Left. No, Right! Development of the Frame of Reference Transformation Tool (FORT)

Abstract

A computational model was developed to predict the spatial-cognitive difficulties imposed when the operator must transform information along up to 6 degrees of freedom between a display (viewed at different orientations), and either a cognitive understanding or a compensatory control. The model applies to pilots, robotics operators, navigators or surgeons using endoscopic procedures. Penalties (in workload, errors or time) in the frame of reference transformation (FORT) are based on psychological findings in spatial cognition, such as mental rotation, depth compression, population stereotypes and verbally mediated strategies. We present the graphical user interface for exercising the model; then show how we have applied it to an astronaut space-shuttle, Hubble rendezvous sequence. Finally we validate the model against two existing data sets, one for cognition and one for control. The model could be used as the basis for both a design analysis tool and a real-time operator aiding system.