bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection, Design and Evaluation of Bus Stop Information
Authors: Zwaga H.J.G. , Schonk J.J.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the project was to determine the content and lay-out of information to be presented on bus stops in The Netherlands.

Three phases are distinguished in the work of the project team: (1) determine the need felt for the presentation of a number of information items at bus stops, (2) evaluate the usefulness of the different items selected by a user's sample, and compare the merits of lay-out variants when necessary, (3) propose a final selection of the information items and lay-out of the information, taking into account practical and financial constraints.

The initial selection of the information items was mainly based on the outcome of a questionnaire (1000 bus passengers) and interviews with bus company personnel.

It was decided to determine, in a user's test, the usefulness of some of the information items proposed and especially to compare the effectiveness of two lay-out variants of the main information item i.e. the timetable. The two variants differed only in the way in which the departure times for all lines calling at a bus stop were presented.

The ‘continuous’ format presented the departure times for all lines in the same table in a chronological order. The ‘separate’ format presented the departure times for each line in a separate table. The currently used timetable was included in the test as a third variant.

About 700 inexperienced bus passengers participated in the user's test. They were asked to find the departure time for the next bus leaving for a given destination. Each passenger solved two equivalent problems using only one of the three lay-outs. In addition the level of understanding of trip duration information and the concept of limited stop services was determined. At the same time data were collected on the effect of some layout aspects.

The overall results showed that the ‘continuous’ time table variant gave the least errors. Problem solving time for this variant was second best behind the ‘separate’ variant. The difference between the solving times of the new variants disappeared when subjects solved the second problem. The error level of the three variants did not change from the first to the second problem.

With regard to the other subjects of investigation, the user's test showed that the way of providing trip duration information was not much of a help. The limited stop services facility was well understood. The information about the other, lay-out related points, could be incorporated in the final proposal. This proposal distinguishes between six functional types of bus stops each with a different set of information items.
The Instructional Systems Development Model and Systems Engineering
Authors: Ball Frederick M.
Published: January 2012

Two implicit perspectives governing the organization of human performance have evolved within the training community, leading to two different approaches to the systematic development of performance-based training. These are identified here as the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) approach, and the Systems Engineering approach. Both employ similar procedures with the exception that the ISD approach relies on an initial job-oriented analysis; the Systems Engineering approach relies on a functional systems analysis. This difference affects the scope and organization of the data. Resulting training programs and materials are more suited to some applications than to others. This paper presents a conceptual framework illustrating the relationship and argues that the two approaches are theoretically equivalent. Within this framework practical training development implications, problems, and benefits are discussed.
New Frontiers for Human Factors Science and Technology: Defense Panel
Authors: Taylor Henry L. , Chair Panel
Published: January 2012

The Defense Panel includes three members from the Military Departments who are involved in Defense Human Factors science and technology programs at three management levels. Each will present a brief discussion of the current and projected human factors problems related to weapon systems development and operation and and will also discuss the research and development efforts to address these problems. First, Mr. Gary Morton, Director of Navy Laboratories, Navy Material Command, will discuss Navy human factors problems and programs from a broad Navy Laboratories point-of-view. As Commander of the Aerospace Medical Division, Major General John W. Ord (USAF, MC) brings the perspective of the manager of all human factors research and development for the Air Force. Dr. Edgar M. Johnson, Technical Director, Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) will present the Army's human factors needs and ARI's science and technology programs which focus on these needs.

The objective of the Defense Panel is to provide a forum in which current and future problems in military systems are discussed. The human factors science and technology programs to solve the problems will also be discussed. During the past decade, the Department of Defense weapons system development process has been modified to more effectively include human factors considerations throughout the entire spectrum of the weapon system development and employment. Most current and projected military weapon systems have a significant human operator component. This human operator component requires consideration of a wide variety of issues: protective systems, human performance capabilities, personnel skills/quality, training, personnel manning and related costs considerations, performance measurement, human/machine interface (especially computer), decision making and military organizational factors. Also the more traditional human factors problems such as displays and controls, task allocations and operator station design require consideraton. A major issue that the Panel will consider concerns the human factors of the engineering process and how human factors science and technology can impact this process. Examples of current and future weapon systems problems and the science and technology initiatives to solve these problems will be discussed.
Operator Loading Effects in a Simulated Tactical Decision-Making Problem
Authors: Hutchins Susan G. , Greitzer Frank L. , Kelly Richard T.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this effort was to explore the nature of the degradation in performance, in a military command and control environment, when human capacity limits are exceeded. In dual-task situations, operators were able to perform a primary anti-air warfare task with little degradation but at the expense of the concurrent task. However, a distinction should be made between an operator's rate of output and the quality of performance. Few operators ever used strategies that would minimize overall threat. Thus, in high-density situations, operators may be highly productive but decidedly suboptimal. Use of decision aids in this critical area may be very effective.
Examine: An Expert System to Mediate Human-Computer Dialogs
Authors: Petersen Rohn J. , Hester Tom , Yorchak John P.
Published: January 2012

