Automation and the Allocation of Functions between Human and Automatic Control: General Method.

Abstract

Abstract : This report was prepared as a Human Engineering Data Base Supplement to the Integrated Perceptual Information for Designers (IPID) Engineering Data Compendium. It describes a general method for allocation of functions during systems development, with particular focus on what functions should be automatic. The method was originally developed for use in the nuclear power industry, and has here been redeveloped for use in aerospace systems. The report is intended for use of project managers, systems engineers and system designers, as an applied guide during the development of aerospace systems. It provides a detailed procedure for allocation of functions (AOF), a procedure to be applied during the research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) process. The report uses a hierarchical structure in which each of five sections treats the AOF process at an increasing level of detail, as follows: Section 1 concerns how to use the report. Section 2 describes the RDT&E process in terms of the cyclic decision and test steps by which design proceeds, and identifies those steps which are critical to a successful AOF. Section 3 focuses on one critical step in RDT&E, the formation of design hypotheses, and describes that step in greater detail. Section 4 focuses even more narrowly on a step within design hypothesis, and identifies four sets of criteria which should be applied in sequence to assist AOF decisions. Finally, Section 5 identifies human-machine models by which aerospace systems can be analyzed during systems design.