Continuous haptic information in target tracking from a moving platform

The present study was conducted to gain insight into the effect of different forms of continuous haptic information (CHI) on operator performance with a moving unmanned platform. In a simulator experiment, participants tracked a moving target with a disturbed viewfinder (moving platform). While the participants performed this combined pursuit and compensatory tracking task, haptic information was provided to them concerning translatory disturbances of the platform. Two steering variables were manipulated between participants: presence or absence of CHI provided at the control device and automated or manual stabilization of the platform. The other factors were image degradation, motor task load, and visual task load. Haptic information was generated by movements of an active joystick that was used for steering the platform. It was shown that both CHI and platform stabilization substantially reduced tracking error. These effects were not additive; CHI improved tracking performance only when the platform was not stabilized, and it did not significantly degrade pursuit tracking performed with a stabilized viewfinder. The magnitude of the CHI effect was independent of image degradation, motor load, and visual load. CHI at the joystick improves tracking performance when it involves relevant control information; when it provides other information, tracking performance is only marginally degraded. Actual or potential applications of this research include performance of missions in environments that are difficult to access, potentially harmful to humans, or both, such as reconnaissance behind enemy lines, tracing of environmental pollution at sea, and assessment of damage in nuclear disaster areas.