An Expertly Assisted Man-machine Interface for Network Environments (EXAMINE) will assist users of large heterogeneous database networks. EXAMINE is specified to be a layered man-computer interface. Due to the requirement that the system must be adaptive to the user and the context derived from the user's information environment, expert system technology is being applied. This paper describes the user's problems in using distributed heterogeneous database networks and some of the details of EXAMINE functionality to solve these problems.
Wagging the Tail with the Dog: Organizational Design Considerations in Ergonomics
Authors: Hendrick Hal W.
Published: January 2012

A macroergonomics approach to system design, focused around establishing the design of the system's organizational structure before proceeding with the microergonomic design of jobs, work groups, and human-machine interfaces is proposed. The major dimensions and generalizable models of organizational structure are reviewed. Key measurable variables that can be evaluated by human factors specialists as part of the systems analysis/preliminary systems design process and utilized to determine optimal macroergonomic design are reviewed. Empirical results of the effects of these key variables on organizational design are summarized.
Space Station Crew Safety: Human Factors Model
Authors: Cohen Marc M. , Junge Maria K.
Published: January 2012

As NASA prepares plans to develop a space station, one of the current study tasks is of Crew Safety Alternatives. NASA has always been a paradigm of safety consciousness, and recognizes that the space station would be both qualitatively and quantitatively different from previous spacecraft. During the initial phase of this project, it was recognized that the major differences between previous spacecraft such as Apollo, the present shuttle and the space station are the roles of extravehicular activity and human factors. A model of the various human factors issues and interactions that might influence crew safety was developed. The first step addressed systematically the central question: How is this space station different from all other spacecraft? A wide range of possible issues was identified and researched. Five major topics of human factors issues that interact with crew safety resulted: Protocols, Crew Incapacitation, Task Related Issues, Critical Habitability and Personal Choice. Next an interaction model was developed that would show some degree of cause and effect between objective environmental or operational conditions and the creation of potential safety hazards. The intermediary steps between these two extremes of causality were the effects on human performance and the results of degraded or delayed performance. The model contains one stressor/milestone, one human performance milestone and one safety hazard threshold, with two intervening countermeasure points. The first opportunity for intervention is the countermeasure against stress. If this countermeasure fails, performance degrades. The second opportunity for intervention is the countermeasure against error. If this second countermeasure fails, the threshold of a potential safety hazard may be crossed.
Evaluating New Concepts for Aircrew Alerting
Authors: Berson Barry L. , Boucek George P. , Hanson Donald C.
Published: January 2012

This study is one in a series directed at developing guidelines for improving and standardizing future aircraft alerting systems. The objectives were to evaluate the concept of a time-critical warning display, and to investigate the impact of presentation media and display formats on pilot detection and response times. An analysis of variance design was used to evaluate: time-critical display location (within the pilot's primary or secondary field of view); presentation format (alphanumeric, graphic or combination alphanumericgraphic message); message content (status or guidance); and voice format (presence or absence of an accompanying voice message). The results indicate that pilots respond faster when a time-critical display is used. The data also shows that the fastest response times are obtained when graphic guidance information is provided within the pilot's primary field of view. Based on these results, preliminary guidelines were developed for incorporating time-critical warning displays into aircraft alerting systems, and recommendations were made for continuing research on time-critical warnings.
Relative Legibility of Random-Scan and Raster-Scan CRT Displays in High Ambient Illumination
Authors: Spiker Alan , Rogers Steven P.
Published: January 2012

