A Subjective Force Perception Model of Humans and Its Application to a Steering Operation System of a Vehicle

The present study clarifies the human characteristics of motion and perception, and develops a force perception model in vehicle operation. As the first step, this paper analyzes experimentally human force perception properties during steering operation, in which multiple joint motions and large postural changes of arms are necessary. The experimental results reveal the following three points: a) force perception follows the Weber-Fechner law under the constant arm posture, b) force perception changes depending on the steering wheel angle and is affected by arm weight and force perception properties, and c) the same tendency of force perception properties is observed even if the steering direction changes. Finally, a force perception model in sending a steering wheel is proposed.