Showing papers on "Situation awareness published in 1993"
TL;DR: In this paper, the situation awareness requirements of air-to-air fighter pilots were assessed through a series of analyses, including unstructured interviews, goal-directed task analysis, and structured questionnaires administered to experienced pilot subjects.
Abstract: The situation awareness (SA) requirements of air-to-air fighter pilots were assessed through a series of analyses, including (a) unstructured interviews, (b) goal-directed task analysis, and (c) structured questionnaires administered to experienced pilot subjects. The resultant requirements and information on the relative priority among elements are presented along with a methodology for determining SA requirements in various systems. Limitations of the study and implications for cockpit design are discussed.
225 citations
TL;DR: The prototype system, called the Sentinel, is embedded within a virtual environment observatory and provides situation awareness assistance for users within a large virtual environment by allowing a user to place analysis modules throughout the virtual environment.
Abstract: As virtual environments grow in complexity, size, and scope users will be increasingly challenged in assessing the situation in them. This will occur because of the difficulty in determining where to focus attention and in assimilating and assessing the information as it floods in. One technique for providing this type of assistance is to provide the user with a first-person, immersive, synthetic environment observation post, an observatory, that permits unobtrusive observation of the environment without interfering with the activity in the environment. However, for large, complex synthetic environments this type of support is not sufficient because the mere portrayal of raw, unanalyzed data about the objects in the virtual space can overwhelm the user with information. To address this problem, which exists in both real and virtual environments, we are investigating the forms of situation awareness assistance needed by users of large-scale virtual environments and the ways in which a virtual environment can be used to improve situation awareness of real-world environments. A technique that we have developed is to allow a user to place analysis modules throughout the virtual environment. Each module provides summary information concerning the importance of the activity in its portion of the virtual environment to the user. Our prototype system, called the Sentinel, is embedded within a virtual environment observatory and provides situation awareness assistance for users within a large virtual environment.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the perceived importance and utilization of party line information by air carrier flight crews was investigated through a survey and flight simulation study, and the importance, availability, and availability of such information were discussed.
Abstract: The perceived importance and utilization of “party line” information by air carrier flight crews was investigated through a survey and flight simulation study. The Importance, Availability, and Acc...
25 citations
03 Nov 1993
TL;DR: The situation-adaptive degree of automation is indispensable for realizing human-centered automation and the need for extending the current recognition on human supervisory control if the authors desire to attain or improve system safety.
Abstract: This paper discusses responsibility allocation between human and computer, or degrees of automation, in supervisory control of large-complex systems. Strategies for responsibility allocation in emergencies are analyzed in a probabilistic manner by taking into account human's distrust on an alarm subsystem, inappropriate situation awareness, and dynamics of a controlled process under various situations. It is proven that degree of automation should not be fixed but must be changeable dynamically and flexibly depending on the situation. Criteria for setting degree of automation at an appropriate level are given. Thus obtained level for degree of automation may not satisfy the principle that "a human locus of control is required", if the principle is interpreted to the letter. That suggests the need for extending the current recognition on human supervisory control if we desire to attain or improve system safety. The situation-adaptive degree of automation is indispensable for realizing human-centered automation. >
23 citations
01 Apr 1993
TL;DR: Icons that provide an integrated perceptual reprensation of aircraft altitude, altitude change, speed, and projected path are discussed.
Abstract: Situation awareness displays play a critical role in the performance of air traffic controllers, but present versions are far from ideal. One problem is the use of alphanumeric datablocks for critical information such as altitude and speed. Reading datablocks is cumbersome and time-consuming, and additional cognitive effort is required to retain and use the information obtained. We investigated redundant pictorial display of datablock information. Four experiments tested different schemes for depicting altitude. The performance measure was the time to find a target aircraft whose altitude was within 1000 feet of a cued aircraft. Color-coding of altitude (either discrete bands or continuously varying hues) substantially improved performance. A variety of achromatic pictorial codes for altitude (including size, intensity and micro-texture pattern) produced modest improvement or none at all. Icons that provide an integrated perceptual reprensation of aircraft altitude, altitude change, speed, and projected path are discussed.
