Régis Mollard

Physical ergonomics approach for touch screen interaction in an aircraft cockpit

The aim of this study was to define the physical ergonomics needs to optimize the integration of touch interaction in the future cockpit concept. A sample of 9 subjects were retained to cover the range of variability for Forward Reach ensuring that both small (5%) and large pilots (95%) are able to reach the controls from their seated position. A motion capture tool was used to capture functional reach envelops, pilot postures and upper limbs movements when subjects performed tactile tasks on different touchscreens locations. A subjective assessment for acceptability of posture (physical effort) was performed. Effects of task duration, visibility and hand lateralization were also considered. Results have shown that a set of criteria are to be considered to optimize Human System interaction. Physical effort varies depending on display location and task duration. The orientation of the displays needs also to be addressed to avoid visibility issues.

Human centered design approach to integrate touch screen in future aircraft cockpits

This research aimed at developing new types of Human-Machine interaction for future Airbus aircraft cockpit. Touch interaction needs to be studied because it brings some advantages for pilots. However, it is necessary to redefine pilots workspace to optimize touch interaction according to pilot population characteristics and human physical capabilities. This paper presents the touch interaction area model and the tactile assessment carried out to validate our hypothesis, leading to rules/guidelines for cockpit layout and HMI designers.

Sleepiness during night-shift – sleeping habits or melatonin rhythm? A laboratory study

Abstract This study examined the relation between individual sleeping habits, and sensitivity to sleepiness during five simulated night-shifts. Seventeen male volunteers were selected by their features of “morningness–eveningness” and flexibility or rigidity of sleeping habits. Subjective scales of sleepiness and fatigue, mental performance, sleep, attenuation alpha test and the melatonin circadian rhythm were measured. Data analysis compared the following groups: evening–morning, flexible–rigid, evening–flexible, morning–flexible and morning–rigid groups, and two other definite groups from the total sample: a first group with an advanced onset of melatonin production at 23:00 and a second group (delayed onset) at 02:00. Results showed that morning, morning–flexible, morning–rigid and advance groups presented more adjustment difficulties than evening, evening–flexible and delay groups. Differences between flexible and rigid subjects remained less pronounced because of the heterogeneity of samples. The results of this preliminary study suggest that melatonin production and a combination of the two dimensions “eveningness” and “flexibility” of sleeping habits could explain the capacity to adjust to night-work. Relevance to industry Awareness of individual differences in adjustment to shift work should increase the safety and well-being of operators in industry.

Etude du comportement et des émotions dans un contexte de multisollicitations: approche exploratoire avec la Plateforme d'Evaluation, de prototypage et de teSts d'usageS ( PEPSS )

This exploratory study presents the results of an evaluation of human behavior obtained through a first use of the platform PEPSS (Prototyping platform for evaluating and use tests). During tests, subjects were confronted with a work situation characterized by multisollicitations induced by different distractors while performing a monitoring task. Using different tools, we have collected the performance, their emotional reactions and the subjective feeling. A multivariate analysis was used to study the behavior of subjects facing the multisollicitations. These first results open new opportunities for the analysis of work situations and evaluation of innovative products as the Platform PEPSS is reconfigurable and adaptable according to new needs.

Morphological Evolution of French Military Personnels

The survey realized in 1992 on a military population allowed to collect anthropometric data on 688 males and 328 females. Among 73 measurements and 3 index, 26 of them have been retained for the comparison with previous surveys. Generally used for dimensioning human body models these data represent somatic measurements of reference, as weight and stature and segmentary measurements of trunk and limbs. A comparison with previous data, collected on a equivalent military population in 1973, confirms the modifications along the time are so significant that they can be considered as a phenomenon of morphological evolution. Likewise, the modification of the academic levels, average age and socio-cultural structures in the populations are combined to increase the anthropometric variability. It appears the military population presents a morphological modification with an overall increase in weight, stature and correlated dimensions. Otherwise, a light decrease of the cormic index indicates that the morphological transformation influences on the body proportions, with an increase more notable for the lower limbs compared to the trunk. The collected anthropometric information allow to update the Individual Database of ERGODATA from which ergonomie recommendations and statistical and morphological models of the human body can be proposed.

Point-of-Gaze Evaluation in Simulated ATC

Eight Air Traffic Controllers carried out four TRACON II exercises using a graphic and a keyboard interface in low and high traffic. An iView head-mounted eye-tracking device was used. Electroencephalograms, (EEG), Electro-oculograms (EOG) and Electrocardiograms (EKG) were also measured, and on-line observations recorded using the Noldus Observer System. Subjective self-assessments, including the NASA-TLX (Task Load indeX) were employed. Significant events during the exercises were also identified for detailed analysis.

Measurement of Fatigue and Sleepiness in ATC Simulation

Eight Air Traffic Controllers carried out exercises using a TRACON II ATC Simulator. After a training and familiarization day, the controller carried out four simulation exercises, two low and two high traffic load. His performance during each exercise was recorded. A self-assessment questionnaire for fatigue and a test of cortical evoked potential were applied and a sample of saliva was taken for cortisol analysis before and after each experimental session. The NASA-TLX was completed after each exercise and a test of alpha-rhythm attenuation was carried out at the start and end of each day.

User-defined SUIs: an exploratory study

In this poster we present an exploratory bottom-up experiment to assess the users choices in terms of bodily interactions when facing a set of tasks. 29 subjects were asked to perform basic tasks on a large screen TV in three positions: standing, sitting, and lying on a couch, without any guidance on how to perform them. As such, we obtained spontaneous interaction propositions for each task. Subjects were then interviewed on their choices, and their internal representation of information and its dynamics. A statistical analysis highlighted the preferred interactions in each position.

La conception des IHM chez NEXTER Systems: Mise en place d'une plateforme d'évaluation rattachée au banc d'études et de développement véhicules

NEXTER Systems has been working for over thirty years to optimize the design of its military ground platforms. Meanwhile, military systems have become increasingly complex. It raises the question of improving the interfaces shared between human and system, in order to meet the just need of the crew. This article presents the principles of an evaluation platform for operational use, mounted on a development bench.

De la gestion du risque fatigue à la prise de décision collaborative: l'exemple du drone Harfang

Harfang UAV is a high value asset in french intelligence arena. Since the initial operational capability (IOC), it has been deployed and involved in NATO operations. Its long endurance capability can lead operators to drowsiness and misunderstanding among crewmembers. Oftenly involved in high value point of interest surveillance but sometimes in « looking at stones » missions all night long without any clue about what is gonna pop up » Harfang crewmembers are facing a big challenge. In this paper, we present some recommandations about how to manage fatigue risk in UAV military operations and how to improve communications for an enhanced sensemaking among crew members.