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During Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) aircraft glide towards the runway resulting in reduced noise and fuel usage. Here, we investigated whether such landings cause less noise annoyance than a regular stepwise approach. Both landing types were compared in a controlled laboratory setting with a Virtual Community Noise Simulator (VCNS), using four audio samples: an overflight during a regular approach (2000 ft altitude) and three aircraft performing CDAs at respectively 3000, 4000 and 5000 ft. The samples at 2000 ft and 4000 ft were recorded at a countryside road, a 360° photo of which was used for the virtual visuals. The other two CDA samples were derived from the recording at 4000 ft. Participants were asked to rate all flyover samples twice while being immersed in the virtual environment. The CDA at 3000 ft was rated as most annoying, likely due to a longer overflight duration, followed by the regular descent and then the CDAs at 4000 and 5000 ft. As CDAs follow a fairly steady trajectory, it was estimated that they will increase annoyance within an area of approximately 2.5 km2, as compared to regular landings. Outside of this area, CDAs may instead result in less annoyance than regular landings. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a well-known sensation in virtual environments and simulators, typically characterized by a variety of symptoms such as pallor, sweating, dizziness, fatigue, and/or nausea. Numerous methods to reduce VIMS have been previously introduced; however, a reliable countermeasure is still missing. In the present study, the effect of airflow and seat vibration to alleviate VIMS was investigated. Eighty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups (airflow, vibration, combined airflow and vibration, and control) and then exposed to a 15 min long video of a bicycle ride shot from first-person view. VIMS was measured using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS) and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Results showed that the exposure of airflow significantly reduced VIMS, whereas the presence of seat vibration, in contrast, did not have an impact on VIMS. Additionally, we found that females reported higher FMS scores than males, however, this sex difference was not found in the SSQ scores. Our findings demonstrate that airflow can be an effective and easy-to-apply technique to reduce VIMS in virtual environments and simulators, while vibration applied to the seat is not a successful method.

Relying on accident records as the main data source for studying cyclists’ safety has many drawbacks, such as high degree of under-reporting, the lack of accident details and particularly of information about the interaction processes that led to the accident. It is also an ethical problem as one has to wait for accidents to happen in order to make a statement about cyclists’ (un-)safety. In this perspective, the use of surrogate safety measures based on actual observations in traffic is very promising. In this study we used video data from three intersections in Norway that were all independently analysed using three methods: the Swedish traffic conflict technique (Swedish TCT), the Dutch conflict technique (DOCTOR) and the probabilistic surrogate measures of safety (PSMS) technique developed in Canada. The first two methods are based on manual detection and counting of critical events in traffic (traffic conflicts), while the third considers probabilities of multiple trajectories for each interaction and delivers a density map of potential collision points per site. Due to extensive use of microscopic data, PSMS technique relies heavily on automated tracking of the road users in video. Across the three sites, the methods show similarities or are at least “compatible” with the accident records. The two conflict techniques agree quite well for the number, type and location of conflicts, but some differences with no obvious explanation are also found. PSMS reports many more safety-relevant interactions including less severe events. The location of the potential collision points is compatible with what the conflict techniques suggest, but the possibly significant share of false alarms due to inaccurate trajectories extracted from video complicates the comparison. The tested techniques still require enhancement, with respect to better adjustment to analysis of the situations involving cyclists (and vulnerable road users in general) and further validation. However, we believe this to be a future direction for the road safety analysis as the number of accidents is constantly decreasing and the quality of accident data does not seem to improve. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The European research project SUPRA (“Simulation of Upset Recovery in Aviation”) produced an extended aerodynamic model for simulation of a generic transport aircraft, capturing the key aircraft behavior beyond aerodynamic stall. As described in the current paper, a group of 11 test pilots with in-flight experience in stall conditions assessed the validity of this aerodynamic model, in combination with new motion cueing solutions in a conventional hexapod platform as well as a centrifuge-based device. Results showed that the SUPRA model was considered representative outside the normal flight envelope, and on both simulators the enhanced cueing solutions received higher subjective ratings than the comparison condition. The pilots unanimously rejected exercising these conditions without motion. It is concluded that the SUPRA model successfully demonstrates upset conditions, including stall, and that conventional hexapod motion cueing can be improved for the purpose of upset simulation. If available, a ground-based g-device is recommended to provide g-awareness training.

