Mathematical-heuristic modelling for human performance envelope

BACKGROUND: Using the theory of complex systems, some human functions (thinking, memory, language) and human relationships have been analyzed and explained. In order to study the limits of human performance (in Air Traffic Controllers and pilots) a new concept was created, called the Human Performance Envelope (HPE). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to apply the principles of the complex system to the analysis of the human factors of the HPE concept. Moreover, this paper’s objective is to create a mathematical model that will give the opportunity to study all the physiological ergonomic factors, not only the ones that are most commonly studied. The most studied factors are mental workload, stress and situation awareness (SA). By applying the mathematical model, it is possible to analyze all the physiological factors (stress, mental workload, fatigue, attention, vigilance and SA). METHODS: In the present paper the theory of complex systems (hybrid modelling) was applied to the Human Performance Envelope concept. A mathematical model was created, then it was validated and solved based on previous researches. RESULTS: Firstly, a literature analysis was performed on the complex systems application by the present researchers concerning pilots’ HPE. The proportional and inverse proportional relationships between the nine human factors were visually illustrated. Finally, a mathematical model was proposed, consisting of a set of equations, which were partially validated by the experiments on pilots done by other researchers. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is required to validate the whole mathematical model, including physiological measurements (experiments) for the six ergonomic factors and the applied heuristic psychosocial methods for the others.