Human-autonomy teaming interface design considerations for multi-unmanned vehicle control

ABSTRACT

Future applications are envisioned in which a single human operator manages multiple heterogeneous unmanned vehicles (UVs) by working together with an autonomy teammate that consists of several intelligent decision-aiding agents/services. This article describes recent advancements in developing a new interface paradigm that will support human-autonomy teaming for air, ground, and surface (sea craft) UVs in defence of a military base. Several concise and integrated candidate control station interfaces are described by which the operator determines the role of autonomy in UV management using an adaptable automation control scheme. An extended play calling based control approach is used to support human-autonomy communication and teaming in managing how UV assets respond to potential threats (e.g. asset allocation, routing, and execution details). The design process for the interfaces is also described including: analysis of a base defence scenario used to guide this effort, consideration of ecological interface design constructs, and generation of UV and task-related pictorial symbology.     

Human-autonomy teaming in military settings

ABSTRACT

In this Thematic Issue ‘Human-Autonomy Teaming’ of Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, five U.S. military-funded research efforts are presented to discuss human factors issues in a variety of military human-autonomy teaming mission environments: dismounted infantry working with a small ground robot; intelligence analysis; human working with an intelligent agent to manage a team of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles; vehicle-mounted ground penetrating radar. The research issues addressed in this Issue are diverse – from display designs to operator performance and trust in the systems. The results and insights documented in these five articles should provide useful resources to researchers and practitioners working on intelligent and autonomous systems.     

Modelling and assessment of dependent performance shaping factors through Analytic Network Process

Despite continuous progresses in research and applications, one of the major weaknesses of current HRA methods dwells in their limited capability of modelling the mutual influences between performance shaping factors (PSFs). Indeed at least two types of dependencies between PSFs can be defined: (i) dependency between the states of the PSFs; (ii) dependency between the influences (impacts) of the PSFs on the human performance. This paper introduces a method, based on Analytic Network Process (ANP), for the quantification of the latter, where the overall contribution of each PSF (weight) to the human error probability (HEP) is eventually returned. The core of the method is the modelling process, articulated into two steps: firstly, a qualitative network of dependencies between PSFs is identified, then, the importance of each PSF is quantitatively assessed using ANP. The model allows to distinguish two components of the PSF influence: direct influence that is the influence that the considered PSF is able to express by itself, notwithstanding the presence of other PSFs and indirect influence that is the incremental influence of the considered PSF through its influence on other PSFs. A case study in Air Traffic Control is presented where the proposed approach is integrated into the cognitive simulator PROCOS. The results demonstrated a significant modification of the influence of PSFs over the operator performance when dependencies are taken into account, underlining the importance of considering not only the possible correlation between the states of PSFs but also their mutual dependency in affecting human performance in complex systems.     

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 fundamentals of work system compatibility theory: An integrated approach to optimization of human performance at work

This paper presents a general framework for the work system compatibility (WSC) theory based on two fundamental premises: (1) the synergistic effects of the entire domain of work factors upon the performance of individuals in the workplace must be considered; and (2) the work system elements must be balanced to achieve simultaneous optimization of all facets of workplace human performance measures. The WSC theory is integrative on two levels. First, the WSC theory integrates previous human performance theories that only considered the impact of some sub-sets of work factors on selected outcome measures. Secondly, the WSC theory serves to integrate prior theories towards a multi-disciplinary systems approach to work system improvements. The WSC theory provides a methodology for achieving a balance among key elements of work system by simultaneous optimization of the relevant human performance measures.     

The application of the loglinear model to quantify human errors

This paper concentrates on using a quantitative method, the loglinear model, to investigate human error under a state of emergency. The loglinear model provides a systematic approach to find out the factors which lead to occurrences of human errors. The external performance shaping factor (PSF), internal PSF, and stressor PSF were found to be the statistically significant factors of human errors. In addition, the first-order interaction between external PSF and stressor PSF, as well as the second-order interaction of these three factors, were also verified as important parts of the human error model. Furthermore, the maximum likelihood which predicts human error probabilities could be obtained from the selected loglinear model.     

