Human Factors Evaluation of Portable Electronic Devices in Tactical Aircraft

As the service life of aging military aircraft are extended and these aircraft are tasked with new missions they were never designed to support, military aircraft are constantly being upgraded with new systems and avionics. Additionally, many legacy aircraft have poor cockpit layouts or incorporate older displays that are not compatible with or require extensive modification to support these new technologies. Unfortunately, many acquisition programs do not have the luxury of an unlimited budget and schedule to complete the required upgrades. One alternative is to incorporate a portable electronic device or PED into the cockpit. These devices can provide moving maps, real time intelligence information, or simply transition to a paperless cockpit. Adding a PED can be a cheaper and easier alternative than redesigning the entire cockpit. Although PEDs have some cost and schedule benefits, the human factors concerns can often overshadow the money and time saved using these devices. This paper investigates the human factors and aircrew systems design considerations when integrating laptop, pentablet, and personal digital assistant (PDA) type devices into attack and strike-fighter fixed wing aircraft. The range of issues that human factors engineers must consider with any potential PED is wide-ranging, from display readability to operator training and from user interface to degraded system operation. This paper focuses on the hardware integration requirements for PEDs in tactical fixed wing aircraft. While software functionality and aircrew workload are important factors that must be considered for any system, these issues are outside the scope of this paper. When integrating a PED system, there are six critical operational issues (COI) every system must meet before it can be considered operationally effective and suitable for the cockpit environment. The six PED COIs are: The display must be easily readable under all anticipated lighting conditions ranging from direct sunlight to night time operations. Also, the display must have adequate off axis readability if the display is not in the pilot’s primary field of view or if shared by two crew members. The display lighting must be compatible with existing cockpit lighting, including night vision imaging systems (NVIS). Lighting compatibility affects both internal and external cockpit vision and the ability to shift focus from outside to inside the cockpit and vice versa. The input devices and controls must allow for fast, accurate data entry and system optimization to present mission critical information in the desired format at the appropriate time. The PED must be integrated into the cockpit so it is easily accessible to the pilot while not restricting the pilot’s access to other cockpit controls and displays. If the PED is used as an electronic kneeboard, it must be properly secured so the device remains firmly in place and is comfortable to wear, especially during dynamic maneuvering and extended combat missions. The PED must not interfere with normal and emergency ingress and egress, including the ejection process. Also, the PED should not increase the risk of injury during an emergency egress scenario. For each COI, military and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) human factors, cockpit guidelines, and specifications are outlined and applied to PED use in a military cockpit. This paper examines several fielded systems used in both commercial and military aviation, as well as potential Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) systems. Ground and flight test reports for fielded and developmental PEDs provide examples as to how these guidelines and specifications apply to PED integration into the cockpit. Finally, the author, a Navy test pilot with experience employing PEDs in tactical cockpits, provides an aviator perspective to these guidelines and specifications in a combat environment. Based on the PED COIs, military specifications presented, and lessons learned from currently deployed PED systems, five conclusions were made when conducting this evaluation: Pentablet computers are preferred over laptops and PDAs. PEDs should not serve as the primary indicator of safety of flight or mission critical information. Integrating COTS systems does not guarantee cost and schedule savings. Touch screens and reprogrammable push buttons are the optimum control option. PEDs should be mounted on kneeboards vice the instrument panel. PEDs have excellent potential to fulfill many roles in the tactical cockpit, including electronic checklists, navigation charts, and real time weapon system control. While PEDs may not be the perfect solution to many system integration problems, they are viable options that deserve further consideration by any program manager or acquisition professional

