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AviationPilotless Aircraft

Workload-Based Automated Interface Mode Selection

Authors: Andrew J Compton; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
Abstract:
The increase in the size of the Air Force's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) fleet, and the desire to reduce operational manning requirements, has led to an interest in Multiple Aircraft Control (MAC) technology. The MAC concept is highly prone to operator overload, as it requires operators to maintain awareness for multiple aircraft. To attempt to mitigate the potential of operator overload, this research introduces an agent into the system interface to assume responsibility for managing automation mode selection. The agent uses a novel dynamic scheme for determining how and when to introduce automation assistance to the operator. By using a reinforcement learning approach, the interface agent is able to correlate an operator's workload and performance levels. This allows the agent to determine the most appropriate times to introduce automation assistance. By automating tasks at appropriate times, the agent helps the system balance the operator's workload level, striking the best possible balance between operator awareness and overall performance, while reducing the potential for operator overload.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Master's thesis
Pages: 120
Report Date: 22 Mar 2012
Report Number: A630955
Keywords relating to this report:
AIRCRAFT
AUTOMATION
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
INTERFACES
LEARNING
MANPOWER
OPERATORS(PERSONNEL)
OVERLOAD
PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
REQUIREMENTS
THESES
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