The legibility of symbols produced under two CRT scan modes, random and raster, was compared using a special “hybrid” CRT that writes symbols in either mode. For every subject tested, random-scan symbols were more readily identified at smaller sizes than their raster-scan counterparts.
Benefits of Using Objective and Subjective Workload Measures
Authors: Crabtree Mark S. , Bateman Robert P. , Acton William H.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the results of two measures of workload, one objective, one subjective, that were applied to a series of switch setting exercises. The objective measure was an Interval Production Task (IPT), based upon a secondary task paradigm, in which the subject is required to maintain a constant rate of tapping with one hand while performing the primary task with the other hand. According to the supporting theory, variations in workload on the primary task will be reflected in variations in the tapping rate. Previous studies have found the IPT to be particularly sensitive to changes in the psychomotor workload. The subjective measures used were the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT). Although the two workload measures did not produce the same level of significance for workload differences, it should be noted that they did produce the same rank order for the three tasks. It was concluded that the use of both subjective and objective measures of workload could produce increased confidence in the results, as well as insight into the nature of the task loading.
The Effect of Intervening Task Performance on Subjective Workload Ratings
Authors: Eggemeier F. Thomas , Melville Brian E. , Crabtree Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Thirty subjects performed a short-term memory task and used the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) to provide workload ratings under one of five conditions. Ratings were provided either immediately following task performance, after a delay period during which no additional tasks were performed, or after a delay period during which an additional set of memory tasks at one of three levels of difficulty was performed. Neither the delay interval nor the requirement to perform a set of intervening tasks significantly affected mean SWAT ratings relative to the immediate rating control condition. Patterns in the data suggested that performance of a set of difficult intervening tasks had the greatest tendency to affect memory task ratings, and indicate that the potential influence of intervening task performance should not be completely discounted in workload rating scale applications.
Association of Visually Coded Functions with an Alternate Key
Authors: Lewis James R.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the effect of three variables on users' interpretation of an Alternate key. On the Alternate key, the position of the word “Alternate”, the color of the word “Alternate”, and the presence of a colored background were manipulated. Eighty subjects from IBM and 32 subjects from outside of IBM responded to the 8 stimuli created by crossing the three factors. None of the factors seemed to have a significant influence on the responses by IBM employees, but the color of the word “Alternate” and the position of the word “Alternate” on the key significantly affected responses by the non-IBM group. The two groups also differed in the frequency of which feature was first stated to be the salient feature in making the response.
Television Viewing at Home: Distances and Visual Angles Adopted by Children and Adults
Authors: Nathan John G. , Anderson Daniel R. , Field Diane E.
Published: January 2012

Television viewing distances, visual angles, and viewing angles were calculated for 217 children and 119 adults from 78 families. The data were obtained from time-lapse videotapes automatically recorded in the families' homes over 10 day periods. Viewing distance increases with age and visual angle decreases with age. Viewers aged 17 years and younger viewed at an average distance of 225.3 cm, at an average visual angle of 12.3 deg., and at an average viewing angle of 23.7 deg. Adult viewers watched TV at an average distance of 336.8 cm, an average visual angle of 6.6 deg., and at an average viewing angle of 23.3 deg. The best predictors of viewing location were percent of time the viewer watched TV from furniture, room area, and screen width.
Subjective Ranking of Facsimile Document Quality Scanned at Different Resolutions
Authors: Turpin James A. , Maddox Michael E.
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to ascertain whether the perceived quality of document facsimiles changes when the original documents are scanned at different resolutions. Ninety-six office workers (4.8 male and 4–8 female) were asked to rank three types of documents transmitted at three different scanning resolutions (plus the original) according to their impression of overall quality. The experimental materials were 8 1/2 × 11 inch copies of single-page, black-on-white documents that had been scanned at resolutions of 200 lines per inch (lpi), 300 lpi, 400 lpi, and infinity (original document). The document types were 1) a standard business letter, 2) a line drawing of a ship, and 3) a page from a French scientific journal. The subjects' task was to rank all four copies of a particular document type from worst to best quality. Each subject eventually ranked every document type, but ranked the copies of one document type before going on to another. The subjects were not told that there was any resolution difference among the facsimiles, nor were they told the copies were made with facsimile equipment. The results of the study indicate that experienced office workers' criteria for document quality is highly correlated with facsimile scanning resolution. The document type had a significant effect on subjective quality rankings.
Sex Differences in Joint Mobility
Authors: Rene' K.
Published: January 2012

The primary purpose of this study was to provide a contemporary comparison of college female and male voluntary range of joint mobility. This was achieved by comparing the data collected in this study with that collected in an identical study in which male participants were used. Data were gathered from college females to determine their voluntary range of joint movement. One hundred female students at Texas ASM University participated in the study. The instruments used to take the measures were two hand-held bubble level electrogoniometers. Thirty-two movements of eight different joints of the body were measured.

