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A preliminary study of the effects of crash helmet visor colour on colour recognition
Abstracts To provide readers of Applied Ergonomics with a selection of current ergonomics literature likely to be of direct practical value, abstracts are published selected from the collection held at the Ergonomics Information Analysis Centre. These abstracts are classified in a similar manner to the main articles in the journal; for easy reference, the code number at the head of each abstract (eg 1.1.21) consists of the volume number, part or issue number and a sequential abstract number. The published abstracts are only a selection of the Centre's material and readers concerned with specific areas are invited to contact the Centre for further information. Those readers unable to obtain copies of the original articles abstracted here through their usual sources, such as a company librarian, may obtain photocopies from the Centre. Details of this service are available from The Ergonomics Information Analysis Centre, Department of Engineering Production, University of Birmingham, P.O. Box 363, Birmingham 15. Tel. 021-472 1301.
at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Electronics manufacturing management recognized the need for h u m a n factors engineering when new programmes, more stringent quality requirements, and hiring of unskilled personnel gave rise to process control problems. During a six-month study period many problems in the manufacturing area were discovered and reported and those judged most critical were selected for detailed analysis and resolution. Many of the resulting recommendations were adopted, including major changes in design of manufacturing work stations.
5.3.101 (64589)
Maenamara, W.D., MeArthur, W.J., and Dean, P.J.
General 5.3.98 (64572)
Denisov, V.G. and Onishehenko, V.F. Aerospace H u m a n Factors engineering Joint Publications Research Service, Arlington, USA. Oct 1973, 279 pp. Abstr in Scientific and Technical A erospace R eports (JPRS - 60419) A n examination of the problems of the interaction of the operator and machine under different working conditions during a flight on an aircraft or spacecraft. The report generalizes and analyzes experimental materials on the control of spacecraft and aircraft. It shows the change in the psychophysiological capabihties of an operator as a result of adapting man to the machine and the machine to man. It also defines the basic theoretical problems in the area of developing and employing man-machine systems on aircraft and spacecraft as well as the ways for solving these problems.
5.3.99 ( 6 4 5 7 5 )
Ferguson, D. A study of occupational stress and health. Ergonomics Sept. ] 973 16.5, 649-663. Because of claims by telegraphists' unions in a large Austrialian communications organisation that their members suffered various forms of illhealth as a result of stresses imposed by their work, sickness absence, medical and environmental studies of the occupation were undertaken. Records of absence over a period of two to five years in all telegraphists in the organisation, and in random samples of clerks and mechanics in all State capitals and of mail sorters in Sydney in the same organisation, were analyzed. In every capital, the proportion of neurotic absentees was greater in telegraphists than in clerks, and in clerks than in mechanics. In each
occupation the neurotic absentee rate was greater in Sydney than in the other capitals. In Sydney sorters, who had much absence generally, the rate was relatively low. The prevalence study based on medical interviews confirmed that the increase in neurotic absence in Sydney telegraphists was real. There were numerous other statistically strongly significant differences between capitals and vocations in social attributes, personal habits and negative attitudes to work which can be considered as the cause, effect or concomitant of mental stress. The only occupational characteristics that could be identified strongly with neurosis were the negative attitudes to job, supervision and noise in the workplace, though the drug habits of smoking, drinking and analgesictaking (all strongly associated with neurosis) were also work-related. The interaction of neurosis, attitudes and habits can be interpreted to mean that the organization of work influences job satisfaction and thus the expression of emotional instability and also indulgence in habits detrimental to health. Interpretation of an association between neurosis and peptic ulceration was confounded by c o m m o n links of both disorders with the drug habits. No association was found between neurosis or any other possible index of stress and such disorders as hypertension, coronary heart disease, asthma, nasal allergy and migraine.
5.3.100 (64584)
Janousek, J.A. Human factors engineering in manufacturing. Human Factors Apr 1969 11.2, 1 3 1 - 1 3 7 . This paper briefly reviews the first participation of h u m a n factors engineering in the identification and solution of manufacturing problems
The analysis of h u m a n factors in aircraft accidents. Flight Comment May/Jun. 1973, pp 4 - 5 . A b s t r in Government Reports A n n o u n c e m e n t s (Report No. AD-767 489/8GA). A systematic approach t o the analysis of human factors in aircraft accidents was developed, best described by using a model. Such a model can present an overall picture of the analysis of h u m a n factors which shows how the c o m p o n e n t s interact. This model attempts to consolidate and assimilate the knowledge and experience of all those people and agencies involved in aircraft accident investigation and prevention. This article is intended to communicate some of the thoughts which led to the development of the model.
Visual processes in man 5.3.102 (64613)
Warner, H.D. A preliminary study of the effects of crash helmet visor colour on colour recognition. Journal o f A pplied Psychology, Dec. 1973, 58.3, 3 9 1 - 3 9 2 . This study investigated the effects of crash helmet visor colour o n colour recognition. Sixty subjects were asked to report whether a series of slide presentations contained red, yellow, green, or none of these colours. The subjects viewed the slides through either a coloured crash helmet visor or a clear helmet visor. The visor colours used were blue, green, orange, smoke, and yellow. The results showed that the coloured visors increased the n u m b e r of colour recognition errors. Restricted use of coloured visors is advised.
Applied Ergonomics September 1974
169
5.3.103 (64624)
Mayer, H.B., and Lane, J.C. Monocular pilots - a followup study A e rospa ce Medicine S ep. 1973, 44.9, 1 0 7 0 - 1 0 7 4 . A prospective survey was made of 203 pilot applicants with defective or absent vision in one eye and 408 matched controls. The monocular pilots' achievement in securing and retaining licences, acquiring endorsements on different aircraft types, and accumulating flying hours, was equal to or better than that of the controls. There is a possibility, which cannot be entirely rejected, that the monocular pilots were involved in more hazardous events than the controls.
5.3.104 (64625)
MaeLeod, S., and Hilgendorf, R.L. Air-to-ground target acquisition with night vision devices, Aerospace Medical Research Lab, WrightPatterson AFB Ohio, 1973. Abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No. AD-769 345/OGA). Three hand-held image intensifiers were studied. Two were passive visual aids (Starlight Scope and Uniscope) and one was an IR viewer (Find-RScope). These devices were evaluated in terms of number o f targets (trucks, boats, village) recognized on a 1000:1 scale terrain model. Simulated air-to-ground views of 20 observers were provided as t h e y circled the model at a simulated 520 mile/h (837 kin/h) and 8500 ft slant range under a moonlight illumination level. Although all targets were visible through the devices when observers were shown when and where to look, almost no target recognition occurred when any of the aids were used in a search viewing mode under the conditions of the study.
Central processes in man 5.3.105 (64638)
Wilson, W.B. The effect of prolonged non-flying periods on pilot skill in performance of a simulated carrier landing task, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey California, Sep. 1973. Abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No. AD-769 696/6GA) An experiment was undertaken to determine if a significant loss of basic pilot skill occurs during prolonged non-flying periods. 'Current', 'oneyear stagnant' and 'two-year stagnant' groups of jet qualified Naval aviators
170
were tested on a computer simulation of a carrier approach and landing. Performance by 'currency' groupings was then signed to 'experience' groups, according to total actual flight hours accrued b y each pilot. 'Least experienced', 'intermediate' and 'most experienced' group performance was then compared. Significant variables and important parameters in retention of pilot skills are discussed. In light of the experimental results, some possible 'real-world' implications and suggestions are made.
5.3.106 (64638) Fink, P. Defects in textiles: their significance and recognition (In German.) Textilveredlung 1973, 8 . 1 1 , 5 3 8 - 5 4 1 . Abstr in Worm Textile Abstracts. Problems related to the detection of defects in textiles are outlined. The author points out that the term defect is closely related to the quality of the textile product. Not only visible defects, but also hidden faults, which may present potential hazards and which are usually inherent in the material itself, have to be considered. The definition and the causes of defects influence strongly the process of fault detection and require careful control at all production levels. The question of full quality control compared with spot checks as well as the use of mechanized processes in addition to visual controls are discussed. The consequences of defects, refunds and downgradings, directly affect profits. Since faults are costly, quality control is worth the expenditure.
