Showing papers on "Situation awareness published in 1999"

Level of automation effects on performance, situation awareness and workload in a dynamic control task

Abstract: Various levels of automation (LOA) designating the degree of human operator and computer control were explored within the context of a dynamic control task as a means of improving overall human/machine performance. Automated systems have traditionally been explored as binary function allocations; either the human or the machine is assigned to a given task. More recently, intermediary levels of automation have been discussed as a means of maintaining operator involvement in system performance, leading to improvements in situation awareness and reductions in out-of-the-loop performance problems. A LOA taxonomy applicable to a wide range of psychomotor and cognitive tasks is presented here. The taxonomy comprises various schemes of generic control system function allocations. The functions allocated to a human operator and/or computer included monitoring displays, generating processing options, selecting an 'optimal' option and implementing that option. The impact of the LOA taxonomy was assessed within a dynamic and complex cognitive control task by measuring its effect on human/system performance, situation awareness and workload. Thirty subjects performed simulation trials involving various levels of automation. Several automation failures occurred and out-of-the-loop performance decrements were assessed. Results suggest that, in terms of performance, human operators benefit most from automation of the implementation portion of the task, but only under normal operating conditions; in contrast, removal of the operator from task implementation is detrimental to performance recovery if the automated system fails. Joint human/system option generation significantly degraded performance in comparison to human or automated option generation alone. Lower operator workload and higher situation awareness were observed under automation of the decision making portion of the task (i.e. selection of options), although human/system performance was only slightly improved. The implications of these findings for the design of automated systems are discussed.

Situation Awareness In Aviation Systems

Abstract: In the aviation domain, maintaining a high level of situation awareness is one of the most critical and challenging features of an aircrew’s job. Situation awareness (SA) can be thought of as an internalized mental model of the current state of the flight environment. This integrated picture forms the central organizing feature from which all decision making and action takes place. A vast portion of the aircrew’s job is involved in developing SA and keeping it up to date in a rapidly changing environment. Consider this excerpt demonstrating the criticality of situation awareness for the pilot and it frequent elusiveness.

Automated Intelligent Pilots for Combat Flight Simulation

Abstract: TACAIR-SOAR is an intelligent, rule-based system that generates believable humanlike behavior for large-scale, distributed military simulations. The innovation of the application is primarily a matter of scale and integration. The system is capable of executing most of the airborne missions that the U.S. military flies in fixed-wing aircraft. It accomplishes its missions by integrating a wide variety of intelligent capabilities, including real-time hierarchical execution of complex goals and plans, communication and coordination with humans and simulated entities, maintenance of situational awareness, and the ability to accept and respond to new orders while in flight. The system is currentl y deployed at the Oceana Naval Air Station WISSARD (what-if simulation system for advanced research and development) Lab and the Air Force Research Laboratory in Mesa, Arizona. Its most dramatic use was in the Synthetic Theater of War 1997, which was an operational training exercise that ran for 48 continuous hours during which TACAIR-SOAR flew all U.S. fixed-wing aircraft.

Path planning, terrain avoidance and situation awareness system for general aviation

Abstract: A number of navigation functions are performed on terrain navigation space. One function is to define a dynamic dangerous zone based on flight altitude by locating and aggregating, a set of nodes of terrain height over a minimum flight altitude. Algorithms such as collision check, mountainous area boundary and region growing technique are developed as basic operations for this terrain model. In addition a visibility graph approach for dynamic route selection may adapted to reduce the real-time computational requirements. This approach reduces the size of the search space by establishing a partial visibility graph of terrain and avoids details of the terrain, which do not influence the choice of flight path, independent of the size of the navigation space. By exploiting the multiple and variable resolution properties of Oct-tree terrain models, a series of CFIT warning functions using terrain data as reference are implemented efficiently with existing-on-board terrain data resources.

Shared Mental Models and Shared Displays: An Empirical Evaluation of Team Performance

Abstract: This study experimentally tested the use of shared mental models and shared displays as a means of enhancing team situation awareness (SA). Teams were tested using a simulation that incorporated fe...

Modelling cognitive processes of experienced air traffic controllers.

Abstract: A model of the cognitive activities of experienced air traffic controllers is presented as an example of the challenging theoretical task to model mental processes in a dynamic task environment. Owing to the continuous changes in the task environment and the demand for the temporal co-ordination of activities in air traffic control, the model pays special attention to the mental representation of the situation. This unit of the model plays a salient role in maintaining situational awareness, in anticipating future states, and in co-ordinating simultaneously ongoing events. The assumptions about the mental representation of the changing task environment are discussed within the mental model approach. Its realization within the proposed model is outlined. The model has been developed on the basis of experimental research with air traffic controllers. Brief outlines of the experiments on information intake, and the mental representation as examples of the empirical investigation are presented. In an experime...

