NAME
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Wayne J. Book |
PROJECT
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3A1: Multimodal Human Machine Interfaces |
ABSTRACT
|
The human operator is a critical component in many applications of fluid power. He or she wields tremendous mechanical power with the twist of the wrist. Maximum effectiveness of the human operator and compatibility of the user interface is a key to success of existing technology and to the acceptance of new technologies such as under development in the Center. A hand controller with engineered feel for both command and feedback is one obvious need. This part of Project 3A1 is building on preexisting research on haptic backhoe control. The dynamics of control based on varying pump displacement will similarly challenge the control engineer to provide smooth and intuitive behaviors that reflect the state of the environment and the excavator. The project will first test the control concepts on simulated and “Hardware in the Loop” (HIL) simulations at Georgia Tech to refine the concepts before employing them on Test Bed 1, the excavator at Purdue University. The status of a local test bed using HIL, human operator and simulated displays will be described as will the results of the predecessor research on the haptic backhoe. Both of these test beds will be on display during the laboratory tours. More advanced displays will be studied, enabled by the first results on an advanced hand controller. Visual displays with augmented reality will assist the operator in understanding the specifications of the task and what remaining work must be done. Virtual constraints on the operator’s commands will guide her around obstacles such as utility lines without removing the authority to approach these objects when essential. The appropriate modalities for each interface will be examined within the context of “Human Centered Design” by the specialists from NCAT. In the process of improving interfaces to these test beds, we will learn more of the principles that should guide interface designers of all equipment, especially fluid powered equipment. |