I nformatio n processing and transmission, by man 5.3.107 (64668) Collins, R.D. Jr., Case, K.E., and
Kemble Bermet, G. The effects of inspection error on single sampling inspection plans International Journal o f Production Research, Jul. 1973, 1 1 . 3 , 2 8 9 - 2 9 8 . Acceptance sampling plans are designed under the assumption of perfect inspection. However, inspection tasks are not, even under ideal inspection conditions, free of error. In this paper the effects of inspection error on probability of acceptance were considered together with average outgoing quality, and average t o t a l inspection. These measures are examined under b o t h replacement and non-replacement assumptions. A method is presented
Applied Ergonomics September 1974
whereby an acceptance sampling plan may be designed which explicitly considers inspection error.
5.3.108 (64669) Cox, J.J. Train control, stress and vigilance. Human Factors in Transportatien. Proceedings of 10th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand, Sydney, Nov, 1973, 16.1, 1 6 - 2 2 . Modern railway operation, due to the control exerted on the manmachine-pathway combination, is the safest form of transportation available. The vehicle pathway is continuously monitored and both front and rear end protection is provided to prevent collisions. Man, although extremely versatile, is known to be the weak link in the man-machine system. Consequently, his duties need to be arranged to match his capabilities. An examination is made of human factors research, levels of arousal, driving efficiency and driver stress, fatigue, diurnal b o d y rhythm and vigilance. Accident rates have been progressively reduced b y various safeguards instituted to guard against human failure. Measurements of driver stress under various conditions of high speed train operation have been carried out and changes in stress in accordance with train speed, hours of duty, periods of rest, and day and night operation determined. There are a series of railway signalling and vigilance control devices which successively reduce the effect of the human element. These have further developed into semi-automatic and automatic train operation.
5.3.109 (64689)
Milner, C.J., and Bolin, J.W. A night-driving simulator for driversomnolence studies. Human Factors in Transportation. Proceedings of 10th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand, Sydney, Nov, 1973. pp 1 2 . 1 - 1 2 . 9 . Visual (and aural) simulation is provided of the m o n o t o n o u s task of following (t~e silhouette of) a car ahead, in darkness complete except for one's owr. lights and those of the car ahead, while the latter pursues a sinuous course over an infinite smooth textured surface. A "moving r o a d " is simulated as devised by G.G.Denton; the present apparatus also includes mechanisms for varying the directions of the relative-velocity of t h e simulated road-surface, and of the bearing at which the simulated car ahead is seen. A preliminary quantitative study is being undertaken
at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Electronics manufacturing management recognized the need for h u m a n factors engineering when new programmes, more stringent quality requirements, and hiring of unskilled personnel gave rise to process control problems. During a six-month study period many problems in the manufacturing area were discovered and reported and those judged most critical were selected for detailed analysis and resolution. Many of the resulting recommendations were adopted, including major changes in design of manufacturing work stations.
5.3.101 (64589)
Maenamara, W.D., MeArthur, W.J., and Dean, P.J.
General 5.3.98 (64572)
Denisov, V.G. and Onishehenko, V.F. Aerospace H u m a n Factors engineering Joint Publications Research Service, Arlington, USA. Oct 1973, 279 pp. Abstr in Scientific and Technical A erospace R eports (JPRS - 60419) A n examination of the problems of the interaction of the operator and machine under different working conditions during a flight on an aircraft or spacecraft. The report generalizes and analyzes experimental materials on the control of spacecraft and aircraft. It shows the change in the psychophysiological capabihties of an operator as a result of adapting man to the machine and the machine to man. It also defines the basic theoretical problems in the area of developing and employing man-machine systems on aircraft and spacecraft as well as the ways for solving these problems.
