A human-machine system is the integration of the functions of one or more human operators with a machine, forming a single entity that interacts in an environment.
The human-machine systems describe the techniques and the interaction between operators, technical means and inputs or materials to obtain a product. A person who operates a bulldozer is an example of this type of system..
According to this system, there is a close relationship between humans and the changes that a material undergoes as a result of its intervention..
Masonry, pottery and manual production systems.
According to this system, the human and the machine have a reciprocal relationship.
Drive a vehicle, operate a calculator, sew on a machine.
In this case, it is the machine that automatically controls certain phases of the technical production process and the human does not have direct control..
Industrial mass production machines, microwaves, refrigerators.
This system is a closed cycle that is characterized by the key position that humans play, as they are the one who makes the decisions. The interaction in human-machine systems is generated taking into consideration factors specific to each part of the system:
- The human is slower and the amount of energy it can release is limited, while the machine has high speed and precision.
- The machine is rigorous, while the human is flexible and adaptable.
- The productivity of the system lies in the appropriate use of the qualities of each part from the point of view of their interaction..
- The optimal management of the controls depends on the correct interpretation of the information supplied to the human being as a key part of the system..
For all the above, the human must be sufficiently trained, both in material properties, in skill and technique for the production of the product, as well as in the correct handling of the machine..
Flying an airplane, monitoring a nuclear power plant, or supervising a flexible manufacturing system are all representations of human-machine systems..
These representations show the importance of the human element, which can be represented:
- In the reaction speed of the pilot of the plane to avoid an accident.
- By making the right decisions in the face of a chemical process to counteract a material loss or avoid a catastrophe.
- In the identification of a technical failure that may alter the quality of the manufactured product.
Other user-level examples could be:
- Use a computer at work, where the human being will try to get the best out of the tool's features.
- Make use of an electric razor, where depending on the handling of the blades it may be a shaved or fuller shave.
- Write on a typewriter, being essential a good use of the keyboard to capture the text and a proper correct of the machine so that it is not damaged.
It refers to the points of contact between human-machine and machine-human being. There are two types of interfaces:
- The devices that reveal information to the human being in relation to the state and behavior of the machine in the process. For example: digital displays, scales and markers.
- The controls that humans use to steer the machine and modify processes. These may require little manual effort, such as buttons, pedals, and knobs; or considerable muscular effort, such as long-travel levers, handlebars, and steering wheels.
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