Human Factors_5_2007

Human Factors – rok 2007, roč. 49
Číslo 5
Tématické celky:
Aerospace Systems
Automation, Expert System
Biomechanics, Anthropometry, Work physiology
Cognitive Processes
Psychological States
Sensory and Perceptual Processes
Simulation and Virtual Reality
Surface Transportation Systems
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
Boehm-Davis, Deborah A.; Casali, John G.; Kleiner, Brian M.; Lancaster, Jeffrey
A.; Saleem, Jason J.; Wochinger, Kathryn. Pilot Performance, Strategy, and
Workload While Executing Approaches at Steep Angles and With Lower Landing
Minima. S. 759-772(14).
Abstract: Objective: We examined the willingness and ability of general aviation pilots
to execute steep approaches in low-visibility conditions into nontowered airports.
Background: Executing steep approaches in poor weather is required for a proposed
Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) that consists of small aircraft flying direct
routes to a network of regional airports. Method: Across two experiments, 17 pilots
rated for Instrument Flight Rules at George Mason University or Virginia Tech flew a
Cessna 172R simulator into Blacksburg, Virginia. Pilots were familiarized with the
simulator and asked to fly approaches with either a 200- or 400-foot ceiling (at approach
angles of 3°, 5°, and 7° in the first experiment, 3° and 6° in the second). Pilots rated
subjective workload and the simulator recorded flight parameters for each set of
approaches. Results: Approaches with a 5° approach angle produced safe landings with
minimal deviations from normal descent control configurations and were rated as having
a moderate level of workload. Approaches with 6° and 7° approach angles produced safe
landings but high workload ratings. Pilots reduced power to control the speed of descent
and flew the aircraft slightly above the glide path to gain time to control the landing.
Conclusion: Although the 6° and 7° approaches may not be practical for routine
approaches, they may be achievable in the event of an emergency. Application: Further
work using other aircraft flying under a wider variety of conditions is needed before
implementing SATS-type flights into airports intended to supplant or complement
commercial operations in larger airports.
AUTOMATION, EXPERT SYSTEMS
Madhavan, Poornima; Wiegmann, Douglas A. Effects of Information Source,
Pedigree, and Reliability on Operator Interaction With Decision Support
Systems. S. 773-785(13).
Abstract: Objective: Two experiments are described that examined operators'
perceptions of decision aids. Background: Research has suggested certain biases
against automation that influence human interaction with automation. We differentiated
preconceived biases from post hoc biases and examined their effects on advice
acceptance. Method: In Study 1 we examined operators' trust in and perceived reliability
of humans versus automation of varying pedigree (expert vs. novice), based on written
descriptions of these advisers prior to operators' interacting with these advisers. In Study
2 we examined participants' post hoc trust in, perceived reliability of, and dependence on
these advisers after their objective experience of advisers' reliability (90% vs. 70%) in a
luggage-screening task. Results: In Study 1 measures of perceived reliability indicated
that automation was perceived as more reliable than humans across pedigrees. Measures
of trust indicated that automated "novices" were trusted more than human "novices";
human "experts" were trusted more than automated "experts." In Study 2, perceived
reliability varied as a function of pedigree, whereas subjective trust was always higher for
automation than for humans. Advice acceptance from novice automation was always
higher than from novice humans. However, when advisers were 70% reliable, errors
generated by expert automation led to a drop in compliance/reliance on expert
automation relative to expert humans. Conclusion: Preconceived expectations of
automation influence the use of these aids in actual tasks. Application: The results
provide a reference point for deriving indices of "optimal" user interaction with decision
aids and for developing frameworks of trust in decision support systems.
Český abstrakt: Jsou popisovány dva experimenty zkoumající operátorovo vnímání
pomůcek rozhodování. Výzkum poukazuje na předsudky vůči automatizaci, která
ovlivňuje lidskou interakci s ní. Byla rozlišena předběžná zaujatost od následné a byly
zkoumány jejich účinky na přijetí rady. Bylo zjištěno, že očekávání automatizace předem
ovlivňuje užití pomůcek při aktuálních úkolech.
psychologie práce - rozhodování - automatizace - interakce - systém člověk - stroj
BIOMECHANICS, ANTHROPOMETRY, WORK PHYSIOLOGY
Grieshaber, D. Christian; Armstrong, Thomas J. Insertion Loads and Forearm
Muscle Activity During Flexible Hose Insertion Tasks. S. 786-796(11).
