Computer Based Maintenance Aids System: Preliminary Development and Evaluation of a Prototype

摘要

This technical paper describes work on a project to develop and evaluate a prototype computer based system for storing, retrieving, and presenting technical data for use by maintenance personnel. The work was accomplished under three contracts. Under the first two contracts, the feasibility of developing a computer based system was established and the basic concepts and requirements for the system were developed. Two areas of concern in the development of the system were identified: (a) The need to have the technical data match the skills of the technician and (b) the need to fill the gaps in the individual's knowledge and skills. The problem of making the technical data match the skills of the technician was addressed with the concept of multiple tracks of information. Under this concept, the technical data are developed at three levels of detail for use by highly experienced and novice personnel. The problem of filling the gaps was addressed by the pool concept. Under this concept, the technicians are provided with pools of information which they can call up (e.g., instructions on how to set up test equipment). Under the third contract, preliminary work was accomplished on developing the man/machine interface, presentation formats and system design.