Understanding Man-Machine Systems
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ScribdTranslationsMan-Machine System
Environment.
Lilian Barros Higgins.
Physiotherapist.
Mg in PRL.
Ergonomic system.
Ergonomics has gone through different stages over time, such as:
1. Man-machine system.
2. Machine - man system.
3. interaction: Man <--> machine - environment.
What is a System?
The Royal Spanish Academy defines it as "A set of rules or principles
about a subject rationally linked to each other
According to Ludwig von Bertalanffy, a system is a complex of elements in
interaction that have a common end, in the case of the man-object system
These elements have a direct relationship with productivity.
satisfaction and incidence of risks within the work environment, which are
determined by the proper functioning of each one and the interaction between
them.
Considering the above, ergonomics can be seen as a system.
integral composed of 2 elements: man and a constructed environment, which
study the factors involved in the interaction between man and artifact (man-
machine), affected by the environment.
This set complements each other to achieve the best performance.
through its functions:
What is an Environment?
- It is the air that is breathed or surrounds living beings.
- What surrounds a body or circulates around it.
Built Environment; this is the set of material, physical components,
concrete, products of humanity (chairs, streets, workstations,
buildings, etc.).
When talking about the environment, another component of the system we refer to is the
factors that condition or frame the system (ecological factors,
geographic, sociocultural, economic and political among others). Expressed to
through the following diagram:
What is a machine?
Es un objeto fabricado y compuesto por un conjunto de piezas ajustadas
among themselves that is used to facilitate or carry out a specific task,
generally transforming one form of energy into movement or work.
If a machine or device has the appropriate operating elements
with the user's qualities, the operator will have ease of handling and their
performance will be optimized. The environment affects both man and the
machine, depending on its sensitivities and the magnitude of the
motivation, which can be physical and psychosocial.
What is a man-machine system?
The man-machine system is one in which at least one of the
elements is a man who works, the system can be a man-
a machine or several men several machines, and the study of the
relaciones entre el hombre-y la máquina.
The study of the information and control generated by the human system-
The machine and what regulates it is what essentially constitutes Ergonomics.
Man-Machine-Environment System.
Ergonomics from a systemic perspective is initially made up of
three basic elements: man or human being, the environment or surroundings,
related in turn to the built environment and work object or machine.
The previously mentioned elements have a direct relationship with the
levels of productivity, satisfaction, and risk incidence; factors that are
determined by the proper functioning of each one and the interaction
(interface) between them.
Man-Machine System.
- For the ergonomic system to function properly, it must be analyzed from
global and specific form observing each of the elements that it
component, that is to say the interaction between the human being, the object, and the environment or
environment in which it unfolds.
Man-Machine System.
- If man adapts to the requirements of his machine, it will be established.
a relationship between both, so that the machine will provide information
the man through his sensory apparatus, which can respond to
some way, maybe if the machine's state is altered through its
various controls.
- If the state of the machine is altered through its various controls; the
man will be able to correct them thanks to his senses. In this way, the
information will pass from the machine to the man and again from the man to the machine,
in a closed information-control circuit. Environment, Man, Machine-
Environment, Boards, Controls, Perceptual System, Effector System.
The execution of any operational function in turn
It will lead to a communication of four
basic functions that are:
1. Sentdo (information reception): The information that the system receives
from the outside.
Examples: The information that an airplane can receive when entering the area of
control of the airport operations tower, the sonar signals that
they locate a school of fish, etc.
- But also some information can originate from within the
system, due to a feedback nature,
information stored in the system itself.
The human being uses the 'senses' such as sight, hearing, and touch to
perceive, the machines have other types of sensor devices of
machine, such as electric, photographic, and mechanical.
The meaning of a machine is in some cases simply a substitute for the
same sensitive function that man has.
2. Storage of information: For humans, this is
simply a synonym for memory of what has been learned. In a machine this
it can be stored in different physical components and generally in form
coded.
3. Information processing and decision-making: This process encompasses several
types of operations carried out with the received information and the information
stored. When humans are involved in the process
informative, this same process simple or complex, typically like
result a decision to act or not to act.
When they are components of a mechanized or automated machine,
Those that are used, their information processing process must be programmed.
to get the machine to respond in a predetermined way
to each possible access of information (input).
Information technologies involve the use of computers.
or electrical circuits, levers, gears, etc.
4. Action functions: Actions or operations that result from the
decisions made.
These actions can be divided into: First some type of action of
physical or process control, such as the activation of certain
control mechanisms or the handling, movement, modification or
alteration of materials or objects.
Second is essentially a communication action, whether through the
voice (in humans), through signals, recordings, or others
methods. Such functions also involve some physical actions
of incidental nature in terms of communication.
Fundamental proposals of the man-machine system:
• The Man-Machine relationship forms a system (SHM) composed of the man, the machine, and the environment.
system.
• The SHM is an artificial entity directed (required) for the purpose of producing outputs (information it provides)
system after processing the concrete data based on inputs (data that is entered into the system) as well
concrete.
• The SHM and its subsystems operate in space and in time and at various levels of size and complexity.
• Together, the SHM requirements define the input subsystem and the output requirements.
• The subsystems of the SHM act reciprocally and influence one another.
• The SHM is more effective when the requested inputs and outputs are required to meet the specified condition.
system, are adequately balanced.
