Multimodal user interface for traffic incident management in control room

Efficient road traffic incident management (TIM) in metropolitan areas is crucial for the smooth traffic flow and the mobility and safety of community. TIM requires fast and accurate collection and retrieval of critical data, such as incident conditions and contact information for the intervention crew, public safety organisations and other resources. Access to critical data by traffic control operators can be facilitated through various human-computer interfaces. The judicious introduction of a multimodal interaction paradigm to the user interfaces (UIs) for incident handling in a metropolitan transport management centre is discussed. Two research prototypes supporting speech and gestural interactions have been developed on the basis of the User Centred Design methodology, and their evaluations have been conducted through user studies. The user studies on the prototypes suggest that multimodal UIs (MMUIs) can provide traffic control operators with intuitive, cognitively efficient ways to record traffic incident conditions, facilitate fast retrieval of contact details, and support time-critical incident handling. The research prototypes described herein represent some initial steps for the longer-term deployment of advanced MMUI systems for emergency management     

Integrated circuits for submarine communication systems,their design and development

Digital optical systems represent the current advance in submarine communications. Modern system designs require rapid evaluation of new components without relaxation of the stringent reliability requirements demanded for submarine applications. This article describes the development of integrated circuits (ICs) for submarine use. It goes on to show the design methodology, and discusses some limitations and the demanding reliability assurance aspects. The current IC designs are being used in both long-haul and short-haul links. The technology discussed is providing a major role in the future development of high-capacity optical submarine systems.     

Using cognitive work analysis to describe the role of UAVs in military operations

Advances in uninhabited vehicle design have resulted in increased levels of autonomy – allowing command to be communicated at high levels of abstraction, rather than detailed control. The resultant change in interaction requirements has obvious implications for the redesign of current operator interfaces. Furthermore, it allows the organisation design to be reconsidered. A reduction in the requirement for human involvement could allow control to be passed from dedicated remote controllers to actors involved directly with local tasks. This offers a number of potential benefits. Those involved with the task directly may have a greater situational understanding, allowing them to make faster decisions that are more informed. Furthermore, dynamic function allocation would allow assets to be shared, with command passed to the actor best placed to make decisions. This article uses a systemic approach, cognitive work analysis (CWA), to explore the constraints within military air operations, and derive systemic information requirements. The understanding developed from the CWA of the military air operations domain constraints is used to postulate the implications of introducing unmanned air vehicles. The example illustrates how the constraint-based approach can form the basis for considering system change.     

Applying cognitive work analysis to the design of rapidly reconfigurable interfaces in complex networks

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the interconnections between the different phases (or tools) within the cognitive work analysis framework; the benefits of extending an analysis across each of the five phases are highlighted through these interconnections. The paper uses a command and control micro-world example to describe how each of the five phases can be used to describe the constraints within the micro-world domain from a different perspective. Based upon the social organisation and cooperation analysis, design requirements are extracted in order to develop role specific customisable interfaces for use within the micro-world. The interfaces have been specifically developed to communicate real time reconfiguration of the network through each of the individual interfaces; the reallocations of functions or roles are communicated to the actors through changes to the interface.     

基于视觉认知特性的作战显控界面信息结构布局研究

目的 智能化作战趋势相应地会对在作战显控系统界面的信息量和信息呈现内容提出要求。针对未来态势环境下显控界面信息结构更为复杂,且融入更多信息的显控系统界面需要不断迭代的问题,从显控界面的信息结构分类展开实验研究,设计不同的信息结构布局类型,从而进行认知绩效的视觉搜索测评实验。方法 通过文献分析,从认知特性与界面信息架构布局、飞行员的认知行为等方面出发,对相关成果进行综述梳理。运用眼动追踪实验,设计针对不同任务的视觉搜索实验,从而对不同信息布局形式的认知绩效进行评估测量。结果 实验结果表明,在“作战”与“导航”任务场景中“纵向任务栏型”布局形式整体更优于“横向主图型”任务布局。在“作战”任务中,纵向三分类型布局形式的绩效水平更优;在“导航”任务中,纵向二分类型布局形式的绩效水平更优。结论 针对复杂显控作战界面的信息呈现,可以通过设定与作战任务相匹配的不同结构布局来优化信息模块的合理分配方式,对后续在作战显控界面的信息模块布局设计优化起到一定参考作用。     

Usability criteria for intelligent driver assistance systems

Increasing numbers of intelligent driver assistance systems are now being installed in motor vehicles to support drivers. In order to ensure that the stress reduction benefits obtained from these systems are not nullified or even outweighed by new stresses at the vehicle's man-machine interfaces, the systems' control concepts must be designed to high ergonomic standards. This review seeks to identify design weaknesses in assistance systems by presenting criteria that must, on the one hand, be observed when designing the control concept of a new assistance system and, on the other hand, be applied when assessing the man-machine interfaces of assistance systems already installed in a vehicle. Currently available and future driver assistance systems are evaluated against recognized usability criteria, and their weak points are discussed.     

