Study on Test Evaluation Method for Optimal Matchingof ManMachine Interface in Mechanical System

In order to evaluate the matching reasonable degree of manmachine interface with the help of simulation test, a multiparameter adjustable simulator stand for optimal matching of manmachine interface in mechanical system was developed. This simulator stand was formed mainly of the table base, instrument panel, seat, operating lever, pedal, video camera and other components. The relative position between its components can be adjusted, so it is able to simulate the manmachine interface in various mechanical systems.To simulate different manmachine interfaces, a number of simulator stand accessories, such as various indictor lights, push buttons, knobs, switches, indicators, operating lever, padel, steering wheel and so on， were provided. These accessories can be installed on the simulator stand by means of magnetic force or screw bolts, and the positions of them are able to be freely adjusted. In order to be able to measure the position of each component and the subject’s operating action in current test case rapidly and accurately, the simulator stand was fitted with a video camera system and an image processing system.On the basis of the simulator stand, a simulating test evaluation method used to evaluate the matching reasonable degree of manmachine interface in mechanical system was put forward. The basic operating procedure of this test evaluation method was as follows: Firstly, choose several preliminary matching schemes of manmachine interface based on the practical problem, and set the typical test cases to be evaluated through the simulating test. Secondly, according to the selected test cases, arrange the elements or components on the multiparameter adjustable simulator stand for optimal matching of manmachine interface in mechanical system. Thirdly, choose the typical test subjects according to the operating condition and its applicable crowd of practical mechanical system. Fourthly, let all test subjects make the evaluation to all selected test cases on the basis of their subjective sense perception. Finally, decide on the quasioptimal matching schemes in the light of the evaluating results obtained from statistical analysis of all subjective evaluation data and select the optimal matching scheme among them. Moreover, in order to make the motion study, the operating action image of each test subject’s operating process was produced by using the video camera system.