A second goal was to update and broaden the data base of female voluntary flexibility. This goal was met by reporting the data gathered from the female college sample and providing pertinent design information. In addition, the current female data were compared against present design standards. Finally, the present study data and that of the identical male study were combined to allow a comparison with an earlier study of sex differences in joint mobility.

Results of this study indicate that females are generally more flexible than males. Significant differences were found to exist in twenty-six of the thiry-two comparisons made between this study and the corresponding male study. In twenty-four of these comparisons, females were found to have greater flexibility. The differences in joint mobility reported were attributed to real differences between the sexes since the methodologies were identical and the samples were drawn from equivalent populations.

Comparisons between this study and the current design standards yielded conflicting results due to differences in methodologies and samples. Significant differences were found to exist in the comparisons made between the present data combined with the current male data and an earlier study concerning sex differences in flexibility. These differences were also attributed to differences in methodologies. Both comparisons drew the same conclusion, however: females are generally more flexible than males.
Application of Simulation and Modeling to Army Training Management
Authors: Sticha Paul J. , Knerr C. Mazie , Goldberg Stephen L.
Published: January 2012

Simulation models to aid the training manager may be developed at three levels of increasing generality: task performance models, task training models, and training system models. The more general models encompass more variables, and hence, are more useful to the training manager. The bulk of research in this area has concentrated on task performance models, and within this framework, has studied skill retention. The findings of this research must be integrated with system cost and utility information to produce a training system model. Development of such a model can provide an essential set of tools to be incorporated into a decision support system for training management.
Signal Detection Theory and Probability Matching Apply to Vigilance
Authors: Craig Angus
Published: January 2012

Many vigilance tasks require discrimination of infrequent signal events from frequent non-signals. During performance on these tasks, signal detections often decline. But this does not generally signify a loss of vigilance - if one can rely on signal detection analyses showing that signal discriminability remains constant during a vigil, and hence that neither attention nor signal processing have waned. The paper confirms that signal detection theory does provide a good fit to vigilance data, and that the analyses can therefore be relied on. The paper also shows that probability matching (of signal reports to signal occurrence) occurs. In the main, it is the adjustment of report rate towards matching by an alert observer, in control of his performance, that produces the vigilance decrement in detections.
Human Factors and Gerontology, two Persepctives: Industrial and Clinical
Authors: Czaja Sara J. , Jones Margaret Hubbard , Fozard James , Czaja Sara J. , Faletti Martin V. , Baker James D.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this panel session is to discuss the roles of human factors engineering with respect to the area of gerontology. The focus will be on two elderly subpopulations, the well and active elderly and the debilitated, sick elderly.

With respect to the well elderly, the discussion will center around the increasing numbers of elderly people in the labor force and how human factors engineers need to provide for this population in the design of jobs, equipment and work environments. General trends in employment patterns for the elderly population will be discussed and statistics will be given on the number of elderly in the population, the types of roles the elderly are assuming and where the elderly will be employed. Since the use of computer technologies is pervasive across occupational settings, there will be an emphasis on aging and the use of computers. This part of the discussion will focus on software design, equipment design and training.
Education — The Bridge between Research and Application
Authors: Burri George J.
Published: January 2012

The discussion focuses on the development of one area of human factors/ergonomics education in the International Business Machines Corporation. This chronology, detailing the inception, evolution and current status of an IBM ergonomics education program, should provide valuable insights into the rationale behind the growing success of occupational ergonomics in IBM.
The Interfering Effects of Processing Code on Visual Memory
Authors: Goettl Barry P.
Published: January 2012

The possibility of reducing task interference in complex aviation environments by taking advantage of the verbal-spatial short term memory dichotomy is explored in a dual-task paradigm. Eighteen subjects performed verbal and spatial retention memory tasks concurrently with intervening verbal and spatial cognitive tasks. Both number and processing code of the intervening tasks were manipulated. Support was found for code-specific interference such that concurrently performed tasks of the same code disrupted performance more than concurrent tasks of different codes. In addition spatial memory was found to be more fragile than verbal memory. Implications of the findings to mental workload reduction include task scheduling, presentation format, and assignment.
To Speak or not to Speak: A Multiple Resource Perspective
Authors: Tsang Pamela S. , Hartzell E. James , Rothschild Richard A.
Published: January 2012

