Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Human factors and ergonomics research facilities are housed in the Gutenberg Information Technologies Center. This multi-purpose building was completed in 1990. It contains two separate laboratories for conducting research in the following areas: human factors, safety, and environmental studies.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory, measuring 12 by 22 feet, contains the following apparatus:
- Four Pentium II & III desktop computers
- Pentium laptop computer
- One of the desktop computers and the laptop computer are equipped with National Instrument data acquisition interfaces
- SONY Digital Video Camcorder PD-100A
- Epson 7250 XGA Computer and Video Projector
- Grass Four Channel Physiograph
- Collins Execu-tread Treadmill
- Collins Pedalmate Ergocycle
- CIC Heart Rate Monitor and Associated Software
- Penny and Giles K100 4 channel portable amplifier and accessories
- Penny and Giles Goniometers- 2 XM65 and 1 XM180
- Dillon AFG-Advanced Force Gauge- 1~1000N
- Transducer Techniques Mini Low Profile Loadcell- 0~200 lb.
- Sensotec Multi-Channel AS10 Bench
- Sensotec Miniature Accelerometer- 50G
In addition to the above equipment, image processing software packages including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Aftereffects, and Premiere are stored in the Pentium III desktop computers.
The Environmental Testing Laboratory, a room which measures 11 by 15 feet, gives researchers the capability to independently vary ambient temperature (from 45 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit); relative humidity (from 50 to 90%); and overhead lighting (from 0 to 200 foot-candles). By using a noise generator, amplifier and speaker, up to 110 dB of white or pink noise can be broadcast into the lab.
This room can be used to study the effects of different workplace environmental conditions on worker alertness and productivity. That is, one can keep track of the speed and accuracy levels achieved while performing a large number of cycles of repetitive mental and/or physical tasks. Many experiments have demonstrated the strong relationship between alertness levels and accident involvement.