Showing papers by "Don Harris published in 2003"

Human centred computing : cognitive, social and ergonomic aspects

Abstract: Universal Access and Design for All Assistive Technologies Mobile and Ubiquitious Interaction Adaptation and Personalization Access to Information User Diversity Accessibility and Usability Applications and Services Non-Visual Interaction Interaction Devices, Techniques and Modalities Design and Evaluation Tools.

The Human Factors of Fully Automatic Flight

Abstract: It is argued that there is no such thing as fully automatic flight what is actually meant is 'pilotless' flight. Removal of the pilot does not remove human factors considerations in the design and operation of the machine; the human factors requirements for managing an automated aircraft merely change. It is also essential to understand the nature of automation it is neither a unidimensional construct nor an 'all or nothing' thing. Some problems in the implementation ofautomation and their role in causing accidents are described and potential ways in which they may be ameliorated are discussed. The hwnan factors of fully automatic flight: at first it would be tempting to say that there are none (by definition). This would only be a half-truth, though. There will always be a human factors dimension to every human-initiated activity on the simple bases that: (a) human beings are responsible for the design, development, production and operation of such a machine; (b) as a direct corollary of (a), someone, at some level, must always be responsible. Just because something is automated does not mean to say that a human being is not in control. It is merely the amount and type of control that has changed. Although the goal may be fully automatic flight, this is not actually what is meant the 'fly and forget' aircraft of any kind has yet to be invented. Even in a fully automated aircraft, the mission parameters still need entering (destination, goal of mission, etc) and the machine still needs monitoring against these human-determined goals, Furthennore, the flexibility to change the mission parameters (either at a strategic or tactical level) is required in the advent of an external agency requiring so (e.g. ATe or another aircraft). Fully automatic flight would require a fully prescient operator. Note that in the case of fully automatic flight, this operator may also be remote in time as well as location. All the control parameters may have been entered into the machine hours or days before the flight. Note at this point that I have carefully avoided calling the system controller a pilot...