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A virtual reality flight simulator for human factors engineering

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Abstract

This research presents a virtual reality flight simulator (VRFS) that combines the advantages of desktop simulations and hardware mock-ups, i.e., the flexibility of a desktop flight simulation with the level of immersion close to a full flight simulator. In contrast to similar existing virtual reality flight simulators, the presented system focuses on human factors (HF) engineering and is used for evaluating flight decks in an early phase of the design process. Hence, HF tools that are based on HF methods have been integrated; applying these methods requires collecting objective (e.g., eye tracking, physiological data, head and finger movements) as well as subjective data (e.g., questionnaires). In this paper, three user studies are presented that demonstrate the application of the integrated HF methods and the general usability of the system. These studies have been conducted as part of human–machine interface (HMI) development projects and range from basic cognitive research to HMI evaluations using realistic scenarios. The user studies indicate that HF engineering with the help of this system is possible and a feasible alternative to other means of evaluation. Yet, the abilities are limited due to technological and physiological constraints. This is why the scope of the VRFS lies between desktop simulations and a full hardware mock-up and cannot replace either of those. However, the presented studies show that the system can provide reliable information on the interaction with HMI. Thus, it is a reliable low-cost addition in the early development process of cockpit human machine interaction technologies when it comes to HF evaluations.

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Acknowledgements

Parts of this research are supported by funding from the European Union through the All Condition Operations and Innovative Cockpit Infrastructure (ALICIA) FP7 and the Advanced Cockpit for Reduction of Stress and Workload (ACROSS) FP7 project. This is an extended version of a paper published in the proceedings of the HCI International 2015, Los Angeles (Oberhauser et al. 2015).

Funding

Funding was provided by European Commision (Grant Nos. ACP2-GA-2012-314501, ACP8-GA-2009-233682) and Airbus Group Innovations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technical University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria

    Matthias Oberhauser

  2. Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, 85077, Manching, Germany

    Daniel Dreyer

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  1. Matthias Oberhauser
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  2. Daniel Dreyer
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Correspondence to Matthias Oberhauser.

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Oberhauser, M., Dreyer, D. A virtual reality flight simulator for human factors engineering. Cogn Tech Work 19, 263–277 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-017-0421-7

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