Coursecode: wb2306
Coursename: The Human Controller (formerly Cybernetical Ergonomics)

ECTS creditpoints: 3

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology

Lecturer(s): Helm, prof.dr. F.C.T. van der

Tel.: 015-27 85616

Catalog data:
Cybernetical ergonomics, sensory organs, motoric system, fysical load, mental load, human operator control, supervisory control, ergonomic design.

Course year: MSc 1st year
Semester: 2B
Hours p/w: 4
Other hours: -
Assessment: Written
Assessm.period(s): 2B, August
(see academic calendar)

Prerequisites: wb2204, wb2202

Follow up: wb2407

Detailed description of topics:
1. Introduction; definition, history and classification of ergonomics.
2. Sensory organs, perception window (frequency, intensity, just noticable difference).
3. Properties of the auditory, visual, tastile and vestibulary system.
4. Properties of sensory organs in relation to ergonomic design.
5. Motoric system: muscles, joints, propriocepsis, human movement control.
6. Human operator models, cross-over model, critical instability system.
7. Human operator models applied to airplane control.
8. Mental load, measurement methods.
9. Fysical load, mechanical and fysiological.
10. Antropometric (human) measures, design strategies.
11. Supervisory control.

Course material:
Reader: Cybernetical ergonomics.

References from literature:

Remarks (specific information about assesment, entry requirements, etc.):

Goals:
The student must be able to:

1. make a Problem Analysis of a given assignment in the field of a human in control of a technical device, e.g. a surgical tool, a vehicle, a prosthesis or a chemical or nuclear plant

-identify the dynamic relationships between the human and the device in terms of sensor input and actuation

-describe and explain the properties of the human controller in the system under 1a, with reference to the performance and stability limitations of the feedback loop

-translate the result of 1a and 1b into technical Design Objectives of the controlled system without reference to any solutions

-derive qualitative and quantitative Design Specifications from the Design Objectives of the controlled system, and categorize and prioritize these.

-assess feedback on the Design Specification from Assignor

2. understand the physical limitations and official load regulations of the human musculoskeletal system and its sensors

-identify the relevant dynamic characteristics of human sensor systems (auditory, tactile, visual, vestibulary systems), muscles and the central nervous system

-indicate the mechanical, physiological and mental load and sustainable load of the human being, while at work and/or in a human control situation (direct control or supervisory control)

-select appropriate models and measurement methods for the load mentioned in 2b

-generate a variety of Conceptual Designs to decrease the mechanical, physiological and mental load

-judiciously select the most appropriate Conceptual Design

-demonstrate the plausibility or feasibility of the Conceptual Design, with special emphasis to the worker’s benefits

Computer use:

Laboratory project(s):

Design content:

Percentage of design: