scholarly journals Effects of Workload and Workload Transitions on Attention Allocation in a Dual-Task Environment: Evidence From Eye Tracking Metrics

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-151
Author(s):  
Nadine Marie Moacdieh ◽  
Shannon P. Devlin ◽  
Hussein Jundi ◽  
Sara Lu Riggs
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Attention Allocation ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Workload ◽  
And Control

High mental workload, in addition to changes in workload, can negatively affect operators, but it is not clear how sudden versus gradual workload transitions influence performance and visual attention allocation. This knowledge is important as sudden shifts in workload are common in multitasking domains. The objective of this study was to investigate, using performance and eye tracking metrics, how constant versus variable levels of workload affect operators in the context of a dual-task paradigm. An unmanned aerial vehicle command and control simulation varied task load between low, high, gradually transitioning from low to high, and suddenly transitioning from low to high. Performance on a primary and secondary task and several eye tracking measures were calculated. There was no significant difference between sudden and gradual workload transitions in terms of performance or attention allocation overall; however, both sudden and gradual workload transitions changed participants’ strategy in dealing with the primary and secondary task as compared to low/high workload. Also, eye tracking metrics that are not frequently used, such as transition rate and stationary entropy, provided more insight into performance differences. These metrics can potentially be used to better understand operators’ strategies and could form the basis of an adaptive display.

scholarly journals Ageing drivers’ mental workload in real-time driving tasks based on subjective and objective measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3B) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Izzah Abd Rahman ◽  
◽  
Siti Zawiah Md Dawal ◽  
Nukman Yusoff ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Workload ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
The Road ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
On The Road ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
And Control

The ageing drivers’ population is increasing rapidly, and they are exposed to disabilities due to degenerative processes, thus affecting their driving performance. The main objective of this study is to determine the mental workload of ageing drivers, while the second objective is to compare the mental workload between ageing drivers and control group. The methodology consisted of on-the-road experimental driving tasks that comprised three levels of situation complexity. The NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured on 30 drivers. The NASA-TLX scores revealed that the ageing drivers’ mean physical demand score was the highest compared to others in moderately complex situation and very complex situation, scoring 37.25 and 43.50, respectively. Meanwhile, for electroencephalogram signals’ fluctuation, results showed that situation complexity had significant effects on RPθ and RPα of channel locations FZPZ and O1O2. There was a significant difference in the weighted workload scores for the ageing drivers and control group in simple situation, while there was no significant difference found in RPθ and RPα bands at all channel locations. The findings would be beneficial as a guideline for designers, manufacturers, developers, and policy makers in designing better driving environment for ageing drivers.

Eye Tracking to Evaluate the Effects of Interruptions and Workload in a Complex Task

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082199048
Author(s):  
Dina Kanaan ◽  
Nadine Marie Moacdieh
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Primary Task ◽  
Attention Allocation ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Attentional State ◽  
Display Design ◽  
Task Load ◽  
High Workload ◽  
Nasa Task Load Index ◽  
Insight Into

Objective To use eye tracking to understand the effects of interruptions in different workload conditions as part of a monitoring and change detection task. Background Interruptions are detrimental to performance in complex, multitasking domains. There is a need for better display design techniques that help users overcome interruptions regardless of their workload level. This requires understanding a user’s attentional state immediately after an interruption in order to determine what type of display adjustments are most suitable. Method An emergency dispatching simulator was developed with a visual primary task and auditory interruptive task. Two levels of workload were induced by varying the number of emergency vehicles to monitor for changes and the rate of changes to monitor. Eye tracking, performance, and subjective measures (NASA-Task Load Index) were collected and analyzed for 41 participants. Results As expected, high workload interacted with interruptions to further degrade primary task performance and alter participants’ attention allocation immediately after the interruption. Participants in the high workload condition had more narrowed, slower scan patterns immediately after the interruption as compared to before the interruption, as evidenced by lower scanpath length per second and mean saccade amplitude. However, this change was not observed in low workload. Conclusion High workload modulates the effects of interruptions on performance and eye movements. Users in the high workload condition struggle to quickly scan the display in the seconds following an interruption. Application The results can provide insight into the type of display adjustments needed right after an interruption in a high-workload environment.

scholarly journals An eye-tracking based robotic scrub nurse: proof of concept

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ezzat ◽  
Alexandros Kogkas ◽  
Josephine Holt ◽  
Rudrik Thakkar ◽  
Ara Darzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Motion Sensors ◽  
Scrub Nurse ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Robotic Devices

Abstract Background Within surgery, assistive robotic devices (ARD) have reported improved patient outcomes. ARD can offer the surgical team a “third hand” to perform wider tasks and more degrees of motion in comparison with conventional laparoscopy. We test an eye-tracking based robotic scrub nurse (RSN) in a simulated operating room based on a novel real-time framework for theatre-wide 3D gaze localization in a mobile fashion. Methods Surgeons performed segmental resection of pig colon and handsewn end-to-end anastomosis while wearing eye-tracking glasses (ETG) assisted by distributed RGB-D motion sensors. To select instruments, surgeons (ST) fixed their gaze on a screen, initiating the RSN to pick up and transfer the item. Comparison was made between the task with the assistance of a human scrub nurse (HSNt) versus the task with the assistance of robotic and human scrub nurse (R&HSNt). Task load (NASA-TLX), technology acceptance (Van der Laan’s), metric data on performance and team communication were measured. Results Overall, 10 ST participated. NASA-TLX feedback for ST on HSNt vs R&HSNt usage revealed no significant difference in mental, physical or temporal demands and no change in task performance. ST reported significantly higher frustration score with R&HSNt. Van der Laan’s scores showed positive usefulness and satisfaction scores in using the RSN. No significant difference in operating time was observed. Conclusions We report initial findings of our eye-tracking based RSN. This enables mobile, unrestricted hands-free human–robot interaction intra-operatively. Importantly, this platform is deemed non-inferior to HSNt and accepted by ST and HSN test users.

scholarly journals THE WORKLOAD ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYEE BY USING NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION-TASK LOAD INDEX METHOD (NASA-TLX)

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Nur Azemil
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Workload Analysis ◽  
Task Load ◽  
High Workload ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
And Performance

Development of manufacturing and service institutions can not be separated from the role of human resources. Human resources have an important role in fulfilling vision and mission. University of A is one of the private educational institutions in East Java to achieve the goal must be managed properly that can be utilized optimally, this can be done by analyzing workload and performance or optimizing the number of employees. The purpose this research is measure workload and effect the employee’s performance. Measurement of workload is using National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) method, NASA-TLX method is rating multidimentional subjective mental workload  that divides<em> </em>the workload based on the average load of 6 dimensions, and the measurement of performance is using questionnaire with 5 scales by likert scale. The results showed that employees who have Medium workload is 8%, High workload is 84% and Very high workload is 8%. The result of the questionnaire showed the category of employee’s performance, simply performance is 24% and satisfactory performance is 76%. From the statistical test by using <em>Chi Square</em> method, it is known that the value = 5,9915 and = 2,2225, the result shows <strong> &lt; </strong> , then  is accepted and  is rejected. Thus, there is influence between the workload of employees and the employees’s performance.

scholarly journals Multimodal Study of the Effects of Varying Task Load Utilizing EEG, GSR and Eye-Tracking

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannis Born ◽  
Babu Ram Naidu Ramachandran ◽  
Sandra Alejandra Romero Pinto ◽  
Stefan Winkler ◽  
Rama Ratnam
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Postal Code ◽  
Subjective Data ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Participant Response

AbstractObjectiveThe effect of task load on performance is investigated by simultaneously collecting multi-modal physiological data and participant response data. Periodic response to a questionnaire is also obtained. The goal is to determine combinations of modalities that best serve as predictors of task performance.ApproachA group of participants performed a computer-based visual search task mimicking postal code sorting. A five-digit number had to be assigned to one of six different non-overlapping numeric ranges. Trials were presented in blocks of progressively increasing task difficulty. The participants’ responses were collected simultaneously with 32 channels of electroencephalography (EEG) data, eye-tracking data, and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) data. The NASA Task-Load-Index self-reporting instrument was administered at discrete time points in the experiment.Main resultsLow beta frequency EEG waves (12.5-18 Hz) were more prominent as cognitive task load increased, with most activity in frontal and parietal regions. These were accompanied by more frequent eye blinks and increased pupillary dilation. Blink duration correlated strongly with task performance. Phasic components of the GSR signal were related to cognitive workload, whereas tonic components indicated a more general state of arousal. Subjective data (NASA TLX) as reported by the participants showed an increase in frustration and mental workload. Based on one-way ANOVA, EEG and GSR provided the most reliable correlation to perceived workload level and were the most informative measures (taken together) for performance prediction.SignificanceNumerous modalities come into play during task-related activity. Many of these modalities can provide information on task performance when appropriately grouped. This study suggests that while EEG is a good predictor of task performance, additional modalities such as GSR increase the likelihood of more accurate predictions. Further, in controlled laboratory conditions, the most informative or minimum number of modalities can be isolated for monitoring in real work environments.

Origami folding: Memory load effects on acquisition of sequential skills.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Zhao ◽  
Robert Gaschler ◽  
Anneli Kneschke ◽  
Simon Radler ◽  
Melanie Gausmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Curve ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Motor Memory ◽  
Secondary Tasks ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Visuospatial Sketchpad ◽  
Load Effects ◽  
The Impact

Cognitive and motor memory loads can affect sequential skills. Differentiating the execution and the acquisition of sequential skills, we studied the impact of cognitive or motoric dual-task loads on performance in Origami folding and changes with practice. Participants (N = 53) folded five Origami figures for four times each, which were randomly paired with five types of secondary tasks to cause either cognitive (verbal vs. visuospatial) or motoric (isochronous vs. nonisochronous tapping) memory load or none (control condition). Origami performance showed a typical learning curve from Repetition 1 to Repetition 4. We observed a dissociation between variants of dual-task load influencing Origami folding performance vs. the variants influencing learning (i.e. change in performance across the four repetitions). In particular, the learning of Origami folding was only interfered by the memory load of the cognitive visuospatial secondary task as well as by the isochronous tapping secondary task. This might be due to the use of visuospatial sketchpad and absolute timing mechanism during the acquisition of Origami folding. The performance of Origami folding was moderated by the isochronous tapping secondary task.

Watching Where You're Going: An Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Attention during Walking

2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (18) ◽  
pp. 1195-1199
Author(s):  
Jason S. Augustyn ◽  
M. R. Fletcher ◽  
Caroline R. Mahoney ◽  
Edward Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Vigilance Task ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Distribution ◽  
Irregular Pattern

Dual task methodology and eye-tracking were used to examine how attention is allocated when walking over terrain of varying complexity. Volunteers completed six test sessions in which they walked for 30 minutes with one of three terrain conditions (no markings, irregular markings, irregular markings). While walking, volunteers also performed a secondary vigilance task with targets placed at either eye level or ground level. Results showed that accuracy on the secondary task declined as terrain complexity increased. Median RT was also significantly faster with no markings than either marking condition. In addition, RTs were faster with the targets at eye level for all marking patterns except the irregular pattern. These data show that walking over varied terrain impacts vigilance.

scholarly journals THE MEASUREMENT OF NURSES’ MENTAL WORKLOAD USING NASA-TLX METHOD (A CASE STUDY)

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (Special1) ◽  
pp. 60-63
Author(s):  
Nur I ◽  
Iskandar H ◽  
Ade RF
Keyword(s):  
Mental Workload ◽  
Task Load ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Mental Demand ◽  
High Workload ◽  
Nasa Tlx ◽  
Years Of Service ◽  
Primary Groups ◽  
Very High

Nurse is a profession that has a quite high workload. It can be seen from how often they should encounter situations which compel them to undergo precisely right decision in saving patients’ lives. Various environmental conditions increase the frustration rate of the nurses, such as noise of the crowds and medical equipment, as well as smell of medicines and wounds at once. Moreover, demands from the patients’ family make it even tougher for them. Therefore, this study aims to measure the mental workload of the nurses at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency unit (IGD) in the Hospital ZA based on their years of service. The study was conducted using the method of NASA-TLX (National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Task Load Index). It measured the workload in six dimensions: Mental Demand (MD), Physical Demand (PD), Temporal Demand (TD), Own Performance (P), Effort (EF), and Frustration Rate (FR). The results of the study show that the average value of the nurses’ workload at ICU and IGD is in the category very high (respectively 80 and 83) for the nurses with 0-3 years of service, and the most contributing factor for both the primary groups is the effort (EF).

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