5.3.99 ( 6 4 5 7 5 )
Ferguson, D. A study of occupational stress and health. Ergonomics Sept. ] 973 16.5, 649-663. Because of claims by telegraphists' unions in a large Austrialian communications organisation that their members suffered various forms of illhealth as a result of stresses imposed by their work, sickness absence, medical and environmental studies of the occupation were undertaken. Records of absence over a period of two to five years in all telegraphists in the organisation, and in random samples of clerks and mechanics in all State capitals and of mail sorters in Sydney in the same organisation, were analyzed. In every capital, the proportion of neurotic absentees was greater in telegraphists than in clerks, and in clerks than in mechanics. In each
occupation the neurotic absentee rate was greater in Sydney than in the other capitals. In Sydney sorters, who had much absence generally, the rate was relatively low. The prevalence study based on medical interviews confirmed that the increase in neurotic absence in Sydney telegraphists was real. There were numerous other statistically strongly significant differences between capitals and vocations in social attributes, personal habits and negative attitudes to work which can be considered as the cause, effect or concomitant of mental stress. The only occupational characteristics that could be identified strongly with neurosis were the negative attitudes to job, supervision and noise in the workplace, though the drug habits of smoking, drinking and analgesictaking (all strongly associated with neurosis) were also work-related. The interaction of neurosis, attitudes and habits can be interpreted to mean that the organization of work influences job satisfaction and thus the expression of emotional instability and also indulgence in habits detrimental to health. Interpretation of an association between neurosis and peptic ulceration was confounded by c o m m o n links of both disorders with the drug habits. No association was found between neurosis or any other possible index of stress and such disorders as hypertension, coronary heart disease, asthma, nasal allergy and migraine.
5.3.100 (64584)
Janousek, J.A. Human factors engineering in manufacturing. Human Factors Apr 1969 11.2, 1 3 1 - 1 3 7 . This paper briefly reviews the first participation of h u m a n factors engineering in the identification and solution of manufacturing problems
The analysis of h u m a n factors in aircraft accidents. Flight Comment May/Jun. 1973, pp 4 - 5 . A b s t r in Government Reports A n n o u n c e m e n t s (Report No. AD-767 489/8GA). A systematic approach t o the analysis of human factors in aircraft accidents was developed, best described by using a model. Such a model can present an overall picture of the analysis of h u m a n factors which shows how the c o m p o n e n t s interact. This model attempts to consolidate and assimilate the knowledge and experience of all those people and agencies involved in aircraft accident investigation and prevention. This article is intended to communicate some of the thoughts which led to the development of the model.
Visual processes in man 5.3.102 (64613)
Warner, H.D. A preliminary study of the effects of crash helmet visor colour on colour recognition. Journal o f A pplied Psychology, Dec. 1973, 58.3, 3 9 1 - 3 9 2 . This study investigated the effects of crash helmet visor colour o n colour recognition. Sixty subjects were asked to report whether a series of slide presentations contained red, yellow, green, or none of these colours. The subjects viewed the slides through either a coloured crash helmet visor or a clear helmet visor. The visor colours used were blue, green, orange, smoke, and yellow. The results showed that the coloured visors increased the n u m b e r of colour recognition errors. Restricted use of coloured visors is advised.
Applied Ergonomics September 1974
169
5.3.103 (64624)
Mayer, H.B., and Lane, J.C. Monocular pilots - a followup study A e rospa ce Medicine S ep. 1973, 44.9, 1 0 7 0 - 1 0 7 4 . A prospective survey was made of 203 pilot applicants with defective or absent vision in one eye and 408 matched controls. The monocular pilots' achievement in securing and retaining licences, acquiring endorsements on different aircraft types, and accumulating flying hours, was equal to or better than that of the controls. There is a possibility, which cannot be entirely rejected, that the monocular pilots were involved in more hazardous events than the controls.
5.3.104 (64625)
MaeLeod, S., and Hilgendorf, R.L. Air-to-ground target acquisition with night vision devices, Aerospace Medical Research Lab, WrightPatterson AFB Ohio, 1973. Abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No. AD-769 345/OGA). Three hand-held image intensifiers were studied. Two were passive visual aids (Starlight Scope and Uniscope) and one was an IR viewer (Find-RScope). These devices were evaluated in terms of number o f targets (trucks, boats, village) recognized on a 1000:1 scale terrain model. Simulated air-to-ground views of 20 observers were provided as t h e y circled the model at a simulated 520 mile/h (837 kin/h) and 8500 ft slant range under a moonlight illumination level. Although all targets were visible through the devices when observers were shown when and where to look, almost no target recognition occurred when any of the aids were used in a search viewing mode under the conditions of the study.
