Submarine Learning Center and Task Force EXCEL
The Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab continues work with the Submarine Learning Center as part of Task Force EXCEL. The Task Force for Excellence through Commitment to Education and Learning (EXCEL) was established by the CNO as the catalyst for the Revolution in Training. In the process of defining individual human performance requirements for submarine tasks, the team conducts job analysis meetings focused on six rates. They define the human performance requirements by identifying specific job tasks and dividing them into specific behaviors and determining the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform each. Once defined, these requirements are validated and prioritized by CFFC (Commander, Fleet Forces Command), or other equivalent decision-makers. One of our research psychologists participated as a Human Performance Professional in the Machinist Mate (Weapons) (SS) Scoping Meeting held at Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT. Additionally, our scientist participated in the Electronics Technician (SS) Job Task Analysis in Norfolk.
Improving Human-Computer Interface by Modeling Individuals and Teams
 NSMRL is using modeling tools like GLEAN by David Kieras, Univ Michigan, to optimize information transfer via visual, auditory, tactile, and other interface mechanisms to take advantage of the full capacity of human sensory, motor, and cognitive modalities.
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Enhancing and Measuring Situation Awareness
 In support of situation awareness, NSMRL is working to find presentation methods of operational and tactical information that are more intuitive, easier and faster to comprehend for ship operators.
The Team is involved in assessing situation awareness for the Virginia Class SSN. Situation awareness metrics were tailored for land-based operational testing, and NSMRL is in the process of developing more extensive measures for future testing. |
Developing Noise Attenuating Headphones for Submarine Sonar Systems
NSMRL is working directly with electronic equipment manufacturers to produce headphones that greatly reduce background noise found inside submarine Sonar Operation spaces.
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13 dB total response variation 40 Hz to 10 kHz
9.5 dB total response variation 100 Hz to 10kHz |
Improved headset installed
on Virginia Class SSN | |
Enhancing Synthetic Auditory Environments
 By spatializing (Providing the received signal to the operator in the same relative orientation as received by the sonar hydrophones; e.g., noise received from broad on starboard beam is heard by sonar operator in right ear) the presentation of acoustic signals, Sonar System Operators will be able to monitor multiple channels simultaneously.
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Predicting the Detection and Discrimination of Auditory Signals
 The Team is modeling the human auditory capability for detecting and discriminating simple and complex transient signals. The model is then used to predict the probability of detection due to combined visual and aural monitoring.
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Noise Reduction Stethoscope Development
 For use in high background noise environments including ship Enginerooms developed in cooperation with NSMRL. Stethoscope includes a TELE-MED port to facilitate long distance diagnosis.
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The Information Processing and Display Team focuses on ways to optimize the quality of information presented to Navy operators (e.g., fire control and submarine sonar consoles). Our goal is to increase mission effectiveness by decreasing operator workload and improving the human-machine interface. We are a team of five research psychologists and five research-support personnel, including a sonar technician.
Displays that help the operator separate desired from undesired information will increase situation awareness; reduce workload; and improve the identification, classification and tracking of signals of interest. Three approaches to improving the perception and communication of information are:
- Enhancement of the signal, through the use of space-saving colorized displays and perceptually-optimized audio signal-processing and presentation.
- Reduction of interference, through the use of noise-reducing technologies and spatialized auditory presentation of multiple channels of information.
- Improved comprehension, through the use of design criteria matched to human capabilities based on evaluation and modeling of human cognitive organization, perception, and workload.
Auditory facilities include:
- Ten double-walled sound-proof audiometric booths
- 1000 cubic meter anechoic chamber
- 145 cubic meter reverberant room
- Manikins with acoustic ear simulators
- Underwater measurement devices
Visual facilities include:
- TAC-3 UNIX workstation for display testing and development
- Color perception and visual acuity test instrumentation
Our efforts are augmented by collaborations with Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Naval Air Warfare Center - Training Systems Division, and Space & Naval Warfare, as well as a number of universities. We have access to three submarine squadrons, including Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, which is devoted to evaluating new equipment and tactics, and to submarine schools and trainers.
| For more information please contact:
Administrative Officer
Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory
Naval Submarine Base New London Groton, CT 06349-5900
Phone*: (860) 694-2558
Email: nsmrl.admin@med.navy.mil |