Modeling Human Attention and Performance in Automated Environments with Low Task Loading

Modeling Human Attention and Performance in Automated Environments with Low Task Loading PDF Author: Fei Gao (Ph. D.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
Automation has the benefit of reducing human operators' workload. By leveraging the power of computers and information technology, the work of human operators is becoming easier. However, when the workload is too low but the human is required to be present either by regulation or due to limitations of automation, human performance can be negatively affected. Negative consequences such as distraction, mind wandering, and inattention have been reported across many high risk settings including unmanned aerial vehicle operation, process control plant supervision, train engineers, and anesthesiologists. Because of the move towards more automated systems in the future, a better understanding is needed to enable intervention and mitigation of possible negative impacts. The objectives of this research are to systematically investigate the attention and performance of human operators when they interact with automated systems under low task load, build a dynamic model and use it to facilitate system design. A systems-based framework, called the Boredom Influence Diagram, was proposed to better understand the relationships between the various influences and outcomes of low task loading. A System Dynamics model, named the Performance and Attention with Low-task-loading (PAL) Model, was built based on this framework. The PAL model captures the dynamic changes of task load, attention, and performance over time in long duration low task loading automated environments. In order to evaluate the replication and prediction capability of the model, three dynamic hypotheses were proposed and tested using data from three experiments. The first hypothesis stated that attention decreases under low task load. This was supported by comparing model outputs with data from an experiment of target searching using unmanned vehicles. Building on Hypothesis 1, the second and third hypotheses examined the impact of decreased attention on performance in responding to an emergency event. Hypothesis 2 was examined by comparing model outputs with data from an experiment of accident response in nuclear power plant monitoring. Results showed that performance is worse with lower attention levels. Hypothesis 3 was tested by comparing model outputs with data from an experiment of defensive target tracking. The results showed that the impact of decreased attention on performance was larger when the task was difficult. The process of testing these three hypotheses shows that the PAL model is a generalized theory that could explain behaviors under low task load in different supervisory control settings. Finally, benefits, limitations, generalizability and applications of the PAL model were evaluated. Further research is needed to improve and extend the PAL model, investigate individual differences to facilitate personnel selection, and develop system and task designs to mitigate negative consequences.

Human Performance in Automated and Autonomous Systems

Human Performance in Automated and Autonomous Systems PDF Author: Mustapha Mouloua
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 042985742X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 320

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Book Description
This book examines recent advances in theories, models, and methods relevant to automated and autonomous systems. The following chapters provide perspectives on modern autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and unmanned aerial systems, directly from the professionals working with and studying them. Current theories surrounding topics such as vigilance, trust, and fatigue are examined throughout as predictors of human performance in the operation of automated systems. The challenges related to attention and effort in autonomous vehicles described within give credence to still-developing methods of training and selecting operators of such unmanned systems. The book further recognizes the need for human-centered approaches to design; a carefully crafted automated technology that places the "human user" in the center of that design process. Features Combines scientific theories with real-world applications where automated technologies are implemented Disseminates new understanding as to how automation is now transitioning to autonomy Highlights the role of individual and team characteristics in the piloting of unmanned systems and how models of human performance are applied in system design Discusses methods for selecting and training individuals to succeed in an age of increasingly complex human-machine systems Provides explicit benchmark comparisons of progress across the last few decades, and identifies future prognostications and the constraints that impinge upon these lines of progress Human Performance in Automated and Autonomous Systems: Current Theory and Methods illustrates the modern scientific theories and methods to be applied in real-world automated technologies.

Automation and Human Performance

Automation and Human Performance PDF Author: Raja Parasuraman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 135146504X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 329

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Book Description
There is perhaps no facet of modern society where the influence of computer automation has not been felt. Flight management systems for pilots, diagnostic and surgical aids for physicians, navigational displays for drivers, and decision-aiding systems for air-traffic controllers, represent only a few of the numerous domains in which powerful new automation technologies have been introduced. The benefits that have been reaped from this technological revolution have been many. At the same time, automation has not always worked as planned by designers, and many problems have arisen--from minor inefficiencies of operation to large-scale, catastrophic accidents. Understanding how humans interact with automation is vital for the successful design of new automated systems that are both safe and efficient. The influence of automation technology on human performance has often been investigated in a fragmentary, isolated manner, with investigators conducting disconnected studies in different domains. There has been little contact between these endeavors, although principles gleaned from one domain may have implications for another. Also, with a few exceptions, the research has tended to be empirical and only theory-driven. In recent years, however, various groups of investigators have begun to examine human performance in automated systems in general and to develop theories of human interaction with automation technology. This book presents the current theories and assesses the impact of automation on different aspects of human performance. Both basic and applied research is presented to highlight the general principles of human-computer interaction in several domains where automation technologies are widely implemented. The major premise is that a broad-based, theory-driven approach will have significant implications for the effective design of both current and future automation technologies. This volume will be of considerable value to researchers in human

Modeling Operator Performance in Low Task Load Supervisory Domains

Modeling Operator Performance in Low Task Load Supervisory Domains PDF Author: Armen A. Mkrtchyan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 156