Abstract: Objective: To quantify the physical demands of hose insertion tasks in
automotive assembly operations and how they are affected by method and the
mechanical interference between the hose and the flange. Background: Insertion tasks
were identified by workers as physically demanding and can often lead to fatigue or
losses in production attributable to pain or injury. Methods: Six male and 6 female
participants pushed a 25.4-mm flexible rubber hose onto a stationary flange during
simulated insertions. Three insertion methods - rock, straight, and twist - were examined
in the study. Muscle activity of the finger flexors was recorded to estimate grip effort
during the simulated insertions. Results: The twist method (114.8 N) resulted in a 26%
reduction in axial force compared with the straight method (155.7 N). Average muscle
activity ranged from a low of 14% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC; men, straight
method) to a high of 67% MVC (women, twist method). Hose resultant forces ranged
from a low of 52.2 N to a high of 461.1 N for all participants. Men exerted 6% higher
resultant forces with 37% less muscle activity than women. Conclusion: There are
situations when the 26% reduction in the axial force attributable to twisting may be
helpful during an insertion, despite the fact that forearm muscle activity was highest for
both male and female participants during twisting insertions. Application: The results of
this study can be applied to the future design of tasks that involve the joining of two
parts such as a hose and flange.
Český abstrakt: Cílem výzkumu byla kvantifikace fyzických požadavků na vkládání
hadic při automatických montážních operacích a zjištění vlivu metody a mechanická
interference mezi hadicí a přírubou. Bylo zjištěno, že jsou situace, kdy 26% redukce v
axiální síle kroucení může napomáhat při vkládání navzdory faktu, že aktivita svalů byla
vyšší u mužů i žen při vkládání kroucením.
svaly - paže - hadice - montáže
Knight, James F.; Baber, Chris. Effect of Head-Mounted Displays on Posture. S.
797-807(11).
Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine if a wearable
system based on a head-mounted display (HMD) causes users to alter their head position
and adopt postures that place greater stress on the musculoskeletal system.
Background: HMDs are common output devices used with wearable computers. HMDs
provide the wearer with visual information by projecting computer-generated virtual
images in front of the eyes. Deviations of neck posture from a neutral upright position
increase the stresses on the musculoskeletal system of the head and neck. Method:
Seven paramedics simulated the treatment of a patient under a normal condition and
when using an HMD wearable computer system. During the simulations a posture
analysis was performed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method. Results: The
postures adopted when wearing an HMD, as compared with a normal condition, scored
significantly higher for the neck (z = 2.463, p < .05) and for overall body posture (left
side of the body: z = 2.447, p < .05; right side of the body: z = 2.895, p < .05).
Conclusion: Wearing an HMD can force the wearers to modify their neck posture. As
such, the musculoskeletal system of the head and neck may be placed under increased
levels of stress. Application: Potential users should be made aware that HMDs could
dictate modifications in neck posture, which may have detrimental effects and may
compound the weight effect of the HMD.
Český abstrakt: Cílem studie bylo stanovit, zda systém nošený na těle, založený na
HMD, způsobuje, že nositelé mění polohu hlavy a přecházejí do pozice, která více
zatěžuje muskuloskeletální soustavu. Bylo zjištěno, že použití HMD může nutit nositele,
aby změnili polohu šíje. Tím se soustava hlavy a šíje může dostat do zvýšené úrovně
stresu. Nositele je na to třeba upozornit.
svaly - kostra - hlava - polohy těla - displeje - zátěž
Kotowski, Susan E.; Davis, Kermit G.; Shockley, Kevin. Impact of Order and Load
Knowledge on Trunk Kinematics During Repeated Lifting Tasks. S. 808-819(12).
Abstract: Objective: To determine if lifting random unknown weights is more
detrimental than lifting sequences of unknown weights and to investigate whether load
knowledge impacts the effect of lifting random box weights. Background: Much research
has investigated lifting under known load conditions, but few studies have investigated
unknown loads, especially when presented in random order. There has been some
documentation of alteration in trunk mechanics when there is an overestimation of the
unknown load. Method: Ten men and 10 women performed three lifting tasks: random
unknown, random known, and same weight. A lumbar motion monitor was used to collect
kinematic data, and Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and a task risk rating were
also assessed. Results: Both presentation order and load knowledge impacted trunk
kinematics during repeated lifting tasks. However, these differences were relatively low
in magnitude. Furthermore, kinematic response and perceived risk and exertion for these
conditions varied between genders. Conclusion: Lifting random unknown loads appears
to alter kinematic responses, particularly for men. Women attempt to modify the effect of
random unknown loads by changing the lifting style through alterations in upper limb
motions (e.g., drag box toward them prior to lifting). However, a need remains for a
more comprehensive biomechanical investigation (e.g., spine loading) into the effects of
random unknown loads because many of the effect sizes were small. Application: Small
kinematic adaptations resulting from tasks involving unknown and random loads may be
mediated by the use of visual cues, order of presentation, or a change in lifting style.
