Title: Simulator-based human-machine interaction design

Authors: Torbjorn Alm, Jens Alfredson, Kjell Ohlsson

Addresses: HiQ Ace AB, Teknikringen 8, Linkoping, SE-583 30, Sweden. ' Saab Aerosystems, Linkoping, SE-581 88, Sweden. ' Department of Economic and Industrial Development, Linkoping University, Linkoping, SE-581 83, Sweden

Abstract: Human-in-the-loop simulators have been used for some decades in the automotive area. Historically, the most prevalent motive for this, beside training purposes, has been to study human performance in various situations. We suggest another focus, to evaluate human-machine system performance for various car system solutions as a fundamental part of simulator-based design (SBD). Our technical background is human-machine interaction (HMI), which is only one area where SBD could be deployed. However, in combination with human-in-the-loop simulation, HMI should be the most relevant perspective. In order to facilitate this SBD approach, it is necessary to have simulators (software and hardware) that support this way to implement new car system solutions to work seamlessly together with the entire vehicle system. Unfortunately, there are few such simulators available on the market today. We will expand this theme in the article and also address important questions concerning fidelity and validity.

Keywords: SBD; simulator-based design; in-vehicle systems; simulator fidelity; test validity; human-in-the-loop; HMI; human–machine interaction; simulation; vehicle systems modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2009.029174

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2009 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.1 - 16

Received: 25 Jun 2008
Accepted: 19 Apr 2009
Published online: 08 Nov 2009 *

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