Alpha-Dot: A New Approach to Direct Computer Entry of Battlefield Data

Abstract

The Alpha-dot system is a coding technique that enables people to input data using familiar shapes in a form that is also directly compatible with computers and other binary data processors The technique can be used as the basis for a number of devices and procedures for the two-day communication of information between man and machine. Ten enlisted personnel entered both free form and formatted versions of simulated enemy situation spot reports. Learning time as well as rate and accuracy of data entry using the Alpha-dot keyboard was compared to operator performance using a standard typewriter. The Alpha-dot technique appears to have potential as a means to increase the speed, accuracy and flexibility of input of battlefield data by frontline observers. Functional specifications for a militarized field operable unit will be developed following field tests of a prototype unit.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1974
Accession Number
AD0774841

Entities

People

  • Raymond C. Sidorsky

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Training
  • Automation
  • Command And Control
  • Computer Programming
  • Control Systems
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Military Operations
  • Military Research
  • Motor Skills
  • Observers
  • Social Sciences
  • Tactical Data Systems
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • Typewriters

Readers

  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.