Český abstrakt: Cílem bylo zjistit, zda zvedání náhodných neznámých hmotností
břemene je škodlivější než postupné zvedání břemen neznámých hmotností, a
vyzkoumat, zda znalost břemene má dopad na působení zvedání náhodných hmotností
beden. Bylo zjištěno, že zvedání náhodných neznámých břemen mění kinematické
odpovědi, zvláště u mužů. Ženy modifikují působení těchto břemen změnou stylu
zvedání.
břemena - zvedání - manipulace ruční - trup
Li, Li; Patel, Nirav; Solomonow, Deborah; Le, Peter; Hoops, Heather; Gerhardt,
David; Johnson, Kyle; Zhou, Bing He; Lu, Yun; Solomonow, Moshe.
Neuromuscular Response to Cyclic Lumbar Twisting. S. 820-829(10).
Abstract: Objective: To study the influence of 10 min of cyclic twisting motion on
abdominal and back muscle activities. Background: Repetitive (cyclic) occupational
activity was identified by many epidemiological reports to be a risk factor for the
development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Biomechanical and physiological
confirmation, however, is lacking. Methods: Trunk muscle electromyography (EMG) was
recorded while participants performed a continuous 10-min maximum lumbar cyclic
twisting to the left, and maximum isometric twist to the left and right sides was
measured before and after the exercise. Results: Abdominal muscles contracted
symmetrically, independent of twisting direction. The left posterior muscles' integrated
EMG (IEMG) decreased during the exercise, whereas the IEMG of the right posterior
muscle increased. Simultaneously with increased antagonist coactivity level of the right
posterior muscles after the exercise, decrease in maximal isometric left twisting torque
was observed. The abdominal muscles did not exhibit any significant changes during the
exercise. After the exercise, the right abdominals demonstrated a significant increase in
effort, which was independent of the direction of the maximal effort isometric test.
Conclusions: The change in muscle activity is attributed to neuromuscular compensation
for the development of laxity and microdamage in the soft tissue (ligaments, discs, facet
capsules, etc.) of the lumbar spine. Application: The results of this study increase
understanding of the risk factors associated with low back disorder induced by laborintensive occupations that involve cyclic lateral twisting.
Český abstrakt: Cílem práce bylo zkoumání vlivu 10-minutového cyklického krouticího
pohybu na aktivity břišních a zádových svalů. Tato aktivita byla zjištěna jako rizikový
faktor pro vývin muskuloskeletálních obtíží spojených s prací. Bylo zjištěno, že změna ve
svalové činnosti je způsobena neuromuskulární kompenzací u vývinu ochablosti a
mikropoškození v měkké tkáni bederní páteře.
pohyby těla - svaly - kostra - páteř
Rempel, David; Willms, Kirsten; Anshel, Jeffrey; Jaschinski, Wolfgang; Sheedy,
James The Effects of Visual Display Distance on Eye Accommodation, Head
Posture, and Vision and Neck Symptoms. S. 830-838(9).
Abstract: Objective: Determine the effects of display viewing distance on both the
visual and musculoskeletal systems while the text height is held constant across viewing
distances. Background: The distance from the eyes to a computer display may affect
visual and neck comfort. If the angular size of the characters remains the same, it is
recommended that the display be placed at a farther viewing distance (e.g., 70-100 cm).
However, in common usage, the character sizes are not adjusted based on viewing
distance. Method: Participants under the age of 35 years (N = 24) performed visually
demanding tasks using a computer display for 2 hr each at three viewing distances
(mean: 52.4, 73.0, and 85.3 cm) while torso and head posture were tracked. At the end
of each task, eye accommodation was measured and symptoms were recorded. Results:
The near distance was associated with significantly less blurred vision, less dry or
irritated eyes, less headache, and improved convergence recovery when compared with
the middle and far distances. Participants moved their torsos and heads closer to the
monitor at the far distance. Conclusion: If the computer screen character sizes are close
to the limits of visual acuity, it is recommended that the computer monitor be positioned
between the near (52 cm) and middle (73 cm) distance from the eyes. Application: The
location of a computer display should take into account the size of the characters on the
screen and the visual acuity of the user.
