System Operator Training Research Articles

Augmented Reality (AR) as a Visualization Tool for a Missile Launch: a Conceptual Example Using the GROM Man-Portable Air-Defense System

The article presents the technology of augmented reality (AR) and its application in military sector. The concept of utilizing AR in the training of GROM system operators is introduced. The necessary software and hardware for implementing this concept are discussed. Furthermore, the requirements that must be met by the device for the effective execution of the project are presented. Additionally, the anticipated benefits resulting from the implementation of this solution in the training process of the Polish Armed Forces are discussed.

Semi Solid MR Coal Mine Tunneling Machine Operation Training System

Semi Solid MR Coal Mine Tunneling Machine Operation Training System

A New Composite Control Strategy for an Astronaut Virtual Operation Training System Based on Cable-Driven Technology

In recent years, virtual microgravity training technology for astronauts based on cable-driven designs has emerged, and it solves the following problems: high costs, short training times, and low safety of existing equipment. However, this technology does not solve the reduced motion accuracy problem of the operated object due to the elastic deformation of cables, and this problem will reduce the operational experience of astronauts during training. In view of this problem, a cable-driven virtual operation training system for astronauts is designed, and a new composite control strategy based on parallel cables is proposed, which effectively improves motion control accuracy by allocating cable tension and using a tension compliance control method to suppress the influence of cable deformation. In addition, the desired tension of cables is optimized based on the system’s workspace so that the system can achieve more complex virtual microgravity training tasks. Finally, verification via experiments demonstrated that the training system and the new composite control strategy are effective.

The Impact of the Level of Training of Airport Security Control Operators on the Energy Consumption of the Baggage Control Process

The article focuses on the study of the impact of the level of training of security control operators (SCOs) at airports on the energy consumption of the passenger baggage control process. With the constant growing emphasis on security at airports, the intensification of training processes for security personnel, especially those dealing with baggage control, has become very dynamic. An essential aspect in times of sustainable development is optimizing all kinds of processes (including training processes) to reduce energy consumption. The analysis of the demand for energy used to conduct this type of training and the impact of the operator’s training level on the energy consumption of the control process are entirely ignored and have not been the subject of research by scientists so far. Therefore, this is a research gap that the authors are trying to fill in this article. The impact of safety system operator training levels on ensuring optimal energy efficiency was critically analyzed. The added value of the article is the authors’ model assessing the influence of the level of training of the SCO on the energy consumption of the control process. The effects of the frequency, duration and level of operator training on energy consumption rates were investigated. The authors’ activities aimed to identify the most energy-efficient approaches to training without compromising its quality and, thus, the safety of passengers. The article discusses potential strategies for minimizing energy use and draws conclusions that can help airport administrations and training providers adopt sustainable and energy-efficient training practices.

Immersive environment for water pumping station and fire system operation training

This paper aimed to create a 3D virtual reality simulator for automation training, becoming a training solution for monitoring, controlling, and operating a water pumping station and fire system to survey the industrial infrastructure of the virtual environment and design software. The Unity3D graphic engine was used, which develops the virtualization of the elements involved in the process with greater detail and realism. The interface of peripheral devices such as virtual reality glasses allows interaction and immersion between the user and the virtual environment to complement the learning experience. Within the immersive environment, the operator can see the status of the process and the actions generated through the virtual objects and instruments created in the 3D environment.

Development on Equipment Operation Training and Intelligent Maintenance System based on Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for the Passenger Boarding Bridge

In order to improve the automation level of passenger and freight ro-ro terminals and to build smart ports, an equipment operation training and intelligent maintenance system based on VR technology for passenger boarding bridges was developed. The system mainly includes VR operation guidance subsystem, data support and service subsystem, network connection and transmission subsystem, boarding bridge operation training subsystem and operation condition monitoring and diagnosis subsystem. This system can realize intelligent training of the boarding bridge and full-time operation condition monitoring.it will greatly improve the efficiency of operation and maintenance of boarding bridge.

Towards tacit knowledge mining within context: Visual cognitive graph model and eye movement image interpretation

Visual attention is one of the most important brain cognitive functions, which filters the rich information of the outside world to ensure the efficient operation of limited cognitive resources. The underlying knowledge, i.e., tacit knowledge, hidden in the human attention allocation performances, is context-related and is hard to be expressed by experts, but it is essential for novice operator training and interaction system design. Traditional models of visual attention allocation and corresponding analysis methods seldomly involve task contextual information or present the tacit knowledge in an explicit and quantified way. Thus, it is challenging to pass on the expert’s tacit knowledge to the novice or utilize it to construct an interaction system by employing traditional methods. Therefore, this paper first proposes a new model called the visual cognitive graph model based on graph theory to model the visual attention allocation associated with the task context. Then, based on this graph model, utilize the data mining method to reveal attention patterns within context to quantitatively analyze the operator’s tacit knowledge during operation tasks. We introduced three physical quantities derived from graph theory to describe the tacit knowledge, which can be used directly to construct an interaction system or operator training. For example, discover the essential information within the task context, the relevant information affecting critical information, and the bridge information revealing the decision-making process. We tested the proposed method in the example of flight operation, the comparison results with the traditional eye movement graph model demonstrate that the proposed visual cognitive model can compromise the task context. The comparison results with the statistical analysis method demonstrate that our tacit knowledge mining method can reveal the underlying knowledge hidden in the visual information. Finally, we give practical applications in the examples of operator training guidance and adaptive interaction system. Our proposed method can explore more in-depth knowledge of visual information, such as the correlations of different obtained information and the way operator obtains information, most of which are even not noticed by operators themselves.