Automation Technology and Human Performance: Current Research and Trends

Abstract: : The implementation of complex, and "intelligent" automated devices and machines in such domains as aviation, medicine, driving, and nuclear power has brought in its wake significant new-challenges-for those who work in human factors, cognitive science, and systems engineering. Recognizing the need for a better understanding of human interaction with complex and automated systems, The Third Automation Technology and Human Performance Conference was held in Norfolk, VA, in March 1998. The purpose of this meeting was to address both basic and applied research issues regarding automation technology across a variety of domains. The present report constitutes the proceedings from that meeting and includes sections human interaction with automated technology, driving systems and driver performance, air traffic control, adaptive automation, situation awareness, monitoring and vigilance, workload and fatigue, simulation technology, design and interface issues, and several others. It is expected that innovative experimental research and design standards presented in this report will play an important role in the development of future Naval systems.

Situation awareness in aviation systems. in: handbook of aviation human factors

Abstract: In the aviation domain, maintaining a high level of situation awareness is one of the most critical and challenging features of an aircrew's job. Situation awareness (SA) can be thought of as an internalized mental model of the current state of the flight environment. SA is formally defined as "the perception of the elements in the environment within a volume of time and space, the comprehension of their meaning and the projection of their status in the future". SA can be achieved by drawing on a number of internal mechanisms. The degree to which these structures can be developed and effectively used in the flight environment, the degree to which aircrew can effectively deploy goal driven processing in conjunction with data driven processing, and the degree to which aircrew can avoid the hazards of automaticity will ultimately determine the quality of their SA.

Situation awareness and co-operation within and between hierarchical units in dynamic decision making

Abstract: This paper is a follow-up of a field study of two military command teams and reports an experiment that tests three organizations (serial, parallel and optional) of co-operation and situation awareness within commander teams, as well as the communication between the commander team and the operative level. It was found that most groups in the optional condition performed worse than the groups in the other conditions. It was also found that members of teams in the parallel condition differed from members of teams in the serial condition in their situation awareness. The more successful commander team produced more planning in relation to hypothesis, as well as sending fewer messages in total between the units, than the less successful team.

Providing customized process and situation awareness in the collaboration management infrastructure

Abstract: Collaboration management involves capturing the collaboration process, coordinating the activities of the participating applications and humans, and/or providing awareness, ie, information that is highly relevant to a specific role and situation of a process participant We propose an awareness provisioning solution that allows customization of the awareness delivered to each process participant Unlike existing collaboration management technologies (such as workflow and groupware) that provide only a few built-in awareness choices, the proposed awareness solution allows the specification of what information is to be given to what users and at what time To support this advanced level of awareness, we require the definition of awareness roles and the specification of corresponding awareness descriptions Awareness roles can be dynamically created and associated with any process scope Awareness descriptions define what information is to be given to users in an awareness role Since awareness roles are created or become visible when they are needed, the existence of an awareness role also determines the appropriate time interval during which the information specified in the awareness description can be delivered This customized awareness provisioning approach minimizes information overloading and allows the combination of process-relevant information with external information as needed by the process participants The proposed awareness provisioning solution is employed by the Collaboration Management Infrastructure (CMI), a federated system for collaboration process management Examples from the crisis management domain are presented

Software-enabled control for intelligent UAVs

Abstract: Uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs) demands software architectures capable of distributed computing, plug-and-play of control algorithms, rapid real-time algorithm switching and online reconfiguration and customization of algorithms. An open control platform (OCP)that enables such capabilities is required. Under the DARPA software enabled control (SEC) program, Georgia Tech is teamed with The Boeing Company to develop advances in SEC technologies, as well as to provide a mid-level OCP. The objective of this project is to develop SEC methods for complex dynamic systems with the application focus on intelligent UAVs. The approach is to use a hierarchical control structure where mission planning and situation awareness are at the highest level, the flight control is at the lowest level, and a mid-level controller coordinates the transitions between mode selection and mode implementation through mode switching and reconfigurable control. The focus in this project is to develop mid-level control algorithms for mode transition through mode switching and fault tolerant control through flight control reconfiguration.

