Concept of operations

About: Concept of operations is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 964 publications have been published within this topic receiving 6845 citations. The topic is also known as: CONOPS.

Object-Process Model-Based Operational Viewpoint Specification for Aerospace Architectures

Abstract: Remote-controlled or autonomous multi-rotor air vehicles, or drones, have become common and commercially available even to individual consumers, mostly for imaging purposes. Drones appeal to mission architects looking to extend the toolbox provided to operators performing challenging missions such as public safety operations. However, careful analysis of the operational context and concept of operations must take place before major acquisitions. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model-based operational architecture definition framework, which is based on the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) ontology and uses Object Process Methodology (OPM) as its underlying modeling language. Through careful mapping of DoDAF Operational Viewpoint (OV) ontology to OPM ontology, we were able to show that the entire OV ontology can be covered by a small set of objects, processes, relations among them, and constructs comprising them. We then show how to instantiate the ontology to create a model of an actual architecture of interest (AoI) while maintaining strong typing of the model elements to ensure validity, integrity, consistency, and continuous compliance with the OV. We demonstrate our approach on the case of using drones in public safety enterprises for the purpose of crowd management in massively attended events and locations. The proposed framework allows for capturing ConOps and OpsCon in a lightweight, yet robust and consistent manner, and improve communication and concept validation between operational stakeholders and enterprise architects.

Communicating with the Public Using ATIS During Disasters: A Guide for Practitioners

Abstract: Advanced Traveler Information Systems, ATIS, can play an important role in communicating essential information to the public during disasters. Variable message signs, 511 telephone systems, highway advisory radio, and websites are some of the dissemination devices of systems that collect, process, and disseminate information about travel conditions to the public for day-to-day transportation operations, and these same systems need to be effectively used during disaster situations. This document provides advice on use of ATIS during disasters and is intended not only for state and local transportation agencies but for their partners in public safety and emergency management agencies. It offers practical guidance to managers of transportation management centers and emergency operations and to public information officers who may be called on to staff joint information centers during disasters. The document discusses what we know about human behavior in disaster situations based on findings from several decades of research. That perspective can help in maximizing the effectiveness of traveler information communications. The current use of traveler information in managing normal incidents and planned special events is examined as a starting point for gauging the processes and technologies that are in place today. Five case studies of actual disasters in Georgia, California, Nevada, Utah, and Washington State show the role that traveler information has played in current practice and provide lessons for others. A concept of operations is presented that characterizes the flow of information among the people, organizations, and technologies comprising traveler information dissemination during disasters. To maximize the benefit of ATIS as a tool for communicating with the public during disasters, a local strategy should be developed. A toolkit for organizing and conducting a strategy workshop is provided in this document as a starting point. A workshop that encompasses all the key stakeholders can acquaint them with currently available ATIS assets, potential future enhancements, and each agency’s role in ensuring that ATIS is an important tool for helping the public when disaster strikes.

Conceptual Design of a Connected Vehicle Wrong-Way Driving Detection and Management System

Abstract: This report describes the tasks completed to develop a concept of operations, functional requirements, and high-level system design for a Connected Vehicle (CV) Wrong-Way Driving (WWD) Detection and Management System. This system was designed to detect wrong-way vehicles, notify the traffic management entities and law enforcement personnel, and alert affected travelers. To accomplish the project goals, the research team reviewed the state of the practice regarding intelligent transportation systems and CV technologies being applied as WWD countermeasures and the WWD crash trends in Texas from 2010 to 2014. The research team also identified the user needs associated with the implementation of a CV WWD system and preliminary ways to connect with law enforcement. The research team conducted one-on-one surveys to assess motorist understanding of wrong-way driver warning messages that were designed to be displayed on dynamic message signs. The research team also investigated the use of roadside alert (RSA) messages to provide warning to CVs about approaching wrong-way drivers. The research team recommended the development of a proof-of-concept test bed at an off-roadway location before implementing a model field deployment of the system on an actual roadway in Texas. The purpose of the test bed is to provide an offline location for the research team to test and fine-tune the system components and operations prior to installing them on the open roadway. A need also exists to conduct additional human factors studies to determine motorist needs, comprehension, and interpretations of RSA data elements in a WWD context. It is also important to understand how motorists will respond to the information contained in potential RSAs. The lessons learned from the deployment in the test bed environment would be used by the research team to determine the design considerations for a model field deployment of the system.

Safety of advanced airborne self separation under very high en-route traffic demand

Abstract: Since the "invention" of free flight, an outstanding question is how much traffic demand can safely be accommodated by airborne self separation. In order to answer this question, within the iFly project an advanced airborne self separation concept of operations (ConOps) has been developed. This paper shows the results of an assessment of this ConOps on safety risk under very high en-route traffic demand. The accident risk assessment is conducted using advanced techniques in agent based modelling and rare event Monte Carlo simulation. The results obtained show which en-route traffic demand can safely be accommodated by advanced airborne self separation.