Dynamic load change operation education in air separation processes using a multivariable and nonlinear model

An operator training system (OTS) for dynamic load change operation education in air separation processes is developed. A linear parameter varying (LPV) dynamic model based on an iterative optimization strategy is identified to represent the nonlinear characteristics of the air separation process. First, the local models at typical working points are identified. Second, the weighting functions between the local models are designed and estimated. Finally, an iterative optimization strategy optimizes the local models and weighting functions. The identified LPV model is used as the core training model of the OTS. Model validation with actual data shows that the identified OTS model has reasonable simulation accuracy. By designing a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm, a multidimensional skill evaluation algorithm based on MPC operation data is proposed. The developed OTS and skill evaluation algorithm are applied in a vocational skill competition. Results show that the operation skills of different operators can be reflected and distinguished.

Gaming experience predicts UAS operator performance and workload in simulated search and rescue missions

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operator training and selection procedures are still being refined to effectively address challenges related to performance, workload, and stress in UAS operation. Research suggests that experience with commercial videogames may test skills relevant to modern UAS operation. This study investigated the ability of videogame experience to predict operator performance, workload, and stress. Forty-nine participants performed 9 trials of a simulated search and rescue mission. It was expected that participants who more frequently played videogames would report lower levels of distress and workload, higher task engagement, and better overall performance. Results showed that gaming experience was negatively correlated with subjective workload and positively correlated with multiple measures of performance. Furthermore, nearly all observed gender-related differences were not present when gaming experience was controlled for. These results have implications for the role of gaming experience in remotely operated systems operator recruitment, selection, and training. Practitioner summary: This study examined how gaming experience influences UAS operator success in simulated search and rescue missions. Participants reported on their experience playing videogames before completing multiple experimental trials on a desktop computer. Results indicated that experience playing videogames significantly impacted performance, workload, and stress.

Improving the quality of the operator training system complex cnc machine

Improving the quality of the operator training system complex cnc machine

Comparison of Equilibrium-Stage and Rate-Based Models of a H2S Scrubber for Purification of Coke Oven Gas

In recent years, one of the most important challenges worldwide is to meet increasingly stricter environmental regulations while maintaining the profitability of plants. Modelling particular parts of existing technologies can help efficient operation, reduce energy consumption, minimize emissions, and keep operating costs low. Furthermore, adequately validated models provide the opportunity to examine different equipment designs, operating parameters side by side without hindering the technological process. The coke oven gas purification technology of a Hungarian coke oven plant was studied in this research work. As a by-product of coke production, approximately 40,000 - 60,000 m3 crude coke oven gas is generated every hour, which has to be cleaned before being used for energy purposes. First, the cooled crude coke oven gas is fed into the hydrogen sulfide scrubber in a counter-current flow. Then, the hydrogen sulfide is absorbed in an ammonia-rich washing liquid coming from the following two ammonia scrubbers. In this study, two mathematical models, equilibrium-stage and rate-based models, were used to simulate the removal of H2S from coke oven gas in the Aspen Plus process simulator program. The validation of the models was performed by using the operating measurements of the outlet streams. The results closely approximate the measured composition of the outflows. However, the simulation results predicted by the rate-based model show better agreement than the equilibrium model compared with the experimental data. With the use of the rate-based model, a sensitivity analysis was made, taking into account the parameters that have a tremendous impact on the cleaning process and can also be controlled by appropriate intervention. The creation of this model was the first step in building the simulation of the entire gas purification process, which will be used to optimize the operation and create an operator training system.

Calibration and Validation of a Cone Crusher Model with Industrial Data

This paper reports the calibration and validation of a cone crusher model using industrial data. Usually, there are three calibration parameters in the condensed breakage function; by contrast, in this work, every entry of the lower triangular breakage function matrix is considered a calibration parameter. The calibration problem is cast as an optimization problem based on the least squares method. The results show that the calibrated model is able to fit the validation datasets closely, as seen from the low values of the objective function. Another significant advantage of the proposed approach is that the model can be calibrated on data that are usually available from industrial operation; no additional laboratory tests are required. Calibration and validation tests on datasets collected from two different mines show that the calibrated model is a strong candidate for use in various dynamic simulation applications, such as control system design, equipment sizing, operator training, and optimization of crushing circuits.