Český abstrakt: Cílem bylo stanovit účinky jak na zrakovou, tak i na muskuloskeletální
soustavu při konstantní výšce textu při různých vzdálenostech.Vzdálenost očí od displeje
má být komfortní pro zrak i šíji. Jestliže úhlová vzdálenost znaků zůstává stejná,
doporučuje se, aby byl displej umístěn ve větší vzdálenosti. Jsou uvedeny podmínky, za
nichž má být displej umístěn ve vzdálenosti 52 cm a 73 cm od očí.
displeje - vzdálenosti bezpečné - zrak - svaly - kostra
COGNITIVE PROCESSES
Wickens, Christopher; Colcombe, Angela. Dual-Task Performance Consequences
of Imperfect Alerting Associated With a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information.
S. 839-850(12).
Abstract: Objective: Performance consequences related to integrating an imperfect
alert within a complex task domain were examined in two experiments. Background:
Cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTIs) are being designed for use in airplane
cockpits as responsibility for safe separation becomes shared between pilots and
controllers. Of interest in this work is how characteristics of the alarm system such as
threshold, modality, and number of alert levels impact concurrent task (flight control)
performance and response to potential conflicts. Methods: Student pilots performed a
tracking task analogous to flight control while simultaneously monitoring for air traffic
conflicts with the aid of a CDTI alert as the threshold, modality, and level of alert was
varied. Results: As the alerting system became more prone to false alerts, pilot
compliance decreased and concurrent performance improved. There was some evidence
of auditory preemption with auditory alerts as the false alarm rate increased. Finally,
there was no benefit to a three-level system over a two-level system. Conclusion: There
is justification for increased false alarm rates, as miss-prone systems appear to be costly.
The 4:1 false alarm to miss ratio employed here improved accuracy and concurrent task
performance. More research needs to address the potential benefits of likelihood alerting.
Application: The issues addressed in this research can be applied to any imperfect
alerting system such as in aviation, driving, or air traffic control. It is crucial to
understand the performance consequences of new technology and the efficacy of
potential mitigating design features within the specific context desired.
PSYCHOLOGICAL STATES
Hancock, P.A.; Ross, Jennifer M.; Szalma, James L. A Meta-Analysis of
Performance Response Under Thermal Stressors. S. 851-877(27).
Abstract: Objective: Quantify the effect of thermal stressors on human performance.
Background: Most reviews of the effect of environmental stressors on human
performance are qualitative. A quantitative review provides a stronger aid in advancing
theory and practice. Method: Meta-analytic methods were applied to the available
literature on thermal stressors and performance. A total of 291 references were
collected. Forty-nine publications met the selection criteria, providing 528 effect sizes for
analysis. Results: Analyses confirmed a substantial negative effect on performance
associated with thermal stressors. The overall effect size for heat was comparable to that
for cold. Cognitive performance was least affected by thermal stressors, whereas both
psychomotor and perceptual task performance were degraded to a greater degree. Other
variables were identified that moderated thermal effects. Conclusion: Results confirmed
the importance of task type, exposure duration, and stressor intensity as key variables
impacting how thermal conditions affect performance. Results were consistent with the
theory that stress forces the individual to allocate attentional resources to appraise and
cope with the threat, which reduces the capacity to process task-relevant information.
This represents a maladaptive extension of the narrowing strategy, which acts to
maintain stable levels of response when stress is first encountered. Application: These
quantitative estimates can be used to design thermal tolerance limits for different task
types. Although results indicate the necessity for further research on a variety of
potentially influential factors such as acclimatization, the current summary provides
effect size estimates that should be useful in respect to protecting individuals exposed to
adverse thermal conditions.
Český abstrakt: Cílem práce bylo kvantifikovat působení tepelných stresorů na lidský
výkon. Kvantitativní přehled poskytuje větší podporu pokročilé teorii a praxi než
kvalitativní. Výsledky potvrdily značný negativní účinek na výkon spojený s tepelnými
stresory. Kognitivní výkon byl nejméně zasažen stresory, zatím co psychomotorický a
perceptuální výkon byl ve značné míře snížen.
stresory - zátěž tepelná - výkon - výkonnost
SENSORY AND PERCEPTUAL PROCESSES
Andersen, George J.; Sauer, Craig W. Optical Information for Car Following : The
Driving by Visual Angle (DVA) Model. S. 878-896(19).