People of low literacy experience difficulties while participating in society. Learning support software could help alleviate these difficulties. However, there is currently no overview of theoretically and empirically sound requirements for this kind of support. This paper uses the situated cognitive engineering method to create a requirements baseline for a virtual environment to support the societal participation education of low-literates (VESSEL), based on an analysis of the domain, human factors, and current applications. Four major outcomes are presented. First, a comprehensive overview is collected of the operational demands and human factors knowledge relevant to societal participation learning for low-literate citizens. Second, this overview is translated into a list of eight functional requirements: focused on low-literate learners, set in the context of societal participation, and supported by claims of cognitive, affective, and social benefits to learning. Third, a sample of Dutch societal participation learning support programs is assessed using these requirements, to highlight both current technology best practices and discrepancies between theory and practice. Fourth, virtual learning environment technology is suggested as an ‘enabling’ technology; an overview is shown of how virtual environments, actors, and objects can beneficially enable meeting the requirements baseline. Finally, directions for future study are discussed.

ECOMOS is a multinational effort within the framework of an EDA Project Arrangement. Its aim is to provide a generally accepted and harmonized European computer model for computing nominal Target Acquisition (TA) ranges of optronic imagers operating in the Visible or thermal Infrared (IR). The project involves close co-operation of defense and security industry and public research institutes from five nations: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden. ECOMOS will use and combine existing European tools, to build up a strong competitive position. In Europe, there are two well-accepted approaches for providing TA performance data: the German TRM (Thermal Range Model) model and the Netherlands TOD (Triangle Orientation Discrimination) method. ECOMOS will include both approaches. The TRM model predicts TA performance analytically, whereas the TOD prediction model utilizes the TOD test method, imaging simulation and a Human Visual System model in order to assess device performance. For the characterization of atmosphere and environment, ECOMOS uses the French model and software MATISSE (Modélisation Avancée de la Terre pour l'Imagerie et la Simulation des Scènes et de leur Environnement). The first software implementation of ECOMOS has been finalized in spring 2019. In this presentation, the key features implemented in the current version are elucidated. In addition, the final ECOMOS software structure as well as an overview of the user guidance within ECOMOS are shown.

International audience; ECOMOS is a multinational effort within the framework of an EDA Project Arrangement. Its aim is to provide a generally accepted and harmonized European computer model for computing nominal Target Acquisition (TA) ranges of optronic imagers operating in the Visible or thermal Infrared (IR). The project involves close cooperation of defense and security industry and public research institutes from five nations: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden. ECOMOS will use and combine existing European tools, to build up a strong competitive position. In Europe, there are two well-accepted approaches for providing TA performance data: the German TRM (Thermal Range Model) model and the Netherlands TOD (Triangle Orientation Discrimination) method. ECOMOS will include both approaches. The TRM model predicts TA performance analytically, whereas the TOD prediction model utilizes the TOD test method, imaging simulation and a Human Visual System model in order to assess device performance. For the characterization of atmosphere and environment, ECOMOS uses the French model and software MATISSE (Modélisation Avancée de la Terre pour l'Imagerie et la Simulation des Scènes et de leur Environnement). The first software implementation of ECOMOS has been finalized in spring 2019. In this presentation, the key features implemented in the current version are elucidated. In addition, the final ECOMOS software structure as well as an overview of the user guidance within ECOMOS are shown.

In the framework of a NATO research group Fraunhofer IOSB and partners conducted a field trial in an arid shrub land environment in southern New Mexico (USA). The group investigates environmental limitations of fielded EO-TDAs (Electro-Optical Tactical Decision Aids). Main objective of the trial was to study the impact of the atmosphere on imaging sensor performance with a focus on the effects of atmospheric extinction and near surface turbulence. An overview of the trial will be given, as well as an overview on EO-TDA development. Results of efforts to forecast the refractive index structure parameter using numerical weather prediction (NWP) models will be described, as well as the results of a perception study on the influence of turbulence on target acquisition ranges using MWIR imagery.

In the framework of a NATO research group Fraunhofer IOSB and partners conducted a field trial in an arid shrub land environment in southern New Mexico (USA). The group investigates environmental limitations of fielded EO-TDAs (Electro-Optical Tactical Decision Aids). Main objective of the trial was to study the impact of the atmosphere on imaging sensor performance with a focus on the effects of atmospheric extinction and near surface turbulence. An overview of the trial will be given, as well as an overview on EO-TDA development. Results of efforts to forecast the refractive index structure parameter using numerical weather prediction (NWP) models will be described, as well as the results of a perception study on the influence of turbulence on target acquisition ranges using MWIR imagery.

