Operator aids and expert systems in user computer interfaces

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5150596

Nelson, W R

Recent events have demonstrated the potential for catastrophic accidents at process control facilities, resulting in severe economic damages or loss of human life. Human operators play a central role in the outcome of accidents in process control plants, because of their responsibility to make decisions regarding the appropriate corrective actions needed to control the event. In recent years, researchers have been attempting to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods for developing computer-based decision aids for process control operators. Much of this research activity has taken place within the nuclear industry. In order to assess the implications of expert systems for nuclear reactor operators, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) has sponsored a research program at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). Included in this program have been the development of a prototype expert system for nuclear reactor operators, as well as two experiments to measure the effects of the expert system on operator performance in simulated accident conditions. This paper briefly summarizes the experience gained during this research program and assesses the potential future of expert system decision aids for process control operators.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 5150596
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-17186; CONF-8609105-5; ON: TI87000537
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220400* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Control Systems
220900 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
ACCIDENTS
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
EXPERT SYSTEMS
HUMAN FACTORS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PERFORMANCE
PERSONNEL
PROCESS CONTROL
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR OPERATORS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS