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Methodology for Examining the Operator and the System Concurrently: Pilot Interaction with AutomationComplex system description is problematic when considering operator task activities interacting with system dynamics. Engineering languages have matured sufficiently to allow machine system description at various levels of depth and breadth but without operator synergy. Concurrently, Task Analysis methods have evolved along diverse lines enabling a description of the operator in the system from various paradigms but not describing the system. A void exists when attempting to view the system and the operator in the same plane. We propose a methodology employing descriptive languages from different domains viewed in a single dimension. Finite Automata (FA) languages describe the machine system in the proposed approach. Operator task specifications, a form of task analysis output, examine the operator activities within the system. Operator task specifications were then selected for discrete task activities and overlaid on the system description to examine operator inputs and subsequently view system responses. Unexpected (surprise) and undesirable system behavior was expected to emerge from this analysis. In this paper we shall first describe the methodology and show how the two perspectives, machine model and operator task specifications are integrated. Following we describe the process of doing such analysis using an example from cockpit automation. The methodology was employed in the analysis of a new function that was added to an existing automatic flight control system. We begin by defining a flight scenario involving all aspects of pilot interaction with the new function. Then, we proceed to develop a basic model of the machine behavior, in the context of pilot actions. Finally we superimpose the operator task specification on the machine model and perform the analysis. The proposed methodology may have broad appeal to system designers and human factors specialists. A common language for engineers of diverse domains is a strong point of this approach. Systems engineers may not fully understand operational considerations and human limitations, and human factors specialists may not be exposed to the full extent of system behavior. We hope the proposed methodology is adopted by both disciplines and in the process each assimilates a common language to address potential shortcomings of either approach separately.
Document ID
20020061375
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Austin, David
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Degani, Asaf
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Heymann, Michael
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Moodi, Mike
(Boeing Commercial Airplane Co. Everett, WA United States)
Remington, Roger
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Meeting Information
Meeting: 10th Symposium on Aviation Psychology
Location: Columbus, OH
Country: United States
Start Date: May 2, 1999
End Date: May 7, 1999
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC2-798
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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