A methodology for understanding how operators select and use modes of automation to control complex dynamic systems

Human operators of complex dynamic systems often use automation with multiple modes. A thorough understanding of how operators select and use modes is therefore an essential element in developing more effective next-generation automation. This paper presents a methodology for tracking the activities of operators using modes to control complex dynamic systems. The methodology is embodied in an architecture that supports the real-time understanding of operator mode usage. Central to the architecture is a model of operator-automation interaction called an operator function model for systems with automatic control modes (OFM-ACM). The methodology and architecture have been applied to aviation navigation to track the activities performed by the crew of a “glass cockpit” aircraft while they use automated flight modes to fly a desired flight path