Reduced Input Throw and High-speed Driving

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Reduced Input Throw and High-speed Driving

K. McDowell / V. Paul / J. Alban

The U.S. Army is examining new and evolutionary concepts for military vehicles for their future force. In particular, drive-by-wire technology coupled with non-standard driving control devices have the potential to lead to improved driving performance, reduced Soldier training time, crash prevention, smaller vehicle space claims, and improved vehicle safety in military vehicles. However, several human performance issues are associated with non-standard control devices for manual driving. Specifically, this investigation focuses on the critical issue of the impact of the reduced 'throw' (i.e., angular range of motion of the control device) that is typically associated with yoke and joysticks as compared to conventional steering wheel devices. Four participants were examined as they executed straight road lane- keeping and obstacle avoidance tasks. Two difference devices (yoke, steering wheel) and six linear steering ratios (32.4:1, 16.2:1 6.5:1, 3.2:1, 2.2:1, 1.6:1) were examined. The results indicated an upper limit of 6.5:1 steering ratio for a simulated 8-wheeled military vehicle. These results provide a first step for developing non-linear or speed variable steering ratios that are appropriate for high- and low-speed driving, road surfaces, and cross country terrain.