Despite of the ongoing interest in the fusion of multi-band images for surveillance applications and a steady stream of publications in this area, there is only a very small number of static registered multi-band test images (and a total lack of dynamic image sequences) publicly available for the development and evaluation of image fusion algorithms. To fill this gap, the TNO Multiband Image Collection provides intensified visual (390â700 nm), near-infrared (700â1000 nm), and longwave infrared (8â12 µm) nighttime imagery of different military and surveillance scenarios, showing different objects and targets (e.g., people, vehicles) in a range of different (e.g., rural, urban) backgrounds. The dataset will be useful for the development of static and dynamic image fusion algorithms, color fusion algorithms, multispectral target detection and recognition algorithms, and dim target detection algorithms. Keywords: Image fusion, Color fusion, False color, Color mapping, Realtime, Fusion, Night vision

Experiencing stress during training is a way to prepare professionals for real-life crises. With the help of feedback tools, professionals can train to recognize and overcome negative effects of stress on task performances. This paper reports two studies that empirically examined the effect of such a feedback system. The system, based on the COgnitive Performance and Error (COPE) model, provides its users with physiological, predicted performance and predicted error-chance feedback. The first experiment focussed on creating stressful scenarios and establishing the parameters for the predictive models for the feedback system. Participants (n=9) performed fire-extinguishing tasks on a virtual ship. By altering time pressure, information uncertainty and consequences of performance, stress was induced. COPE variables were measured and models were established that predicted performance and the chances on specific errors. In the second experiment a new group of participants (n=29) carried out the same tasks while receiving eight different combinations of the three feedback types in a counterbalanced order. Performance scores improved when feedback was provided during the task. The number of errors made did not decrease. The usability score for the system with physiological feedback was significantly higher than a system without physiological feedback, unless combined with error feedback. This paper shows effects of feedback on performances and usability. To improve the effectiveness of the feedback system it is suggested to provide more in-depth tutorial sessions. Design changes are recommended that would make the feedback system more effective in improving performances. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

With modern trends of decrease in crew numbers on board ships together with increased operational demands and paperwork, crew fatigue and comfort have become more critical and are being given more importance. It is well known that environmental factors affect crew comfort and performance. The two outstanding factors which exist in the shipboard environment are vessel motions and noise. As such, the findings and lessons learnt from other industrial sectors are considered to be less relevant for ships. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct focused research to understand the effects of these factors, so that the lessons learnt can be integrated into the ship design process so as to mitigate their adverse effects during vessel operations. Due to obvious performance issues, ship motions and motion sickness research has attracted far more interest than human response to noise. This paper reports the findings of a recent research study undertaken as part of an EU FP7 research project, namely SILENV, which investigated the current levels of crew noise exposure through field studies. Furthermore, developed models on human response to noise on board ships and SILENV Green Label noise standards are also introduced in comparison with the current normative framework. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

Bewegingsziekte is geen stoornis, maar een normale reactie op een niet-normale omstandigheid waarin bewegingen centraal staan, zoals rijden, varen, vliegen en virtual reality. Bijna iedereen kan bewegingsziekte krijgen, vooropgesteld dat ten minste één evenwichtsorgaan functioneert. Alleen als geen van beide evenwichtsorganen functioneert, blijft iemand gevrijwaard van wagenziekte, zeeziekte of luchtziekte en zelfs 'cybersickness'. 'Cybersickness' is bewegingsziekte die wordt uitgelokt door bewegende kunstmatige beelden, zoals in videogames, zelfs wanneer de kijker zelf stil zit. Omdat we steeds vaker en langer aan steeds realistischere kunstmatige beelden worden blootgesteld, zullen artsen ook steeds vaker met bewegingsziekte te maken krijgen. Aan de basis van bewegingsziekte ligt het functioneren van het vestibulair systeem, waarbij visueel-vestibulaire conflicten een modulerende rol spelen. Daarbij komen de bewegingen die de ogen zien, niet overeen met de bewegingen die de evenwichtsorganen registreren. Bij bewegingsziekte in alledaagse situaties, zoals autorijden, kunnen antihistaminica – ingenomen vóór vertrek – misselijkheid tegengaan. De effectiviteit van medicatie bij bewegingsziekte is echter beperkt.

Selection and training represent two means of ensuring flight crew members are qualified and prepared to perform safely and effectively in space. The first part of the chapter looks at astronaut selection beginning with the evolutionary changes in the US and Russian programs. A discussion of the critical skills and selection best practices augments the description of NASA basic requirements. In addition, commercial astronaut and passenger medical criteria for selection are described. The training part of the chapter begins with a description of typical training phases and sequences followed by the discussion of specific types of training that addresses nominal, off-nominal, contingency, and emergency conditions. Next, training facilities are described as well as the use of orbital and suborbital spaceflight simulators. Final sections focus on the training of cosmonauts in Russia and commercial human spaceflight training.

