Situation awareness, automation and the GMOC modelSituation awareness, automation and the GMOC model...

Humans in complex dynamic systems

Situation awareness, automation and the GMOC model

Human-Computer InteractionDept of Information Technology

Uppsala University

Bengt Sandblad

http://www.it.uu.se/research/hci

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Dept of Information Technology | Human-Computer Interaction | http://www.it.uu.se/research/hci/

Agenda

Human control of complex dynamic systems Control workOperatorsControl systems and interfaces

A model of human control (GMOC)Situation awarenessAutomation problems

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Some examples of complex dynamic control situationsWhat is “complex”?What is “dynamic”?What is “human control”?

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Train traffic control

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Train drivers

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HSC bridge design

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Other examples

Forest harvesters

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Other examples

Stone crushers

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More examples….

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Are there problems? Systems are complex and dynamic. Control is indirect, via a control system

and an interface. Demands are high (speed, accuracy,

quality, safety, ….) Control systems and operator interfaces

sometimes provide inadequate support. Operator performance not always

satisfying (optimality, errors…). Work environment problems. More.....

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A model of control We need a model that helps us to

describe, analyse,design,

control of a complex dynamic system

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The GMOC model

To control a dynamic system requires:

• Goal (G)

• Model (M)

• Observability (O)

• Controllability (C)

Observe

GoalModel

Process time

Control

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Goals Goals are often complex Contains conflicts (e.g. safety vs

speed) Are:

Formal - informalOrganisational - individual

Operators have their own goals… To relate design to the goals, we

must understand (all) the goals!

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Models Models are mental models. Models are individual and subjective. Models are (mainly) developed

during work. This takes time! Different operators often have

(very) different models. Organisational development of

models and control strategies (more unified) can solve many problems.

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Observability We can only observe what the

interface shows. We often lack information and

precision in information. Often observations require actions. We can overview much but

remember little. Example?? Difficulties to identify and

understand complex patterns (requires good design).

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Controllability We can only control what the

interface allows us to control. We can sometimes only control a

process at certain times. Different control modes can cause

confusion. Time delays make control complex. Problems with feed-back.

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How to use the GMOC model? Structure for describing and

analyzing. Understand problems and difficulties

for the organisation and operator. Design so that all requirements are

fulfilled.

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Exemple Train traffic control:

Goals not related to observation and control possibilities

Can not observe decision relevant data How trains are moving, speed position Presentation not geographically correct

Observation do not support development of mental model

Control actions can not be taken when the decisions are made

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Situation awareness Situation awareness (SA) – to

always be “in control”, “in the loop”.

Endsley, Garland: Situation awareness analysis and measurements. Lawrence Erlbaum, 2000

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Situation awareness Three parts:

Perception (observation) Comprehension (understanding the

significance of the information) Projection (prediction, evaluation of

actions)

Perception means observation Comprehension means model Projection means dynamic

information and model

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SA cont. Examples of SA? Examples where we do not have SA?

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SA cont. Two different approaches to control:

Control by exceptionControl by awareness

An operator can not work without SA An operator will always try to obtain

SAThis can, if not properly supported, be

extremely cognitive demanding and lead to stress, safety problems, cognitive overload etc.

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Show dynamic information

85°

temp

70

80

90

100

min0-1 1-2 2

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Automation problems Automation:

Mechanical or electronic replacement of human labour (physical or mental).

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Problems with automation Automation surprises (hinders SA)

Difficulties to predict… The irony of automation

No help when it is needed… Allocation of functions (human vs.

machine)MABA-MABA analysisAuthority dilemmas (e.g. in aviation)

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“Autonomy” The problems with autonomous

automatic systems (autopilots)The automatic systems does exactly

what it is told to do (non-autonomous)The automatic system has its own

plans (autonomous) – this can cause severe problems!

Example – operators turn the automatic system off (“irony of a”).

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Situation awareness, automation and the GMOC modelSituation awareness, automation and the GMOC model...

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