Integration of Business Process Architectures within Enterprise Architecture Approaches: A Literature Review

Abstract

Business Process Architecture (BPA) and Enterprise Architecture (EA) require integration to serve as effective management tools. Prior literature reviews have not focused on EA-BPA integration. This work aims to fill this gap by conducting a literature review analyzing and comparing how EA approaches include and consider BPAs. We found most related research that analyzed EA approaches recognize the need of integrating business processes with multiple organizational aspects but do not provide a standalone BPA viewpoint nor offer specific integration guidelines. The article concludes by identifying criteria for adopting an EA approach and highlighting research gaps that suggest the EA-BPA integration field remains largely unexplored and open to further inquiry.     

智能交互系统中人机组队协同工效提升的模型构建

目的 智能交互系统在城市救援及日常生活中应用越来越广泛,探讨了人机组队作业中人机协同工效提升的内在机制和规律,以构建人机组队协同的相容性理论模型并应用于复杂系统中人机组队的设计和优化。方法 采用跨学科交叉分析和文献调研分析的方法,分别对认知心理学、工程心理学和计算机科学等不同领域文献进行充分检索和分析,系统梳理了从智能体的界面设计及自动化水平、操作员状态与情境感知能力、人机关系及交互方式等对人机协同工效的影响因素;并通过共享心理模型、自然主义决策模型、多重表征模型尝试对人机如何协同的机制进行探讨和分析,指出了目前研究中存在的问题和不足。在此基础上提出较为系统的智能交互系统中人机组队相容性理论模型。结果 该模型通过对人、智能体、环境和任务特征进行分析,并从物理相容性、认知相容性和情感相容性三个角度,对人机组队协同工效提升的内在规律和机制进行深入探讨,有效提升人机组队协同的系统工效和用户体验,避免安全事故的发生。结论 智能交互系统中人机组队的相容性模型可用于未来人机协同工效提升的理论和实践研究,也可用于未来智能人机交互系统,特别是智能化时代人机组队的设计和优化,满足众多复杂的人机系统(如商用飞机驾驶舱、核电站中央控制室)人机高效协同设计的需求,为建立自然高效人机协同作业的交互模式提供科学依据。     

Speed estimation of vehicles approaching an intersection: a digital image processing method

Abstract

Most severe car accidents that occur in urban environments involve side impacts at street intersections, even at those regulated with traffic lights. Hence, it is very common to implement a small delay since one road changes to red until the other road changes to green. This delay is intended to avoid accidents in which a vehicle decides to go through the intersection after the sequence green–yellow–red is started, underestimating the time required to overtake the intersection. A better approach is to adjust the delay dynamically, depending on the speed of the vehicles approaching to the intersection. Using the dynamic approach, it is possible to improve traffic flow by reducing unnecessary delays, and to improve safety by applying longer delays when needed. This paper proposes a speed estimation method based on digital image processing of pictures taken with wireless cameras installed on top of existing traffic lights. The algorithm finds a vehicle in two consecutive images (either in day or night condition) and computes its speed by correlation. When a traffic light turns red, the systems estimates the speed of the cars approaching and decides to change the other road to green immediately, or to wait until it is safe to do so. The system was tested with real traffic flow at a street located in the city of Talavera de la Reina, Spain, with vehicles at different speeds. The image processing method proved to be accurate for this application, and adding the advantage of low cost equipment and easy installation results in a very attractive solution.     

Aberrated Optical Systems with Optimum Apodizers for the Strehl Ratio: Axial and Extra-axial Point-spread Function and Modulation-transfer Function

Abstract

The amplitude distribution at the aperture of an optical system for off-axis object points due to the introduction of a non-uniform transmission filter depends on the transmission function and on the longitudinal filter position. The effects of several filters on the axial and extra-axial point-spread function (PSF) and modulation-transfer function (MTF) of an optical system for different filter positions are studied. The filter transmission function and the filter position are obtained by the optimization of the axial and extra-axial Strehl ratios. The axial and extra-axial effects of the filters on the PSF and on the MTF are analogous. There are some positions of the filter for which the overall performance is significantly improved. The optimum longitudinal positioning of the apodizing filter is achieved in a process which is analogous to the stop shift effect in conventional optical design. The lack of radial symmetry in the off-axis wavefront aberration function at any particular field angle is convolved with the apodizing function and this leads to the anticipated improvement.     

