- The 3 main types of systems
- 1- Human-product system
- Examples
- 2- Human-machine system
- Examples
- 3- Machine-product system
- Examples
- The human-machine system
- Interfaces in the human-machine system
- References
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-product systems describe the techniques and the interaction between operators, technical means and inputs or materials to obtain a product.
Example of human-machine system
The 3 main types of systems
1- Human-product system
According to this system, there is a close relationship between humans and the changes that a material undergoes as a result of their intervention.
Examples
Masonry, pottery and manual production systems.
2- Human-machine system
According to this system, the human and the machine have a reciprocal relationship.
Examples
Driving a vehicle, operating a computer, sewing on a machine.
3- Machine-product system
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.
Examples
Industrial mass production machines, microwaves, refrigerators.
The human-machine system
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 account factors specific to each part of the system:
- The human is slower and the amount of energy that can be released 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 handling 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 terms of material properties, 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.
Interfaces in the human-machine system
It refers to the points of contact between human-machine and machine-human. There are two types of interfaces:
- Devices that reveal information to the human being in relation to the status and behavior of the machine in the process. For example: digital displays, scales and markers.
- The controls that humans use to direct 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.
References
- Johannsen, G. (nd). Human-Machine Interaction. Retrieved on November 29, 2017 from: pdfs.semanticscholar.org
- Human-Machine System. (July 8, 2013). From: en.wikipedia.org
- Sheridan, T. (1999). Human Machine Systems. In: wiley.com
- Person-Machine Systems. (sf). Retrieved on November 29, 2017 from: redproteger.com.ar
- Tan, D. (June 12, 2014). Human-Machine Interface. In: britannica.com