Ergonomics最新文献

This study develops a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) -based two-level fusion model to identify cognitive distractions of metro drivers using their Electrocardiography (ECG) features and three types of functional near-infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) features (ΔOxyHb, ΔDeoxyHb, and ΔTotalHb). The model incorporates feature-level and decision-level fusions. Feature-level fusion combines ECG and fNIRS features to create a unified feature set, while decision-level fusion applies independent classifiers for ECG, fNIRS, and combined data to make final identification. For comparison, several alternative models are developed. Results indicate that the proposed two-level fusion model outperforms the non-fusion, feature-level fusion, and decision-level fusion models. Among the alternative models, those incorporating feature-level fusion outperform decision-level or non-fusion models. The feature-level fusion model that combines three types of fNIRS features demonstrates superior performance. Furthermore, all ECG features and 54.1% of fNIRS features show significant differences across the distraction levels. Drivers' prefrontal cortex is more active during cognitive distractions.

The human systems literature is littered with conceptual models of human-automation interaction presented as a basis for understanding and explaining human performance effects. Unfortunately, the discrete and ordinal nature of existing models of levels of automation limits reliable prediction of operator performance, workload and situation awareness (SA). This paper presents enhanced quantitative models for determination of system automation proportion (AP) and SA in human-in-the-loop systems, building on an earlier preliminary model. We refine the AP concept as a continuous measure of level of system automation and introduce a generalised SA function that accounts for operator characteristics. The AP is calculated using hierarchical task analysis according to information processing stages. An overall proportion is then calculated for the system. The practicality and feasibility of this model are verified through a case study. We further propose a relationship between the AP and operator SA responses, based on existing empirical research findings.

Manual lifting tasks are commonplace in industries such as logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, which can potentially lead to significant ergonomic risks, including musculoskeletal disorders. This study proposes a video-based ergonomic risk assessment tool that integrates MediaPipe Pose Landmarker for joint coordinate tracking, classification and regression tree models for lifting stage classification, and a back-propagation neural network for parameter compensation. Utilising the revised NIOSH lifting equation, our proposed tool calculates the recommended weight limit and lifting index to quantify ergonomic risks from smartphone videos. Validated on laboratory and field datasets, the tool demonstrates adaptability, scalability, and the potential to provide cost-effective ergonomic assessments.

Measuring users' emotional reactions and subsequent neural activity towards chatbots' design cues could significantly enhance our understanding of chatbots and potentially optimise the design of human-chatbot interaction. This study conducted a mixed experimental design with two within-subject factors (chatbot identity disclosure and emotional support) and one between-subject factor (interaction modality) to explore users' subjective evaluation and neural activity. Results revealed that not disclosing the chatbot's identity or providing emotional support during the interaction could enhance user' positive emotional reactions. Notably, results showed a three-way interaction effect on users' HbO₂ concentration changes in the right DLPFC. Specifically, in the text-based interaction condition where chatbots' identity was disclosed, providing emotional support from chatbots elicited a higher concentration increase of HbO₂. Similarly, when the chatbot provided emotional support, disclosing the chatbot's identity induced a higher concentration increase of HbO₂. These findings offer theoretical contributions and practical implications for the design of human-chatbot interaction.

Drivers' takeover performance is critical to the safety of Level 3 automated driving, making the design of takeover requests (TORs) a central topic in recent ergonomic research. This study proposed a novel approach to delivering tactile TORs through wearable devices. A driving simulator experiment involving 36 participants was conducted to examine how the location of tactile warnings-ear, wrist, abdomen, and tibia-affects takeover performance and user acceptance under various non-driving-related task (NDRT) conditions. Results showed that ear-based warnings elicited the shortest reaction times, while tibia-based cues triggered the strongest braking responses. Wrist-based warnings, despite slightly slower reactions, received the highest acceptance ratings from participants. These findings emphasise the importance of signal placement and reveal a trade-off between objective performance and user preference. We recommend ear-based cues for urgent scenarios and wrist-based cues for routine takeovers. This work offers valuable guidance for designing user-centered haptic interfaces in automated vehicles.

