SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE (Sanitized). ON THE HUMAN FACTORS PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05171A000600060013-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 7, 2003
• Sequence Number: 13
• Content Type: SUMMARY

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SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE
ON THE HUMAN FACTORS PROGRAM
A. - FY-66 Program (Completed in May 1967)
Task #1 - The State-of-the-Art Review
I
The state-of-the-art review provided an overview of
the status of human factors research in the area of
image interpretation. The results of this survey
show that a significant gap exists between experimen-
tally established knowledge of the factors affecting
photo interpreter performance and the needs for
criteria and guidelines directly relevant to programs
aimed at improving that performance.
Task #2 - Illumination Study
This study investigated the effects of two color
temperatures of illumination (2360?K and 5500?K) on
target detection and mensuration performance, and
on visual acuity. The result of this study
indicated that illuminance color temperatures of
2360 and 5500?K, singly or mixed, for display and
ambient, had no overall effect on interpreter
performance. It is concluded that illumination
color temperature within these ranges has no
significant effect on interpreter performance.
Task #3 - Visual Fatigue Study
This effort was to develop a device for the dynamic
recording of ocular changes associated with visual
accommodation in photo interpretation work. The
ultrasonic technique which was studied was proved
to be feasible but the engineering implementation
presented some unsolved problems. In the judgment
of the a full-scale development
support should awai he solution of these implemen-
tation problems.
Task #4 - Image Quality Study
The basic intent of this program was to investigate
a proposed quantitative measure of photographic
image quality called the modulation transfer
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function area (MTFA), sometimes called the threshold
quality factor. The results of the study have shown
a promising correlation between MTFA and photograph
quality. This study will be completed under the FY-67
program, but this effort will be discontinued at that
time because the NPIC requirement for producing
qualitative ratings of image quality has not been
defined as was anticipated in 1966.
Task #5 - Pacing and Teaming of Photo Interpreters
The major purpose of this two-part investigation was
to assess the quantitative effects of certain work
pacing schedules (Phase A) and interpreter team
structures (Phase B) on the accuracy and completeness
of photo interpreter performance, with ,a view toward
improved use of interpreter personnel. Using the
test results,0 arrived at the following
recommendations:
1. No basis was found for recommending external
pacing as an operational procedure.
2. If accuracy is the paramount system requirement
and is to be attained even at the expense of
completeness, then parallel teams should be used
with only agreed responses scored.
3. Series interpreter teams seem to be the most
promising compromise to achieve both accuracy
and completeness, but this should be subjected
to additional experimental verification.
Task #6 - Review of Sponsor Operation
This small task was to ensure that the cleared
contractor personnel were fully cognizant of NPIC's
procedures, imagery, objectives and requirements
(actually an educational process for the contractor).
Task #7 - State-of-the-Art Recommendations
A review was made of the state-of-the-art to determine
if there were principles, techniques, or equipment
design improvements currently available that cold
be immediately applied to improve the Center's
performance. Areas in which it was felt that im-
mediate improvement would be realized were:
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1. Light Tables -- Four basic human factors
problems concerning the light tables were
selected for recommended improvements:
a. Changes to improve the viewing position
of the interpreter while using the microscope;
b. Control of glare from the broad, unused
portions of the table;
c. Improvement of the knee-space by relocation
of obstructing and potentially injurious
equipment;
d. Modification of a design feature that tends
to catch and hold film during transport.
2. Miscroscopes
a. Improved illumination of the stage by use
of edge-lighting;
b. Minor modification to incorporate a
rapid-pointing feature to assist in
positioning.
Lighting -- Modification of the overall facility
lighting concept to reduce glare and increase
visual efficienct.
All of the above recommendations have been reviewed
by TDS and most have been accepted for consideration
in design of equipment.
Task #8 - Interpreter Performance Measures Definition
The goal of this task was to plan the development of
a performance test that could be used to make meaningful
comparisons between different conditions that might
affect an interpreter's performance in his facility.
This plan was designed, recommended and accepted, and
the initial performance measures are now being
conducted under the FY-67 program.
Task #9 - Stereo Study
This task is concerned with defining a program to
investigate the use of stereoscopy as it relates
to target detection and identification in NPIC
image interpretation. The recommended design plan
was accepted and the initial experiments are being
conducted in NPIC under the FY-67 program.
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Task #10 - Associated Contractor Spuport
The associated contracts review provided technical human
factors support to TDS to complement the efforts
of the sponsor's other contractors on new equipment
development and study programs. working
directly with other major equipmen con ractors,
identified human factors problems associated with
their respective equipment designs. Many of the
recommendations made by II are being included in
the designs.
B. - FY 67 Program (Initiated in June 1967)
Most of the tasks in current program are still in progress.
Results of all tasks along with recommendations are due on
1 March 1968. This program is as follows:
Task #1 - Interpreter Performance Measures
To develop performance test packages for assessing
the relative accuracy, completeness, reliability
and efficiency of interpreter performance. (In
progress)
Task #2 - Technology Integration and Check-Out Facility
A utilization plan and facility design will be developed
for T.I.C.O.F.. The primary purpose of the facility
is to evaluate new procedures and equipment to be
introduced into the Center's operation. T.I.C.O.F.
now under consideration by senior staff personnel
of the Center.