We discuss an extension of the basic principles underlying the human haptic just noticeable difference (JND) in perceiving a manipulator's mechanical properties from force feedback. Two cases are studied: 1) the JND in perceiving the stiffness of manipulators with various masses; 2) the JND in perceiving the damping of a combined mass-spring-damper system with varying stiffness and mass. The extended JND laws are obtained through mapping psychophysical findings to JND formulations based on frequency response functions. We first present two human-factor experiments in which subjects discriminated between different levels of manipulator stiffness/damping while moving the manipulator with a prescribed sinusoidal deflection. For the two testing cases both JNDs violate Weber's law: Due to the increases in mass, the normalized stiffness JND (the Weber fraction) decreases as the reference stiffness level increases; The damping JND for a constant reference damping increases with higher combined responses of stiffness and mass. On the basis of weighting the frequency response magnitude of mechanical properties, we performed model identification that fit the experimental observations, and extended the JND laws for the two testing cases. Our extended JND laws indicate that: 1) stiffness and mass affect the stiffness JND in the same way, the stiffness JND is a fixed proportion of the combined frequency response of stiffness and mass; 2) the frequency response magnitude of the damping JND is a fixed proportion of the frequency response magnitude of the combined system (the mass-spring-damper system).

Carsickness is associated with a mismatch between actual and anticipated sensory signals. Occupants of automated vehicles, especially when using a display, are at higher risk of becoming carsick than drivers of conventional vehicles. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of positioning of in-vehicle displays, and subsequent available peripheral vision, on carsickness of passengers. We hypothesized that increased peripheral vision during display use would reduce carsickness. Seated in the front passenger seat 18 participants were driven a 15-min long slalom on two occasions while performing a continuous visual search-task. The display was positioned either at 1) eye-height in front of the windscreen, allowing peripheral view on the outside world, and 2) the height of the glove compartment, allowing only limited view on the outside world. Motion sickness was reported at 1-min intervals. Using a display at windscreen height resulted in less carsickness compared to a display at glove compartment height. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We discuss an extension of the basic principles underlying the human haptic just noticeable difference (JND) in perceiving a manipulator's mechanical properties from force feedback. Two cases are studied: 1) the JND in perceiving the stiffness of manipulators with various masses; 2) the JND in perceiving the damping of a combined mass-spring-damper system with varying stiffness and mass. The extended JND laws are obtained through mapping psychophysical findings to JND formulations based on frequency response functions. We first present two human-factor experiments in which subjects discriminated between different levels of manipulator stiffness/damping while moving the manipulator with a prescribed sinusoidal deflection. For the two testing cases both JNDs violate Weber's law: Due to the increases in mass, the normalized stiffness JND (the Weber fraction) decreases as the reference stiffness level increases; The damping JND for a constant reference damping increases with higher combined responses of stiffness and mass. On the basis of weighting the frequency response magnitude of mechanical properties, we performed model identification that fit the experimental observations, and extended the JND laws for the two testing cases. Our extended JND laws indicate that: 1) stiffness and mass affect the stiffness JND in the same way, the stiffness JND is a fixed proportion of the combined frequency response of stiffness and mass; 2) the frequency response magnitude of the damping JND is a fixed proportion of the frequency response magnitude of the combined system (the mass-spring-damper system).

This paper proposes a human-centered approach to Dynamic Position-ing systems which combines multiple technologies in an intelligent operator sup-port system (IOSS). IOSS allows the operator to be roaming and do other tasks in quiet conditions. When conditions become more demanding, the IOSS calls the operator to return to his bridge position. In particular, attention is paid to hu-man factors issues such as trust misalignment, and context-aware interfaces.

Objective: This study tested whether simulator-based training of pilot responses to unexpected or novel events can be improved by including unpredictability and variability in training scenarios. Background: Current regulations allow for highly predictable and invariable training, which may not be sufficient to prepare pilots for unexpected or novel situations in-flight. Training for surprise will become mandatory in the near future. Method: Using an aircraft model largely unfamiliar to the participants, one group of 10 pilots (the unpredictable and variable [U/V] group) practiced responses to controllability issues in a relatively U/V manner. A control group of another 10 pilots practiced the same failures in a highly predictable and invariable manner. After the practice, performance of all pilots was tested in a surprise scenario, in which the pilots had to apply the learned knowledge. To control for surprise habituation and familiarization with the controls, two control tests were included. Results: Whereas the U/V group required more time than the control group to identify failures during the practice, the results indicated superior understanding and performance in the U/V group as compared to the control group in the surprise test. There were no significant differences between the groups in surprise or performance in the control tests. Conclusion: Given the results, we conclude that organizing pilot training in a more U/V way improves transfer of training to unexpected situations in-flight. Application: The outcomes suggest that the inclusion of U/V simulator training scenarios is important when training pilots for unexpected situations.