Fast computation of limit cycles in an industrial application

A model problem is described that requires the study of a system of the form v(t) = F _P (v(t), t) which depends on a set of parameters P, and where 1. The problem comes from an industrial application where it is a kernel of an optimization procedure. The optimization depends on computing the limit cycle, and the problem needs to be solved repeatedly. Short computation time is therefore essential. The naive approach is to integrate the equation forward in time, starting from an arbitrary initial condition, until the transients disappear and the limit cycle is approximated within a given tolerance. This approach is too slow and thus impractical in the context of the optimization procedure. The problem involves two types of asymptotic considerations: long-time asymptotics and small-parameter asymptotics. Here a simple approach is demonstrated, based on implementing the averaging method. This reduces the solution time to the point that the optimization procedure becomes feasible.     

Design and implementation of an information system for performance assessment of management and organization in a gas refinary

Abstract

The objective of this study is to present an information system for assessment of management and organization in a gas refinery. To achieve the objective of this study, Balanced Score Card (BSC) methodology was utilized to categorize management and organization indicators into four categories. The data related to a five year period was then collected to provide a benchmark for the refinery. Furthermore, the data from 19 developed and developing countries were collected for the purpose of benchmarking. A t‐test was then introduced to benchmark the refinery's management and organization indicators. Moreover, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to analyze and further assess the violated indicators. Finally, an integrated information system was designed in .Net environment by C#. It was introduced to facilitate the assessment of management and organization indicators. This is the first study that introduces an information system for performance assessment of management and organization in a gas refinery by integration of BSC, DEA and t‐test.     

Bioinspired Flexible Volatile Organic Compounds Sensor Based on Dynamic Surface Wrinkling with Dual‐Signal Response

Living systems can respond to external stimuli by dynamic interface changes. Moreover, natural wrinkle structures allow the surface to switch dynamically and reversibly from flat to rough in response to specific stimuli. Artificial wrinkle structures have been developed for applications such as optical devices, mechanical sensors, and microfluidic devices. However, chemical molecule‐triggered flexible sensors based on dynamic surface wrinkling have not been demonstrated. Inspired by human skin wrinkling, herein, a volatile organic compound (VOC)‐responsive flexible sensor with a switchable dual‐signal response (transparency and resistance) is achieved based on a multilayered Ag nanowire (AgNW)/SiO_x/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film. Wrinkle structures can form dynamically in response to VOC vapors (such as ethanol, toluene, acetone, formaldehyde, and methanol) due to the instability of the multilayer induced by their different swelling capabilities. By controlling the modulus of PDMS and the thickness of the SiO_x layer, tunable sensitivities in resistance and transparency of the device are achieved. Additionally, the proximity mechanism of the solubility parameter is proposed, which explains the high selectivity of the device toward ethanol vapor compared with that of other VOCs well. This stimuli‐responsive sensor exhibits the dynamic visual feedback and the quantitative electrical signal, which provide a novel approach for developing smart flexible electronics.     

Human reliability analysis—Taxonomy and praxes of human entropy boundary conditions for marine and offshore applications

This is the first stage towards the development of a human reliability model called human entropy (HENT). The paper presents qualitative and quantitative taxonomies and praxes of performance shaping factors (PSF) for Marine and Offshore operations. Three structured and guided expert elicitation methods were used in this study. The experts interrogated accident reports and databases from which the generic root causes of failures/accidents in operations are determined. The elicitations led to the development of 9 qualitative and quantitative human influencing factors, which are called Human Entropy Boundary Conditions (HEBC). Further explications of the 9 HEBC gave birth to 137 quantifiable explanatory variables, which are called hypothetical constructs (HyC). The HyCs are used to identify potential risks due to shrinkages in safety standards. Human entropy is a detour from traditional human error and was used as a result of tripartite human failure modes; error, local rationality and extraneous acts, all of which signify disorderliness and are seemingly inevitable in maritime operations. The praxes and scaling of HEBC was developed as guidance towards a practical oriented HRA and provide inputs for measuring human disorderliness in maritime operations.     

