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Human Factors Design for Particle Accelerator Control Room Interfaces

Journal Article · · AHFE International
DOI:https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1005035· OSTI ID:2427356
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
  2. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Fermilab, the birthplace of many scientific discoveries in physics and particle accelerator sciences, is in the midst of a widescale modernization effort. The Accelerator Control Operations Research Network (ACORN project’s goal is to modernize the accelerator control system by replacing end-of-life power supplies and enhance future operations of the Fermilab accelerator complex with megawatt particle beams. Within ACORN, opportunities for process improvement concerning software development, human-system interface design, and task performance are also being considered. Human factors researchers from Idaho National Laboratory in collaboration with usability experts from Fermilab, are currently investigating human-centered design improvements for the accelerator control system. For example, substantial tribal knowledge and memory recall are required to effectively operate the accelerator system. This contributes to high cognitive workload and potential burnout of accelerator operators. Developing guidance for consistent visual and functional design enables a more intuitive interaction and relieves operators of cognitive burden. Additionally, developing more intuitive and integrated interfaces can also lead to improved accelerator efficacy by empowering operators with greater understanding and control of the systems. The challenge in developing such interfaces is in designing for a wide variety of user goals, system specifications, and level of experience in users. The challenges need to be met while e also considering the maintainability of the control system. The purpose of this paper is to detail the human factors process and design within the ACORN project, describe results gathered thus far, and discuss the larger implications for this work.
Research Organization:
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), High Energy Physics (HEP)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-07CH11359
OSTI ID:
2427356
Report Number(s):
FERMILAB-PUB-24-0460-AD; oai:inspirehep.net:2815811
Journal Information:
AHFE International, Journal Name: AHFE International Vol. 140; ISSN 2771-0718
Publisher:
AHFE InternationalCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
Control room modernization
Human factors design guidance
Human factors design philosophy
Human-system interfaces
Particle accelerator sciences