Man-Machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS)

The Man-machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) was a 3-D rapid prototyping human performance modeling and simulation environment that facilitated the design, visualization, and computational evaluation of complex man-machine system concepts in simulated operational environments. 

MIDAS combined graphical equipment prototyping, dynamic simulation, and human performance modeling with the aim to reduce design cycle time, support quantitative predictions of human-system effectiveness, and improve the design of crew stations and their associated operating procedures. 

MIDAS linked a virtual human, comprised of a physical anthropometric character, to a computational cognitive structure that represents human capabilities and limitations. The cognitive component was made up of a perceptual mechanism (visual and auditory), memory, a decision maker and a response selection architecture ( Micro Saint Sharp). The complex interplay among bottom-up and top-down processes enabled the emergence of unforeseen, and non programmed behaviors. 

MIDAS outputs included dynamic visual representations of the simulation environment, timelines, task lists, cognitive loads along 7 resource channels, actual/perceived situation awareness, and human error vulnerability and human performance quality.

The MIDAS software eventually progressed through five primary development phases, each culminating in detailed review demonstrations. The latest version of MIDAS (V 5.0) enhanced the depth and range of human performance models, and applied the emerging system to specific platforms and operational problems. While MIDAS fundamentally remained a research program to advance human performance modeling, considerable emphasis has been placed on usability, software standards, and collaborations with users.

Publications

B. L. Hooey, B. F. Gore, E. A. Mahlstedt, & D. C. Foyle (2013) Evaluating NextGen Closely Spaced Parallel Operations concepts with validated human performance models: Flight deck guidelines, NASA TM-2013-216506. Moffett Field, CA: NASA Ames Research Center.

B. F. Gore, B. L. Hooey, E. A. Mahlstedt, & D. C. Foyle (2013) Evaluating NextGen Closely Spaced Parallel Operations concepts with validated human performance models: Scenario development and results, NASA TM-2013-216503. Moffett Field, CA: NASA Ames Research Center.

Hooey, B.L., Gore, B.F., Mahlstedt, E., & Foyle, D.C. (2012). Evaluating NextGen Closely Spaced Parallel Approach Concepts with Validated Human Performance Models Flight Deck Guidelines (Part 1 of 2), In Human Centered Systems Lab (Ed.), HCSL Technical Report. Moffett Field, CA: NASA Ames Research Center.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Mahlstedt, E., & Foyle, D.C. (2012). Evaluating NextGen Closely Spaced Parallel Approach Concepts with Validated Human Performance Models Flight Deck Guidelines (Part 2 of 2), In Human Centered Systems Lab (Ed.), HCSL Technical Report. Moffett Field, CA: NASA Ames Research Center.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Mahlstedt, E., & Foyle, D.C. (2012). Extending validated human performance models to explore NextGen Concepts. In the 4th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), July 2012.

Wickens, C.D., Sebok, A., Gore, B.F., & Hooey, B.L. (2012). Predicting pilot error in NextGen: Pilot performance modeling and validation efforts. In the 4th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), July 2012.

Sebok, A., Wickens, C., Gacy, M., Brehon, M., Scott-Nash, S., Sarter, N., Li, H., Gore, B.F., & Hooey, B.L. MIDAS-FAST: A modeling and simulation-based tool to predict operator performance in human-robotic automation systems. In the 4th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE), July 2012.

Gore, B. F., Hooey, B. L., Haan, N., Bakowski, D. L., & Mahlsted, E. (2011, July 9 – July 14). A methodical approach for developing valid human performance models of flight deck operations. Paper presented at the 14th Annual HCI International 2011, Orlando, FL.

Gore, B.F. (2011, March 23). Workload as a Performance Shaping Factor for Human Performance Models. Symposium presented at the Behavioral Representation in Modeling and Simulation (BRIMS) 2011, Sundance, Utah.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Wickens, C.D., Socash, C., Gosakan, M., Gacy, A.M., Brehon, M., & Foyle, D.C. (2011, March 23). Workload as a performance shaping factor in MIDAS v5. Presented at the Behavioral Representation in Modeling and Simulation (BRIMS) 2011, Sundance, UT.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., & Foyle, D.C. (2011, March 21-24). NASA’s use of human performance models for NextGen concept development and evaluation. Paper to be presented at the Behavioral Representation in Modeling and Simulation (BRIMS) 2011, Sundance, UT.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Socash, C.M., Haan, N. J., Mahlstedt, E., Bakowski, D.L., Gacy, A.M., Wickens, C.D., Gosakan, M., and Foyle, D.C. (2011). Evaluating NextGen closely space parallel operations concepts with validated human performance models. HCSL Technical Report (HCSL-11-01). Human Centered Systems Laboratory (HCSL), Moffett Field, CA: NASA Ames Research Center.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Wickens, C.D., Sebok, A., Hutchins, S., Salud, E., Small, R., Koenecke, C., & Bzostek, J. (2010). Identification of pilot performance parameters for human performance models of off-nominal events in the NextGen environment (NASA/CR # 2010-216411). Washington, D.C.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Gore, B. F. (2010). Man-machine integration design and analysis system (MIDAS) v5: Augmentations, motivations, and directions for aeronautics applications. In P. C. Cacciabu, M. Hjalmdahl, A. Luedtke and C. Riccioli (eds.) Human Modelling in Assisted Transportation. Heidelberg, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Hooey, B. L., B. F. Gore, Wickens, C.D., Scott-Nash, S., Socash, C., & Salud, E. (2010). Modeling Pilot Situation Awareness. In P. C. Cacciabu, M. Hjalmdahl, A. Luedtke and C. Riccioli (eds.) Human Modelling of Assisted Technologies. Begirate, Italy, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Gore, B. F. (2010). The use of behavior models for predicting complex operations. Behavioral Representation in Modeling and Simulation (BRIMS) 2010. Charleston, South Carolina, Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO): 1-4.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Wickens, C.D., & Scott-Nash, S. (2009). A computational implementation of a human attention guiding mechanism in MIDAS v5. In V.G. Duffy (Ed.): Digital Human Modeling, HCII 2009, LNCS 5620, pp. 237­246, 2009.

Gore, B.F., Hooey, B.L., Foyle, D.C., & Scott-Nash, S. (2008). Meeting the challenge of cognitive human performance model interpretability though transparency: MIDAS v5.x. In the 2nd International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, July 14-17, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Boring, R.L. Gertman, D.I, Tran, T.Q., & Gore, B.F. (2008). Framework and application for modeling control room crew performance at nuclear powerplants. In the 52nd Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Annual Meeting, September 22-26, NY, NY.

Gore, B.F. & Smith, J.D. (2006). Risk assessment and human performance modeling: the need for an integrated approach. In K.A. Malek (ed.) International Journal of Human Factors of Modeling and Simulation, 1(1), 119-139.

Gore, B.F., & Jarvis, P.A. (2006). New integrated modeling capabilities: MIDASí recent behavioral enhancements. SAE Transactions – Journal of Passenger Cars Electronic and Electrical Systems, Warrendale: SAE, Inc.

Gore, B.F. & Milgram, P. (2006). The conceptual development of a time estimation model to predict human performance in complex environments.  Ninth Proceedings of the Annual SAE International Conference and Exposition – Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering Conference, SAE Paper # 2006-01-2344, Warrendale: USA, July.

Boring, R.L., Dudenhoeffer, D.D., Hallbert, B.P., & Gore, B.F. (2006). Virtual power plant control room and crew modeling using MIDAS. Proceedings of the Joint Halden Reactor Project and CSNI Special Expertsí Group on Human and Organisational Factors Workshop on Future Control Station Designs and Human Performance Issues in Nuclear Power Plants, May 8 10, 2006, Halden, Norway, pp. 1 5:5.3.

Gore, B.F., & Jarvis, P. (2005). Modeling the complexities of human performance. 2005 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, IEEE Catalogue #: 05CH37706C, ISBN 0-7803-9299-X, USA: IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society.

Gore, B.F., & Jarvis, P.A. (2005). New integrated modeling capabilities: MIDAS‚ recent behavioral enhancements. Eighth Proceeding of the Annual SAE International Conference and Exposition – Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering, SAE Paper #2005-01-2701, Warrendale: USA, June.

Smith, J.D., Gore, B.F., Dalal, K.M., & Boyle, R. (2002). Optimizing biology research tasks in space using human performance modeling and virtual reality simulation systems here on Earth. In 32nd International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), July 15-18, San Antonio TX (SAE paper 02ICES-307).

