The person-product system It consists of the combination of the functions of human beings with the product from some process, generally industrial. The joint activity between human and machine makes this action a system in which neither party can dissociate itself..
Society little by little transforms nature and, in turn, nature ends up transforming society. Throughout history the relationship between humans and the materials necessary to meet their needs has evolved. This is due to modifications generated by man-made artifacts.
The system itself in a closed cycle where the human being, who is in charge of making decisions, is the key. To understand the interaction in person-product systems, the differences between both parties must be considered.
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Humans are slower and their energy is limited; on the other hand, the machines that make the products are considerably faster and have pressure. This changes when the product is completely man-made..
On the other hand, the human being is flexible and adapts relatively to changes. In contrast, a machine is rigorous; It is created for a specific environment and function. In addition, the human being is no longer able to manufacture a product with the same speed and precision as a machine..
Likewise, productivity depends on the proper management and use of the qualities of the human being and his interaction with the machine, as well as the information that man manages and supplies..
Interfaces refer to the points of contact between the person and the product. Specifically, they focus on a relationship between the human being and the machine that produces the product. Specifically, there are two points of contact:
They are responsible for displaying important data on the status and behavior of the machine. Those devices are digital displays, a circular scale with a moving pointer, fixed markers on a moving scale, and scales in general..
To be able to read the devices correctly, they must clearly reflect the data. It is necessary that the size of the font used can be visible even when the lighting is not adequate.
The information presented must be useful and easy to understand, as this allows speed for the operator.
In the case that scales are used, the pointer should be as close as possible to the scale so that it points to the correct number and reading errors are avoided.
They are elements that human beings use to manage, direct and modify the processes of machines. An example of the controls are the buttons, knobs, pedals, levers, handlebars, and steering wheels..
It is important that the controls conform to the human anatomy. The fingers and hands must act with precise and rapid movements. Arms and feet should apply force.
Controls should be close so that they can be easily reached at elbow and shoulder level. Likewise, the controls must be visible.
The distance between the buttons to be operated must also be considered according to the body's anatomy. If it is a control for use with both hands, ideally it should be small and the buttons are at or near the edges.
On the other hand, the rotary knobs should be easy to manipulate with little muscular effort. It must have high precision but little displacement.
To be able to handle these interfaces, the human being must be well informed about the composition of the materials of the machine, as well as the ability and techniques to correctly manipulate the machine and produce a certain product..
The human being is an indispensable half to apply any person-product system. He still holds an important role when the product is manufactured with a machine.
Simple and common examples in which this system is fulfilled are the piloting of an airplane, monitoring of a nuclear power reactor center or the supervision of a food factory..
For example, the skill of a pilot will determine the ability to react and the time in which he does so in the event of an accident, in order to avoid it..
On the other hand, the right decision of the radioactive material manager could prevent material losses that lead to a catastrophe..
Likewise, the human being is the one who can identify failures in terms of food preservation or equipment operation in a food factory, which ensures public health. The person will determine whether or not the manufactured product is suitable for consumption.
To facilitate the understanding of the human-product system, and in order to make its scope of application broad, three categories have been determined:
In this system there is an intimate relationship between the person, the product and the changes suffered by the material due to their intervention..
In this sense, it is necessary for the human being to know the properties of the material or materials used, as well as the technical knowledge that is needed to obtain a product..
Examples of this system are manual binding, masonry and goldsmithing, as well as the sewing machine, collator and folder..
This system refers to a reciprocal relationship between the person and the machine. The driving and direction of the machine depends on the person, but only they will be able to generate the necessary position changes.
Driving a vehicle is one of the best examples of the human-machine system. In the same way, piloting an airplane, driving a train, sewing on a machine, operating a computer and operating a vending machine, among many others..
In this system, the machine automatically controls the phases of the technical production process. In this case, the person does not have direct control over the process..
Stand out in this category are industrial machines, microwaves, refrigerators, ovens and stoves, as well as series production mechanisms..
Technological advances have allowed the invention of structures that act as the extension of the human body. The human-product system already makes symbiosis and can be mixed, alternating machine and humanity.
In this sense, the muscle machine, a hybrid machine between human and robot. The exoskeleton was designed by James Stelarc and has six robotic legs that attach to the control of the pilot's legs and hands..
When the rubber muscles are inflated, they contract and stretch when they are exhausted. Encoders at the hip joints allow the person to steer the machine.
The speed of this machine can be varied. In addition, it has connected accelerometer sensors that generate data that is converted into sounds, and increases the acoustic pneumatic operation and the mechanism of the machine..
When the muscle machine is in motion and acting as indicated by the person who handles it, it seems that it could not be distinguished who is in control of who or what.
This technological advance is one more example of the change that human beings can exert in their environment, and the level at which they can merge with the machine..
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