A human factors systems approach to exploring vehicle rollaway

Failure of a parked unattended vehicle to remain stationary, otherwise known as vehicle rollaway, can result in property damage, injury or even fatality. Although the incidence of vehicle rollaway may be under reported, around 8% of drivers and 13% of Approved Driving Instructors surveyed indicated they had experienced a vehicle rollaway event. Unlike previous studies which focused only on the mechanical factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, the research presented in this thesis employed a more comprehensive, systems approach to explore additional factors related to the driver s interaction with the parking brake system at various interface levels. A mixed methods strategy collated data through two online surveys and three observational studies to explore the organisational, mechanical and driver related factors identified in a fault tree framework. The results indicated that current driver practice and interaction with the parking brake system may be contrary to legislative requirements and manufacturer s instruction. The findings suggested that a past experience of vehicle rollaway or parking brake system failure, had a statistically significant influence on whether the driver complied with the recommended practice. Driver interaction and the holding capability of the parking brake system were observed in 53 vehicles parked on three test gradients. The observations indicated that drivers were able to apply sufficient force to the parking brake lever to hold the vehicle stationary and that an additional degree of confidence in the system was provided by parking in gear. But, after driving a short commuting route, when the vehicle was parked with the parking brake lever applied to the lowest position to hold the vehicle and a gear was not selected, 63% of vehicles fitted with disc brakes rolled as the temperature returned to ambient. Discussion relates to the organisational, driver related and mechanical components of the parking brake system and in reference to Reason s Swiss Cheese model, considers how latent failures within the defensive layers of the system can contribute to rollaway. The research findings contributed to a change in UK driving standards and since 2015, drivers are recommended to park in gear at all times to reduce the risk of rollaway. This recommendation is likely to require a change in practice for up to 80% of Approved Driving Instructors who would not normally instruct new drivers in this way. Although this research focused on the manually operated parking brake system, the studies have uncovered results that can contribute to knowledge and are applicable to interaction with electronic parking brake systems. As parking brake systems develop, the Human Factors systems approach can be applied retrospectively and proactively to explore that interaction and prevent passenger vehicle rollaway

Intelligent composite layup by the application of low cost tracking and projection technologies

Hand layup is still the dominant forming process for the creation of the widest range of complex geometry and mixed material composite parts. However, this process is still poorly understood and informed, limiting productivity. This paper seeks to address this issue by proposing a novel and low cost system enabling a laminator to be guided in real-time, based on a predetermined instruction set, thus improving the standardisation of produced components. Within this paper the current methodologies are critiqued and future trends are predicted, prior to introducing the required input and outputs, and developing the implemented system. As a demonstrator a U-Shaped component typical of the complex geometry found in many difficult to manufacture composite parts was chosen, and its drapeability assessed by the use of a kinematic drape simulation tool. An experienced laminator's knowledgebase was then used to divide the tool into a finite number of features, with layup conducted by projecting and sequentially highlighting target features while tracking a laminator's hand movements across the ply. The system has been implemented with affordable hardware and demonstrates tangible benefits in comparison to currently employed laser-based systems. It has shown remarkable success to date, with rapid Technology Readiness Level advancement. This is a major stepping stone towards augmenting manual labour, with further benefits including more appropriate automation

A path to in-space welding and to other in-space metal processing technologies using Space Shuttle small payloads

As we venture into space, it becomes necessary to assemble, expand, and repair space-based structures for our housing, research, and manufacturing. The zero gravity-vacuum of space challenges us to employ construction options which are commonplace on Earth. Rockwell International (RI) has begun to undertake the challenge of space-based construction via numerous options, of which one is welding. As of today, RI divisions have developed appropriate resources and technologies to bring space-based welding within our grasp. Further work, specifically in the area of developing space experiments to test RI technology, is required. RI Space Welding Project's achievements to date, from research and development (R&E) efforts in the areas of microgravity, vacuum, intra- / extra- vehicular activity and spinoff technologies, are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to results for G-169's (Get Away Special) microgravity flights aboard a NASA KC-135. Based on these achievements, a path to actual development of a space welding system is proposed with options to explore spinoff in-space metal processing technologies. This path is constructed by following a series of milestone experiments, of which several are to utilize NASA's Shuttle Small Payload Programs. Conceptual designs of the proposed shuttle payload experiments are discussed with application of lessons learned from G-169's design, development, integration, testing, safety approval process, and KC-135 flights

