Digital modeling of human operator dynamics via class of Liapunov functions

A technique is described which is utilized for modeling human operator dynamics. The technique is based upon a model-reference system configuration and a class of Liapunov functions formulated for this purpose which possess variable characteristics. It is shown how such a class of Liapunov functions and their time derivatives is formulated. The crux of the formulation lies in three variable positive definite matrices used for the construction of the class of Liapunov functions. The form and order of these matrices depend upon the form and order of the error differential equation of the human operator model-reference system. These matrices can be modified to include nonlinear functions of the human operator model.