11 citations
01 Oct 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, a perspective format for a "Tunnel-in-the-Sky" primary flight display was evaluated in a part-task experiment to determine if it provided improved spatial situation awareness compared to a conventional electronic attitude director indicator.
Abstract: A perspective format for a “Tunnel-in-the-Sky” primary flight display was evaluated in a part-task experiment to determine if it provided improved spatial situation awareness compared to a conventional electronic attitude director indicator. Body referenced visual direction to targets on the ground was used to measure spatial situation awareness. Underestimation of visual direction previously observed in laboratory conditions was replicated in the part-task environment. Conditions under which the the “Tunnel” display could provide less biased and more accurate situation awareness were also investigated.
10 citations
01 Feb 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the role of expert cognitive processes in Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and found that high levels or competence result from the interaction between knowledge organization and processing abilities.
Abstract: : This report is the second in the investigation or the role of expert cognitive processes in Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM). The first report defined the differences between expert and novice decision makers and correlated the development or expert pilot cognitive processes with training and experience. This volume continues the research into the understanding of how pilots think by examining human information processing and expert problem solving characteristics. From this analysis: the mental attributes critical to developing expert decision making are explained, and three basic limits on decision making are identified. These are attention span, short term memory and long term memory. Next, the analysis examines the development of Expert Decision Making (EDM) from the comparison or how novices and experts perceive, store, organize and use their knowledge. This analysis shows that high levels or competence result from the interaction between knowledge organization and processing abilities. Experts are round to possess the abilities of rapid access to, and efficient utilization of a highly organized body of conceptual and procedural knowledge. That is, an elaborately structured set of associated concepts, procedures and events based upon many years or study, training and experience in a aviation. The use of this knowledge base is described in terms of the characteristics of EDM related to perception, attention, memory, creativity and superior situational awareness. Since the speed and accuracy of expert cognitive processes make them take on the characteristics of insight or intuition, the role of intuition in decision making is the next analytical part of the investigation.
8 citations
01 Oct 1993
TL;DR: An Air Force training program for visualizing large-scale dynamic spatial relationships from two-dimensional information displays, developed to study how virtual environment technologies can be applied to an aircrew training problem.
Abstract: : In flying air intercepts, a fighter pilot must plan most tactical maneuvers well before acquiring visual contact. Success may depend on the ability to create an accurate mental model of dynamic three-dimensional spatial relationships from two-dimensional information displays. This report describes an Air Force training program for visualizing large-scale dynamic spatial relationships. The Virtual Environment Debrief Interface (VirDI) was developed to study how virtual environment technologies can be applied to an aircrew training problem-specifically, the ability to visualize the geometry of an air intercept while the target is beyond visual range. The trainer employs a low- cost, portable system which accepts data from a F-16 part-task trainer. Within moments of completing a sortie on the simulator, the user may enter and walk through a virtual world containing the ownship, target, and their respective flight trajectories. The training capacity of the system is described along with recommendations for its future expansion. F-16 Training, Situational awareness, Mental model, Three-dimensional, Virtual reality, Post-mission feedback, Virtual environment.
8 citations
23 May 1993
TL;DR: Adaptive automation differs from conventional automation in that it is capable of invoking itself (i.e. turning itself on). as discussed by the authors describes contemporary research into a variety of adaptive automation issues: workload, situation awareness, cycles of automation, control and authority, and alternative interface concepts.
Abstract: : This report encompasses seven papers presented at the Seventh International Symposium on Aviation Psychology and adaptive automation technology. Adaptive automation differs from conventional automation in that it is capable of invoking itself (i.e. turning itself on). The research described in this report presents contemporary research into a variety of adaptive automation issues: workload, situation awareness, cycles of automation, control and authority, and alternative interface concepts.
5 citations
01 Dec 1993
TL;DR: The objective for building this simulation was to develop a parametric model that could be used for analysis in determining the minimum safety level of parallel runway operations for various parameters representing the airplane, navigation, surveillance, and ATC system performance.
