Tactile information presentation in the cockpit

Abstract

This paper describes two aspects of the application of tactile information presentation in the cockpit. The first half of the paper discusses why the tactile channel might be used instead of, or in addition to, the more common visual and auditory channels. It lists several categories of information used in cockpits and explores their appropriateness for tactile stimulation. The second half of the paper briefly describes an experiment on the perception of vibro-tactile stimuli under high G-load conditions (in a centrifuge). It is concluded that the perception of vibro-tactile stimulation on the torso is not substantially impaired during high G-load conditions, at least up to 6G.

Acknowledgements

TNO Human Factors kindly acknowledges the support from our colleagues at the Aeromedical Institute in Soesterberg, The Netherlands, in conducting the G-load experiments in their centrifuge.