• The inability to meet SHM requirements causes a change in the SHM.
• The fulfillment of the condition requested from the subsystem implies a continuous comparison between the required condition.
and the condition of the subsystem.
Case study.
Common questions
Powered by AILudwig von Bertalanffy describes a system as a complex of elements in interaction that have a common end. This concept applies to an ergonomic man-machine system where each element—man, machine, and environment—interacts towards the common goal of improving productivity, satisfaction, and safety. The system requires each element to function correctly and interact harmoniously, as their combined performance determines the ergonomic efficiency of the man-machine system . Such systems must be continuously evaluated and balanced to maintain optimal conditions and performance, directly applying systems theory to ergonomics .
Viewing ergonomics from a systemic perspective implies considering the interactions between man, machine, and environment as integral components of a single system. This perspective recognizes that ergonomic efficiency is not only about single elements functioning well but also about their interaction and synergy . It implies that improvements in one area, such as enhancing machine design, must align with human capabilities and environmental conditions to effectively enhance overall system performance. Additionally, it highlights the need for holistic evaluations and interventions that consider all elements and their interactions, leading to comprehensive solutions that address productivity, satisfaction, and safety issues together rather than in isolation .
The primary functions in the information processing cycle of a man-machine system include reception of information (sense), storage of information, processing and decision-making, and action functions. Reception involves gathering information from the environment or machine sensors, similar to human senses . Storage is analogous to memory, where data is kept both in humans and machines for further use. Processing and decision-making encompass analyzing the information received and stored to make decisions . Finally, action functions refer to executing these decisions, involving physical control or communication actions. This cycle is interconnected; each function relies on the previous stages for input and provides output for the next stage to work, forming a continuous loop .
In a man-machine system, productivity is impacted by the interaction between the human element, the machine, and the environment. Each component must function properly and their interaction determines productivity levels. If the machine's operating elements align with the operator's abilities, performance is optimized, and productivity is increased . The environment also plays a crucial role as it affects both the man and the machine. Factors such as physical and psychosocial conditions within the environment can either enhance or impede productivity depending on how they interact with man and machine .
Feedback plays a crucial role in the man-machine system as it facilitates a closed-loop information and control cycle. Feedback involves information passing from the machine to the human and vice versa. This continuous exchange allows for real-time adjustments, enhancing the system's responsiveness and effectiveness . If a machine's state is altered, the feedback allows humans to make necessary corrections, maintaining system stability. The effectiveness of the man-machine system is thus highly dependent on how well feedback is managed, as poor feedback can lead to errors or decreased performance . Overall, effective feedback ensures better quality control, safety, and efficiency within the system.
Balancing input and output requirements in a man-machine system poses several challenges, primarily due to the variability of human and environmental factors. Inputs include human actions and machine commands, while outputs are system responses and information. A mismatch between these can lead to inefficiencies or errors . Human factors such as fatigue and variability in operators' responses can complicate the balance. Machines must be designed with flexible interfaces that accommodate different operator styles and capacities. Environmental factors such as noise and temperature further challenge the balance, requiring adaptable system designs. Effective balancing requires continuous monitoring and adaptive controls to maintain desired performance levels .
Ecological, geographic, sociocultural, economic, and political factors can significantly shape the functional dynamics of a man-machine system by influencing how components interact and perform. Ecological factors such as climate and resource availability can affect material durability and energy efficiency of machines . Geographic considerations may dictate infrastructure and equipment design, including transportation and energy supply requirements. Sociocultural factors impact user interaction preferences and ergonomic product design, necessitating customization to different cultural norms. Economic factors often determine the budget and range of technology accessible, influencing system capabilities. Political factors might influence regulatory requirements and standardization, affecting system designs and compliance priorities . These external factors collectively affect system performance, design choices, and ultimately, the efficacy of man-machine interactions.
The fulfillment of subsystem requirements affects the man-machine system as a whole by ensuring that each component operates efficiently and that the entire system functions harmoniously. Subsystems input and output requirements must be balanced to avoid disruptions and inefficiencies . When subsystems meet their requirements, it tends to enhance the overall system's operational integrity, boost productivity, and maintain safety standards. Conversely, unmet requirements can lead to system imbalances, performance degradation, and increased risks, indicating the interdependent nature of these systems. Subsystem fulfillment thus directly correlates with achieving optimum conditions across the entire man-machine system .
The concept of 'built environment' is significant in the study of man-machine systems in ergonomics because it encompasses all material and physical components that humans interact with, such as workstations, tools, and buildings . This environment impacts how effectively humans and machines can interact, influencing ergonomic assessments of comfort, efficiency, and safety. A well-designed built environment can reduce physical strain, minimize risk, and promote optimal human performance. As ergonomic systems study human-artifact interactions, the quality and layout of the built environment play a crucial role in shaping these interactions and determining the system's overall effectiveness and user satisfaction .
In a man-machine system, human sensory systems interface with machine sensors to facilitate information transfer and control. Humans use senses such as sight, hearing, and touch to perceive information, while machines utilize electronic, photographic, or mechanical sensors to detect operational status and external conditions . This interface relies on congruence between human and machine capabilities, allowing humans to make informed decisions and control actions based on sensor data. Similar to human senses processing stimuli, machine sensors convert physical actions into data that are then relayed to human operators. This integration ensures smooth operation and enhances system performance .