Function Analysis of TIAPS, Update of CANTASS Functionality and Human Factors Review of OMI Design for Sonar Combat Systems.

摘要

This report covers a number of Human Factors (HF) issues relating to the role of the operator and the operator machine interface (OMI) in sonar processing. The first section of the report updates an existing function analysis of the CANadian Towed Array Sonar System (CANT ASS) to incorporate ongoing operational functions that have emerged since the original analysis was conducted. The second section of the report reviews relevant literature that addresses design issues for the OMI of sonar combat systems. No specific guidelines were found that could be directly applied to the design of new sonar systems. However, some useful generic principles for the display of tactical information, for representing the underwater environment, for data visualisation and for supporting military command decision-making were obtained. The third section of the report outlines a function analysis of the Towed Integrated Active Passive Sonar (TIAPS) system based upon its present state of development, reviews HF considerations of the TIAPS OMI and examines core functions. These include configuring the system, monitoring, evaluating and refining automated processes, analysing the 'truth' concerning auto- detected contacts, building and monitoring the tactical picture and building and maintaining the Under Water (UW) recognised maritime picture (RMP). Specific OMI design issues are identified in areas with respect to display design, tools to support contact analysis, workstation configuration, software navigation and communication of spatial information. The analysis also examined broader and more fundamental problems concerning the relationship between the operator and automated system functions, notably trust in automation and the need to for operators to comprehend limitations in the data produced by automated detectors and trackers. Finding solutions to the human-system problems associated with more automation is identified as an equally important research concern as developing the robust algorithms that make automation feasibility. The final section deals with future research and development activities that may be required to support ongoing TIAPS evolution from technology demonstrator to operational service. Recommended areas for research include operator interaction with automated systems, allocation of function among the system and team members, improving the capability of the operator to visualize the tactical UW environment and function and design issues concerning the role of the tactical display.