A Conspectus on Operator Modeling: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the state of the art in human/operator modeling. The thrust of such a conspectus is towards describing the ongo ing research as well as some future possible applications resulting from the research, which are currently under investigation at the ManMachine System Laboratory at SUNY, Binghamton. The paper contains a brief description of conventional human operator models, such as: the Crossover Model, the Hess Structural Model, and the Optimal Control Model (OCM). Current trends in operator modeling are presented in this paper by work done by Zeyada and Hess at UCLA Davis and Hosman at Delft. The major element of the Zeyada and Hess research is that they extensively utilize intelligent computing tools such as Fuzzy Inference Systems and Genetic algorithms, along with conventional tools for operator modeling. The emphasis, however, of this section of the paper is on a description of the work done by Gary George and Frank Cardullo. Their research is primarily based on major modifications to the existing Hess model by adding the vestibular and somatosensory stimulation channels into the feedback of the model, for the purpose of evaluating the contributi on of simulator cueing devices to operator behavior. The vestibular stimulation channel contai ns models of the vestibular system, a motion platform and motion washouts. The somatosensory cueing channel contains a model of the Pacinian corpuscles a dynamic seat and its drive algorithm. The state-of-the-art research section of the conspectus represents the work done by Zaychik and Cardullo. The main thrust of this work is the development of a methodology of automated tuning of the parameters of the modified Hess model. The proposed algorithm heavily involves machine learning tools sometimes known as soft computing techniques. The automatic tuning of the model allow s for the real-time identification of a model of the operator of a vehicle. The paper contains the d escription of potential application in the area of flight safety as well as simulator/handling qualiti es evaluation.