Abstract: The correlation of increased flight delays with the level of aviation activity is well recognized. A main contributor to these flight delays has been the capacity of airports. Though new airport and runway construction would significantly increase airport capacity, few programs of this type are currently underway, let alone planned, because of the high cost associated with such endeavors. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve the most efficient and cost effective use of existing fixed airport resources through better planning and control of traffic flows. In fact, during the past few years the FAA has initiated such an airport capacity program designed to provide additional capacity at existing airports. Some of the improvements that that program has generated thus far have been based on new Air Traffic Control procedures, terminal automation, additional Instrument Landing Systems, improved controller display aids, and improved utilization of multiple runways/Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) approach procedures. A useful element to understanding potential operational capacity enhancements at high demand airports has been the development and use of an analysis tool called The PLAND_BLUNDER (PLB) Simulation Model. The objective for building this simulation was to develop a parametric model that could be used for analysis in determining the minimum safety level of parallel runway operations for various parameters representing the airplane, navigation, surveillance, and ATC system performance. This simulation is useful as: a quick and economical evaluation of existing environments that are experiencing IMC delays, an efficient way to study and validate proposed procedure modifications, an aid in evaluating requirements for new airports or new runways in old airports, a simple, parametric investigation of a wide range of issues and approaches, an ability to tradeoff air and ground technology and procedures contributions, and a way of considering probable blunder mechanisms and range of blunder scenarios. This study describes the steps of building the simulation and considers the input parameters, assumptions and limitations, and available outputs. Validation results and sensitivity analysis are addressed as well as outlining some IMC and Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) approaches to parallel runways. Also, present and future applicable technologies (e.g., Digital Autoland Systems, Traffic Collision and Avoidance System II, Enhanced Situational Awareness System, Global Positioning Systems for Landing, etc.) are assessed and recommendations made.
4 citations
20 Sep 1993
TL;DR: The motivation for and preliminary design of a decision aid that assists the operator of a synthetic environment that emulates a large, complex battlespace are presented, and the forms of feedback provided to operators of the synthetic environment are described.
Abstract: The motivation for and preliminary design of a decision aid that assists the operator of a synthetic environment that emulates a large, complex battlespace are presented. The purpose of the decision aid is to increase the situational awareness of the operator concerning the activity within the battlespace. The decision aid, called the fuzzy logic assistant, uses the fuzzy logic control paradigm within designated watchspaces in the battlespace to assess the interest level of the activity and provide feedback concerning the level of interest to the operator. The fuzzy logic operators and rule set used to make assessments are discussed, and the forms of feedback provided to operators of the synthetic environment are described. >
01 Jun 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, an experiment was conducted to compare situational awareness and control ability between two test conditions: note-writing on flight strips containing directional arrows and no arrows on strips (note-writing not allowed, no arrow on strips).
Abstract: : An experiment was conducted to compare situational awareness and control ability between two test conditions. One condition allowed for the active organization of aircraft information (allowed note-writing on flight strips containing directional arrows). The other did not (note-writing not allowed, no arrows on strips). Such flight strip management activities have been cited as critical for the formation and maintenance of the controllers' picture. Participants were eight air traffic controllers with at least four years of on- the-job experience. They were tested using TRACON II, an air traffic control (ATC) simulator for the personal computer (pc) which requires keyboard-entered, rather than verbally-issued commands. Situational awareness was evaluated during intervals in which each of the test scenarios was paused and the display was blocked from view. Participants indicated the locations of all active aircraft on a paper map and reported the last command issued to each. Control performance was evaluated using a variation of the TRACON-provided scoring system. Situational awareness and control performance did not differ as a function of test condition. However, situational awareness was found to differ as a function of reported level of video-game experience. The implications of these results for systems requiring such interaction are discussed. Air traffic control, Flight strips, Controller memory, Note-writing, Situational awareness, Memory enhancement.
01 Jan 1993
TL;DR: The simulation of human performance in situations involving interaction with complex technological interfaces highlights some key issues in cognitive modelling, and an approach that provides for emotional and motivational processes as weil as sensori-motor and cognitive processes is proposed.
Abstract: The simulation of human performance in situations involving interaction with complex technological interfaces highlights some key issues in cognitive modelling. This is illustrated in the behaviour of a pilot engaged in air combat. Modelling a pilot’s situation awareness requires an approach that provides for emotional and motivational processes as weil as sensori-motor and cognitive processes. This strategic decision raises the question of the type of representation to be employed. A response involves determining the relative roles of symbolic and sub-symbolic representation and, more specifically, the relative merits of rules and neural nets.