Development of an automated robot vision component handling system

Thesis (M. Tech. (Engineering: Electrical)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013In the industry, automation is used to optimize production, improve product quality and increase profitability. By properly implementing automation systems, the risk of injury to workers can be minimized. Robots are used in many low-level tasks to perform repetitive, undesirable or dangerous work. Robots can perform a task with higher precision and accuracy to lower errors and waste of material. Machine Vision makes use of cameras, lighting and software to do visual inspections that a human would normally do. Machine Vision is useful in application where repeatability, high speed and accuracy are important. This study concentrates on the development of a dedicated robot vision system to automatically place components exiting from a conveyor system onto Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV). A personal computer (PC) controls the automated system. Software modules were developed to do image processing for the Machine Vision system as well as software to control a Cartesian robot. These modules were integrated to work in a real-time system. The vision system is used to determine the parts‟ position and orientation. The orientation data are used to rotate a gripper and the position data are used by the Cartesian robot to position the gripper over the part. Hardware for the control of the gripper, pneumatics and safety systems were developed. The automated system‟s hardware was integrated by the use of the different communication protocols, namely DeviceNet (Cartesian robot), RS-232 (gripper) and Firewire (camera)

Comparative analysis of 3D- depth cameras in industrial bin picking solution

Machine vision is a crucial component of a successful bin picking solution. During the past few years, there has been large advancements in depth sensing technologies. This has led to them receiving a lot of attention, especially in bin picking applications. With reduced costs and greater accessibility, the use of machine vision has rapidly increased. Automated bin picking poses a technical challenge, which is present in numerous industrial processes. Robots need perception from their surroundings, and machine vision attempt to solve this by providing eyes to the machine. The motivation behind solving this challenge is the increased productivity, enabled by automated bin picking. The main goal of this thesis is to address the challenges of bin picking by comparing the performance of different 3D- depth cameras with illustrative case studies and experimental research. The depth cameras are exposed to different ambient conditions and object properties, where the performance of different 3D- imaging technologies is evaluated and compared between each other. The performance of a commercial bin picking solution is also researched through illustrative case studies to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and flexibility of the solution. Feasibility study is also conducted, and the capabilities of the bin picking solution is demonstrated in two industrial applications. This research work focuses on three different depth sensing technologies. Comparison is done between structured light, stereo vision, and time-of-flight technologies. The main categories for evaluation are ambient light tolerance, reflective surfaces, and how well the depth cameras can detect simple and complex geometric features. The comparison between the depth cameras is limited to opaque objects, ranging from shiny metal blanks to matte connector components and porous surface textures. The performance of each depth camera is evaluated, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technology are discussed. Results of this thesis showed that while all of the technologies are capable of performing in a bin picking solution, structured light performed the best in the evaluation criteria of this thesis. The results from bin picking solution accuracy evaluation also illustrated some of the many challenges of bin picking, and how the true accuracy of the bin picking solution is not dictated purely by the resolution of the vision sensor. Finally, to conclude this thesis the results and future suggestions are discussed.Konenäkö on keskeinen osa automatisoitua kasasta poimintasovellusta. Syvyyskamerateknologiat ovat kehittyneet paljon kuluneiden vuosien aikana, joka on herättänyt paljon keskustelua niiden käyttömahdollisuuksista. Kustannusten alenemisen, sekä paremman saatavuuden myötä konenäön käyttö, erityisesti kasasta poimintasovelluksissa onkin lisääntynyt nopeasti. Automatisoitu kasasta poiminta kuitenkin omaa teknisiä haasteita, jotka ovat läsnä lukuisissa teollisissa prosesseissa. Motivaatio automatisoidun kasasta poiminnan taustalla on tuotettavuuden kasvu, jonka konenäkö mahdollistaa tarjoamalla dataa robotin ympäristöstä. Tämän diplomityön tavoitteina on vastata kasasta poiminnan haasteisiin vertailemalla erilaisten 3D-syvyyskameroiden suorituskykyä tapaustutkimusten sekä kokeellisen tutkimuksen avulla. Syvyyskameroiden toimintaa arvioidaan erilaisissa ympäristöissä sekä erilaisilla kappaleilla, jonka seurauksena 3D-kuvaustekniikoiden suorituskykyä vertaillaan keskenään. Työn aikana arvioidaan myös kaupallisen kasasta poimintasovelluksen suorituskykyä, jossa tutkitaan tapaustutkimusten avulla sovelluksen tarkkuutta, luotettavuutta sekä joustavuutta. Tämän lisäksi sovelluksen toimintaa pilotoidaan, ja ratkaisun ominaisuuksia demonstroidaan kahdessa teollisessa sovelluksessa. Tämä diplomityö keskittyy kolmeen eri syvyyskameratekniikkaan. Vertailu tehdään strukturoidun valon, stereonäön sekä Time-of-Flight tekniikoiden välillä. Arvioinnin pääkategoriat ovat ympäristön valoisuus, geometristen muotojen havainnointikyky, sekä heijastavat pinnat. Syvyyskameroiden välinen vertailu rajoittuu läpinäkymättömiin kappaleisiin, jotka vaihtelevat kiiltävistä metalliaihioista mattapintaisiin liitinkomponentteihin ja huokoisiin pintarakenteisiin. Tutkimuksen tulokset osoittivat, että vaikka kaikki tekniikat kykenevät automatisoituun kasasta poimintaan, strukturoitu valo suoriutui tutkituista teknologioista parhaiten. Kasasta poimintasovelluksen tarkkuuden arviointi havainnollisti myös sen monia haasteita, sekä kuinka sovelluksen todellinen tarkkuus ei riipu ainoastaan syvyyskameran resoluutiosta. Loppupäätelmien lisäksi työ päätetään ehdotuksilla tutkimuksen jatkamiseksi