The desirability of employing speech response in a dynamic dual task situation was discussed from a multiple resource perspective. A secondary task technique was employed to examine the time-sharing performance of five dual tasks with various degrees of resource overlap according to the structure-specific resource model (Wickens, 1980). The primary task was a visual/manual tracking task which required spatial processing. The secondary task was either another tracking task or a spatial transformation task with one of four input (visual or auditory) and output (manual or speech) configurations. The results show that the dual task performance was best when the primary tracking task was paired with the visual/speech transformation task. This finding was explained by an interaction of the S-C-R compatibility of the transformation task and the degree of resource competition between the time-shared tasks. Implications on the utility of speech response were discussed.
Human Interface for System to Create Lists of Phone Numbers
Authors: Mitchell Peter P. , Todd Marie
Published: January 2012

An experiment utilizing 28 participants was conducted to evaluate two different user interfaces for creating and building lists of phone numbers using only a Touch Tone phone. Two different methods of use were compared and evaluated. Predefined tasks were given to the participants, and individual keystrokes, incorrect responses, and “inefficient” responses were recorded. Questionnaires were administered to obtain user opinion for assisting in making marketing decisions. The analysis of the performance data identified a number of problem areas. System-initiated time outs and a lack of user control resulted in frequent errors and confusion. The method of accessing the system and the terminology employed throughout were found to be obstacles to ease of use. To remedy these problems a third method of use was developed and its benefits are presented in this paper.
Naval Sea System Command's Approach to Human Factors in the 1980's: Changing Times
Authors: Kopp Walter H. , Malone Thomas B. , Andrews Phillip J. , Feaga Robert P.
Published: January 2012

There is an emerging concern for applying human factors to the design and support of naval ships and weapon systems. The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is making significant progress in the application of human factors technology for the ultimate benefit of those who must operate and maintain the fleets of the future.

This paper will address the current status of human factors within NAVSEA. In doing so, we shall review what has been done in the past, then assess the present, and finally we will suggest additional requirements that need attention.

Higher level recognition of the role of human factors is evidenced by promulgation of formal directives from the Department of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Naval Material, and Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. Principal contributions expected from the application of an effective human factors program are to define human functions in man-machine systems and to design procedures and equipment to ensure that those functions can be performed under all expected operational conditions. The specific outcome would be realized in the form of a high level of personnel readiness in the fleet to assure that a system's assigned functions can indeed be performed, with the ultimate aim being to sustain a high level of system readiness and ship's effectiveness.
Human Engineering Implications of CBR Warfare on Ship Design and a Methodological Approach to their Consideration
Authors: Marton Theodore , Hunt Paul D.
Published: January 2012

Due to the increasing possibility of Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) threat elements being directed at Naval Forces at sea; all new ships designs must, by congressional mandate, provide effective protection for the ships crew. In addition, all ship systems and MMI must be designed to survive and continue to function during and following a less than catastrophic CBR strike.

An Integrated Human Factors Engineering approach based on identifying and applying “System Level” Human Factors (HF) interactions to “Component Level” Human Factors concerns are described along with minimal CBR specific areas of HF concern.
Control Systems Analysis of Computer Pointing Devices
Authors: Reinhart William , Marken Richard
Published: January 2012

A theoretical framework for the ergonomic evaluation of manual pointing devices is discussed. Pursuit tracking is suggested as an alternative to the conventional “target acquisition” approach to evaluating pointer performance. Subjects' ability to control the position of a pointer on a CRT display was evaluated in a series of two-dimensional pursuit tracking tasks in which the frequency of target movement was varied. Performance was compared under identical conditions using a mouse and an isometric joystick. Quality of control was measured by RMS error and stability of the controlled variable. The mouse allowed better control of pointer position. The superiority of the mouse was most evident with low-frequency target movements. The results indicate the importance of evaluating pointing devices under user-friendly conditions.
An Experiment to Study Touchscreen “Button” Design
Authors: Valk Macy Ann
Published: January 2012

Ten different designs for touchscreen two-state buttons were studied in terms of ease of use, spatial requirements, graphic complexity, and use of color. Buttons were compared on the basis of both the process control subjects' and the nonprocess control subjects' ability to quickly and accurately contact the touchable area of each button to change its state. Key results of the experiment and recommendations are presented.
Steps in the Development of a New Data Entry Device Based upon Two Hand Chord Keyboard
Authors: Gopher Daniel , Hilsernath Hanna , Raij David
Published: January 2012

Experiments are described with a two hand chord keyboard designed to provide an efficient alternative to the exisiting QWERTY keyboard. The system is shown to enable fast learning, with subjects reaching rates of 30–35 words per minute, after 20 hours of training. The paper describes the design rational of the system, initial results and research steps that have to be taken in order to realize its power.
Statistical Analysis Package for Biomechanical Data
Authors: Rangarajulu Sudhakar L. , Marras William S. , Rockwell Thomas H.
Published: January 2012

