Driver Model

  The driver model represents the driver performance in auditory and visual display tracking tasks. The driver dynamics can be represented by the simple model developed by McRuer [2]. This model is referred to as a crossover model of a human operator from experiments with compensatory tracking task. The block diagram of this model is presented in Figure 1. The pure time delay in the model is approximated by a first order approximation of the form

With this approximation, the model of the human operator becomes

 

  
Figure 1: McRuer's Model for Compensatory Tracking Task

Therefore, the human behavior is defined by the value of K and . To identify these values, actual testing was performed for three different subjects. A simple step input of the audio signal was provided to the each subject to produce a transient response of the operator. The input of desired steering angle was 20 degrees and the transient responses of three subject are shown in Figure 2. Comparing with the values of K and used in [2], K=3 and , the results showed larger and smaller K values. The discrepancies are due to the saturation of audio signal and tracking skills of the operator. The tracking task can be improved by training and can have better performance close to the values presented by McRuer. More comprehensive driver model is currently being developed in CoDE Laboratory.

  
Figure 2: Step Response of Human Audio Tracking Task

References

1

Janiga, D.V., Enhancing Operator Performance of a Skiddig Vehicle Using a Nonvisual Display, Master of Science Thesis, Dept. of Mechenical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, 1975.

2

McRuer, D., Graham, D., Human Pilot Dynamics in Compensatory systems, AFFDL-TR-65-15, July 1965.