Task #3 - Interpreter~Machine Dynamics
To provide the specification and designation of
human factor requirements to insure effective
interpreter utilization of equipment and procedures
resulting from sponsors' technical development
programs. Several specific studies have already
been completed and recommendations made. These
are as follows:
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for their consideration and design review.
This recommendation has been forwarded to
Maximum Scan Rate for the Automatic Stereo Scanner
This recommendation evolved from the design
question, "What is the maximum rate at which
imagery should be moved through the field of
view of a P.I. operating the Automatic Stereo
Scanner?" (now under development at I
From a human factors standpoint, this rate
should not be so great as to reduce the probability
of target detection or degrade the P.I.'s
ability to percieve stereo; nor should the rate
be so low as to reduce P.T. productivity and
acceptability. 0 recommended that 0 design
the instrument so that the maximum scan rate is
20?/second. This recommendation was forwarded to
I land will be incorporated in their design.
Operating Sequence for the Automatic Stereo Scanner
This is an interim recommendation about how the
Automatic Stereo Scanner should be operated when
it is placed in operation at NPIC. It was
necessary to determine the operating sequence
to insure that there were no design oversights
which would obstruct an operator (or P.I.) from
using the equipment to its fullest potential.
3. Effect of Image Vibration on Vision
The Ultra High Precision Stereo Comparator
(being developed by = when completed
will be placed at NPIC in an environment which
has many sources of small vibrations. Although
vibration will be "damped-out" to a large
degree, a question arose as to the effects
of small vibrations on visual activity when the
operator is viewing images at very high magnifica-
tion. Magnification multiplies the apparent mag-
nitude of small vibrations and therefore may pre-
clude visual perception of small images. II was
asked by TDS to recommend the limits of vibration
which would affect human visual acuity at high
magnifications. It was concluded that the
vibration isolation system designed into the
comparator by uis sufficient and that no
re-design is necessary.
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-+. Human Engineering Recommendations for the Design
of the Ultra High Precision Stereo Comparator
recommended several human engineering
characteristics which should be considered in
the overall design of the= comparator.
These recommendations related to the design of
the magnification system, the reticle, accessibility
and maintainability, the illumination system,
the eyepieces, the chair, and the controls.
These recommendations were forwarded to
and most of the recommendations are inc u e
in the design.
5. Human Engine erinRecommendations for the Design
Of the Advanced Rear Projection Viewer
II No was asked by TDS to review the design plan
or rtronics Viewer and to recommend human engineering
characteristics which should be considered in
the design. These recommendations related to
the illumination, viewing angles, viewing distances,
provisions for easy handling of collateral
materials, group viewing, ease of report writing
and film loading.
Task #-i - Image Characteristics
This task will complete a project started in FY-66
which was to establish a measure of image quality
as it relates to interpretability. (In progress)
Task #5 - Image Utilization
Compare the interpreters scanning performance
under the alternate conditions of monoscopic viewing.
and viewing with stereo available. (In progress)
Task #6 - Visual Mechanisms
Study of ocular mechanisms other than accommodation
as predicators of the visual role in interpreter
performance. (In progress)
Task #7 - Training Research
Develop a training package for NPIC microstereoscopes
(a pilot program for equipment training to evaluate
the feasibility of programmed instruction).
(In progress)
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Task #8 - Mensuration
To identify those errors of the mensuration process
which are attributable to the human operator (vs.,
those attributable to equipment or imagery).
(In progress)
Task #9 - State-of-the-Art Review and Recommendation
To evaluate other research which may be applicable
to NPIC. To develop a human engineering specifica-
tion guide for NPIC equipment development. (In
progress)
Task #10 - Consultation Services
The contractor shall serve as associate contractor
and human factors consultant to the sponsor. (In
progress)
C. - Other Recommendations
(1)
Glare Reduction Lighting
This recommendation is based on the observation that
photo interpreters are currently working under ceiling
lights which produce excess glare which, as a consequence,
produced visual fatigue and loss of efficiency. This
recommendation is under further consideration by TDS.
Before any positive recommendation is made to the Center,
more information is require o the most beneficial
method of reducing glare. u is performing some
experiments at their home plant to determine this.
A positive recommendation for a trial implementation
in NPIC should be forthcoming during November.
(2) Recruit Selection Test Battery
be potentially useful. The recommendation has been
discussed with the recruiting people and with the
Assessments and Evaluation Staff of OMS which has
it under consideration.
has recommended that we administer an existing
test battery to potential photo interpreter recruits.
This test was developed by the Army and appears to
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(3)
Image quality Assessment Catalogue
has recommended that we consider the development
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o a catalogue of images with varying qualities so that
NPIC could judge the quality of incoming operations)
imagery. Although this recommendation has merit, it
is not being pursued because there are several other
methods of judging image quality which appear to have
more merit. These other methods are currently being
evaluated under contract to Il and NPIC.
(1+) Vibrating Rear Projection Screen
This recommendation relates to a method to reduce the
detrimental grainy appearance of rear projection
screens. This is an old concept which was evaluated
by TDS several years ago. It was rejected by TDS
because the increased total performance of a vibrating
screen was too slight to justify the engineering
complexities entailed in implementing it.
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