TL;DR: This system, the M1A2 Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) is the topic of the following paper, which details the design from a system engineering perspective, and a companion paper that presents the optical design perspective.
Abstract: As successful as the M1A1 Abrams tank was in the Gulf War, a program has been under way for several years to improve and modernize the M1A1 to keep pace with new threats and to take advantage of new technology. This program has resulted in the M1A2 upgrade program which significantly improves the survivability and lethality of the tank. First, the point-to-point wiring and analog signal processing was replaced with digital processing and control with a modern, aircraft-style digital data bus. Additional command and control aspects of the upgrade greatly improved the situational awareness of the M1A2 commander. Finally, an additional thermal imaging system was added for the commander. This system, the M1A2 Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) is the topic of the following paper, which details the design from a system engineering perspective, and a companion paper that presents the optical design perspective.
29 Apr 1993
TL;DR: In this article, a concept of gathering, manipulating and disseminating tactical information is described which makes Navy and Marine commanders more effective in their battlespace and better members or leaders of a joint task force.
Abstract: : An over-the-horizon operation is the only prudent technique to carry out amphibious warfare in a modern threat environment. In order to operate over- the-horizon, traditional amphibious command and control must be abandoned, and a new paradigm created and accepted by the amphibious leadership. The Department of the Navy's new maritime philosophy, ...From the Sea , dictates the change. A concept of gathering, manipulating and disseminating tactical information will be described which makes Navy and Marine commanders more effective in their battlespace and better members or leaders of a joint task force. The scope is conceptual with only enough detail to show linkage. Systems are described in order to show their relevance and that they currently exist. Smaller Marine forces are the focus, but the principles are applicable to large scale operations including joint. The paper demonstrates that without a new paradigm of command and control over-the-horizon operations cannot be conducted, and without an over-the-horizon capability, amphibious warfare is not relevant. Amphibious assault, Enabling force, Environment, Communications pipe, Information, Situational awareness.
08 Apr 1993
TL;DR: In this article, the Department of Defense can significantly reduce fratricide by modifying current doctrine and incorporating emerging technologies by addressing situational awareness, target identification, and technology related issues.
Abstract: : Although there are no absolute solutions, the Department of Defense can significantly reduce fratricide by modifying current doctrine and incorporating emerging technologies. This paper addresses situational awareness, target identification and technology related issues. USMC, Command and control, C2, C3, C4I, Joint command and control, Fratricide, Doctrine, Target identification, Combat identification.
01 Apr 1993
TL;DR: Future manned fighter systems must be capable of providing automated command guidance and signal limiting when appropriate and correctly harmonize the automatic functions consistent with the pilot's intention and total tactical situation.
Abstract: : Recent advances in combat automation technologies offer significant potential for improving overall mission effectiveness. Development of advanced situational awareness display concepts, parallel distributed computer architecture and tactical information fusion techniques have paved the way for new operational capabilities and weapon system employment tactics. Harnessing these innovative technologies is critically dependent upon establishing an effective and intuitive pilot vehicle interface. Presentation of accurate situational data at the right time in an appropriate format remains a significant challenge. Effective combat systems must employ anticipatory control laws, data management and display techniques. Consequential trend information based on both current decisions and alternative courses of action is essential. Future manned fighter systems must be capable of providing automated command guidance and signal limiting when appropriate. Additionally, future systems must also correctly harmonize the automatic functions consistent with the pilot's intention and total tactical situation.... Fighter aircraft, Integrated systems, Man machine systems, Data displays, Data fusion, Interfaces, Situational awareness, Parallel processing, Computer systems architecture, Virtual cockpit, Human factors engineering.
01 Dec 1993
TL;DR: The prototype system is embedded within a virtual environment observatory and provides situational awareness assistance for users within a large virtual environment and a technique developed is to allow a user to place analysis modules throughout the virtual environment.
