Automated Aids to On-Line Tactical Data Inputting

In an automated information system the input operator must convert free text information into computer-readable format rapidly and accurately as he enters it into the data base. This report describes and evaluates a computer assisted message inputting (CAMI) aid designed to provide useful additional formatting instructions to operators. Both a full format and an experimental checklist format were used with the CAMI CRT and with a handbook of instructions and sample formats to input scenario-type messages. Subjects were 60 enlisted men divided into five groups, one for each of the experimental conditions plus one using only the handbook and blank-screen CRT. Speed and accuracy were measured. Speed did not differ significantly among the four experimental conditions, but the fifth unaided condition was significantly slower. No significant differences in accuracy appeared. However, over 80% of the total input errors were discovered to be types of error which are not detectable by present automated error-checking routines. This report is part of a continuing program in command information processing systems, which provides directly usable design information to the Army Tactical Data System (ARTADS)