Human-machine function allocation: a functional modelling approach

Function allocation between humans and systems is an important factor regar ding safety, reliability and efficiency of industrial processes. One should allocate functions in order to maximise the operator's situation understan ding and ability to handle unexpected events. Functional models can be used to study function allocation in a process control environment, because the y explicitly describe functions and tasks of both the plant and the operato r. The Halden Reactor Project is currently engaged in such a project called function allocation methods (FAME), aimed specifically at the work in a nu clear power plant control room. This paper describes the main features of t he approach, and discusses how functional modelling can be used to address the issue of how much information is necessary for the operator, and thereb y give a basis for how functions should be allocated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.