Abstract: : As virtual environments grow in complexity and size, users are increasingly challenged in assessing situations in large-scale virtual environment. This occurs because of the difficulty in determining where to focus attention and assimilating and assessing the information as it floods in. One technique for providing this type of assistance is to provide the user with a first-person, immersive, synthetic environment observation post, that permits unobtrusive observation of the environment without interfering with the activity in the environment. However, for large, complex synthetic environments, this type of support is not sufficient because the portrayal of raw, unanalyzed data in the virtual space can overwhelm the user. To address these problems, this thesis investigates the types of situational awareness assistance that needs to be provided to users of large-scale virtual environments. A technique developed, is to allow a user to place analysis modules throughout the virtual environment. Each module provides summary information to the user concerning the status of the section of the virtual environment that the module was assigned to monitor. The prototype system, called the Sentinel, is embedded within a virtual environment observatory and provides situational awareness assistance for users within a large virtual environment. Fuzzy logic, Situational awareness, Synthetic environments, Object-oriented, Computer graphics.
18 Jun 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, a solution to resolving current communications difficulties derived from OMFTS is offered, its basis is Battlefield Situational Awareness for the commander based on multi-spectrum satellite usage that stresses a primary communications network comprised of high speed data equipment with multiple capabilities.
Abstract: : In this paper, a solution to resolving current communications difficulties derived from OMFTS, is offered. Its basis is Battlefield Situational Awareness for the commander based on multi-spectrum satellite usage that stresses a primary communications network comprised of high speed data equipment with multiple capabilities. Communications systems must be distributed networks feeding real-time battlefield pictures to all echelons of the assault force down to the level of battalions and ships. Continuous situational awareness must be available in all dimensions. Digital communications networks, capable of processing critical information, will be needed in the amphibious assault. In addition to communications support between the Navy and Marine Corps, full integration of communications systems will be required in the joint environment. Though service-internal communication systems may be difficult to integrate, it is imperative that communications systems across service lines are fully integrated and interoperable. This paper addresses joint operations based on OMFTS and examines the problems encountered, while offering some possible solutions. Future systems research and procurement must be done jointly, across service lines. Cost and funding solutions are not addressed in this paper, and it is realized that these are primary factors when developing future communications systems. However, much of the equipment and technology currently exists and can be procured 'off-the-shelf' to support OMFTS. OMFTS is the future of amphibious warfare. Communications to support command and control during OMFTS has surfaced as the most critical element in executing this new and bold concept.
Dissertation•
01 Dec 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effects of automating different aviation tasks on a pilot's ability to regain manual control following automation failure, and found that task-specific effects on performance, workload, and situational awareness of removing the human operator from the control loop for long periods of time and then requiring him/her to suddenly reenter that loop.
Abstract: : The present study investigated the effects of automating different aviation tasks on a pilot's ability to regain manual control following automation failure. The investigation employed a version of the Multi-Attribute Task (MAT) battery (Comstock and Arnegard, 1990) which presents subjects three aviation-relevant tasks: A Tracking task, a System Monitoring task, and a Fuel Management task. Specifically, this study examined task-specific effects on performance, workload, and situational awareness of removing the human operator from the control loop for long periods of time and then requiring him/her to suddenly reenter that loop. A hypothesized task distinction was formulated on the basis of the dynamic versus stable qualities of the internal cognitive model guiding the decision-making process within a particular task. This distinction is presented within the context of a theoretical model of human decision-making in complex, semi-automated cockpits. Results indicated task-specific effects of automation on human performance. Furthermore, data regarding task-specific effects of automation on situational awareness were strongly indicative of the hypothesized distinctions.
TL;DR: The concept, called Global Navigation Satellite System time synchronized time division multiple access, uses a method of allocating time slots for broadcast of position data by aircraft on an absolute satellite-derived time line.
Abstract: This article describes a concept for the broadcast of satellite-based position data. This data has the potential for use for air traffic control applications such as situational awareness or collision avoidance. The concept, called Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time synchronized time division multiple access, uses a method of allocating time slots for broadcast of position data by aircraft on an absolute satellite-derived time line. An on-board unit called the GNSS transponder utilizes a satellite receiver, a data link transmitter and receiver, and a processor. Included in the article are descriptions of the GNSS transponder, message formats, and possible extensions of the concept for operational use. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.