Verification and Extension of Display Scanning and Remnant Models Using Aircraft Lateral and Longitudinal Dynamics as Controlled Elements.

An investigation of theoretical models of the human operators scanning behavior and tracking performance while simultaneously controlling two closed-loop tasks using separate displays is undertaken. Two different two-display compensatory tracking situations are tested. The first uses transfer functions of Ks and Ks-1 as controlled elements, and the resulting data is compared with that previously obtained under similar experimental conditions. The second uses the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the F-4 as primary and secondary controlled elements, respectively, with a white noise input forcing function simulating a wind gust disturbance of selected bandwiths. Differences in the subjects scanning behavior, remnant, and tracking performance are noted for these two tracking situations. Scanning statistics show that pilots may adopt different average scanning and sampling strategies, and it is verified that the adjustable quasi-linear describing functions and remnant model proposed by STI do accurately predict the pilots tracking performance under certain circumstances. It is shown that the pilot adjusts his scanning strategy in response to the tracking situation and that proposed scanning parameters may not accurately predict these changes. Possible mental processes for reconstruction are investigated and a weighted average form of reconstruction is outlined. Author