Reduced Input Throw and High-speed Driving

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 highand low-speed driving, road surfaces, and cross country terrain. Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 08 AUG 2007 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Reduced Input Throw and High-speed Driving 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER