Operability Evaluation of the ISPE Control Structure
Abstract
Eight experienced FBM sonar operators participated in an evaluation of the 'operability' of the multifunction switching system employed for system control and data entry in the ISPE submarine sonar system. Operability was operationally defined in terms of the availability of controls for desired functions and the number and kinds of errors associated with control usage. Experienced FBM sonarmen were individually instructed in system operation for three days which were followed by two days of testing in which they employed the simulated system in two multi-contact scenarios. The analysis was confined to controls associated with displays available in the search and class-loc configurations. All functions desired by the operators were readily accessible. Analysis of errors revealed that it is very easy to misfile information or assign resources to the wrong contact. There were a number of errors traceable to control labels that were not as informative as they might be, and one instance in which the same label was used for controls having different functions. There were three instances in which limitation of access to controls when the 'hooked' mode appeared to be counterproductive. It was suggested that the sonar threat acknowledgement functions be made more flexible. The overall operability of those parts of the control structure tested was judged to be very good, and the operation of the system appeared to be very easy to learn for men familiar with the principles of sonar.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA101227
Entities
People
- Arthur N. Beare
- George Moeller
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory