HUMANE: a knowledge-based simulation environment for human-machine function allocation

The human-machine allocation network-based environment (HUMANE) a designer-oriented knowledge-based simulation environment for analyzing function-allocation options, is presented. The requirements for a designer-oriented function allocation tool are presented, followed by the design methology, overall concept of operation, hardware-software implementation, potential enhancements and transfer strategy. HUMANE both systematizes and formalizes the function allocation process. Its `what-if´ simulation-based analysis capability produces dramatic savings in designers´ time-on-task while comprehensively covering performance and workload envelopes. The knowledge-based implementation makes the software inspectable, maintainable and modular. Its graphical interfaces are both easy-to-use. HUMANE allows the designer to save both selected and rejected function-allocation options (along with a brief reason) in the lessons-learned data bases. This feature offers great utility in subsequent analysis of other platforms and systems