NAS Infrastructure Management System Data Collector
Tower Data Collector
Unobtrusive, Time-Sequenced Task Data Collection
The NAS Infrastructure Management System (NIMS) Data Collector (Patent pending) is a convenient, unobtrusive tool for task data collection, configured for use in FAA Maintenance Control Centers. The Tower Data Collector is a similar tool for time-tagged workload data collection,* for use in ATCTs. The data is used to establish workload baselines and for human factors and process analysis.
Both the Tower and NIMS data collector time record activity. Icons indicate types and locations of activities. The Tower Data Collector uses a graphic representing the tower's cab layout with clickable "hot spots," while the NIMS data collector uses up to 40 virtual on-off buttons and a menu with 8 service areas.
From the Access data files produced by these data collectors, of each recorded task, the results will show, in sequence, the frequency of occurrences, time and duration of each activity, interactions, and location, and are available immediately for further analysis.
* This data collection method is based in part on the earlier work of Deborah S. Bruce as described in "Physical Performance Criteria for Air Traffic Control Tower Specialists," FAA, NAS Implementation Support Contract DTDA01-93-C-0031, May, 1996.
System Requirements:
- IBM® PC compatible with an 80486 or higher processor
- Hard disk with a minimum of 10 megabytes free space
- 8 MB random access memory (16 MB for Win95)
- 3.5" diskette drive
- Any display supported by Windows® version 3.1 or Win95
- A mouse or other suitable pointing device
- Windows 3.1 or later, in enhanced mode (NIMS Data Collector requires Windows 95)
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Windows, Access, and Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Prepared for:
Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of System Architecture and Program Evaluation
System Integration Analysis Division (ASD-120)
Developed by:
Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Office of Research Analysis
Human Factors Division (RTV-4G)
For a copy of this application, contact:
Eric Nadler, Project Manager
RTV-4G
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Cambridge, MA 02142-1093
Phone: 617/494-2449
Fax: 617/494-3622
E-mail: nadler@volpe.dot.gov
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