Design and semantics of form and movement (DeSForM 2006)

Design and Semantics of Form and Movement (DeSForM) grew from applied research exploring emerging design methods and practices to support new generation product and interface design. The products and interfaces are concerned with: the context of ubiquitous computing and ambient technologies and the need for greater empathy in the pre-programmed behaviour of the ‘machines’ that populate our lives. Such explorative research in the CfDR has been led by Young, supported by Kyffin, Visiting Professor from Philips Design and sponsored by Philips Design over a period of four years (research funding £87k). DeSForM1 was the first of a series of three conferences that enable the presentation and debate of international work within this field: • 1st European conference on Design and Semantics of Form and Movement (DeSForM1), Baltic, Gateshead, 2005, Feijs L., Kyffin S. & Young R.A. eds. • 2nd European conference on Design and Semantics of Form and Movement (DeSForM2), Evoluon, Eindhoven, 2006, Feijs L., Kyffin S. & Young R.A. eds. • 3rd European conference on Design and Semantics of Form and Movement (DeSForM3), New Design School Building, Newcastle, 2007, Feijs L., Kyffin S. & Young R.A. eds. Philips sponsorship of practice-based enquiry led to research by three teams of research students over three years and on-going sponsorship of research through the Northumbria University Design and Innovation Laboratory (nuDIL). Young has been invited on the steering panel of the UK Thinking Digital Conference concerning the latest developments in digital and media technologies. Informed by this research is the work of PhD student Yukie Nakano who examines new technologies in relation to eco-design textiles

Exploring the Experiences of Call Center Employees Regarding Business Scripting

Scripting, defined as the mechanization of business processes through automated tools or orchestrated responses, has played a significant role in shaping call center activities and the resultant customer relationship. However, findings of industry research have shown that the use of scripting to maximize operational efficiency has had a disempowering effect on call center employees by lowering their job-skill and knowledge requirements. Grounded in the concepts of knowledge management and knowledge transfer, this study explored the experiences of frontline call center employees on the effects of scripting on customer problem solving. A single-case study design with semistructured interviews was used with a population of 20 frontline employees in a North American call center to gather insights. Thematic analysis was applied to the interview data using nodes to identify emerging themes and insights. Three major themes emerged: First, although scripting had contributed to improved service quality and operational efficiency, scripted practices undermined the use of team knowledge and limited the amount of shared information. Second, the employees requested that call center scripted solutions be more intuitive and better aligned to knowledge requirements. Third, the employees suggested that an object-oriented approach to solution management be used, one that could better leverage communities of practices and collective team knowledge sharing within the organization. This object-oriented approach to solution management may promote virtual knowledge flow and the building of subject matter expertise that could elicit higher agent engagement and problem ownership. The proposed object-oriented approach to knowledge sharing is important to management, as it could help facilitate knowledge reuse and improved organizational performance