Team coordination and communication in a rescue command staff : The role of public representations

Abstract: Work performed in various types of centers of coordination is highly dynamic and requires that a team continuously take actions and make multiple decisions in real time. This type of Work is here refered to as cooperative process management. Through empirical studies, carried out in an underground line control room and in rescue management, this thesis analyzes how the various cognitive artifacts are used by the operator teams in order to match the particular nature of the tasks undertaken. The cognitive artifacts considered range from specially designed wall-mounted electronic boards and computer databases all the way to paper maps, refrigerator magnets, and Post-it notes. Of specialinterest is the local designs, redesigns, and customizations undertaken by the teams in order to create and maintain a mutually shared understanding of the situation at hand. Tiris thesis also examines thecognitive artifacts as coordination and conununication tools.The findings are presented in four articles. The first article focuses on the role of the public artifacts in rescue management, i.e. artifacts which are immediately available to the whole team at the same time and place. Special focus is placed on the role these artifacts play for the creation of common conceptual ground. In the second article, the organization of an underground line control room is analyzed, showing how the same cognitive artifacts play significantly different roles dUring the day andnight shift. The third article describes how cognitive artifacts, which are customized by rescue management teams, structure their work in ways which make the tasks less cognitively demanding. Finally, the fourth article goes through an unusual incident which occurred during underground line operations, in which the team lost its situation awareness. This was due to the difficulty of integrating information which was distributed over several cognitive artifacts.

Implications of reduced involvement in en route air traffic control.

Abstract: : The expansion of the National Route Program will allow airlines to be more flexible in filing and amending flight plans This may result in a change in the role of the air traffic control specialist from direct control to a position with more monitoring responsibilities This change may result in a reduction of situation awareness, memory and vigilance This experiment investigated the effect of moving a controller from the current active control to a monitoring position It examined the effect of the change in involvement and task load by measuring eye movements, workload, situation awareness, system performance, controller performance ratings, organization of information in memory, and responses to questionnaires Controllers received training on a generic en route airspace, the Genera High sector, during four practice simulations of 40 minutes each They then worked four 30-minute experimental scenarios Results indicated that controllers showed a less structured scanning pattern under high task load and active involvement conditions Measured workload correlated well with traffic volume Under monitoring conditions, controllers perceived lower workload Controller situation awareness was lower under monitoring conditions and decreased further with an increase in task load Controllers perceived that their situation awareness did not change between active control and passive monitoring The decrease in situation awareness warrants careful examination of the need for training and assistance of controllers for situations where they no longer function in the current active control position

The Use of Predictive Displays for Aiding Controller Situation Awareness

Abstract: This study provides an empirical evaluation of the effects of an enhanced predictive display concept for air traffic control. The predictive display informed the controller of the targeted altitude...

Datalink communication in flight deck operations: a synthesis of recent studies

Abstract: Current datalink technology provides alphanumeric messages to aircrews using an air-ground digital link This system produces a procedural change by modifying the way pilots and air traffic controllers interact During the last 10 years, many studies have sought to understand and improve pilots' activities and the relationships among controllers and pilots This article presents the salient advantages and drawbacks of such a system for pilots along several dimensions: air-ground and intracockpit communication, party line and situational awareness, and human-machine interaction It also suggests areas that require more work to remove or reduce the main drawbacks

Information design considerations for improving situation awareness in complex problem-solving

Abstract: The conventional techniques for task analysis derive the basic tasks that make up user actions. However, in the complex-problem solving environment, attempts to describe step-by-step actions breakdown because no single route to a solution exists. Although individual tasks can be defined, task-analysis normally results in the tasks being divorced from context. However, to support complex problem-solving, the design must place the information within the situation context and allow users to develop and maintain situation awareness.

Cognitive and Behavioral Task Implications for Three-Dimensional Displays Used in Combat Information/Direction Centers

Abstract: : This report discusses an investigation to determine which tactical information should be displayed in three dimensions (3-D), as visualized data that would be beneficial to the warfighter's understanding of the battlespace. A cognitive task analysis was conducted using warfighting personnel from Surface Warfare Officer's School (SWOS), Joint Maritime Command Information System (JMCIS) instructors at Navy Technical Training Center, Corry Station, and participants at the "All Service Combat Identification and Evaluation Team, 1997" combat training exercise. Our task analysis found that a 3-D display could enhance situation awareness by providing a succinct, comprehensive, and readily discernable presentation of the common tactical picture. 3-D displays could aid tactical decisionmakers in three general cognitive/perceptual areas: (1) assessing the force structure of friends, neutrals, possible adversaries, and noncombatants, (2) anticipating possible future actions based upon capabilities, historical precedent, and current political climate, and (3) refining and rehearsing contingency plans based on an assessment of the possible threat. Our analysis examined these processes and determined that a 3-D display could provide enhancement in submarine and mine location/interdiction, amphibious assault/land support, and air warfare planning and execution.

