Validation of Improved Research Integration Tool (IMPRINT) Driving Model for Workload Analysis
Abstract
The Human Research and Engineering Directorate of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory developed a model of the tasks and workload associated with driving a ground vehicle. The human performance modeling tool, Improved Performance Research Integration Tool (IMPRINT), was used to simulate the driving tasks. Perception, cognition, and motor control were represented in the IMPRINT driving model. Human processing, attention, and response were simulated as concurrent discrete events. Subsequently, the driving model was incorporated into other IMPRINT models used to investigate crew size and function allocation in Future Combat Systems (FCS) conceptual ground vehicles. Driving is a primary crew function in FCS ground vehicles. The results of this study indicated that a dedicated driver was recommended in combat vehicles. In all configurations tested, the driver was consistently the crew member with the highest workload. As expected, results of simulation runs were consistent with research on driving and distraction. Structural and output validation of the model was completed through literature review. Driving by itself is a high mental workload function. The human processing capacity is fully engaged in tasks when one is driving, with the primary load being in perception and cognition. Literature shows that performance will start to degrade if additional tasks are attempted during driving, especially if the tasks are highly perceptual or cognitive. This model provides a reasonably simple way to represent the driving function and can be used for investigating any system where driving is important. For FCS, this will include direct driving and teleoperations. Several additional validation studies are planned.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422389
Entities
People
- Josephine Q. Wojciechowski
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory