Design of a simulator for eye and hand tracking tasks under horizontal whole body vibration

This paper describes the development of a device used to simulate target acquisition and tracking tasks in a horizontal vibration environment, particularly, a main battle tank. For specifying vibration conditions used in the experiment, 3-DOF acceleration was measured in a real main battle tank. Mathematical models for the electro-hydraulic turret system were identified. The simulation environment was developed based on real-time software that commands valves and pneumatic actuators, displays the target and sight points and acquires position from an adapted gunner's handle joystick. Preliminary results for one gunner's training are presented. The methods described are being used in broader research aiming to correlate horizontal vibration with target acquisition and tracking errors.