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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Southeast Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX)

Abstract


Offshore South East Asia Conference, 1980
Pages 24-30

Offshore Positioning Systems: The Human Interface

D. F. Haines

Abstract

During the last few years, computers have decreased in size and increased in power. This trend has allowed some very sophisticated offshore positioning systems to come into being. However, in providing such advanced facilities, it is necessary to have either extremely competent operators, probably with a computer background, or the software must be written to be utterly “self-protective” so that operator procedural mistakes do not cause a program halt.

This paper considers the basic objectives of positioning systems and classifies them into main categories. A survey of the techniques used to meet these objectives follows. These techniques are then critically discussed with particular respect to the performance required from the operator. It is shown that there are many instances when problems may occur and these are all due to the interaction between the operator and the system: the human interface.

From the discussion of present systems, an optimum solution is presented which strives to make the human interface very simple. It is shown that the proposal leads to better quality positioning by providing the operator with improved information display, minimising procedural errors and reducing fatigue. Although the preceding improvements have intangible economic benefits, it is also shown that the equipment required is generally lower in cost than many current systems.


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