Human Performance in Single and Two-Axis Tracking Systems

A compensatory tracking experiment was performed on single and uncoupled two-axis tracking systems to determine the effects of training on model parameters of the human operator as well as one-two-axis differences in tracking performance. The plant dynamics were identical in both the single-axis system and the symmetrical two-axis system. Second-order dynamics consisting of a pure integration and first-order lag were used. Task difficulty was varied by changing the magnitude of the lag time constant and the frequency bandwidth of the input disturbance. Linear second- order describing functions, obtained by a model matching technique, were used to model the operator´s performance.