On the construction of human-automation interfaces by formal abstraction

In this paper we present a formal methodology and an algorithmic procedure for constructing human-automation interfaces and corresponding user manuals. Our focus is the information provided to the user about the behavior of the underlying machine, rather than the graphical and layout features of the interface itself. Our approach involves a systematic reduction of the behavioral model of the machine for the purpose of determining information that must be provided on the interface, as well as information that can be safely removed from it. This reduction procedure must satisfy two requirements: First, the interface must be correct so as not to cause mode confusion that may lead the user to perform incorrect actions. Secondly, the interface must be as simple as possible and not include any unnecessary information. The algorithm for generating such interfaces can be automated, and a preliminary software system for its implementation has been developed