Statistical Operator Workload Allocation to Maintain USW Performance

"A major driver in total cost of ownership of Navy's surface combatants is the cost of manning the platforms. Reducing USW manning is an exceptionally difficult area ORINCON is already working under IUSW 21 automation. However, workstation automationaddressed by that program provides no systematic methodology to allocate available operator workload to tasks both tactically significant and necessary to maintain acceptable performance. Additionally, all focus is on single manned USW operations withoutconsideration for operators to flex and perform as a team. This SBIR will investigate and add innovative techniques for directing operator attention to high probability of importance actions which increase total performance of the USW system.Specifically, we will draw the operator's attention to areas having higher likelihood of a threat, insure his awareness of how well the underlying automated DCL is operating, and direct his attention to areas needing assistance. Methods for insitugrouping of automated DCL outputs into families will be investigated. Initial focus will be on the DCL problem, leaving work on other aspects of the USW workload until Phase II. We will also look at methods and rationale for distributing work acrossmultiple operators with differing proficiency levels by extending workstation automation capabilities and doctrine already developed by ORINCON and TecFocus for IUSW-21. By using the existing IUSW-21 workst