In this paper the usefulness of a statistical package developed for analyzing biomechanical data is discussed. The biomechanical data may consist of internal forces such as muscle electromyography as well as external forces such as dynamometer and acceleration information. The package is developed for IBM PC micro-computer and written in Microsoft's Basic programming language. The main feature of this software is that it can determine precisely the time at which each muscular activity starts, by using a slope variation technique. In addition, this software determines the statistical parameters from the starting time of each channel activity until the termination of the task. The software is incorporated with flag indicators so that it can be used easily with various conditions which require various statistical analysis and treatments.
Hand Preference and Difference Patterns Using the Available Motions Inventory (AMI)
Authors: Rahimi Mansour , Malzahn Don E. , Musa M. Hisham
Published: January 2012

Previous literature in the area of hand preference and performance difference using a variety of tasks were analyzed. There is a clear need for assessing hand preference with an objective and quantitative task performance system which is industrially relevant. The Available Motions Inventory (AMI) was administered to 80 subjects with a computerized data acquisition system. Hand preference was established using normalized AMI subtest scores. An analysis of variance was performed to detect the effects of hand preference and gender on the AMI subtest scores. Subsequently, t-test and correlation analyses were used to further analyze the differential effects of hand preference and gender on the AMI subtest scores and subtest categories.
Current Status of the Development of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique
Authors: Reid Gary B.
Published: January 2012

The Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) has been under development for approximately five years. This measure is under a systematic development program to define its' strengths and weaknesses. Both laboratory research and field applications are being employed in this evaluation and some of the findings are presented. Current research on refinements to the procedure are discussed.
Another Look at the Effects of Age Cohort, Job Family and Task Variety on Industrial Accident Rates
Authors: Schmidt John K. , Petree Barry L. , McDaniel James P. , Olive Kevin W. , Lamont Nigel B.
Published: January 2012

Over the past several years a general pattern of aging has been prevalent in the American work force, and it is felt that if industry is to cope it must become aware of age's effects on human performance. A study conducted by Schmidt and Petree (1984) demonstrated that age, job and task were all significant factors that effect the number of accidents experienced by workers, and more importantly they interact with one another, indicating that some jobs and tasks impact older/younger workers more favorably than others. The present effort is an extension of that work that incorporates additional data which serve to more clearly define the earlier reported relationships and distinguish their practical application.
Collecting Detailed User Evaluations of Software Interfaces
Authors: Coleman William D. , Williges Robert C. , Wixon Dennis R.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the development and application of a methodlogy used to build an instrument for collecting detailed user evaluations. Although the methodology is general, the instrument developed was specifically intended for collecting user evaluations pertaining to text editors. The methodolody incorporated user suggestions and resulted in a matrix of 16 text editing functions and 17 adjective scales. The application of this matrix to an existing editor revealed that a consistent set of scales were appropriate for evaluating all 16 editing functions.
The Impact of Scene Digitization on Distance Judgments
Authors: Mitchell Nancy B.
Published: January 2012

Eight photographic transparencies were both digitized and degraded in an effort to approximate computer generated imagery. The resulting representations of lightly wooded and open terrain were the stimuli for distance judgments which were made by 16 subjects. Distance judgments were more influenced by the order in which the stimuli, digitized or degraded, were presented than by the visual clutter, or texture, in the representation itself.
Dynamic Biomechanical Model for Lifting Activities — A Microcomputer Program
Authors: Liou Andrew Y. H. , Jiang Bernard C. , Smith James L.
Published: January 2012

A computer program for a two-dimensional (2-D) dynamic biomechanical model was developed to analyze a lifting/lowering activity kinematically and kinetically. The input and output variables are described in this paper. The program is written in DOS 2.0 BASIC for an IBM PC and is suitable for classroom teaching.
Human Factors in Complex Systems
Authors: Moray Neville P.
Published: January 2012

The appearance of a whole number of “Human Factors” dedicated to Automation bears witness to the importance of this topic. Not merely are we designing increasingly complex systems, but we are asking that they be operated by crews with fewer and fewer people The introduction of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence will, it is assumed, make for more efficiency. But our knowledge of the human factors of these systems is primitive. This session it is hoped will act as a focus for interest in such topics.
Experimental Studies of Process Control
Authors: Moray Neville , Rotenberg Ira
Published: January 2012

In the 1960s Crossman performed some classic laboratory studies of process control, requiring the operator to control the temperature of a container of fluid against fluctuations caused by the environment. This led to a model of the novice controller as a damped second order controller, who changed to open loop control with practice.

