Neuromuscular Dynamics in the Driver-Vehicle System

The work described in this article is part of a larger programme of research to understand the dynamic interaction between driver and vehicle. The driver's neuromuscular dynamics are thought to be an important aspect of the interaction. Measurements of muscle activation voltage (electromyography, EMG) are used to identify the muscles involved in generating torque at the steering wheel. The EMG instrumentation is then developed to measure muscle co-contraction. In a lane-change manoeuvre performed on a driving simulator, muscle co-contraction is observed to occur during the manoeuvre. A mathematical model of the driver's muscle reflex system suggests that co-contraction may be an optimal control strategy despite the extra energy required. The co-contraction increases the limb stiffness and thus the bandwidth of the control loop, which in turn allows smaller path-following errors.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780415436168
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Taylor and Francis.
• Corporate Authors:

  Taylor & Francis

  4 Park Square, Milton Park
  Abingdon,   United Kingdom  OX14 4RN
• Authors:
  • Pick, A J
  • Cole, D J
• Conference:
  • 19th Symposium of the International Association for Vehicle System Dynamics
  • Location: Milan , Italy
  • Date: 2005-8-28 to 2005-9-2
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 624-631
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 19th Symposium of the International Association for Vehicle System Dynamics
• Serial:
  • Vehicle System Dynamics
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue Number: Supplement
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 0042-3114
  • EISSN: 1744-5159

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver vehicle interfaces; Drivers; Driving simulators; Lane changing; Mathematical models; Measurement; Muscles; Steering; Steering wheels; Torque
• Uncontrolled Terms: Co-contraction (Muscles); Electromyography; Neuromuscular system
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01046762
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780415436168
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 2007 3:13PM