Workload perception in drone flight training simulators

Workload perception was measured in a drone flight training Simulator computerized situation. There has been increasing research in recent years on the topic of Remotely piloted aircrafts (RPA). Eleven participants were tested for workload perception during a drone flight simulator training. Reliability, sensitivity and correlations were studied for the workload scale and its relationship with the simulator training tasks. Overall, there were clear effects of mental demand as showed in the workload perception during the training tasks. Reliability for the workload scale showed good score and sensitivity showed mental demand as the most important factor compared to the other parameters measured obtaining highest correlations with landing tasks and number of errors. In our results, we have seen how the AWT (adapted from NASA-TLX) showed good sensitivity in assessing the mental burden of participants. In our research, participants scoring higher in the mental demand subscale showed greater difficulty finishing training tasks, and also showed longer time delays in performing both training sections of the simulation. These types of tools measuring workload perception and virtual training systems can be used in future research, to see how this cognitive aspect affects piloting skills and its possible safety and training implications.     

Determining the training effectiveness of flight simulators: some basic issues and practical developments

This paper seeks to examine some of the assumptions that can confuse attempts to determine the training effectiveness of flight simulators. It sets out the arguments in favour of using measures of training effectiveness derived from the concept of transfer of training and examines ways in which information may be used to present more detailed specification for training device requirements. It also draws attention to a number of interacting factors (eg, cost and utilisation) which must be taken into account when arriving at an assessment of training effectiveness.     

Computer generated imagery for training simulators

The need for visual simulation as part of a training simulator is restated. The characteristics of a visual system are discussed leading to the specification for a computer generated image system, which is described and the information flow through each section discussed. Some features such as texture, shading, edge smoothing and transparency are singled out for special attention and finally the subject of model database preparation is briefly covered.     

Computer image generation for flight simulators: the Gabor approach

A formalism for image representation in the combined frequency-position space is presented using the generalized Gabor approach. This approach uses elementary functions to which the human visual system is particularly sensitive and which are efficient for the analysis and synthesis of visual imagery. The formalism is also compatible with the implementation of a variable resolution system wherein image information is nonuniformly distributed across the visual field in accordance with the human visual system's ability to process it. When used with a gaze-slaved visual display system, imagery generated using the techniques described here affords a combination of high resolution and wide field-of-view. This combination is particularly important in high-fidelity, computergenerated, visual environments as required, for instance, in flight simulators.     

分布式仿真训练系统通用开发框架研究

针对当前复杂分布式仿真训练系统在开发过程中存在着大量重复工作的问题,在分析其共性特征的基础上,提出了一套适用于分布式仿真训练系统的通用开发框架。该框架采用基于HLA的分布式结构,包含岗位训练软件开发框架、训练指挥台开发框架、三维场景显示开发框架和一个数据库系统,满足共性特征。详细阐述了通用开发框架的软件架构、通用功能类库和自动化科目生成器。描述了使用该框架进行仿真训练系统开发的一般流程。实际应用表明,该框架不仅能够大大减少重复的开发工作,而且统一的软件架构也有利于系统的维护。     

ATABS: A technique for automatically training agent-based simulators

The automatic training of agent-based simulators can be a complex task because of (a) their common nondeterministic behavior and (b) their complex relationships between their input parameters and the outputs. This work presents a technique called ATABS for automatically training agent-based simulators. This technique is based on a novel mechanism for generating random numbers that reduces the variability of the global results. This work provides a framework that automates this training by considering the relationships between the simulation parameters and the output features. This technique and framework have been applied to automatically train two different simulators. The current approach has been empirically compared with the most similar alternative. The results show that ATABS outperforms this alternative considering (1) the similarity between simulated and real data and (2) the execution time in the training process. The ATABS framework is publicly available. In this way, it ensures not only the reproducibility of the experiments, but also allows practitioners to apply the current approach to different agent-based simulators.     

面向对象的商用飞行模拟机教员台设计与实现

教练员控制台是商用飞机飞行模拟机的指挥和监控中心,是飞行模拟机的重要组成部分。根据飞行模拟机的应用需求,设计并实现了用于商用飞机飞行模拟机的先进教员台系统。描述了教员台系统的总体结构、组成原理和网络体系。采用模块化方法进行了功能分解并提出了功能四分法。通过面向对象技术设计了教员台系统的软件类库层次结构、通讯框架和人机交互界面。所开发的教员台系统的应用情况表明,教员台系统功能齐全,显示丰富,界面友好,运行稳定,操作方便快捷,并且具有一定的通用性和扩展性。     

Design and implementation of medical training simulators

This paper discusses the design issues and implementation details of building a medical training simulator. Example projects that have been undertaken by the Visualization and Medical Graphics group at Bangor University and our collaborators are used to illustrate the points made. A detailed case study is then presented of a virtual environment designed to train the Seldinger Technique, a common procedure in interventional radiology. The paper will introduce a medical practitioner to the technology behind a medical virtual environment. It will also provide an engineer with an overview of many of the issues that need to be considered when undertaking to build such an application. The paper ends with the author’s views on future developments in this exciting domain. N. W. John is the 12th recipient of the MMVR Satava Award, 2006.     

A flight simulator for general anesthesia training

A simulator of general anesthesia is described. It consists of an integrated set of physiologic computer models and a graphics display. The model predicts many of the physiologic and pharmacodynamic changes associated with general anesthesia. It is a multiple model consisting of circulatory, respiratory, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic models and their interactions. The model can account for many pathologic states of the cardiorespiratory system plus poor renal and hepatic function. Both intravenous and inhalation agents are included. Examples of its capabilities are presented, including pharmacokinetic changes associated with thiopental administration to a hypovolemic subject, administration of oxygen in several pulmonary pathologic conditions, and a simulation of an induction using fentanyl or thiopental. The model, combined with the graphics interface, becomes a real-time simulator useful for training students and residents.     

Efficient use of commercial electromagnetic simulators for microwave and millimeter-wave circuits

Efficient use of electromagnetic simulators is accomplished by classification of EM problems into three categories—characterization of circuit elements, optimization of circuit elements, and creation of circuit element libraries. Real circuit examples in each of the three categories are given to demonstrate the practical aspects of efficient EM simulations and the computer resources required. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Empirical investigation on factors influencing the behavioral intention to use Facebook

There continues to be a gap in understanding of what makes an individual engage in Facebook use. This is the primary research question of this study. Social network research is a good place to begin. Hence, this research aims to investigate factors influencing the behavioral intention to use Facebook. Cross-sectional data were collected from 200 respondents through a survey. Data were then analyzed by means of multiple regression analysis. The findings verified the research hypotheses and confirmed that perceived enjoyment, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness all impact attitude toward continuance intention of Facebook. This paper provides some insights into how practitioners could better develop Facebook site and enhances understanding of users?? perception toward Facebook. Facebook developer should evaluate ways to improve perceptions of their sites on these dimensions. Facebook group should add more game zones and interesting features to boost up the number of Facebook users so that Facebook can maintain or achieve a higher position in social networking sites compared to others. Implications for research and practice are discussed.     

An empirical examination of factors influencing the intention to use mobile payment

With recent advances in mobile technologies, mobile commerce is having an increasingly profound impact on our daily lives, and beginning to offer interesting and advantageous new services. In particular, the mobile payment (m-payment) system has emerged, enabling users to pay for goods and services using their mobile devices (especially mobile phones) wherever they go. Mobile payment is anticipated to enjoy a bright future.     

IT in mathematics initial teacher training - factors influencing school experience

Abstract This paper presents some findings of a local study of the IT background of secondary mathematics PGCE students and the use these students made of IT in their mathematics lessons in schools. Traditional and school-based initial training schemes are examined and although some differences appear regarding the use of IT in mathematics lessons, these differences are not large. Nationally, future secondary courses will be school-based; implications for future training are considered.     

Factors influencing the design of perspective flight path displays for guidance and navigation

Many types of modern commercial aircraft are equipped with an Electronic Flight Instrument System, comprising several programmable displays. The flexibility in information presentation of these systems offers the possibility to improve the pilot-aircraft interface significantly. Future concepts, such as enhanced and synthetic vision, will further increase these possibilities. To benefit from this, research into new display concepts is being performed to allow the pilot to operate in a four-dimensional (4D) air-traffic environment, to provide improved spatial and navigational awareness, and to enable a better transition from supervisory to manual control. A possible display format is the so-called perspective flight path display, which originated approximately 40 years ago. The design of perspective flight path displays for guidance and short-term navigation requires the specification of several parameters. Suitable values for these parameters depend on requirements with respect to range and resolution of the required information, the properties of the positioning and attitude determination system, and the abilities of the human operator with respect to perception, interpretation and evaluation of information. In this paper, a review of the various factors to be considered in the design of perspective flight path displays is presented. The relations between the guidance/short-term navigation task-related requirements and the design parameters of a perspective flight path display are discussed, and the consequences of the differences between today's guidance displays and perspective flight path displays for algorithms controlling the display symbology are explained.     

Self direction and factors influencing technology use: Examining the relationships for the 21st century workplace

Self-direction and technology use are both identified as increasingly important skills for the 21st century workforce. In an effort to define effective pedagogies for students entering the workplace, this study examines the relationship between selected factors of self-directed learning and factors influencing technology use. University seniors provided a sample representing new workforce entrants and the workplace of the immediate future. Examining self-direction using the PRO-model of self-direction and technology use through the lens of computer self-efficacy, 572 graduating seniors provided a look at their preparation for the workplace for self-direction and technology use. Results indicated a significant but very weak relationship between self-direction and technology use that accounted for less than 7% of the variance for any one factor examined. Based on these results, this study includes implications for practice as well as recommendations for future research.     

Exploring influencing factors of technology use for active and healthy ageing support in older adults

ABSTRACT

Aim of this study is to investigate the influence of technological and social cognitive factors for the use of sensor-based technologies for active and healthy ageing (AHA) support by older adults. In a mixed methods approach, data was initially obtained from an online questionnaire completed by older health technology users and used in a regression analysis, where factors from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) served as predictors for health technology use (HTU). Further, in-depth interviews were conducted with older adults to gain insights into technology use and physical activity behaviour of older adults. The regression analysis showed that the TAM and SCT factors accounted for a significant proportion of variance (39.5%) in HTU. Significant predictors of HTU were physical activity (.399**), social support (.287*), and expectations regarding individual health (.440*) and physical appearance (?.470**), indicating physical activity as mediator for HTU. The qualitative analysis indicated the conflation of technology support with social environments as key for physical activity behaviour in older adults. The findings indicate physical activity as a mediator in HTU by older adults and suggest that the consideration of social factors in health technology design may facilitate the uptake of AHA technologies.     

基于PC的飞行指挥训练系统

为缩短飞行指挥员的训练周期,提高训练效率,降低训练成本,设计并实现了基于PC的飞行指挥训练系统.该系统涉及语音识别、飞行仿真、视景仿真、数据库和网络通信等许多领域.给出了该系统的整体设计、模块设计及关键技术的实现途径.在语音识别等主要功能模块采用了余度技术,避免非人为中断,实现系统免维护.实践证明,该系统完全满足飞行指挥员的实训要求,可供其他指挥仿真借鉴.