01
Frames LCLS experiment operations as a multi-role human-machine decision process spanning micro, meso, and macro cognitive timescales.
Jonathan Segal Research
Cognitive engineering for scientific user facilities
LCLS Cognitive Interaction Model
A computational model for reasoning about how interface design, operator attention, data quality, and team-level planning shape experimental efficiency during LCLS instrument operations.
human-in-the-loop operationscognitive simulationscientific instrumentsworkflow design
Venue
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 96, 013005
System
Linac Coherent Light Source
Model
Multi-agent, multi-scale
Roles
Operator, analyst, manager
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Abstract
The Linac Coherent Light Source is a high-value x-ray free electron laser facility where beam time is scarce and experimental efficiency is critical. This paper presents a multi-agent, multi-scale computational cognitive interaction model of instrument operations, simulating aspects of cognition across seconds-to-hours temporal scales and across the operator, analyst, and experiment-manager roles. The model is intended to estimate the rough impact of proposed interface and workflow changes before they are deployed in live experimental operations.
Contributions
02
Models functional acuity and functional operability as interaction-level constructs connecting cognition, interface design, and action timing.
03
Shows how computational modeling can probe proposed workflow or UI changes where live human-factors experimentation is expensive or infeasible.
Project structure
What the page should communicate
Setting
A scarce-beam-time environment
LCLS experiments involve complex instruments, distributed control rooms, and experimental teams making real-time decisions under strict time pressure. The paper focuses on instrument-side operations, especially when to continue, stop, or reprioritize measurements.
Model
Three linked cognitive scales
The model separates moment-to-moment peak chasing, measurement-level stop decisions, and experiment-scale sample planning while allowing these levels to influence one another through data quality, time remaining, and sample value.
Use
Predicting the shape of interventions
Rather than claiming precise operational forecasts, the model is designed to estimate rough directional effects of interface and workflow changes, giving teams a low-risk way to compare alternatives before changing live systems.
Figure strip
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Micro
Peak chasing
How quickly can the operator notice misalignment and actuate the right control?
Meso
Measurement decisions
When has the current run produced enough quality data to stop or move on?
Macro
Experiment planning
How should remaining samples and scarce beam time be allocated as conditions change?
Citation
Segal, J. I., Hu, W.-L., Fuoss, P. H., Ritter, F. E., & Shrager, J. (2025). A multi-scale cognitive interaction model of instrument operations at the Linac Coherent Light Source. Review of Scientific Instruments, 96, 013005. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0239302
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