Dealing with high workload in future naval command and control systems

In this paper we propose a system, the distributed adaptive task management system (DATMS), which assists operators and commanders to decide what tasks to perform, when, and by whom. It ensures that an acceptable level of workload is kept while tasks are carried out properly. The four modules that form the DATMS architecture are analyzed and solutions are provided: some guidelines are described for the workload measure module; a model based on relevant task and operator's features is considered for the workload prediction module; a rule based expert system handling four workload segments and dealing with uncertainty and fuzziness is proposed for the task distribution module; and Jensen's time/ utility functions are applied in the task scheduling module. A prototype demonstrates both the system architecture and the different solutions introduced in the modules.