Selection and training represent two means of ensuring flight crew members are qualified and prepared to perform safely and effectively in space. The first part of the chapter looks at astronaut selection beginning with the evolutionary changes in the US and Russian programs. A discussion of the critical skills and selection best practices augments the description of NASA basic requirements. In addition, commercial astronaut and passenger medical criteria for selection are described. The training part of the chapter begins with a description of typical training phases and sequences followed by the discussion of specific types of training that addresses nominal, off-nominal, contingency, and emergency conditions. Next, training facilities are described as well as the use of orbital and suborbital spaceflight simulators. Final sections focus on the training of cosmonauts in Russia and commercial human spaceflight training.

Objective:This study tested whether simulator-based training of pilot responses to unexpected or novel events can be improved by including unpredictability and variability in training scenarios.Background:Current regulations allow for highly predictable and invariable training, which may not be sufficient to prepare pilots for unexpected or novel situations in-flight. Training for surprise will become mandatory in the near future.Method:Using an aircraft model largely unfamiliar to the participants, one group of 10 pilots (the unpredictable and variable [U/V] group) practiced responses to controllability issues in a relatively U/V manner. A control group of another 10 pilots practiced the same failures in a highly predictable and invariable manner. After the practice, performance of all pilots was tested in a surprise scenario, in which the pilots had to apply the learned knowledge. To control for surprise habituation and familiarization with the controls, two control tests were included.Results:Whereas the U/V group required more time than the control group to identify failures during the practice, the results indicated superior understanding and performance in the U/V group as compared to the control group in the surprise test. There were no significant differences between the groups in surprise or performance in the control tests.Conclusion:Given the results, we conclude that organizing pilot training in a more U/V way improves transfer of training to unexpected situations in-flight.Application:The outcomes suggest that the inclusion of U/V simulator training scenarios is important when training pilots for unexpected situations.

Carsickness is associated with a mismatch between actual and anticipated sensory signals. Occupants of automated vehicles, especially when using a display, are at higher risk of becoming carsick than drivers of conventional vehicles. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of positioning of in-vehicle displays, and subsequent available peripheral vision, on carsickness of passengers. We hypothesized that increased peripheral vision during display use would reduce carsickness. Seated in the front passenger seat 18 participants were driven a 15-min long slalom on two occasions while performing a continuous visual search-task. The display was positioned either at 1) eye-height in front of the windscreen, allowing peripheral view on the outside world, and 2) the height of the glove compartment, allowing only limited view on the outside world. Motion sickness was reported at 1-min intervals. Using a display at windscreen height resulted in less carsickness compared to a display at glove compartment height. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bewegingsziekte is geen stoornis, maar een normale reactie op een niet-normale omstandigheid waarin bewegingen centraal staan, zoals rijden, varen, vliegen en virtual reality. Bijna iedereen kan bewegingsziekte krijgen, vooropgesteld dat ten minste één evenwichtsorgaan functioneert. Alleen als geen van beide evenwichtsorganen functioneert, blijft iemand gevrijwaard van wagenziekte, zeeziekte of luchtziekte en zelfs 'cybersickness'. 'Cybersickness' is bewegingsziekte die wordt uitgelokt door bewegende kunstmatige beelden, zoals in videogames, zelfs wanneer de kijker zelf stil zit. Omdat we steeds vaker en langer aan steeds realistischere kunstmatige beelden worden blootgesteld, zullen artsen ook steeds vaker met bewegingsziekte te maken krijgen. Aan de basis van bewegingsziekte ligt het functioneren van het vestibulair systeem, waarbij visueel-vestibulaire conflicten een modulerende rol spelen. Daarbij komen de bewegingen die de ogen zien, niet overeen met de bewegingen die de evenwichtsorganen registreren. Bij bewegingsziekte in alledaagse situaties, zoals autorijden, kunnen antihistaminica – ingenomen vóór vertrek – misselijkheid tegengaan. De effectiviteit van medicatie bij bewegingsziekte is echter beperkt.

