Michael A. Vidulich

User-Centered Evaluation of Multi-National Communication and Collaborative Technologies in a Network-Centric Air Battle Management Environment

Future command and control (C2) and air battle management (ABM) operations will undoubtedly be affected by the shift toward network-centric warfare (NCW), a concept of operations that relies upon a sophisticated information technology infrastructure comprising sensor, information, and engagement grids. It will be achieved through heightened shared situation awareness and real-time collaboration, which will require effective communication between coalition forces throughout the command chain. The present study provides an initial evaluation of communication effectiveness of persons from English-speaking countries with different dialects. In addition, an evaluation of collaborative interface technology for future ABM operations is presented. Together, these data provide an initial step in the characterization of communication challenges in future coalition operations and an assessment of the technologies that may be required to effectively share information and situation awareness in future ABM operations.

Vigilance Hard Work Even if Time Flies

This study tested the possibility that the temporal context in which a vigilance task is performed will moderate the perceived workload of the task. We employed a procedure to manipulate participan...This study tested the possibility that the temporal context in which a vigilance task is performed will moderate the perceived workload of the task. We employed a procedure to manipulate participants’ perceived time progression (PTP) during task performance by creating a mismatch between their expectations about how long they would perform the task and the actual time they were engaged (Sackett et al., 2010). All participants worked at the task for 30 minutes. Those in a time drags condition were led to believe it would last 15 minutes while those in a time flies condition were told it would last 60 minutes. PTP was significantly slower in the former condition than in the latter. However, workload scores on the NASA Task Load Index were similar in the two conditions and fell at the upper level of the scale. Evidently, vigilance tasks are perceived as hard work even when time flies.

Speech-Based Controls in Simulated Air Battle Management

This experiment evaluated speech-based controls as an aid for Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) operators performing simulated Battle Management Command and Control tasks. Twelve AWACS operators were required to track a package of fighter aircraft, receive verbal target changes, and pass the verbal changes to the lead fighter aircraft in a simulated battlefield air interdiction environment. The availability of speech controls for selected human-machine interface manipulation tasks was varied. The participants mission performance, mental workload, opinions, and real-time control modality preferences were recorded. The results strongly supported the application of speech-based controls in the AWACS interface.

Cognition and Physiological Response Towards a Model of Validated Physiological Measurement

Complex tasks in large and error-prone environments require unobtrusive, unbiased and real-time measurement of cognitive variables to promote safety and to achieve optimal performance. Despite the prevalence of physiological measurement of cognitive constructs and cognitive performance, such as workload, little has been done to justify the inference of cognitive states from physiological measures. We develop a framework based on the extant literature to provide the groundwork for further validation of physiological measurement. Specifically, we leverage theoretically-grounded conditions of measurement to aid in investigating the logical sampling and construct validity for use of such metrics. Further meta-analytic investigation is warranted to validate the model and justify use of physiological measures.

Influence of Stereoscopic Depth on the Flanker Compatibility Effect

Modern air-traffic control displays feature complex symbology that may negatively impact operator performance efficiency. Manipulations of stereoscopic depth have been proposed as a means to declutter such displays and thereby to enhance operator performance. In this study, we employed a flanker task designed by Eriksen and Eriksen (1974) to further investigate that possibility. Participants were required to correctly respond to target letters from the sets H and K and S and C that were bordered horizontally by response compatible and response incompatible flanking letters. Using a stereoscopic imaging technique, the flanking letters were made to appear .1 and .8 cm in front of or behind the target letters, or on the same plane as the target letters. Consistent with the findings of Eriksen and Eriksen (1974), when all letters appeared on the same plane, response times (RTs) to target letters in the presence of response incompatible flanking letters were significantly elevated in comparison to RTs in the presence of response compatible flanking letters. These effects were eliminated when the flankers appeared to be slightly in front of the target letters or at both distances behind the target letters. However, the flanker effects were restored when the flankers appeared well in front of the target letters. The results suggest that the decluttering ability of stereoscopic depth is complex and dependent on the relative apparent distance between the targets and their bordering flanker elements.

The Effects of Stereoscopic Depth on Vigilance Task Performance and Cerebral Hemodynamics

The current study examined the effect of stereoscopic depth cues on vigilance performance and cerebral hemodynamics as reflected in cerebral bloodflow velocity (CBFV). During a 40 min continuous vigil, participants took the role of a flight engineer in a simulated fuel transfer task involving a circular gauge in which a vertical line was embedded. In a 2D condition, critical signals for detection were cases in which the vertical line was tilted slightly to the right. In a 3D condition, a stereoscopic display projected a 3D image in which critical signals were cases wherein the vertical line appeared to be located in front of the circular gage. The overall level of signal detections was greater in the 3D than in the 2D condition. Moreover, detection scores in the 2D condition showed the vigilance decrement, a temporal decline over time, while those in the 3D condition maintained relative stability. In both conditions, CBFV was greater in the right than in the left cerebral hemisphere and declined significantly over time. The results provide the the initial demonstration that 3D displays can enhance performance in tasks requiring sustained attention and that right hemispheric control may be involved in vigilance performance with both 2D and 3D stimuli.

Positive and negative predictive power as an aid in robust/dynamic decision making

The diagnostic capability of using positive and negative predictive power in dynamic and robust decision making paradigms is explored. Several mathematical formulations are discussed to employ this concept to assist in decision making when human-machine systems may have characteristics that change with time.

Modifying sensitivity/specificity for sensors using positive and negative predictive power measures

In the collection of data from sensors in the field, the uncertainty in the data may compromise the ability to accurately predict the state of a system. Herein the standard signal detection theory problem is examined when nonstationary effects may occur in the data from the sensors. The use of PPP (positive predictive power) and NPP (negative predictive power) adds a new viewpoint on how to modify sensitivity and specificity measures in decision making involving multiple sensors. This is especially true when stationary properties in received data may be violated.