基于行为形成因子相关性的人因失误影响研究

生产过程中,行为形成因子会对人因失误产生不可忽略的作用。在行为形成因子诱发人因失误的过程中,其他行为形成因子也会对诱发过程产生影响。本文基于这种影响作用,对行为形成因子影响人因失误的程度进行了量化,求解得出了人因失误的概率,并进行了实验验证。     

Simulation of second order singularly-perturbed boundary-value problems using improved meshless method

Abstract

In this study, numerical integration based on Block-Pulse functions and Chebyshev wavelets are employed for Element Free Galerkin approximation. Moving Least Squares (MLS) approach is used to construct shape functions with optimized weight functions and basis. The proposed techniques are implemented on singularly-perturbed boundary-value problems with two-point boundary conditions. Numerical results for two examples are presented in this article to show the pertinent features for the proposed technique. Comparison with existing techniques shows that our proposed method based on integration technique provides better approximation at reduced computational cost. Moreover the effect of perturbation parameter on solution of test problems has been studied.     

The task demands‐resources method: A new approach to human reliability analysis from a psychological perspective

This study proposes a new approach to human reliability analysis (HRA) by introducing the occupational stress model in human resources management. Most existing HRA methods are restricted to a given set of risk factors in the task context, which are often called performance shaping factors (PSFs), and they are built on the causal relationship between PSFs and human performance, with little concern for the psychological factors that drive human behavior. We argue that a well‐developed occupational stress model that incorporates comprehensive working conditions and focuses on psychological factors offers us a new perspective to evaluate human reliability. The proposed approach, namely, the task demands‐resources (TD‐R) method, considers that the PSFs, in the task context, can be categorized into two different groups: task demands and task resources. These two PSF groups can both motivate and stress the operators during the task, thereby influencing their performances. Based on the theoretical framework of the TD‐R method, we also designed a probabilistic model linking motivational intensity to human error probability (HEP) under different stress levels. A human reliability experiment has been conducted to validate the effectiveness and flexibility of the TD‐R method. The experiment results showed that the TD‐R method could produce a meaningful explanation for the operators' performances and provide a quantification result for HEP.     

Dissolution performance related to particle size distribution for cohpiercially available prednisolone acetate suspensions

Abstract

Dissolution performance for three commercially available parenteral prednisolone acetate suspensions was analyzed using a diffusion based model. Physicochemical properties of the drug and particle size characteristics of the formulation were included in the model as important determinants of dissolution performance.

The model describes the dissolution profile for each formulation with a single characteristic value, the dissolution rate constant. For Products I and II with similar particle size characteristics, the model sufficiently describes the dissolution profile for each formulation but does not provide conclusive evidence about reasons for differences in dissolution performance between the two products. For Product III, the model sufficiently describes the dissolution profile and adequately includes the effect of a bimodal distribution of larger drug particles.

This approach to the analysis of dissolution data for suspension formulations is suggested as being useful during the formulation process to provide for predetermined dissolution characteristics, as an evaluative tool in quality assurance, assurance, and for correlating in-vivo and in-vitro product performance.     

Dynamic recurrent wavelet network controllers for nonlinear system control

Abstract

To solve nonlinear system control problems, a Recurrent Wavelet Network Controller (RWNC) is proposed in this paper. The proposed RWNC model has four‐layer structure. Temporal relations embedded in the network by adding some feedback connections representing the memory units in the second layer. A self‐organizing learning algorithm, which consists of structure learning and parameter learning, is proposed and is able to construct the recurrent wavelet network dynamically. The structure learning is based on the input partitions to determine the number of wavelet bases, and the parameter learning is based on the supervised gradient descent method to adjust the shape of wavelet functions, feedback weights, and the connection weights. Computer simulations were conducted to illustrate the performance and applicability of the proposed model.     

A systems analysis approach to solving office work system health and performance problems

This paper describes a systems analysis approach to human performance in office work systems. The approach, integrating both micro- and macroergonomic aspects, provides a process for more comprehensive, systematic solutions. This systems approach is designed to assess office workers' performance and effectiveness problems within technology intensive office work environments and provide realistic solutions for improving performance. The approach incorporates micro- and macroergonomic factors to adequately address the performance and stress and health-related problems associated with modern office work systems. The seven step approach consists of: defining the problems; setting the objectives and developing alternatives; modelling alternatives; evaluating alternatives; selecting an alternative; planning for implementation; and evaluation, feedback and modification. A detailed schematic presentation of these steps is provided. Solutions or alternatives are proposed to minimize the identified problem factors and to improve performance and the quality of work life.