Objective: A conceptual model is proposed in order to explain pilot performance in surprising and startling situations. Background: Today’s debate around loss of control following in-flight events and the implementation of upset prevention and recovery training has highlighted the importance of pilots’ ability to deal with unexpected events. Unexpected events, such as technical malfunctions or automation surprises, potentially induce a "startle factor" that may significantly impair performance. Method: Literature on surprise, startle, resilience, and decision making is reviewed, and findings are combined into a conceptual model. A number of recent flight incident and accident cases are then used to illustrate elements of the model. Results: Pilot perception and actions are conceptualized as being guided by "frames," or mental knowledge structures that were previously learned. Performance issues in unexpected situations can often be traced back to insufficient adaptation of one’s frame to the situation. It is argued that such sensemaking or reframing processes are especially vulnerable to issues caused by startle or acute stress. Conclusion: Interventions should focus on (a) increasing the supply and quality of pilot frames (e.g., though practicing a variety of situations), (b) increasing pilot reframing skills (e.g., through the use of unpredictability in training scenarios), and (c) improving pilot metacognitive skills, so that inappropriate automatic responses to startle and surprise can be avoided. Application: The model can be used to explain pilot behavior in accident cases, to design experiments and training simulations, to teach pilots metacognitive skills, and to identify intervention methods. © 2017, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Neurophysiological correlates of affective experience could potentially provide continuous information about a person’s experience when cooking and tasting food, without explicitly verbalizing this. Such measures would be helpful to understand people’s implicit food preferences and choices. This study examined for the first time the relation between neurophysiological variables and affective experiences under real cooking and tasting circumstances, using ingredients that were a priori expected to evoke different affective reactions. 41 participants cooked and tasted two stir-fry dishes in random order following an identical, strictly timed protocol. Once the main ingredient was chicken and the other time mealworms. EEG, ECG and skin potential were recorded continuously. Participants scored subjective valence and arousal after each cooking and tasting session. Frontal EEG alpha asymmetry showed the expected effect throughout the whole cooking and tasting session, consistent with ‘approach’ motivation for chicken and ‘avoidance’ for mealworms. Skin potential effects differed between cooking intervals but were in the expected direction. ECG variables showed an interaction with order of cooking the different dishes. Based on EEG alpha asymmetry, ECG and skin potential variables, we can estimate with 82% accuracy whether a single participant is preparing a dish with mealworms or with chicken. Our study provides evidence that it is possible to estimate experienced emotion during real-life cooking and tasting. We argue that it is important to consider that different neurophysiological and subjective measures reflect different underlying affective processes, to map them out more precisely, and to take advantage of these differences.

In reconnaissance operations, military observers are tasked to notice objects, people and events in their environment that may be relevant for their commander’s goals and objectives. Which ‘elements of information’ are noticed is influenced by how the operation assignment is presented (cf. the principle of priming). A distinction here is made between assignments that broadly outline the commander’s intent (‘goal orientation’) or that narrowly point to only one or two categories of information elements (‘target orientation’). In a virtual environment, eighteen male military participants carried out and reported on a reconnaissance operation, after being briefed with either goal-oriented or target-oriented assignments. Results show that a goal-oriented assignment leads to more information elements as well as more diverse elements being reported, albeit at a lower level of detail than a target-oriented assignment. Reconnaissance commanders should therefore choose carefully how they present their information gathering assignments.

BACKGROUND: Motion sickness may reduce passenger comfort and crew performance. Countermeasures are dominated by medication with specific and often undesirable side effects. OBJECTIVE: To shown that sickness due to motion can be reduced by adding an inherent non-sickening vibration and by mental distraction. METHODS: Eighteen blindfolded subjects were exposed to 20 minutes of off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR). Vibration was added by means of a head rest. Effects of OVAR and vibration were tested separately and in combination, while the subjects were performing an audio letter memorising task. This task was absent to test the effect of mental distraction. Effects were quantified by rating subjective misery and objective task performance. RESULTS: Sixteen subjects completed the experiment and showed in mutual comparable conditions that head vibration reduced the amount of sickness by 25%, the mental distraction did so by 19%, and the combined effect resulted in a reduction of 39%. Their task performance decreased with increasing sickness. CONCLUSION: Sickness due to low-frequency motion can be reduced by adding a high-frequency vibration and by mental distraction. The effect of vibration can be understood by assuming an internal model used by the central nervous system to optimise the control of body motion. © 2015 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC), a driver assistance system that controls longitudinal motion, has been introduced in consumer cars in 1995. A next milestone is highly automated driving (HAD), a system that automates both longitudinal and lateral motion. We investigated the effects of ACC and HAD on drivers’ workload and situation awareness through a meta-analysis and narrative review of simulator and on-road studies. Based on a total of 32 studies, the unweighted mean self-reported workload was 43.5% for manual driving, 38.6% for ACC driving, and 22.7% for HAD (0% = minimum, 100 = maximum on the NASA Task Load Index or Rating Scale Mental Effort). Based on 12 studies, the number of tasks completed on an in-vehicle display relative to manual driving (100%) was 112% for ACC and 261% for HAD. Drivers of a highly automated car, and to a lesser extent ACC drivers, are likely to pick up tasks that are unrelated to driving. Both ACC and HAD can result in improved situation awareness compared to manual driving if drivers are motivated or instructed to detect objects in the environment. However, if drivers are engaged in non-driving tasks, situation awareness deteriorates for ACC and HAD compared to manual driving. The results of this review are consistent with the hypothesis that, from a Human Factors perspective, HAD is markedly different from ACC driving, because the driver of a highly automated car has the possibility, for better or worse, to divert attention to secondary tasks, whereas an ACC driver still has to attend to the roadway.