We have recently repeated and extended this work with a simulated process control system made up of 4 Crossman tasks coupled together, and making the task more complex by requiring temperature, fluid level, and flow rate all to be controlled.

Two aspects of the research will be reported. The first deals with the behavioural data. Changing patterns of skill are revealed as changes in the transition matrices. Weaknesses in display design, and cognitive lockup during fault management are revealed by patterns of eye movements. The second problem is a generic problem in the analysis of complex user-machine system. What kind of summary statistics are appropriate for describing operator skill? The problem here is that the desired performance is specified as a goal, not as behaviour. Since there are many behaviour patterns any of which can satisfy the goal, averaging is not appropriate, since the result frequently approximates noise. But to record merely a catalogue of individual behaviours is clumsy, and also fails to capture the fact that something is in fact present as a common factor in all performance - namely satisfactory achievement of the goal. The problem is how to represent the core of behaviour.

Various methods will be described for overcoming this problem of representing complex dynamic behaviour, and their virtues and drawbacks discussed. The overall aim is to suggest improved ways to investigate process control and supervisory control.
Development of a Practical Computer Interface for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Paul Brian K.
Published: January 2012

The potential benefits of a low-cost tactile sensory computer interface to the visually impaired community would be significant. Proposed is a system which would allow visually impaired individuals to interface any existing software or data base networks accessible by microcomputers. The system is based on a tactual sensing device which translates the screen code from a Commodore 64 computer monitor into Grade 1 braille. Within the paper, subsequent details of the system's design are compared with that of similar aids for the visually disabled.
Reciprocal Drive Wheelchair
Authors: Goodwin Roger D.
Published: January 2012

An alternative to current wheelchair drive mechanisms is presented. This system utilizes more energy efficient and powerful body motions than current rim drive systems. It is designed to duplicate the desirable maneuverability, feel, and control inherent in rim drives. Comparisons are made to other reciprocating drive systems.
Development of a Knowledge-Based Simulation Model to Verify Operability in a Complex Combat System
Authors: Dick Robert , Curry Renwick
Published: January 2012

This paper outlines an approach to computer simulation that was used to verify operability of selected functions in a complex combat system, early in the design process. The approach emphasizes the establishment of an appropriate real-world context for the simulation and extensive reliance on expert knowledge in all steps leading to the programming effort.
Real-Time Computer-Mediated Conferencing versus Electronic Mail
Authors: Dubrovsky Vitaly
Published: January 2012

Electronic mail-like systems are becoming a popular way of conferencing in organizations, while real-time computer conferencing (RTCC) facilities are virtually ignored. It is the suggestion of this paper that in a computerized organizational environment for group decisions made through consensus development, RTCC may have some advantages over electronic mail-like conferencing. The experimental study comparing RTCC and electronic mail as modes of computer-mediated communication during group decision making is described. The post-experimental preferences-difficulties questionnaire revealed that: (1) a majority of the participants clearly preferred face-to-face communication to computer-mediated (76% vs. 22%) and RTCC to electronic mail (93% vs. 7%); (2) since 79% of the participants were willing to give up their own opinion and simply agree in order to get away from the discussion, because communication via computer is frustrating, it is possible that the quality of the decisions may suffer due to the deficiences of the computer media; (3) The participants encountered significant cognitive difficulties in both modes of computer conferencing. These difficulties are addressed in the design recommendations for both RTCC and electronic mail.
Development of Workstation Design Criteria for Current Office Environments: A Case Study
Authors: Hancock P.A. , Stout J.H. , Medeiros B , Rosenberg S. , Koffler R.
Published: January 2012

A case study concerning the development of a handbook for workstation design criteria is presented. Analysis of the content and structure of the handbook may prove of use to organizations concerned with the wide spectrum of problems involved in the implementation of new technologies into contemporary office environments.
Binocular Scanning Performance of Soldiers Wearing Chemical Biological Protective Masks
Authors: Harrah David M.
Published: January 2012

Future warfare may include the use of chemical weapons. Soldiers will be required to wear protective masks which impose restrictions in the field of view of optical devices. Two studies were conducted to examine the use of M19 binoculars when soldiers must wear protective masks. Targets were displayed over an area 21 degrees high by 60 degrees wide. The time required to scan the area was recorded and a relationship was developed between scan time and field of view by means of a simple linear regression analysis. The studies show that the use of protective masks will have a significant impact on the soldier's ability to find targets.
Information Scanning Patterns and Retrieval Strategies of Well-Trained Documentation Users
Authors: Scerbo Mark W. , Fisk Arthur D. , Marty Steven R.
Published: January 2012

The documentation retrieval strategies and search patterns of well-trained users were compared to those of an expert. All participants were asked to solve a series of simulated “real-world” problems using a source document that contained a variety of reference aids. The results indicated that although the users were able to solve the problems as accurately as the expert, there were qualitative differences in their respective retrieval strategies.
Comparative Effects of 19 Stressors on Task Performance: Major Results of the Operator Survey
Authors: Wylie C. Dennis , Mackie Robert R. , Smith Malcolm J.
Published: January 2012

A survey was conducted to determine the opinions of sonar operators concerning the prevalence and judged impact of 19 stressors on various aspects of task performance: vigilance, visual information processing, auditory information processing, reasoning/decision making, perceptual-motor processes, general motivation to perform well, and overall performance effectiveness. The average rank ordering of the stressors by 212 Royal Navy operators with respect to adverse impact on overall effectiveness was as follows (worst listed first) boredom, fatigue, poor display/controls, command pressure, operator overload, poor work station, night watchstanding, heat, noise, lighting problems, minor illness, cold, motion, vibration, motion sickness, air contamination, risky peacetime operations, air pressure, wartime danger. There were differential responses among various subgroups of the operators. Some of the more important details are discussed in this paper.
Tool Sharpening: Designing a Human-Computer Interface
Authors: Fish R. S. , Gandy K. , Imhoff D. L. , Virzi R. A.
Published: January 2012

In software engineering the argument in favor of using software tools to produce robust code is widely accepted. We maintain that the use of such tools is key to the engineering of effective user interfaces as well. Here we report on our experiences using a variety of tools to design a user interface, including cases where it was necessary to alter (sharpen) the tool in order to do the job properly. In addition to producing an effective interface, this approach led to shortened development time and far greater adherence to human systems engineering requirements. We believe that the long-term success of human interface specialists will depend on their ability to use and sharpen software tools to expedite the interface design process.
User Partnership in System Design and Data Administration
Authors: Cohill Andrew M. , Harper-O'Donnell Linda , Curran Frank P.
Published: January 2012

In a business application environment, the business processes are seldom static. This puts tremendous pressure on the information systems planning and development group (ISPD) to continually modify computer systems to adapt to changing needs of users. This often means that the computer system does not reflect the current business process because of the time lag required to make changes. At the same time, user expectations about the type and quality of changes may not accurately reflect what ISPD can deliver. This paper discusses a conceptual model that can be used to better understand the dynamics of introducing a new computer system into an organization, and some of the techniques used at AT&T/Springfield in the design, development, and deployment of information systems.
Pilot Error Accidents: A Total System Approach to Analysis
Authors: Stringer Paul G. , Riley Daniel D.
Published: January 2012

New technology systems are radically changing cockpit designs. But little information is available about the best use of the capabilities provided by these new systems to optimize crew performance and minimize pilot error accidents. This paper describes a method for using pilot error accident analyses to identify areas in which aircraft design improvements would be desirable and cost effective. A Total System Approach can be used to extract generic information from the accident records while protecting the privileged information contained in those records. Accident reports, grouped for analysis by experienced specialists, can be scrutinized to expose areas in which flight and/or mission requirements exceed pilot capabilities. Technology needs, aimed at either reducing flight/mission requirements or enhancing pilot capabilities, can then be identified. A better balance of these requirements and capabilities can be expected to reduce pilot error accidents, resulting in cost savings which would offset the cost of new system design development.
Use of Written Simulations in Accident Research and Safety Training
Authors: DeJoy David M.
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the use of written simulations in accident research and safety training, Several accident studies conducted by the author, using written simulations, are described. This is followed by a brief discussion of the principal advantages and disadvantages of this method of simulation. The potential of written simulations in safety training is also addressed.
An Analysis of 4923 Industrial Accidents
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Brems Douglas J.
Published: January 2012

Scenario analyses were carried out on 4923 industrial accidents in a refinery and chemical complex. Scenarios consisted of prior activity, accident event, and injury event. Five scenarios accounted for 16.4 percent of the accidents. One prior activity, assembling/disassembling equipment, was involved in three of the five scenarios. Two injury events, contact with a fluid (toxic or steam) and overexertion, were each involved in two of the scenarios. These findings along with other information about the accidents are useful for setting priorities and developing intervention strategies in safety programs.