Directional Control-Response Compatibility Relationships Assessed by Physical Simulation of an Underground Bolting Machine

摘要

Objective: The authors examine the pattern of direction errors made during the manipulation of a physical simulation of an underground coal mine bolting machine to assess the directional control-response compatibility relationships associated with the device and to compare these results to data obtained from a virtual simulation of a generic device. Background: Directional errors during the manual control of underground coal roof bolting equipment are associated with serious injuries. Directional control-response relationships have previously been examined using a virtual simulation of a generic device; however, the applicability of these results to a specific physical device may be questioned. Method: Forty-eight participants randomly assigned to different directional control-response relationships manipulated horizontal or vertical control levers to move a simulated bolter arm in three directions (elevation, slew, and sump) as well as to cause a light to become illuminated and raise or lower a stabilizing jack. Directional errors were recorded during the completion of 240 trials by each participant. Results: Directional error rates are increased when the control and response are in opposite directions or if the direction of the control and response are perpen-dicular.The pattern of direction error rates was consistent with experiments obtained from a generic device in a virtual environment. Conclusion: Error rates are increased by incompatible directional control-response relationships. Application: Ensuring that the design of equipment controls maintains compatible directional control-response relationships has potential to reduce the errors made in high-risk situations, such as underground coal mining.