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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 17 June 2008

Tohru Kawabe

The purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of control method for the man‐machine systems with brain machine interface (BMI). Concrete target system is, for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of control method for the man‐machine systems with brain machine interface (BMI). Concrete target system is, for instance, a car cruising system and so on.

Design/methodology/approach

The improved receding horizon control (RHC) method for the sampled‐data systems and the adaptive digital‐to‐analog (DA) converter which has the way to switch the sampling functions according to the system status are used. The feature selection method based on the kernel support vector machines with the backward stepwise selection for the BMI signals are also used.

Findings

This paper proposes the new improved RHC method with the adaptive DA converter for the application of the BMI‐based systems. The proposed method is illustrated as useful and effective method for the systems to which switch of control laws is indispensable by the simulations.

Research limitations/implications

Although the proposed method is effective for the BMI‐based systems with switching of control laws, the faster algorithm for RHC will be need to apply to the man‐machine systems with the BMI in practical use.

Practical implications

The basic concept or framework of the proposed method can be used for the real man‐machine systems with the BMI, for examples, car crusing systems, wheel‐chaired systems and so on.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the development of the new effective control method for the BMI‐based man‐machine systems.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Tor Guimaraes, Nils Martensson, Johan Stahre and Magid Igbaria

As the increase in manufacturing competitiveness forces organizations to use more sophisticated and complex software, system performance depends on clever systems design…

1141

Abstract

As the increase in manufacturing competitiveness forces organizations to use more sophisticated and complex software, system performance depends on clever systems design, efficient planning and scheduling of the related processes. For these advanced manufacturing systems the dependence on human competence is greater. However, previous studies indicate that the human aspects for successfully implementing such systems have been neglected. The objective here is to test the hypotheses that system complexity is inversely related to performance, and that training of system operators, and the quality of the man/machine interface reduces the negative impact of system complexity. A sample of discreet manufacturing systems from 128 organizations was used to test these hypotheses empirically. Moderated multivariate regression indicates that man/machine interfaces are significant contributors to reducing the negative effect of systems complexity. With a lower level of significance, operator training has a similar impact. For complex manufacturing systems software, it behoves managers to insure that the man/machine interface provides the desirable features outlined in this study.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 19 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1977

N. NAPLATANOFF and D. LAKOV

Formalization of the decision‐making process in vague conditions is urgent not only in studying man's function in a man‐machine system, but in designing the informational exchange…

Abstract

Formalization of the decision‐making process in vague conditions is urgent not only in studying man's function in a man‐machine system, but in designing the informational exchange conditions between the operator and the information computer which works like an adviser. On the basis of Zadeh's fuzzy sets notion a linguistically conceivable estimate of vague system conditions is proposed. An algorithm for informational exchange in a man‐machine system is developed as a step in adapting the machine computation facilities to man's intellectual abilities. This algorithm is used for designing a man‐machine dialogue for decision‐making processes. A possible application to a distribution power system (decision‐making for exchange power) is pointed out.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

BRIAN VICKERY and ALINA VICKERY

There is a huge amount of information and data stored in publicly available online databases that consist of large text files accessed by Boolean search techniques. It is widely…

Abstract

There is a huge amount of information and data stored in publicly available online databases that consist of large text files accessed by Boolean search techniques. It is widely held that less use is made of these databases than could or should be the case, and that one reason for this is that potential users find it difficult to identify which databases to search, to use the various command languages of the hosts and to construct the Boolean search statements required. This reasoning has stimulated a considerable amount of exploration and development work on the construction of search interfaces, to aid the inexperienced user to gain effective access to these databases. The aim of our paper is to review aspects of the design of such interfaces: to indicate the requirements that must be met if maximum aid is to be offered to the inexperienced searcher; to spell out the knowledge that must be incorporated in an interface if such aid is to be given; to describe some of the solutions that have been implemented in experimental and operational interfaces; and to discuss some of the problems encountered. The paper closes with an extensive bibliography of references relevant to online search aids, going well beyond the items explicitly mentioned in the text. An index to software appears after the bibliography at the end of the paper.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 49 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1985

M.A. RAHIM, A. RAOUF and R.S. LASHKARI

In order to evaluate and predict a reliability function for certain continuous type tasks, a three‐state (discrete state‐time continuous) Markovian model is developed…

Abstract

In order to evaluate and predict a reliability function for certain continuous type tasks, a three‐state (discrete state‐time continuous) Markovian model is developed. Applications of the model are described through generated data on human errors.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2004

Atta Badii

Earlier research has shown that human judgements, particularly retrospective as distinct from real‐time evaluations of painful experiences, are fundamentally flawed when…

