Bettina L. Beard

Using Vision Modeling to Define Occupational Vision Standards

A methodology is introduced to assist in the construction of performance-based occupational vision standards. A simple image discrimination model is first calibrated using stimuli representative of airframe and powerplant cracks. It is then used to predict simulated crack visibility for cracks of different lengths and widths. Visual acuity declines are simulated using a Gaussian blur function on the crack images. Crack width is shown to be a salient cue for crack detection. This modeling technique can generate the data necessary to construct empirically-based occupational vision standards. Future research will validate model predictions with human psychophysical data.

The Insertion of Human Factors Concerns into Nextgen Programmatic Decisions

Since the costs of proposed improvements in air traffic management exceed available funding, FAA decision makers must select and prioritize what actually gets implemented. We discuss a set of methods to support cost-benefit assessments of operational and human performance before new automation is introduced. This strategy should assist decision makers in selecting and prioritizing potential improvements, make the process more transparent, and strengthen the link between the engineering and human factors domains.

A Comparison of Visualization and Command-Based Decision Aiding in a Simulated Aircraft Departure Sequencing Task

Three versions of a prototype ground controller interface were tested for their effect on aircraft departure sequencing in a simulation of Dallas/Forth-Worth International Airport. Two versions featured automated decision aids and a third served as a baseline with no decision aid. The two decision aids performed fundamentally different functions, with a Temporal Constraint Visualization (TCV) providing a visualization of spatiotemporal constraints on the departure sequence and a Timeline display providing release sequences derived by an optimization algorithm. Results indicate that participants in the TCV condition had more efficient departure sequences than the Baseline and Timeline conditions. No significant differences were found between conditions for timeliness of departures or handling of arrival aircraft. These results indicate that, through the use of appropriate decision aids, task performance in complex dynamic environments can be improved with humans retaining full decision making control. Additional research is warranted to investigate situation awareness and failure mode performance using these decision aid types.