Research Directed towards Installation, Testing, Development, and Modification of Experimental Data Processing Equipment

摘要

This report describes the efforts of the contractor during a 17-month period in providing technical and engineering support necessary to the operation of a complex data processing system used as a tool in human research studies. It describes the system used, the problems encountered and their solutions, and the developmental tests toward improvement of equipment and simu¬lation techniques.nThe report describes the use of equipment in two separate configurations:(1) the use of an experimental tactical air control center system with semi¬automatic tracking, intercept, storage, and display provisions for com¬ponent and system tests in human factor studies;and (2) through the exper¬ience gained, its eventual evolution and ultimate reinstallation into an advanced laboratory simulation facility for research on man/machine systems.nIn the latter configuration, the report places particular emphasis on various techniques used for the simulation and generation of complex tactical situa¬tions and corresponding methods of display, readout, and data reduction for purposes of threat evaluation and action selection. Thus, although intended for research in problems of military psychology, the information techniques employed are applicable and should be of interest to those concerned with systems of air traffic control, ground control of interceptors, missile launch, and control and command systems in general.