FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE PREDICTOR INSTRUMENT
Abstract
PREDICTION TIME SPAN: The predictor, an instrument for use in manual control systems, was studied further concerning prediction span and relation to vehicle frequency and velocity. An unstable third-order tracking system was used to test the hypothesis that a good prediction span would be that at which output and its derivatives are weighted in the prediction in about the same ratio as in a good automatic controller for the same system. The hypothesis was proved incorrect: the operator obtained information from the shape and movement of the predictor line so that his response contained the necessary derivative components. PREDICTOR DISPLAY TO CONTROL 2 DIMENSIONS: A difficult 2-dimensional tracking system was devised for testing 3 display systems: (1) the normal system of output-plus-derivative indicators in 2 dimensions; (2) 2 standard predictor displays, one for each dimension; and (3) the spiral display on a 17-inch oscilloscope in which the size of the spiral represents time, the central point of the largest turn showing present output in 2 dimensions. An inexperienced subject, trained in the 3 systems, could maneuver the spiral display after 2 hr of practice; the double predictor display cautiously at the end of training, driving the system about onethird the rates used with the spiral; never mastering the normal displays.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 30, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0253961
Entities
People
- Charles R. Kelley