Air traffic controller agent model for free flight

Abstract: The objective of this research was to design and demonstrate an agent-based modeling and analysis tool for evaluating air traffic controller (ATC) performance under free flight air traffic management (ATM), and to develop a distributed decision-making model to investigate the potential for collaborative problemsolving under free flight. We developed a set of intelligent agent models representing ATC and pilot behavior in free flight. These models contain simplified representations of information processing and situation assessment applied to air traffic conflict detection. They also contain detailed air traffic conflict resolution models applying collaborative decisionmaking via inter-agent negotiation. We demonstrated the operation of a limited-scope prototype in a set of simulation trials designed to exercise the multi-agent decision-making model under a spectrum of free flight air traffic configurations. The results showed that our agent models are capable of performing on-line learning to support global situation awareness (SA) in the air traffic environment. The nature of conflict resolution maneuvers negotiated by the agents varied with conflict geometry in a manner consistent with intuitive expectation.

Organizational factors associated with safety and mission success in aviation environments. in: handbook of aviation human factors

Abstract: This paper examines the organizational factors in aviation safety and mission success. The organizations involved cover the entire range of aviation organizations, from airline operations departments to airports, manufacturing organizations, air traffic control, and corporate flight departments. Organizational factors include such things as organizational structure, management, corporate culture, training, and recruitment. The main focus is civil aviation, but some attention is devoted to space and military issues.

Flying complex approaches using a head-up display: effects of visibility and display type

Abstract: Air traffic controllers, both civil and military, will soon have the ability to direct pilots to fly complex landing approaches The imminent replacement of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) with a landing system based on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology at major airports in the United States will allow pilots to fly landing approaches with curved segments and varying descent rates in order to avoid noise abatement areas From a military standpoint, flying complex approaches will allow better threat avoidance and operational security Current head-up primary flight references may be inadequate to fly these complex approaches, but the proposed alternative ‐ a pathway-in-the-sky and/or synthetic terrain display ‐ may involve too much clutter for a head-up display (HUD), depending on visibility conditions This paper reports the findings of an on-going program of research in the Air Force Research Laboratory designed to create a next-generation, head-up primary flight reference that will allow pilots to fly complex approach and weapon delivery paths regardless of visibility conditions The findings of three studies examining different head-up display formats and external visibility conditions are summarized The conclusions drawn from these studies are that a head-up pathway-in-the-sky display will greatly improve pilots’ ability to fly complex flight paths in comparison to the current military standard head-up display regardless of external visibility, and that the inclusion of synthetic terrain in the HUD will improve situation awareness in reduced visibility conditions

Ubiquitous command and control

Abstract: Advances the concept of ubiquitous command and control. It further contends that the concept is representative of the command and control systems we will have in the 2020s and 2030s.

Development of a Helicopter Vortex Ring State Warning System Through a Moving Map Display Computer

Abstract: : The need for improved pilot aids has become a high priority item for pilots and aircrews operating at sea and ashore. Pilot aids such as the moving map display, GPWS, collision, and vortex ring state (VRS) warning systems will significantly enhance aircrew situational awareness and safety. Many more of today's aircraft mishaps are a result of pilot error, which includes a loss of situational awareness. The moving map display provides relatively easy incorporation of sophisticated pilot aids without operational flight program (OFP) modification. This thesis discusses, examines and selects a vortex ring state prediction algorithm to be incorporated in the GADGHT unit. A program was written that manipulated required aircraft performance data from the ARINC 429 data bus and compared this data to vortex ring state boundaries predicted by the algorithm. The GADGHT unit provides an audible and visual warning to the pilots when the aircraft has penetrated the VRS boundaries. This warning system will provide increased safety and situational awareness to helicopter crews operating in increasingly demanding 0perational environments.

Measuring Driver Adaptation to In-Vehicle Information Systems: Disassociation of Subjective and Objective Situation Awareness Measures

Abstract: This study examined a range of design parameters for an in-vehicle signing and warning system, using a low-fidelity driving simulator and a variety of driver performance measures. A series of probe questions provided an objective measure of situation awareness, and drivers' confidence ratings in these answers provided a subjective measure of situation awareness. The correspondence between the accuracy of the answers to the probe questions and subjective confidence in the answers to the probe questions provides a measure of meta-situation awareness. Meta-situation awareness is a necessary condition for the validity of any subjective measure of situation awareness. Analysis of subjective and objective measures of situation awareness showed that they were both sensitive to design parameters, but that they responded in different ways. In addition, they were poorly calibrated and were only slightly correlated. This indicates a poor level of meta-situation awareness. Poor meta-situation awareness argues for gre...

