Assessment of the key factors for ergonomic design of management information systems in coal mines

Abstract

Using an analytic-synthetic model of ergonomic research of management information systems (MIS) in coal mines, we identified 13 elements which were used to define eight factors that impact operator's performance. These eight factors were further reduced to five key factors after the application of expert assessment. We have defined 23 indicators for these key factors, ranked by means of the analytic hierarchy process method. This paper includes a detailed ergonomic analysis of the five key operator quality indicators, namely, shape and size of the control panel, functionality of the video display terminal, keyboard functionality, alarm response time and expansion of the MIS with environmental parameters. Based on the condition prior to and after the proposed changes, we were able to use this approach to determine and discuss the operator quality index.Keywords: management information system; expert assessment; AHP method; operator quality index 1. Introduction The management information system (MIS) of an underground coal mine consists of the alarm and voice communication system, in addition to the configuration of the remote control system for ventilation, gas and fire parameters (concentration of methane, carbon monoxide, oxygen and smoke gases; speed and amount of air for circulating and separate ventilation; depression of the ventilation facility; temperature and air humidity, etc.), as well as data concerning excavating machinery, transport systems, extraction facilities, power supply and electricity distribution, mine drainage, etc. coupled with measuring devices and signal transmitters, devices for data collection and transfer, and devices for information displaying, printing and storing. This system is often adjusted for the specific nature of the underground mining technological process.Efficient control of the uneven and complex mining and production activities, followed by extensive data, is conducted by means of control and management centres (CMCs), which perform central monitoring and real-time decision-making and management, wherein the human operator is actively involved in the processes of notification, alert and management decision-making. In order to complete the MIS in underground coal mines, it is necessary to expand the system with information on the environmental impact of mining in the vicinity of the mine and to determine the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the impact. This is achievable by means of modern information

Ergonomic design of display systems in control rooms of complex systems in Serbia

“…A study by Grozdanovic et al, presents the control and management of technological processes in coal mines through the means for displaying the information flow in the analyzed closed systems consisting of the production process in an underground coal mine, the computer system, the display units, the operators, and the control devices 25 …”

“…consisting of the production process in an underground coal mine, the computer system, the display units, the operators, and the control devices. 25 Since the display board presents only the static indicators of the mining process, the display system that consists of two monitors can be found on the control desk in coal mines. The first monitor permanently displays current data in real-time.…”

Development and Application of Measurement and Control Systems in Coal Mines

“…The second phase of redesigning was focused on the ergonomic analysis of measurement devices in the mine and the equipment in control centres and their adaptation according to ergonomic recommendations. 7,9,26 This was especially important for dispatch consoles and means for displaying information. The improvements of the technical characteristics of the system introduced continuous measurement instead of measurement in fixed intervals of maximum 4 min on the same locations, transmission and centralized processing in the control rooms, display and recording of data processing, and better data presentation about events in the pit.…”

“…Errors are caused by the complexity of human-machine interface, limited operator skills and training, higher workload during emergencies, complex coordination and communication procedures, control room layout and information presentation. 7,9,[26][27][28][29]…”

Data Acquisition and Remote Control Systems in Coal Mines: A Serbian Experience

“…Ergonomic requirements were not defined during the development of control centres (CCs) in Serbian coal mines, and it was necessary to perform further research on compliance among operators and process control elements in CCs. 24,25 Completely new structure of operators' activities required detailed analyses, with emphasis on the human factor in control and monitoring systems, the influence of operator on the performance of control systems and the impact of high operator's mental workload on the quality of the operator's performance. [26][27][28] The operator's location is in the control information system (CIS), where all underground operations are monitored and controlled.…”