Machine learning-based cognitive load prediction model for AR-HUD to improve OSH of professional drivers

MotivationAugmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) interface design takes on critical significance in enhancing driving safety and user experience among professional drivers. However, optimizing the above-mentioned interfaces poses challenges, innovative methods are urgently required to enhance performance and reduce cognitive load.DescriptionA novel method was proposed, combining the IVPM method with a GA to optimize AR-HUD interfaces. Leveraging machine learning, the IVPM-GA method was adopted to predict cognitive load and iteratively optimize the interface design.ResultsExperimental results confirmed the superiority of IVPM-GA over the conventional BP-GA method. Optimized AR-HUD interfaces using IVPM-GA significantly enhanced the driving performance, and user experience was enhanced since 80% of participants rated the IVPM-GA interface as visually comfortable and less distracting.ConclusionIn this study, an innovative method was presented to optimize AR-HUD interfaces by integrating IVPM with a GA. IVPM-GA effectively reduced cognitive load, enhanced driving performance, and improved user experience for professional drivers. The above-described findings stress the significance of using machine learning and optimization techniques in AR-HUD interface design, with the aim of enhancing driver safety and occupational health. The study confirmed the practical implications of machine learning optimization algorithms for designing AR-HUD interfaces with reduced cognitive load and improved occupational safety and health (OSH) for professional drivers

The Increasing Use of Portable Computing and Communication Devices and its Impact on the Health of EU Workers

[Excerpt] Portable computing and communication devices are widely used by workers from different occupations and their use is steadily increasing. The risks associated with working with portable devices and systems, for which at present no guidelines exist, differ considerably from those associated with working with visual display units at workstations. The latter are covered by the European VDU Directive and governed by a host of guidelines and recommendations within the EU Member States. In the light of the above, the study addresses the following issues: · To what extent are mobile communication devices used by the working population – how is such use growing in absolute terms and which types of workers are using them? · How is the technology behind these devices – hardware and telecommunications – developing, and how is the technology likely to evolve in the future? · Description of the possible hazards arising from the use of portable computing and communication devices and the risks to workers in terms of ill health and accidents. We also consider how the nature and extent of these risks will change in the future in the light of likely developments in technology and its use. · The implications of the use and development of mobile communication and computing devices for occupational health and safety management and for legislation and implementation in the context of European law concerning health and safety at work. · The scope is limited to work carried out in locations and environments that are impossible or difficult for the employer to control

A usability assessment of a specific alternative computer input device for users with spinal cord injuries

The salient point of this research was to investigate the key factors of assistive devices for people with severe physical disabilities, i.e. spinal cord injury, when selecting and using an input device. The area of study was also concerned with validating a new computer device to enable those individuals with upper-limb impairments to engage the benefits of computer technology, via both user-issue and scientific-based evaluations. A specific methodology, concermng both user-Issue and scientific-evidence, was proposed for the studies related to assistive technology outcome measures. In order to validate the proposed methodology, the research work began with an in-depth survey (Study A), to give an insight into the present selection and utilisation of input devices among those computer users with spinal cord injuries and identify their specific needs when using a computer. Following the findings of this contextual survey, a SCI users' needs hierarchy was proposed for input device selection and use. Specific touchscreen devices, which matched the criteria in the hierarchy, were suggested as a possible solution for users with severe upper-limb disorders. Then, a series of user-centred validation studies, involving a pilot simulation study associated with a dimensional issue of an input device (Study B), followed by usability evaluations at the introductory phase (Study C), after short-term use and training (Study D) and after longer-term use and outcome comparisons (Study E), were carried out. The user perspectives and scientific data obtained from the usability assessments form the SCI subjects were used not only to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistive device, but also to fill the gap between the merely psychological/psychosocial-based measures and the merely scientific-focus evaluation. By merging a specific research technique and a systematic measuring procedure, a conceptual model for evaluating assistive technology outcome measures has been provided for this field of study. Moreover, this research has shown that the integration of user-issue and scientific-evidence can increase the reliability and validity of this type of device outcome measures and, therefore, attain a good match between users and the technology employed

NOIRS 2011

"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in partnership with the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety (LMRIS) and the National Safety Council (NSC), hosted the fifth National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) on October 18-20, 2011 at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, West Virginia. NOIRS is the only national forum focused on the presentation of occupational injury research findings, data, and methods. This symposium served numerous objectives aimed at preventing traumatic occupational injury through research and prevention. They included: presenting current research findings; fostering collaboration among researchers from a broad range of disciplines, perspectives, and topic areas; identifying 'best practices' for the prevention of work-related injuries; exploring the cost-effectiveness of injury prevention strategies and interventions; showcasing innovative and high technology approaches to research and prevention; and continuing to promote the implementation of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Questions addressed included: What are the latest traumatic occupational injury research findings? What are emerging problems and research areas in workplace trauma? How is prevention through design being applied to occupational injury research and prevention? What activities are being done to implement research to practice in the area of traumatic occupational injury? What are the best practice intervention and prevention strategies? What are the economic costs of traumatic occupational injuries and are the prevention strategies cost-effective? What are the trends in traumatic occupational injury and fatality incidence? In research tools, techniques, and methods? In prevention? What specific workplace risks are faced by adolescents, older adults, foreign-born workers, non-English-speaking workers, low-literacy workers, and other special populations? How can researchers and practitioners in different sectors and disciplines better collaborate and coordinate their activities to reduce traumatic occupational injuries? What methods are available to assess, quantify, and compare traumatic occupational injury risks? Occupational injury researchers from all disciplines attended and shared their research. We encouraged participation by all interested individuals, including: safety researchers; safety practitioners; health care professionals; administrators; epidemiologists; engineers; manufacturers; communication researchers; regulators; employers; policy makers; insurers; students; advocates; workers; educators and trainers; and others interested in attending. The symposium consistd of contributed oral presentations in concurrent sessions and a poster session." - NIOSHTIC-2Welcome -- Symposium information -- Agenda at a glance -- Meeting facilities-main floor -- Acknowledgements -- Full agenda -- List of opening and closing plenary speakers -- List of pre-registered participants -- Abstracts -- Poster abstracts -- Abstract reviewers"October 2011.""This year's symposium theme, Future directions in occupational injury prevention research. NOIRS would not be possible without the support of our co-sponsors: the National Safety Council and the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety." - p. [1]Available via the World Wide Web as an Acrobat .pdf file (1.64 MB, 190 p.)