Automated tool for task analysis of NextGen automation

Abstract

The realization of NextGen capabilities will require rapid deployment of revised airline cockpit procedures and the pre-requisite training and proficiency checks. Traditional approaches for the evaluation of the re-designed procedures and training, such as expert reviews and human-in-theloop tests, cannot provide comprehensive analysis, cannot be performed until after the procedures and training are developed, and are cost and time prohibitive.This paper describes the emergence of a new class of tools to automate the evaluation of procedures and training. The tools capture the procedures and tasks to be trained in a formal model that is stored in a data-base. Human performance models are executed to estimate the ease-of-learning, ease-of-use and likelihood of failure of each of the tasks. The procedures and tasks can be defined rapidly, and modified and run repeatedly throughout the development cycle. The underlying models and tools are described in this paper. A case study and the implications of these tools are also discussed.

Needs Analysis and Technology Alignment Method

“…The task-focused analysis began with a midlevel description (Human Computer Interaction Process Analysis [HCIPA] from Sherry, Medina, Feary, & Otiker, 2008). This preliminary interaction identified the tasks related to generating a UAF, their frequency, and their associated hazards.…”

Estimating the Benefits of Human Factors Engineering in NextGen Development: Towards a Formal Definition of Pilot Proficiency

“…Recent developments in the area of "affordable cognitive models" has made feasible the implementation of estimates for expert time-on-task in easy to use tools for software developers and system engineers 22 . Other recent research in the aviation domain 9 has duplicated research result on the performance of procedures in the military domain 23 where "the rate of forgetting is predominantly a function of the number of steps … [and] what tended to be forgotten most were the steps not cues by the equipment or by preceding steps." A simple, first order model, based on empirical data ( Ref 13,14,15), captures the relationship between the number of memorized actions required to complete all the decision-making actions and physical actions (e.g.…”

“…Expect further clearance at 0830" is shown in Figure 2. For more information on canonical models of humancomputer interaction see Sherry et.al 9,10 .…”

Modeling and Formal Analysis of Human-Machine Interaction

“…They showed how formal methods could be used in a cycle of analysis, re-design, and re-analysis to improve a human-machine system. Sherry, Medina, Feary, and Otiker (2008) address issues of scale and complexity in the next-generation air-traffic management system. They propose formal models that can help estimate time, cost, and risk parameters for system-level changes entailed by partially automated subsystems.…”