During the past several years, an analytical theory of manual control of vehicles has been in development and has emerged as a useful engineering tool for the explanation of past test results and prediction of new phenomena. An essential feature of this theory is the use of quasi-linear analytical models for the human pilot wherein the models' form and parameters are adapted to the task variables involved in the particular pilot-vehicle situation.

A Review of Quasi-Linear Pilot Models

The analytical basis of manual vehicular control theory is a combination of feedback systems analysis and mathematical models for human operators engaged in control tasks. Simplified representations for the operator-system combination are provided by the 'crossover model', which is described in detail. The system dynamics and average performance of the crossover model system are developed. With these as bases, case studies are presented to illustrate the types of result which can be obtained from application of the operator-vehicle control theory. Two aircraft control examples illustrate the use of the theory and its empirical correlates to estimate operator dynamic characteristics, system performance, pilot ratings, pilot commentary, design implications, and some experimental guidelines. A driver automobile example is presented to illustrate the use of the theory in structuring the key guidance and control features of the driver's visual field. A comprehensive bibliography of operator-vehicle system analysis applications is also provided.

Theory of Manual Vehicular Control

A method and apparatus for enhancing mental images of data in various visual environments utilizes an electronically generated visual display of an environment including datum references to be acted upon by the subject and a manipulative control which may be manipulated by the subject to electrically record at least two dimensions of an action taken by him to change a highlighted datum reference of the visual display. His action using the manipulatable control in response to the instruction is electronically recorded, and the dimensions of the recorded action are compared with the predetermined stored dimensions for the correct response to the given instruction. The results of the comparison are then presented to the subject. The method and apparatus may utilize concurrently an auditory environment corresponding to the visual environment and the actions taken by the subject may effect concurrent dynamic changes in the visual and/or auditory environments.

Method and apparatus for effecting and evaluating action upon visual imaging

Method and apparatus for testing human performance by measuring ability to employ job-related skills in an environment requiring skill switching in the presence of a forced attention shift. A human operator is tested by use of a monitor display upon which are presented an alternating sequence of primary tasks requiring utilization of different skills. A keyboard and a joy-stick are disclosed for use in performing the tasks. A danger indicating icon is presented along with the primary task, and the operator is forced to respond to danger indications thereof by operating a switch which is provided for that purpose.

Apparatus and method for testing human performance

A method and apparatus for enhancing mental images of data in various visual environments utilizes an electronically generated visual display of an environment including datum references to be acted upon by the subject and means which may be manipulated by the subject to electrically record an action taken by him to change a datum reference of the visual display. His action using the manipulatable means in response to the instruction is electrically recorded invisibly to him. Thereafter, there is presented for comparison an electrically generated visual display including the datum reference as changed by the correct response to the given instruction and the visual display of that reference as changed by his action. The method and apparatus may utilize concurrently an auditory environment corresponding to the visual environment and the actions taken by the subject may effect concurrent change in the visual and/or auditory environments.

Mental image enhancement apparatus utilizing computer systems

: A mathematical model is formulated for the ship Fresnel lens optical landing system/(FLOLS)/pilot/aircraft system, considering deck motions and air turbulence inputs. Performance of this model in terms of terminal conditions in the vertical plane (ramp clearance, impact velocity, dispersion of the touchdown point) and aircraft longitudinal motions in the groove prior to touchdown is consistent with and validated by actual performance. The terminal dispersions are statistically combined to yield probabilities of potential ramp strikes, landing gear failures, and bolters, which, when put through a simplified pilot/LSO decision model, yield probabilities of successful pass, bolter rate, and accident rate. Again, these rates are consistent with actual experience and are used as criteria for evaluating various competing systems. The effects on landing performance of variations in piloting technique, FLOLS stabilization methods, intensity and spectral form of ship motions, and gust inputs are computed. The variations tested and their resulting relative performance are described. Tentative conclusions are drawn from the analysis relating to possible improvements to the present operational recovery system.

https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/606040.pdf

An analysis of terminal flight path control in carrier landing

The carrier landing process involves the interaction of ship motions, the optical landing system, the pilot/air craft combination, air wake disturbances, and the Landing Signal Officer. Mathematical models for these elements are discussed, and methods are presented for determining operational performance indices from terminal landing error dispersion data. A new concept is described for stabilizing the optical landing system against carrier deck motions, which represent one of the most significant obstacles to safe aircraft recovery. Termed "compensated-meatball stabilization," this technique considers the dynamics of the carrier landing system elements and optimizes the Fresnel lens logic scheme for increased landing performance. Simulator experiments were performed to determine the potential accident rate reduction with this stabilization method, and the major results are presented. A significant interaction exists between an aircraft design parameter, related to the lift curve slope, and the optical landing system stabilization. The fundamental factors limiting terminal landing performance are described and several basic solutions to the problem are presented.

Tulvio S Durand

Papers

An analysis of terminal flight path control in carrier landing

Factors influencing glide path control in carrier landing.

Apparatus for measuring operator performance

Optical landing system

An analysis of carrier landing