ECOMOS is a multinational effort within the framework of an EDA Project Arrangement. Its aim is to provide a generally accepted and harmonized European computer model for computing nominal Target Acquisition (TA) ranges of optronic imagers operating in the Visible or thermal Infrared (IR). The project involves close co-operation of defence and security industry and public research institutes from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden. ECOMOS uses and combines well-accepted existing European tools to build up a strong competitive position. This includes two TA models: The analytical TRM4 model and the image-based TOD model. In addition, it uses the atmosphere model MATISSE. In this paper, the central idea of ECOMOS is exposed. The overall software structure and the underlying models are shown and elucidated. The status of the project development is given as well as a short discussion of validation tests and an outlook on the future potential of simulation for sensor assessment. © 2017 SPIE. The Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

In the paper we present our Range-IT prototype, which is a 3D depth camera based electronic travel aid (ETA) to assist visually impaired people in finding out detailed information of surrounding objects. In addition to detecting indoor obstacles and identifying several objects of interest (e.g., walls, open doors and stairs) up to 7 meters, the Range-IT system employs a multimodal audio-vibrotactile user interface to present this spatial information. ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI)

In the collaborative driving scenario of truck platooning, the first car is driven by its chauffeur and the next cars follow automatically via a so-called 'virtual tow-bar'. The chauffeurs of the following cars do not drive 'in the towbar mode', but need to be able to take back control in foreseen and unforeseen conditions. It is crucial that this transfer of control only takes place when the chauffeur is ready for it. This paper presents a Driver Readiness (DR) ontological model that specifies the core factors, with their relationships, of a chauffeur's current and near-future readiness for taking back the control of driving. A first model was derived from a literature study and an analysis of truck driving data, which was refined subsequently based on an expert review. This DR model distinguishes (a) current and required states for the physical (hand, feet, head, and seating position) and mental readiness (attention and situation awareness), (b) agents (human and machine actor), (c) policies for agent behaviors, and (d) states of the vehicle and its environment. It provides the knowledge base of a Control Transfer Support (CTS) agent that assesses the current and predicted chauffeur state and guides the transition of control in an adaptive and personalized manner. The DR model will be fed by information from the network and in-car sensors. The behaviors of the CTS agent will be generated and constrained by the instantiated policies, providing an important step towards a safe transfer of control from automation to human driver. © 2017 ACM. ACM SIGAI; ACM SIGCHI

EEG and eye tracking variables are potential sources of information about the underlying processes of target detection and storage during visual search. Fixation duration, pupil size and event related potentials (ERPs) locked to the onset of fixation or saccade (saccade-related potentials, SRPs) have been reported to differ dependent on whether a target or a non-target is currently fixated. Here we focus on the question of whether these variables also differ between targets that are subsequently reported (hits) and targets that are not (misses). Observers were asked to scan 15 locations that were consecutively highlighted for 1 s in pseudo-random order. Highlighted locations displayed either a target or a non-target stimulus with two, three or four targets per trial. After scanning, participants indicated which locations had displayed a target. To induce memory encoding failures, participants concurrently performed an aurally presented math task (high load condition). In a low load condition, participants ignored the math task. As expected, more targets were missed in the high compared with the low load condition. For both conditions, eye tracking features distinguished better between hits and misses than between targets and non-targets (with larger pupil size and shorter fixations for missed compared with correctly encoded targets). In contrast, SRP features distinguished better between targets and non-targets than between hits and misses (with average SRPs showing larger P300 waveforms for targets than for non-targets). Single trial classification results were consistent with these averages. This work suggests complementary contributions of eye and EEG measures in potential applications to support search and detect tasks. SRPs may be useful to monitor what objects are relevant to an observer, and eye variables may indicate whether the observer should be reminded of them later.