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Book Description
Currently, numerous automated systems need constant monitoring but require little to no operator interaction for prolonged periods, such as unmanned aerial systems, nuclear power plants, and air traffic management systems. This combination can potentially lower operators' workload to dangerously low levels, causing boredom, lack of vigilance, fatigue, and performance decrements. As more systems are automated and placed under human supervision, this problem will become more prevalent in the future. To mitigate the problem through predicting operator performance in low task load supervisory domains, a queuing-based discrete event simulation model has been developed. To test the validity and robustness of this model, a testbed for single operator decentralized control of unmanned vehicles was utilized, simulating a low workload human supervisory control (HSC) environment. Using this testbed, operators engaged in a four-hour mission to search, track, and destroy simulated targets. Also, a design intervention in the form of cyclical auditory alerts was implemented to help operators sustain directed attention during low task load environments. The results indicate that the model is able to accurately predict operators' workload. Also, the model predicts operators' performance reasonably well. However, the inability of the model to account for operator error is a limiting factor that lowers model's accuracy. The results also show that the design intervention is not useful for operators who do not have difficulties sustaining attention for prolonged periods. The participants of this study were exceptional performers, since most of them had very high performance scores. Further research will investigate the possibility of conducting another low task load, long duration study with a more diverse set of participants to assess the impact of the design intervention and to extract personality traits that may affect system performance. Also, the model needs to be revised to take into account operator errors, which can significantly affect performance of HSC systems.

Human Mental Workload: Models and Applications

Human Mental Workload: Models and Applications PDF Author: Luca Longo
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030324230
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Human Mental Workload: Models and Applications, H-WORKLOAD 2019, held in Rome, Italy, in November 2019. The volume presents one keynote paper as well as 14 revised full papers, which were carefully reviewed and selected from 32 submissions. The papers are organized in two topical sections on models and applications.

Applications of Human Performance Models to System Design

Applications of Human Performance Models to System Design PDF Author: Grant R. McMillan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1475792441
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 534

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Book Description
The human factors profession is currently attempting to take a more proactive role in the design of man-machine systems than has been character istic of its past. Realizing that human engineering contributions are needed well before the experimental evaluation of prototypes or operational systems, there is a concerted effort to develop tools that predict how humans will interact with proposed designs. This volume provides an over view of one category of such tools: mathematical models of human performance. It represents a collection of invited papers from a 1988 NATO Workshop. The Workshop was conceived and organized by NATO Research Study Group 9 (RSG.9) on "Modelling of Human Operator Behaviour in Weapon Systems". It represented the culmination of over five years of effort, and was attended by 139 persons from Europe, Canada, and the United States. RSG.9 was established in 1982 by Panel 8 of the Defence Research Group to accomplish the following objectives: * Determine the utility and state of the art of human performance modelling. * Encourage international research and the exchange of ideas. * Foster the practical application of modelling research. * Provide a bridge between the models and approaches adopted by engineers and behavioral scientists. * Present the findings in an international symposium.

Human Performance, Situation Awareness, and Automation

Human Performance, Situation Awareness, and Automation PDF Author: Dennis A. Vincenzi
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 1135604320
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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Book Description
In 2000, the Conference on Automation joined forces with a partner group on situation awareness (SA). The rising complexity of systems demands that one can be aware of a large range of environmental and task-based stimulation in order to match what is done with what has to be done. Thus, SA and automation-based interaction fall naturally together and this conference is the second embodiment of this union. Moving into the 21st century, further diversification of the applications of automation will continue--for example, the revolution in genetic technology. Given the broad nature of this form of human-machine interaction, it is vital to apply past lessons to map a future for the symbiotic relationship between humans and the artifacts they create. It is as part of this ongoing endeavor that the present volume is offered.

Tactical Display for Soldiers

Tactical Display for Soldiers PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309175119
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
This book examines the human factors issues associated with the development, testing, and implementation of helmet-mounted display technology in the 21st Century Land Warrior System. Because the framework of analysis is soldier performance with the system in the full range of environments and missions, the book discusses both the military context and the characteristics of the infantry soldiers who will use the system. The major issues covered include the positive and negative effects of such a display on the local and global situation awareness of the individual soldier, an analysis of the visual and psychomotor factors associated with each design feature, design considerations for auditory displays, and physical sources of stress and the implications of the display for affecting the soldier's workload. The book proposes an innovative approach to research and testing based on a three-stage strategy that begins in the laboratory, moves to controlled field studies, and culminates in operational testing.

Human Factors in Transportation

Human Factors in Transportation PDF Author: Giuseppe Di Bucchianico
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1498726208
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 473

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Book Description
More and more the most traditional and typical applied ergonomics issues of the activities related to sea shipping, vehicle driving, and flying are required to deal with some emerging topics related to the growing automatism and manning reduction, the ICT’s advances and pervasiveness, and the new demographic and social phenomena, such as aging or multiculturalism. With contributions from expert researchers, professionals, and doctoral students from a wide number of countries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK and USA, this multi-contributed book will explore traditional and emerging topics of Human Factors centered around the maritime, road, rail, and aviation transportation domains.

Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics

Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics PDF Author: Gavriel Salvendy
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470528389
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1754

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Book Description
The fourth edition of the Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics has been completely revised and updated. This includes all existing third edition chapters plus new chapters written to cover new areas. These include the following subjects: Managing low-back disorder risk in the workplace Online interactivity Neuroergonomics Office ergonomics Social networking HF&E in motor vehicle transportation User requirements Human factors and ergonomics in aviation Human factors in ambient intelligent environments As with the earlier editions, the main purpose of this handbook is to serve the needs of the human factors and ergonomics researchers, practitioners, and graduate students. Each chapter has a strong theory and scientific base, but is heavily focused on real world applications. As such, a significant number of case studies, examples, figures, and tables are included to aid in the understanding and application of the material covered.