Using Variable-Rate Alerting to Counter Boredom in Human Supervisory Control

Abstract

A low task load, long duration experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of cyclical attention switching strategies on operator performance in supervisory domains. The impetus for such a study stems from the lack of prior work to improve human-system performance in low task load supervisory domains through the use of design interventions. In this study, a design intervention in the form of auditory alerts is introduced and the effects of the alerts are examined. The test bed consists of a video game-like simulation environment, which allows a single operator the ability to supervise multiple unmanned vehicles. Each participant in the study completed two different four hour sessions, with and without the alerts. The results suggest that the alerts can be useful for operators who are distracted for a considerable amount of time, but that the alerts may not be appropriate for operators who are able to sustain directed attention for prolonged periods.

Autopilot, Mind Wandering, and the Out of the Loop Performance Problem

“…Within an operational environment, systems need to minimize any disruption from the detectors, especially in safety critical environments. Mkrtchyan et al (2012) described an ATC interface designed to detect and counter lapses of attention using EEG, thanks to the officer sitting and the stable environment. However, it can be extremely difficult to achieve for pilots and drivers.…”

Participant Characteristics in Human-in-the-Loop Studies with Multiple Unmanned Vehicles including Aircraft

“…Over-use of autonomy in supervisory control systems can induce boredom. Mkrtchyan et al (2012) investigated cyclical attention switching strategies in low task load scenarios. Boredom proneness (Farmer & Sundberg, 1986) was not a major factor affecting performance.…”

Why Disable the Autopilot?

“…[23:3]. In the context of driving, as the autopilot controls both the lane position and speed of the vehicle and drivers are still required to fully monitor the system, driving may be experienced as monotonous, with fewer tasks and lower workload [25]. Over time, this may reduce the willingness to monitor the systems and may lead to seeking other stimuli to reduce boredom and creating motivations to engage in secondary tasks like using a cell phone…”

“…The game elements in these persuasive systems may enhance the motivation of drivers to use intelligent systems that support the driving tasks, as they provide additional tasks next to monitoring the system and surroundings. Mkrtchyan et al [25] suggest that the use of alerts may be useful to sustain attention and thus counteracting consequences of boredom.…”