A Monte-Carlo Simulation Investigating Means of Human-Computer Communication for Dynamic Task Allocation.

Abstract

This paper investigates human-computer communication in multitask decision making situations. It is proposed that tasks in these systems be allocated in a dynamic manner. Communication between human and computer is essential for dynamic allocation to enhance system performance. Simulation experiments investigate two modes of communication: implicit, in which the human's planned actions are relayed to the computer by the use of model of the human's decision strategy , and explicit, in which the human overtly describes his decisions to the computer. Results indicate that implicit communication can significantly enhance system performance if the computer uses a method of decision making which complements that of the human. Explicit communication can greatly enhance system performance, but there is an inherent cost in the time it takes the human to transmit his decisions to the computer. It is concluded that the costs of both methods can be traded off so that either implicit or explicit communication may be useful in different situations. Further research is suggested for defining complementary strategies using human models and for investigating trade-offs between implicit and explicit communication. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA103890

Entities

People

  • Joel S. Greenstein
  • Mark E. Revesman

Organizations

  • Virginia Tech

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Applied Psychology
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Cognitive Systems Engineering
  • Computer Communications
  • Engineering
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Human Systems Integration
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Information Science
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Military Research
  • Navy
  • Operations Research
  • Psychology
  • Systems Engineering

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Software Engineering.