As travel becomes integral to modern life, many workers complete office tasks in non-traditional settings using small screens, which may hinder productivity and well-being. Virtual reality (VR) offers a potential solution. This study (n = 20) examined the effects of VR work environments on cognitive performance, physiological responses, and subjective ratings. Participants completed cognitive tasks in both VR and physical environments. While most performance measures showed no significant differences, reaction tasks were slightly better in the physical setup. However, VR yielded better electroencephalogram and subjective outcomes. To enhance ecological validity, a subset of participants repeated the VR condition in a campus cafeteria. Their performance, physiological, and subjective responses remained consistent with lab results. These findings suggest VR can effectively support office tasks in non-traditional environments, maintaining cognitive and physiological performance while improving user experience.

The present experiment investigated the effects of the type of knowledge of results (KR) on performance, workload, and stress in a dynamic, first-person perspective vigilance task. There were five KR conditions: Complete KR, which included feedback regarding hits, misses, and false alarms; three conditions in which participants received only one of these types; and finally a No KR control. Half of the participants in each of these conditions also received summary feedback at the end of their training phase. Those receiving Complete KR were the only group for which detection performance exceeded that of the control group. Summary KR reduced false alarm frequency during the subsequent (transfer) vigil but also resulted in higher levels of perceived workload and emotion-focused coping. These findings suggest that while KR can benefit vigilance training, such benefits are moderated by KR type and can affect concomitant subjective experience during task performance.

Product perception is a core dimension of ergonomics, encompassing how individuals cognitively and emotionally interpret product attributes. Eyeglasses, as a salient and prevalent facial appearance-related product for children, whose self- and peer-perceptions are both complex and influential. Yet, how these perceptions shape children's preferences remains underexplored. Moreover, colour represents one of the most immediate product attributes, which is associated with gender. Accordingly, this study investigates the mechanisms linking children's emotional perceptions to their eyeglasses colour preferences, both boys and girls. A quantified hierarchical perception model was developed through a psychological experiment with 32 children (17 boys, 15 girls) and subsequent statistical and regression analyses. Using eyeglasses as a representative case, the model offers practical and quantitative guidance for colour design in facial appearance-related products. Overall, the study contributes to advancing knowledge of children's perception and decision-making in the domains of colour, ergonomics, and product design.

Virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) was examined for Air Force training modernisation. In Experiment 1 (E1), Novice pilots performed the Overhead break (OHB) manoeuvre and flight proficiency scores were measured and compared to Expert pilots OHB performance in a VR HMD-based simulator. Cybersickness was also measured. Experts performed significantly better on the OHB manoeuvre than Novices. Both groups improved significantly over the course of the experiment and cybersickness was negligible. E1 indicated that the VR HMD flight trainer can be valid, effective and safe for training the OHB maneuvre. Experiment 2 (E2) compared an established Flight Training Device (FTD; not the VR simulator) and Live Flight OHB scores for Novice pilots from E1 to Novices not in E1. There was no difference in FTD and Live Flight scores between both groups. E2 revealed that completion of E1 was insufficient to translate to superior performance in FTD and Live Flight.

With the introduction of conditional automated driving, drivers are freed from continuous control but must remain alert for takeover requests. This study examines how in-cabin temperature (22.5 °C, 25 °C and 27.5 °C) and CO₂ (4200 and 1200 ppm) influence driver drowsiness and physiological responses under conditional automated driving. A driving simulator experiment involving 60 participants was conducted, collecting subjective ratings, eye-tracking and physiological data. Results showed that cooler temperatures were associated with lower drowsiness levels compared to neutral temperatures. However, physiological responses may mainly reflect thermoregulation when temperature varies, obscuring drowsiness-related changes. Further, although CO₂ concentration did not significantly affect subjective drowsiness, higher CO₂ levels attenuated cardiovascular and autonomic activity, suggesting CO₂ effects on physiological responses can emerge before conscious awareness. These findings suggest that climate control systems in automated vehicles should balance comfort, efficiency and driver alertness, while physiology-based driver monitoring systems should incorporate environmental data to detect drowsiness earlier.