Abstract: Objective: The present study developed and tested a model of car following
by human drivers. Background: Previous models of car following are based on 3-D
parameters such as lead vehicle speed and distance information, which are not directly
available to a driver. In the present paper we present the driving by visual angle (DVA)
model, which is based on the visual information (visual angle and rate of change of visual
angle) available to the driver. Method: Two experiments in a driving simulator examined
car-following performance in response to speed variations of a lead vehicle defined by a
sum of sine wave oscillations and ramp acceleration functions. In addition, the model was
applied to six driving events using real world-driving data. Results: The model provided
a good fit to car-following performance in the driving simulation studies as well as in
real-world driving performance. A comparison with the advanced interactive microscopic
simulator for urban and nonurban networks (AIMSUN) model, which is based on 3-D
parameters, suggests that the DVA was more predictive of driver behavior in matching
lead vehicle speed and distance headway. Conclusion: Car-following behavior can be
modeled using only visual information to the driver and can produce performance more
predictive of driver performance than models based on 3-D (speed or distance)
information. Application: The DVA model has applications to several traffic safety
issues, including automated driving systems and traffic flow models.
Boot, Walter R.; Becic, Ensar; Kramer, Arthur F. Temporal Limitations in Multiple
Target Detection in a Dynamic Monitoring Task. S. 897-906(10).
Abstract: Objective: Two experiments examined the detectability of multiple transient
changes within a cluttered and dynamic display (a simulated sonar display).
Background: Research suggests that there are severe limitations when multiple targets
must be detected within close temporal proximity. The present research explored
whether these limitations influence performance in a dynamic monitoring task. Method:
Participants monitored a cluttered and dynamic display and reported the number of new
objects that appeared (one to four objects). The time between onset events was varied.
A blinking cue sometimes accompanied each new object, giving observers multiple
opportunities to detect it. Results: A large decrease in performance was observed when
participants were asked to detect multiple targets within a short period of time.
Performance was worse than predicted based on the attention literature. Performance
suffered when observers were asked to detect more than two or three targets. The
blinking cue greatly attenuated this performance deficit, even for short-duration blinking
cues (one blink). Conclusion: Operators can easily become overwhelmed when asked to
respond to even a small number of events when these events occur close in time.
Extending transient events in time improves performance, but some attentional
limitations may be difficult or impossible to overcome. Application: These results have
important implications for systems in which important events may occur within close
temporal proximity (e.g., when a sonar operator is tasked with detecting threats in the
battle space). Situations in which these limitations may or may not influence
performance are discussed.
Český abstrakt: Dva experimenty zkoumaly možnost stanovení četných přechodných
změn uvnitř chaotického a dynamického obrazu displeje (simulovaný sonární displej).
Značné snížení výkonu bylo zjištěno, když byli účastníci experimentu žádáni, aby
stanovili několik cílů v krátké době. Výkon byl horší, než jak to uvádí literatura. Výsledky
jsou použitelné pro systémy, v nichž má dojít k časově blízkým významným událostem.
displeje - monitorování - změny - cíle - čas reakční
Winterbottom, Marc D.; Patterson, Robert; Pierce, Byron J.; Covas, Christine M.;
Winner, Jennifer. Depth of Focus and Visual Recognition of Imagery Presented
on Simultaneously Viewed Displays: Implications for HeadMounted Displays. S.
907-919(13).
Abstract: Objective: We sought to determine the optimal focal distance for a
semitransparent monocular head-mounted display (HMD) integrated with a flight
simulator display and to investigate whether observers experienced visual discomfort or
impaired target recognition when using an HMD set at the optimal distance.
Background: When an observer wears a monocular HMD and views a simulator display,
focal distances of both displays must be within the observers' depth of focus to prevent
blurred imagery. Because focal distance can vary by as much as 0.5 m in U.S. Air Force
multifaceted simulator displays, we determined whether a monocular HMD could be
integrated with a simulator display without blurred imagery or discomfort. Method:
Depth of focus and visual recognition were measured with a staircase procedure, and
visual discomfort was measured with a questionnaire. Results: Depth of focus was 0.64
diopters in one condition tested, but it was affected by luminance level and display
resolution. It was recommended that HMD focal distance equal the optical midpoint of the
range of viewing distances encountered in the simulator. Moreover, wearing an HMD
produced a decline in recognition performance for targets presented on the simulator
display despite both displays being within observers' depth of focus and producing no
visual discomfort. Conclusion: Monocular HMDs can be integrated with multifaceted
simulator displays without blurred imagery or visual discomfort, provided that the correct
focal distance is adopted. Application: For situations involving simultaneously viewed
visual displays.