Development of augmented virtual reality-based operator training system for accident prevention in a refinery

Development of augmented virtual reality-based operator training system for accident prevention in a refinery

Augmented Reality of 3D Content Application in Common Operational Picture Training System for Army

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to discuss how to improve the ways the Taiwanese Ground Forces use the common operational picture (COP) for training to improve the efficacy of tactical training and understanding of the combat field. Augmented Reality (AR) has made huge progress in the past decade and is widely applied in education, industrial sector, medical industry, military industry. More attention is focused on training simulations for soldiers and improving battlefield perception systems. The application of AR in tactical training is still an emerging realm of research but has a huge potential. Related studies have shown the application and technical limitations of AR technology in the military field. Then, using a user-oriented research method, a tactical training system based on 3D augmented reality is proposed and constructs a system prototype to combine virtual information with the real environment and provide the advantages of intuition, interaction, and information visualization. The experiment had an experimental group and control group, and an independent sample “t” was tested for evaluation and comparison. The experimental results show that the understanding of battlefield situations and tactical actions in the AR-based tactical teaching system has changed significantly. The system prototype and experimental content provide useful contributions to the tactical teaching of the Army Academy, and it can be used as a reference for the development of AR in future military applications.

Electroencephalography (EEG) based cognitive measures for evaluating the effectiveness of operator training

Process industries rely on effective decision-making by human operators to ensure safety. Control room operators acquire various inputs from the DCS, interpret them, make a prognosis, and respond through appropriate control actions. In order to perform these effectively, the operator needs to have appropriate mental models of the process. Poor mental models would increase the operator’s cognitive workload and make them prone to errors. Traditionally, operator training systems are used to help operators learn appropriate mental models. However, performance assessment metrics used during training do not explicitly account for their cognitive workload while performing a task. In this work, we demonstrate that this leads to an incorrect assessment of operators’ abilities. We propose an Electroencephalography (EEG) power spectral density-based metric that can quantify the cognitive workload and provide detailed insight into the evolution of the operator’s mental models during training. To demonstrate its utility, we have conducted training experiments with ten participants performing 438 tasks. Statistical studies reveal that the proposed metric can quantify the cognitive workload and therefore be used to assess operator training accurately.

Dynamic simulation tools for isotopic separation system modeling and design

Cryogenic distillation is the best candidate for hydrogen isotopic separation in fusion power plants. The design of the ITER's Isotope Separation System can still undergo major changes due to its close contact with the Water Detritiation System and this will be decisive in the design of future DEMO detritiation facilities. Dynamic simulation tools are key in the analysis and design of tritium processing systems and the use of commercial simulators can be especially valuable to this end and may add capabilities in terms of standardization of industrial-scale fusion plant modeling and conjunction of operator training systems, human-machine interface and process monitoring and control. The present work proposes the use of a commercial dynamic process simulator such as Aspen HYSYS given its abilities to overcome the challenges described. This document presents the implementation of a cryogenic distillation column in Aspen HYSYS by setting the thermodynamic principles upon which the simulation is founded and verifying isotopic separation models with experimental data available in the literature.

Application of Digital Learning in the Vehicle Operator Training System

This article describes an improved system for training vehicle operators, and identifies factors that affect road safety in the conditions of the road network. The author’s version of the system for training vehicle operators, when studying the section "Fundamentals of traffic safety" through the use of digital training, which allows you to manage the process of mastering theoretical and practical material. The methods used to improve the reliability of vehicle operators, taking into account individual personal qualities, are presented. The experience of using digital training in preparation for driving a car in real time is reflected.

Simulation of Switching Operation Based on Virtual Reality Method

Misoperation of power system switching causes many equipment failures and personal injuries every year. The switching operation simulation system is an important “five prevention” measure to ensure the correctness of operation tickets and prevent electrical misoperation. Based on the virtual reality method, the paper discusses the application of 3D simulation technology in high and low voltage trip operation, and analyses the function, structure and main technical scheme of 3D simulation training system for high and low voltage trip operation according to the particularity of standardized operation training. Finally, the idea of the future development of the three-dimensional simulation training system for high and low voltage trip operation is put forward.

Establishment of the Ground Evaluation and Operational Training System of Artificial Meteor Micro-satellite ALE-1

Establishment of the Ground Evaluation and Operational Training System of Artificial Meteor Micro-satellite ALE-1

The Development of a Sustainable Operation Model for Small Non-Community Drinking Water Systems in Ontario, Canada

The provision of safe drinking water in Ontario’s small non-community drinking water systems (SDWSs) poses a challenge for many system owners. Our study aims at developing a sustainable operation model for SDWSs by recognizing the importance of source water protection. Although the current literature on Ontario’s SDWSs is limited, the review of the existing water management strategies in Canada and across the world provided fruitful results to create a unique model for Ontario’s SDWSs using the Multiple-Barrier Approach framework. Our sustainable operation model consists of five main components: 1. Commitment to providing safe drinking water; 2. Assessment of the system and source water; 3. System operation and operator training; 4. Management of incidents and emergencies; 5. Communication and raising awareness. Our model addresses the areas that need more attention for today, and in the future, such as protecting source water, financial stability enhanced communication and increased awareness. A sustainable operation model for SDSWs based on the Multiple-Barrier Approach framework addresses the shortcomings of the current water management framework for SDWSs and offers a viable strategy to establish a sustainable operation model with an integrated approach.