EEG and eye tracking variables are potential sources of information about the underlying processes of target detection and storage during visual search. Fixation duration, pupil size and event related potentials (ERPs) locked to the onset of fixation or saccade (saccade-related potentials, SRPs) have been reported to differ dependent on whether a target or a non-target is currently fixated. Here we focus on the question of whether these variables also differ between targets that are subsequently reported (hits) and targets that are not (misses). Observers were asked to scan 15 locations that were consecutively highlighted for 1 s in pseudo-random order. Highlighted locations displayed either a target or a non-target stimulus with two, three or four targets per trial. After scanning, participants indicated which locations had displayed a target. To induce memory encoding failures, participants concurrently performed an aurally presented math task (high load condition). In a low load condition, participants ignored the math task. As expected, more targets were missed in the high compared with the low load condition. For both conditions, eye tracking features distinguished better between hits and misses than between targets and non-targets (with larger pupil size and shorter fixations for missed compared with correctly encoded targets). In contrast, SRP features distinguished better between targets and non-targets than between hits and misses (with average SRPs showing larger P300 waveforms for targets than for non-targets). Single trial classification results were consistent with these averages. This work suggests complementary contributions of eye and EEG measures in potential applications to support search and detect tasks. SRPs may be useful to monitor what objects are relevant to an observer, and eye variables may indicate whether the observer should be reminded of them later.

TNO and the Royal Netherlands Airforce (RNLAF) integrated challenging stressors in a moving-base flight simulator, improving the operational realism of the simulated flight environment. This enables research on the effects of individual and combined stressors on flight performance, mental workload and physiological responses.

Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well treatable, many people do not get the desired treatment due to barriers to care (such as stigma and cost). This paper presents a system that bridges this gap by enabling patients to follow therapy at home. A therapist is only involved remotely, to monitor progress and serve as a safety net. With this system, patients can recollect their memories in a digital diary and recreate them in a 3D WorldBuilder. Throughout the therapy, a virtual agent is present to inform and guide patients through the sessions, employing an ontology-based question module for recollecting traumatic memories to further elicit a detailed memory recollection. In a usability study with former PTSD patients (n = 4), these questions were found useful for memory recollection. Moreover, the usability of the whole system was rated positively. This system has the potential to be a valuable addition to the spectrum of PTSD treatments, offering a novel type of home therapy assisted by a virtual agent. © 2017, The Author(s).

Driver distraction is a leading cause of crashes. The introduction of in-vehicle technology in the last decades has added support to the driving task. However, in-vehicle technologies and handheld electronic devices may also be a threat to driver safety due to information overload and distraction. Adaptive in-vehicle information systems may be a solution to this problem. Adaptive systems could aid the driver in obtaining information from the device (by reducing information density) or prevent distraction by not presenting or delaying information when the driver’s workload is high. In this paper, we describe an on-the-road evaluation of a real-time driver workload estimator that makes use of geo-specific information. The results demonstrate the relative validity of our experimental methods and show the potential for using location-based adaptive in-vehicle systems.

Aircraft noise is consistently rated as more annoying than noise from other sources with similar intensity. In three experiments, it was investigated whether this penalty is due to the source identity of the noise. In the first experiment, four samples were played to participants engaged in a working memory task: road traffic noise, an Airbus 320 flyover, and unidentifiable, transformed versions of these samples containing the same spectral content and envelope. Original, identifiable samples were rated as more annoying than the transformed samples. A second experiment tested whether these results were due to the absence of tonal components in the transformed samples. This was partly the case: an additional sample, created from the A320 flyover by filtering out major tonal components, was rated as less annoying than the original A320 sample, but as more annoying than the transformed sample. In a third experiment, participants either received full disclosure of the generation of the samples or no information to identify the transformed samples. The transformed sample was rated as most annoying when the A320 identity was disclosed, but as least annoying when it was not. Therefore, it was concluded that annoyance is influenced by both identifiability and the presence of tonal components. © 2017 Acoustical Society of America.

In a collaborative research project, TNO and the Royal Netherlands Airforce (RNLAF) developed an integrated hypoxia testbed in a moving-base flight simulator. The new hypoxia flight simulator environment aims to improve the operational realism of hypoxia training, and enables research on the effects of hypoxia in relation to flight tasks.

ACM SIGAI; ACM SIGCHI

A key challenge in developing companion agents for children is keeping them interested after novelty effects wear off. Self Determination Theory posits that motivation is sustained if the human feels related to another human. According to Social Penetration Theory, relatedness can be established through the reciprocal disclosure of information about the self. Inspired by these social psychology theories, we developed a disclosure dialog module to study the self-disclosing behavior of children in response to that of a virtual agent. The module was integrated into a mobile application with avatar presence for diabetic children and subsequently used by 11 children in an exploratory field study over the course of approximately two weeks at home. The number of disclosures that children made to the avatar during the study indicated the relatedness they felt towards the agent at the end of the study. While all children showed a decline in their usage over time, more related children used the application more, and more consistently than less related children. Avatar disclosures of lower intimacy were reciprocated more than avatar disclosures of higher intimacy. Girls reciprocated disclosures more frequently. No relationship was found between the intimacy level of agent disclosures and child disclosures. Particularly the last finding contradicts prior child-peer interaction research and should therefore be further examined in confirmatory research.