Use of a Nonvisual Display for Improving the Manual Control of an Unstable System

An approach to aiding the operator of an unstable system by use of a nonvisual display which supplements normal visual information and guides the operator in his control actions is described. The procedure is based on the feedback of significant plant variables and the combination of these variables to continuously define the desired operator action. The nonvisual display is used to present the operator with the error between this desired control action and his current control effort. By striving to duplicate the desired action, the operator's ability to control and stabilize the system is enhanced. A specific example involving an automotive vehicle is considered, and a simulation study is described which uses an audio display and indicates the feasibility of this approach.