Neuroadaptive technologies: Applying neuroergonomics to the design of advanced interfaces

This article describes an emerging approach to the design of human-machine systems referred to as 'neuroadaptive interface technology'. A neuroadaptive interface is an ensemble of computer-based displays and controls whose functional characteristics change in response to meaningful variations in the user's cognitive and/or emotional states. Variations in these states are indexed by corresponding central nervous system activity, which control functionally adaptive modifications to the interface. The purpose of these modifications is to promote safer and more effective human-machine system performance. While fully functional adaptive interfaces of this type do not currently exist, there are promising steps being taken toward their development, and great potential value in doing so--value that corresponds directly to and benefits from a neuroergonomic approach to systems development. Specifically, it is argued that the development of these systems will greatly enhance overall human-machine system performance by providing more symmetrical communications between users and computer-based systems than currently exist. Furthermore, their development will promote a greater understanding of the relationship between nervous system activity and human behaviour (specifically work-related behaviour), and as such may serve as an exemplary paradigm for neuroergonomics. A number of current research and development areas related to neuroadaptive interface design are discussed, and challenges associated with the development of this technology are described.     

智能房间空调器通讯模组的设计与试验研究

设计一种适用于智能房间空调器的无线通讯模组。以STC系列单片机为模组的控制核心,可以处理对空调器的短信查询指令、短信控制指令和遥控控制指令,并能搜集空调器的运行状态信息,及时传输;用GSM模块完成模组的短信收发功能,通过RS485控制电路进行控制指令和数据的传送。通过移动控制设备对模组进行恶劣工况试验、极端电压试验、故障报警试验和远程操控试验,结果表明,模组达到日常使用要求,且安全、稳定、可靠,可以在空调器系统上广泛应用。     

Workload prediction for improved design and reliability of complex systems

This paper describes a method and a tool for analysing and predicting workload for the design and reliability of complex socio-technical systems. It concentrates on the need to assess workload early in the design phase to prevent systems failures. This is a continuation of our previous work on workload assessment. The method is supported by a tool that enables scenario-based validation of prospective socio-technical systems designs such as command and control rooms of military vessels. The approach combines probabilistic measures of human performance with subjective estimates of workload. The causal relationships of performance shaping factors (PSF) are modelled in a Bayesian belief network (BBN) and used to assess the agent's operational performance and reliability. Workload for each agent is calculated based on demand placed upon agents in terms of behavioural response to tasks, communications and interactions between humans and technology. The approach uses scenarios to stress test prospective system designs, where each scenario is modelled as a sequence of events. Reliability is expressed in terms of human error and is dynamically assessed throughout test scenario executions using BBN technology. The innovation beyond traditional reliability analysis relies to the use of dynamic and static estimates of reliability inputs for better informed assessment. This method enables identification of performance bottlenecks to be addressed by the designer early in the design phase. A case study is presented that demonstrates the use of the method and tool for the design of the command and control room of a military vessel.     

The effects of presenting functionally abstracted information in fault diagnosis tasks

With respect to the design of visual information display (VID) for process control, this study experimentally evaluated the effectiveness of functionally abstracted information in the task of fault diagnosis. The benefits of functional properties of work domain have been emphasized by ecological interface design (EID), a relatively new design framework for human–machine interfaces. According to the concept of EID, multilevel information representation based on abstraction hierarchy of work domain is expected to be advantageous for supporting the operator's problem solving. To investigate the advantage of EID application, an experiment was conducted using a computer-based simulation of the secondary cooling system of nuclear power plants. Three interfaces were compared: the first representing only the physical properties of the process, the second representing purpose-related generalized functions (GFs) in addition to the physical properties, and the third representing abstract functions (AFs) governing the GFs in addition to the physical properties. The results showed that the diagnostic performance was improved by displaying functionally abstracted information at both levels, and that the usefulness of the abstract information was dependent on the complexity of the diagnosis problems.     

Modeling methods for a flexible computer-aided embodiment design system

The investigation and implementation of product modeling methods are two of the most important research objectives in the field of computer-aided engineering design. Commercial product modeling systems go beyond geometric modeling systems in that they are adapted to user requirements through the addition of systems that aid in the generation of engineering models and methods. The embodiment design of a mechanical energy storage system serves as an example of future continuous and flexible computer-aided design (CAD). This example is implemented with GEKO, a user system for the layout of design elements. GEKO is coupled with a commercial geometric modeler (CATIA) and uses several programming interfaces.     

On quality requirements to the barium fluoride crystals

This report summarizes the quality requirements to the barium fluoride (BaF₂) crystals for constructing a high precision electromagnetic calorimeter at future hadron colliders. The basic property of BaF₂ crystals and the design and performance of a BaF₂ calorimeter are presented. The emphasis of the discussion is in the radiation resistance of the current production BaF₂ crystals. An approach to implement optical bleaching in situ is also presented. By using optical bleaching current production quality BaF₂ crystals could serve as an excellent candidate to construct a precision calorimeter at future hadron colliders.     

Effective relational database approach to represent bills-of-materials

Today's production systems are under the pressure of mass customization where customer orders may result in an explosive number of product variations. Handling information related to materials and components becomes a complex issue with the increasing variability. This paper presents an effective approach to handle product information in a relational database environment for multi-product and multi-process production systems. The approach presented in this paper aims to reduce the efforts when defining products to the production systems for the purpose of generating bills-of-materials (BOMs) and executing material requirements planning (MRP). Two algorithms are presented in this paper. The first algorithm is to retrieve information from the relational database environment to generate the BOMs. The second algorithm calculates the material requirements for all products in a customer order list. Examples are chosen from textiles since complications related to the MRP issues are at a greater extent in this branch of the industry.     

Representing the user in the design process

Designers need an effective way to represent user needs in the design process. Users can have a range of problems, from physical discomfort to incomprehension of how the system works best for their requirements. Reasons for, and ways of, taking a user-oriented approach in information technology systems design are presented.     

A UML-based approach for the development of shop floor control systems

As a key part of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM), shop floor control systems (SFCS) play an essential role in the effective operations of a shop floor. The development of SFCSs is an extremely complex process, given the requirements for synchronisation and coordination. Object-oriented methods offer a promising solution to develop a reusable, maintainable and interoperable SFCS. However, current O-O practices for developing SFCSs are hindered by proprietary representations, which may lead to problems with the portability and interoperability of models. UML, as an industrial standard for O-O notations, has been widely accepted by practitioners to describe static and dynamic parts of a complex system. From the perspective of software engineering, UML offers a variety of standard notations to support the full life-cycle of system development. In this paper, an approach to developing an SFCS using UML through analysis, design and implementation phases is presented, based on the three level hierarchical architecture. An example workstation is studied as an illustration to clarify the proposed approach. In addition to the reusability, portability and maintainability, the presented UML-based development enhances the efficiencies and qualities of SFCS development, considering a wide range of mature tool supports (such as Rational Rose) for UML are available.     

Multiscale Soft–Hard Interface Design for Flexible Hybrid Electronics

Emerging next-generation soft electronics will require versatile properties functioning under mechanical compliance, which will involve the use of different types of materials. As a result, control over material interfaces (particularly soft/hard interfaces) has become crucial and is now attracting intensive worldwide research efforts. A series of material and structural interface designs has been devised to improve interfacial adhesion, preventing failure of electromechanical properties under mechanical deformation. Herein, different soft/hard interface design strategies at multiple length scales in the context of flexible hybrid electronics are reviewed. The crucial role of soft ligands and/or polymers in controlling the morphologies of active nanomaterials and stabilizing them is discussed, with a focus on understanding the soft/hard interface at the atomic/molecular scale. Larger nanoscopic and microscopic levels are also discussed, to scrutinize viable intrinsic and extrinsic interfacial designs with the purpose of promoting adhesion, stretchability, and durability. Furthermore, the macroscopic device/human interface as it relates to real-world applications is analyzed. Finally, a perspective on the current challenges and future opportunities in the development of truly seamlessly integrated soft wearable electronic systems is presented.     

潜艇规避对被动声纳浮标作战效能的影响

根据被动声纳浮标搜潜的工作过程,对潜艇规避对被动声纳浮标作战效能的影响进行了研究.建立了被动声纳浮标的数学检测模型,利用浅海平滑平均声场理论推导了潜艇深度变化后浮标的探测范围,从检测概率和探测距离两个方面研究了潜艇采用不同规避航速、航深、以及海况对浮标作战效能的影响.仿真结果表明:在一定条件下,潜艇采用合适的规避策略,会显著降低被动声纳浮标的作战效能.     

Crack deflection by core junctions in sandwich structures

The paper treats the problem of crack propagation in sandwich panels with interior core junctions. When a face-core interface crack approaches a tri-material wedge, as it may happen at a sandwich core junction, two options exist for further crack advance; one is for the interface crack to penetrate the wedge along the face-core interface, and the second is deflection along the core junction interface. Crack deflection is highly relevant and a requirement for the functionality of a newly developed peel stopper for sandwich structures. The physical model presented in this paper enables the quantitative prediction of the ratio of the toughnesses of the two wedge interfaces required to control the crack propagation, and the derived results can be applied directly in future designs of sandwich structures. The solution strategy is based on finite element analysis (FEA), and a realistic engineering practice example of a tri-material composition (face and core materials) is presented.     

国家肝癌科学中心暖通空调设计

通过对国家肝癌科学中心空调通风系统的实际工程介绍,阐述了项目中冷热源、空调通风系统的选择以及SPF动物饲养房设计过程中的工艺要求和设计原则,通过对地源热泵系统和溶液调湿新风系统的结合运用,达到空调系统节能运行的目的,为类似医学科研中心工程设计提供参考。