Qualitative modeling of complex systems for cognitive engineering

Abstract: In this paper, the techniques of using fuzzy cognitive maps will be outlined, and demonstrated with an example. Fuzzy cognitive maps will be used as a way to model the causal process in a cognitive system. With such a model interventions to change the dynamics of the system can be developed. In the particular example, the information on a display needed to be improved to support group situation awareness within an AWACS team. A fuzzy cognitive map was developed of the chain of causality that led from the current information structure of the AWACS display to the loss of situation awareness. The map could then be examined to identify ways in which the linkages could be altered to improve situation awareness, and points at which technology could be applied. From this a set of design changes could be recommended.

Exploring the Impact of Advanced Alarms, Displays, and Computerized Procedures on Teams

Abstract: New support technologies embody hypotheses about what constitutes effective support, and how technological change is expected to shape cognition and collaboration. Introduction of these technologies into a field of practice provides an opportunity to test and revise our understanding. An illustrative case is presented that examined the impact of introducing advanced human-system interfaces (HSIs), including a computer-based procedure system, an advanced alarm system, and a graphic display system, into a conventional power plant control room. Crews were observed using the HSIs to handle simulated plant disturbances in a full-scope simulator. The HSIs generally provided positive support and reduced workload as intended. However, unanticipated impacts were also identified. Of particular note was the effect on team structure and communication. The computerized systems altered the distribution of information across crew members and communication patterns, affecting the situation awareness of individual crew me...

Situation awareness and procedure following

Abstract: Aeronautics procedures are used as prescribed action lists to help human operators remember and follow mandatory steps that guarantee safety, workload and performance criteria. A study of the use of procedures in the civil aviation domain surveyed 207 pilots using four investigation methods, including the observation of 140 hours of full-flight simulator. The results of this study are used to address why human operators of safety-critical systems use, misuse or do not use procedures to keep control of a situation, and how they cope with situation awareness. This paper suggests that new perspectives on design may be required to support the further development of warning systems, the design of procedure and the definition of the pilots’ role.

Distributed-aperture infrared sensor systems

Abstract: The on-going maturation of electro-optic technology in which the advent of third generation focal plane array is being combined with the capabilities of increasingly powerful signal processing algorithm now points to a new direction in design of electro-optic sensor system for both military and non-military applications. Taking advantage of those advances. Distributed Aperture IR Sensor systems (DAIRS) are currently in development within the Defense Department for installation in a variety of platforms for utilization in a wide variety of tactical scenarios. DAIRS employs multiple fixed identical sensor to obtain the functionality that was previously obtained using specialized sensors for each function. In its role in tactical scenarios. DAIRS employs multiple fixed identical sensor to obtain the functionality that was previously obtained using specialized sensor for each function. In its role in tactical aircraft, DAIRS uses an array of six strategically located sensors which provide 4(pi) steradian sensor coverage, i.e., full sphere situational awareness (SA), to the aircrew. That awareness provides: missile threat warning, IR Search and Track, battle damage assessment, targeting assistance, and pilotage. DAIRS has applicability in providing expanded SA for surface ships, armored land vehicles and unmanned air combat vehicles. A typical sensor design has less than twenty-five percent of the weight, volume, and electrical power demand of current federated airborne IR sensor system and can become operational with a significant reduction in lifetime system cost. DAIRS, when combined with autocueing, may have a significant role in technological advancement of aircraft proximity warning system for in-flight collision avoidance. DAIRS is currently founded in part by the Office of Naval Research which will result in the IR Distributed Aperture System (MIDAS), which is funded as a Navy Advanced Technology Demonstration, the DAIRS will undergo airborne testing using four sensor in FY-00. MIDAS will include integration of a helmet mounted display for situational awareness imaging.

Adaptive remote-sensing techniques implementing swarms of mobile agents

Abstract: Measurement and signal intelligence of the battlespace has created new requirements in information management, communication and interoperability as they effect surveillance and situational awareness. In many situations, stand-off remote-sensing and hazard-interdiction techniques over realistic operational areas are often impractical and difficult to characterize. An alternative approach is to implement adaptive remote-sensing techniques with swarms of mobile agents employing collective behavior for optimization of mapping signatures and positional orientation (registration). We have expanded intelligent control theory using physics-based collective behavior models and genetic algorithms to produce a uniquely powerful implementation of distributed ground-based measurement incorporating both local collective behavior, and niter-operative global optimization for sensor fusion and mission oversight. By using a layered hierarchical control architecture to orchestrate adaptive reconfiguration of semi-autonomous robotic agents, we can improve overall robustness and functionality in dynamic tactical environments without information bottlenecking.