Integrating Human Performance and Anthropometric Modeling in the Crew Station Design Tool

Engineers often use different types of modeling and simulation to test crew station prototypes. A variety of tools exist to perform these types of analyses each with their own advantages. However, using these tools can be time-consuming and quite difficult, especially when engineers try to utilize the output of one tool as the input to another. The Crew Station Design Tool (CSDT) attempts to simplify this process by integrating three different software tools: 1) Micro Saint Sharp - a task network modeling tool, 2) Open Inventor™ - a three-dimensional graphics environment, and 3) Jack® - an anthropometric (human figure) modeling tool. The CSDT allows engineers to visualize and optimize their choices of controls and displays, and the position of those elements in a workstation. It automatically (and objectively) determines the optimum arrangement of controls and displays based upon sound human engineering and ergonomic principles. This paper describes the challenges and benefits of using these different types of software to provide engineers with one cohesive tool.