Virtual dynamic prototyping for operator interface design

Currently in vehicle design situations, the design of a human-vehicle interface may require multiple costly iterations. Once a prototype is built, the design can be tested and adjustments can be made. However, modifications made this late in the design process can be costly, especially if changing one component forces the revision of others. The goal of this ongoing project, which is funded by John Deere Corporation, is to develop a flexible prototyping system that allows the engineer to examine and modify an operator interface early in the design process. In this project, robotic elements such as an industrial robot and force feedback joysticks and levers are used in conjunction with graphics and existing control hardware like levers, switches, pedals, and joysticks to create an environment which can be readily reconfigured and tested without lengthy design changes.