Abstract

Earlier research has shown that human judgements, particularly retrospective as distinct from real‐time evaluations of painful experiences, are fundamentally flawed when superseded by other experiences. Describes a methodology for the evaluation of user experiences, assisted by a user‐centered co‐design tool for planning, creating and conducting wide‐ranging usability data acquisition throughout the system life cycle from inception to replacement. The results from the tests in this study were found to support the findings from recent cognitive psychology research on J/DM‐PPR theoretic biasing effects. The importance of the findings for software systems, and for interactive Web site development, is that if the interactive features which tax the user's patience and cognitive capability are not severely restraining, then users will be left with a better impression of the usability of the system than would be the case otherwise.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1973

IT is always an exhilarating experience to hear John Garnett speak. In recent years I have listened to him on very many occasions and never known the fascination to fail. Whether…

Abstract

IT is always an exhilarating experience to hear John Garnett speak. In recent years I have listened to him on very many occasions and never known the fascination to fail. Whether in a set speech or when summing up the points made by others there is a power and authority in his staccato sentences.

Details

Work Study, vol. 22 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 May 2018

Jue Li, Minghui Yu and Hongwei Wang

On shield tunnel construction (STC) site, human error is widely recognized as essential to accident. It is necessary to explain which factors lead to human error and how these…

1747

Abstract

Purpose

On shield tunnel construction (STC) site, human error is widely recognized as essential to accident. It is necessary to explain which factors lead to human error and how these factors can influence human performance. Human reliability analysis supports such necessity through modeling the performance shaping factors (PSFs). The purpose of this paper is to establish and validate a PSF taxonomy for the STC context.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in this study mainly consists of three steps. First, a description of the STC context is proposed through the analysis of the STC context. Second, the literature which stretch across the PSF methodologies, cognitive psychology and human factors of STC and other construction industries are reviewed to develop an initial set of PSFs. Finally, a final PSF set is modified and validated based on STC task analysis and STC accidents cases.

Findings

The PSF taxonomy constituted by 4 main components, 4 hierarchies and 85 PSFs is established for human behavior modeling and simulation under the STC context. Furthermore, by comparing and evaluating the performance of STC PSF and existing PSF studies, the proposed PSF taxonomy meets the requirement for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Practical implications

The PSF taxonomy can provide a basis and support for human behavior modeling and simulation under the STC context. Integrating PSFs into a behavior simulation model provides a more realistic and integrated assessment of human error by manifesting the influence of each PSFs on the cognitive processes. The simulation results can suggest concrete points for the improvement of STC safety management.

Originality/value

This paper develops a taxonomy of PSFs that addresses the various unique influences of the STC context on human behaviors. The harsh underground working conditions and diverse resources of system information are identified as key characteristics of the STC context. Furthermore, the PSF taxonomy can be integrated into a human cognitive behavior model to predict the worker’s behavior on STC site in future work.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Fotis Liarokapis and Emily Conradi

The aim of this work is to explore the use of lightweight but effective user interfaces for mobile navigation and wayfinding in urban environments.

2610

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this work is to explore the use of lightweight but effective user interfaces for mobile navigation and wayfinding in urban environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Two interactive mobile interfaces were designed and implemented following a user‐centred approach. The first interface makes use of 2D digital technology such as different representations of 2D maps and textual information. To enhance the user experience during navigation, location aware searches may be performed indicating information about the surroundings. The second interface makes use of virtual reality (VR) and computer graphics to present 3D maps and textual information. The VR maps are also interactive and contain hyperlinks positioned in 3D space which link to either web pages or other multimedia content.

Findings

Both interfaces allow users to visualise and interact with different levels of representation of urban maps. Initial evaluation has been performed to test the usability of the 2D interface, and limitations of the 2D technology were recorded. To overcome these limitations and explore the potentials of alternative technologies a VR interface was prototyped and a pilot evaluation was conducted.

Practical implications

This paper provides two prototype interfaces with some initial evaluation that may be useful for future navigation and wayfinding systems.

Originality/value

As more and more people make use of mobile technologies and advanced interfaces to enhance access to location‐based services, this paper offers two prototype interfaces for personal digital assistants that provide solutions to urban navigation and wayfinding.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1961

IF work study principles are being applied rather belatedly to the organisation of clerical duties it is doubtless because the area, being much smaller, is recognised as a less…

Abstract

IF work study principles are being applied rather belatedly to the organisation of clerical duties it is doubtless because the area, being much smaller, is recognised as a less profitable one in which to effect substantial savings. There is, however, an increasing use of such techniques in offices.

Details

Work Study, vol. 10 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

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