Gore, B.F. (2002). Human performance cognitive-behavioral modeling: A benefit for occupational safety. In B. Chase & W. Karwowski (Eds.), International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE), 8 (3), 339-351. 

Gore, B.F., & Corker, K.M. (2001). Human error modeling predictions: Increasing occupational safety using human performance modeling tools. In B. Das, W. Karwowski, P. Modelo, and M. Mattila (eds.), Computer-Aided Ergonomics and Safety (CAES) 2001 Conference Proceedings, July 28 – August 4, Maui, Hawaii.

Gore, B.F., & Corker, K.M. (2001). Human performance modeling: A cooperative and necessary methodology for studying occupational ergonomics. In International Society for Occupational Ergonomics and Safety (ISOES) 2001 Conference, June 4 – 7, Fairfax, Virginia.

Hart, S.G., Dahn, D., Atencio, A., & Dalal, K.M. (2001). Evaluation and application of MIDAS v2.0. In the Proceedings of the Society of Automtive Engineers (SAE) World Aviation Congress, Sept 2001, Seattle WA (SAE paper 2001-01-2648).

Abkin, Michael H., Bobick, John C., Hansmann, R. John, Reynolds, Tom G., Hansen, Mark M., Gosling, Geoffrey D., Baumgardner, William F., Corker, Kevin, & Gore, Brian. (2000). Development of fast-time simulation techniques to model safety issues in the national airspace system. NASA Ames Research Center Contract No. NAS2-99072. CY00 Final Report, December.

Burdick, M.D., & Shively, R.J. (2000). A full mission evaluation of a computational model of situation awareness. In the Proceedings of the 14th Triennial International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 44th Annual Meeting, USA.

Corker, K.M. & Gore, B.F. (2000). Human performance simulation in the analysis of advanced air traffic management. International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Controls, and Human-Machine Interface Technologies (NPIC&HMIT 2000), Washington, DC, November.

Gore, B.F. & Corker, K.M. (2000). A systems-engineering approach to behavioral prediction of an advanced air traffic management concept. 19th Annual Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC): Entering the Second Century of Powered Flight, 1, 4B3/1 -4B3/8. 

Gore, B.F. & Corker, K.M. (2000). Value of human performance cognitive predictors: A free flight integration application.∫ Proceedings of the 14th Triennial International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 44th Annual Meeting, USA, 6, 493-496.

Gore, B.F. & Corker, K.M. (2000). Human performance modeling: Identification of critical variables for national airspace safety. Proceedings of the 14th Triennial International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 44th Annual Meeting, USA, 1, 725-728.

Gore, B.F. (2000). The study of distributed cognition in free flight: A human performance modeling tool structural comparison. Proceedings of the Third Annual SAE International Conference and Exposition – Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering, Dearborn, Michigan. 

Tyler, S., Neukom, C. Logan, M. and Shively, J. (1998). The MIDAS human performance model. In the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 42nd Annual Meeting. Chicago, Illinois. pp. 320-325.

Smith, B.R., & Tyler, S.W. (1997). The design and application of MIDAS: A constructive simulation for human-system analysis.

Pisanich, G. M., Corker, K. & Bunzo, M. (1997). A cognitive system model for human/automation dynamics in airspace management. Presented at the 13th Triennial Conference of the International Ergonomics Association, Tempere, Finland.

Shively, R.J., Brickner, M., & Silbiger, J. (1997). A computational model of situational awareness instantiated in MIDAS. In the Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on AviationPsychology (pp. 1454-1459). Columbus, OH: University of Ohio.

Shively, R.J., Brickner, M. & Silbiger, J. (1997). A Computational Model of Situational Awareness Instantiated in MIDAS. Proceedings of the Ohio State 10th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.

Pisanich, G.& Corker, K. (1995). Predictive model of flight crew performance in automated air traffic control and flight management operations. In the Proceedings of the Ohio State 8th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, Columbus, Ohio.

Corker, K.M. & Smith, B.R. (1993). An architecture and model for cognitive engineering simulation analysis: Application to advanced aviation automation. In the Proceedings of the AIAA Computing in Aerospace 9 Conference. October, 1993: San Diego, CA

* Please note, this webpage is not actively maintained and is for historical reference only.