Closing the Man-Machine Loop: On the Use of Physiological Measures to Affect Computer-Controlled Devices,
Abstract
The human operator is an important component of the advanced airborne system, and as much care must be taken in monitoring the integrity of this component as any other component in the system, such as the system's airworthiness, capability of engaging targets, weapons status, defensive equipment, etc. To date, in part due to technological limitations, the operator's physical or psychological status has not been considered as a component in system integrity. As is true of other components of the system, there should be redundancy, as well as alternate mechanisms, for conducting certain functions. Thus, if the pilot of a multi-engine aircraft is unable to function effectively, his functions can be taken over by other crew members. In a single pilot aircraft, many of these functions could be delegated to computer systems aboard the aircraft. What measures would be used to determine whether an operator is unable to function effectively? We believe that physiological measures, such as those proposed here, can, in conjunction with behavioral measures and aircraft status, be major contributors to that decision-making process. The inability to function effectively may be a long- or short-duration problem. We must be able to detect this inability to function in either case and be able to alert the system when this occurs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADP005585
Entities
People
- G. F. Wilson
- J. A. Stern
- M. Theissen
Organizations
- Washington University in St. Louis