Český abstrakt: Cílem práce bylo stanovit optimální ohniskovou vzdálenost pro
polotransparentní monokulární displej upevněný na hlavě (HMD), integrovaný s displejem
simulátoru letu, a vyzkoumat, zda pozorovatelé měli zrakový komfort nebo narušené
rozpoznávání cíle při použití HMD v optimální vzdálenosti. Doporučuje se, aby se
ohnisková vzdálenost HMD rovnala optickému středu pásma zrakových vzdáleností v
simulátoru.
displeje - simulátory - letectví - komfort
SIMULATION AND VIRTUAL REALITY
Merhi, Omar; Faugloire, Elise; Flanagan, Moira; Stoffregen, Thomas A. Motion
Sickness, Console Video Games, and Head-Mounted Displays. S. 920-934(15).
Abstract: Objective: We evaluated the nauseogenic properties of commercial console
video games (i.e., games that are sold to the public) when presented through a headmounted display. Background: Anecdotal reports suggest that motion sickness may
occur among players of contemporary commercial console video games. Methods:
Participants played standard console video games using an Xbox game system. We
varied the participants' posture (standing vs. sitting) and the game (two Xbox games).
Participants played for up to 50 min and were asked to discontinue if they experienced
any symptoms of motion sickness. Results: Sickness occurred in all conditions, but it
was more common during standing. During seated play there were significant differences
in head motion between sick and well participants before the onset of motion sickness.
Conclusion: The results indicate that commercial console video game systems can
induce motion sickness when presented via a head-mounted display and support the
hypothesis that motion sickness is preceded by instability in the control of seated
posture. Application: Potential applications of this research include changes in the
design of console video games and recommendations for how such systems should be
used.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Kramer, Arthur F.; Cassavaugh, Nicholas; Horrey, William J.; Becic, Ensar;
Mayhugh, Jeffrey L. Influence of Age and Proximity Warning Devices on
Collision Avoidance in Simulated Driving. S. 935-949(15).
Abstract: Objective: We conducted a set of experiments to examine the utility of
several different uni- and multimodal collision avoidance systems (CASs) on driving
performance of young and older adult drivers in a high-fidelity simulator. Background:
Although previous research has examined the efficacy of different CASs on collision
avoidance, there has been a dearth of studies that have examined such devices in
different driving situations with different populations of drivers. Method: Several
different CAS warnings were examined in varying traffic and collision configurations both
without (Experiment 1a) and with (Experiment 2) a distracting in-vehicle task. Results:
Overall, collision avoidance performance for both potential forward and side object
collisions was best for an auditory/visual CAS, which alerted drivers using both
modalities. Interestingly, older drivers (60-82 years of age) benefited as much as
younger drivers from the CAS, and sometimes they benefited more. Conclusion: These
data suggest that CASs can be beneficial across a number of different driving scenarios,
types of collisions, and driver populations. Application: These results have important
implications for the design and implementation of CASs for different driver populations
and driving conditions.
Navarro, Jordan; Mars, Franck; Hoc, Jean-Michel. Lateral Control Assistance for
Car Drivers : A Comparison of Motor Priming and Warning Systems. S. 950960(11).
Abstract: Objective: This paper's first objective is to determine whether motor priming
assistance (consisting of directional steering wheel vibrations) can be of some benefit
compared with more traditional auditory (lateralized sound) or vibratory (symmetric
steering wheel oscillation) warning devices. We hypothesize that warning devices favor
driving situation diagnosis, whereas motor priming can improve the initiation of action
even further. Another objective is to assess the possible benefits of using multimodal
information by combining auditory warning with simple steering wheel vibration or motor
priming. Background: Within the context of active safety devices, the experiment dealt
with moderately intrusive driving assistance devices that intervene when a certain level
of risk in terms of lane departure is reached. Method: An analysis of the steering
behavior of 20 participants following episodes of visual occlusion was carried out. Five
warning and motor priming devices were compared. Results: All tested devices
improved the drivers' steering performance, although their effects were modulated by
the drivers' risk assessment. However, performance improvements were found to be
greater with a motor priming device. No additional performance enhancement was
observed when auditory warning was added to steering wheel vibration or motor priming
devices. Conclusion: This study confirms the hypothesis that the direct intervention of
motor priming at the action level is more effective than a simple warning, which
intervenes upstream in situation diagnosis. Multimodal information did not seem to
improve driver performance. Application: This study proposes a new kind of lateral
control assistance, which acts at a sensorimotor level, in contrast with traditional warning
devices.