). Implications of this study for the theory and practice of designing interface metaphors are discussed.
Development of a Digram-Based Typing Key Layout for Single-Finger/Stylus Input
Authors: Lewis James R. , Kennedy Peter J. , LaLomia Mary J.
Published: January 2012

Hand-held devices often include a keyboard on which a user types with one finger or a stylus. When a user types with one finger, conventional key layouts are not optimal for typing throughput. We used a predictive human performance model based on the frequency of English-language digrams and interkey distances to evaluate alternative key layouts. We also analyzed English digrams with a path-analysis program to determine the strongest links among English letters. The path analysis combined with the predictive human performance model provided a basis for developing and evaluating typing-key layouts for single-finger input. A nonstandard typing-key layout (in a roughly 5 times 5 key matrix) based on digram analysis should, after the development of skilled use, be about 27% better than the QWERTY layout. A nonstandard alphabetic typing-key layout (in a roughly 5 times 5 key matrix) should be about 13% better than the QWERTY layout for single-finger entry.
Improving Information Search Using Natural Language and Direct Manipulation Tools in a Multimodal Interface
Authors: Miller Sheryl L. , Trafton J. Gregory
Published: January 2012

Clutter has an increasing impact on the quality of human-computer interaction, as more and more objects are represented on-screen. This study evaluated the usability of an existing, information-dense workspace, which places burdensome search requirements on its users. Direct manipulation is the standard method of search among multiple screen objects and has shown itself to be effective for point-and-act tasks. This study contrasts performance using natural language and multimodal interaction with this standard concept. The results reported here indicate that natural language is an effective search tool in a complex information workspace, because of its high level of specificity. However, regardless of its suggested merits, natural language is often criticized as being difficult to learn and utilize. The study reported here shows that users were easily able to combine modalities, natural language and direct manipulation, in a way predicted by the nature of screen clutter.
Human Factors Challenges Identified by US Participation in the MIR Missions
Authors: Whitmore Mihriban , Booher Cletis R.
Published: January 2012

Seven NASA astronauts have visited the Mir Russian Space Station for extended periods of time. This goal of this Panel Session, featuring three of these crew-members, is to examine the challenges experienced during these long duration missions, and how these experiences can help prepare for missions to the International Space Station. The goals of this session are:

1) To acquaint attendees at the '99 AM with some of the challenges which arose during the Mir missions on the part of the US crew-members, 2) To identify differences between the short duration Shuttle and extended duration Mir missions, 3) To challenge attendees of this session to think in terms of Human Factors (HF) oriented solutions to these identified challenges and differences, 4) To solicit inputs from the session attendees relative to potential HFE solutions to the identified issues.

These Mir missions provided the first long-duration on-orbit experience for US crew members since Skylab.
An Evaluation of an Electronic System for the Continuous and Simultaneous Assessment of Body Postures
Authors: Paquet Victor L. , Buchholz Bryan
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the initial evaluation of an electronic system that makes use of accelerometers that act as electronic inclinometers during static or semi-static (constant angular velocity) conditions and estimates angles with respect to gravity within 2 to 3 degrees. The accelerometers are attached directly to the body near the joint of interest and have been used to estimate shoulder, knee and trunk flexion. A study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the electronic inclinometer system to evaluate body postures. Measurements were made with a manual goniometer or weighted inclinometer and the electronic inclinometers simultaneously as 5 subjects who wore the device assumed a variety of different static postures. Several calibration procedures for each body region, ranging from no calibration for the individual to relatively involved calibration procedures, were used in the evaluation. The electronic inclinometers predicted shoulder, knee and trunk flexion to within about 5 to 10 degrees of the manual instruments with no or relatively simple calibration procedures. These preliminary results suggest that the electronic system may be useful for nearly continuous and simultaneous postural evaluation of multiple body parts with relatively little interference to working postures, at least for relatively static body postures.
Application of a Scaled Observational Method to Estimate Force and Velocity from Video
Authors: Spielholz Peregrin , Howard Ninica
Published: January 2012

A continuous scale observational method was used as part of a methods comparison study to estimate force and velocity for the upper extremities. Scales developed by Latko (1997) were used to collect 11,000 samples of physical factors from videotape. Eighteen workers were observed performing three different tasks. A small inter/intra-observer comparison was done to evaluate the precision and repeatability of the method. Results appear to indicate that observers may show better agreement when estimating more forceful exertions. Wrist velocity estimations showed less variation than forearm rotation, which may indicate that observers have more difficulty estimating velocity of body segments rotating on the longitudinal axis. Further research in this area is needed to ascertain whether observational methods can discriminate between levels of force and velocity measures.
Finger Forces and Predictability using various Hand Couplings
Authors: DiDomenico Angela , Nussbaum Maury A.
Published: January 2012

Hand and finger force data are used in many settings, including industrial design and indicating progress during rehabilitation. Available data in the literature has primarily focused on whole-hand or multi-digit pinch exertions. The present study compiled and examined forces exerted by the fingers in a variety of couplings to both enhance and supplement available data. Forces were measured using strain gauge force transducers, and a modification of standard protocols was followed to obtain consistent and applicable data. Correlations within and among maximum finger forces, whole-hand grip force, and anthropometric measures were examined. Multiple regression models were developed to determine predictability of strength in various finger couplings from more accessible measures. Together with past data, this strength data should be helpful when designing effective and efficient human-machine interfaces involving finger intensive tasks. Results indicated that hand and finger strength cannot be accurately predicted from simple grip strength and anthropometric measures.
Synthesis of Variability of Angular Trajectories during Para-Sagittal Lifting
Authors: Hsiang Simon M. , Chang Chien-Chi , McGorry Raymond W.
Published: January 2012

Angular trajectories are usually very consistent with a distinctive pattern for a given lifting task with predetermined starting and ending positions. This study derives a set of equations that can describe the joint trajectories during a para-sagittal lifting task. Three optimal motion patterns were also synthesized by the polynomials: minimal hand jerk, minimal center of gravity (CG) jerk, and minimal muscle utilization rate (MUR). The variability of the joint movements were synthesized by overlapping the optimal patterns.
The Influence of Flooring on Subjective Standing Comfort and Fatigue
Authors: Cham Rakié , Redfern Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Ten subjects participated in the study to investigate the flooring effect on subjective tiredness and fatigue due to long-term standing. Subjects stood for four hours on each of the seven flooring conditions. During the 3rd and 4th hour, the floor type had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on a number of subjective ratings including lower leg and lower back discomfort. The hard floor and another flooring condition were consistently ranked the worst when these measures were considered. Finally, floor mats characterized by an increased elasticity, decreased energy absorption and increased stiffness were significantly more efficient in reducing fatigue.
Human Factors: The Business Tools
Authors: Bishu Ram R. , Chin Max A.
Published: January 2012

The human-centered business model has been recognized as the key factor for successful competition in a customer-driven market. In the evolution of human technology, the human factor has become a powerful tool for business improvement. In this panel, five professionals will share their experiences and discuss the potential of human factors from different business perspectives, management, marketing, communication, and other business areas.