Guidelines for the Use of Programmable Display Pushbuttons on the Space Station's Telerobot Control Panel

Abstract

This investigation focused on the establishment of guidelines concerning the use of programmable display pushbuttons (PDPs) on a telerobot control panel. The method taken was to study two groups of subjects performing a simulated Remote Manipulator System (RMS)-like task on micro computer prototypes. Subjects were divided between those who had RMS-simulator experience and those who didn't. The computer prototypes contained simulations of two different control panels — one which used PDPs and one which used single-function pushbuttons.

Data analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the number of commands issued in the non-PDP control panel and that subjects rated the PDP control panel significantly higher on two of five scaled questionnaire items. Based on these findings, as well upon the results of responses to open-ended questionnaire items, a preliminary list of guidelines concerning the use of PDPs was developed.

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