Central processes in man 5.3.105 (64638)
Wilson, W.B. The effect of prolonged non-flying periods on pilot skill in performance of a simulated carrier landing task, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey California, Sep. 1973. Abstr in Government Reports Announcements (Report No. AD-769 696/6GA) An experiment was undertaken to determine if a significant loss of basic pilot skill occurs during prolonged non-flying periods. 'Current', 'oneyear stagnant' and 'two-year stagnant' groups of jet qualified Naval aviators
170
were tested on a computer simulation of a carrier approach and landing. Performance by 'currency' groupings was then signed to 'experience' groups, according to total actual flight hours accrued b y each pilot. 'Least experienced', 'intermediate' and 'most experienced' group performance was then compared. Significant variables and important parameters in retention of pilot skills are discussed. In light of the experimental results, some possible 'real-world' implications and suggestions are made.
5.3.106 (64638) Fink, P. Defects in textiles: their significance and recognition (In German.) Textilveredlung 1973, 8 . 1 1 , 5 3 8 - 5 4 1 . Abstr in Worm Textile Abstracts. Problems related to the detection of defects in textiles are outlined. The author points out that the term defect is closely related to the quality of the textile product. Not only visible defects, but also hidden faults, which may present potential hazards and which are usually inherent in the material itself, have to be considered. The definition and the causes of defects influence strongly the process of fault detection and require careful control at all production levels. The question of full quality control compared with spot checks as well as the use of mechanized processes in addition to visual controls are discussed. The consequences of defects, refunds and downgradings, directly affect profits. Since faults are costly, quality control is worth the expenditure.
I nformatio n processing and transmission, by man 5.3.107 (64668) Collins, R.D. Jr., Case, K.E., and
Kemble Bermet, G. The effects of inspection error on single sampling inspection plans International Journal o f Production Research, Jul. 1973, 1 1 . 3 , 2 8 9 - 2 9 8 . Acceptance sampling plans are designed under the assumption of perfect inspection. However, inspection tasks are not, even under ideal inspection conditions, free of error. In this paper the effects of inspection error on probability of acceptance were considered together with average outgoing quality, and average t o t a l inspection. These measures are examined under b o t h replacement and non-replacement assumptions. A method is presented
Applied Ergonomics September 1974
whereby an acceptance sampling plan may be designed which explicitly considers inspection error.
5.3.108 (64669) Cox, J.J. Train control, stress and vigilance. Human Factors in Transportatien. Proceedings of 10th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand, Sydney, Nov, 1973, 16.1, 1 6 - 2 2 . Modern railway operation, due to the control exerted on the manmachine-pathway combination, is the safest form of transportation available. The vehicle pathway is continuously monitored and both front and rear end protection is provided to prevent collisions. Man, although extremely versatile, is known to be the weak link in the man-machine system. Consequently, his duties need to be arranged to match his capabilities. An examination is made of human factors research, levels of arousal, driving efficiency and driver stress, fatigue, diurnal b o d y rhythm and vigilance. Accident rates have been progressively reduced b y various safeguards instituted to guard against human failure. Measurements of driver stress under various conditions of high speed train operation have been carried out and changes in stress in accordance with train speed, hours of duty, periods of rest, and day and night operation determined. There are a series of railway signalling and vigilance control devices which successively reduce the effect of the human element. These have further developed into semi-automatic and automatic train operation.
5.3.109 (64689)
Milner, C.J., and Bolin, J.W. A night-driving simulator for driversomnolence studies. Human Factors in Transportation. Proceedings of 10th Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand, Sydney, Nov, 1973. pp 1 2 . 1 - 1 2 . 9 . Visual (and aural) simulation is provided of the m o n o t o n o u s task of following (t~e silhouette of) a car ahead, in darkness complete except for one's owr. lights and those of the car ahead, while the latter pursues a sinuous course over an infinite smooth textured surface. A "moving r o a d " is simulated as devised by G.G.Denton; the present apparatus also includes mechanisms for varying the directions of the relative-velocity of t h e simulated road-surface, and of the bearing at which the simulated car ahead is seen. A preliminary quantitative study is being undertaken