Operator Interface for Flexible Control of Automated Sensor Functions

ABSTRACT:In current UAV systems, sensor management and the extraction of actionable information from sensor video is largely a manual process that requires near-continuous visual attention. Automating these functions will dramatically increase the overall level of UAV autonomy, thereby paving the way for fewer operators to manage more assets. This effort focuses on the operator interface to sensor automation technologies that will support human-automation collaboration and produce flexible, resilient performance in dynamic missions. Using a Cognitive Systems Engineering approach, an operator interface is being developed for automation technologies that are capable of detecting and reporting events, and performing robust target tracking using target re-identification capabilities. This interface includes features for managing attention and situation awareness, managing shifting task priorities, and transitioning among different tasks in a multi-UAV control context.A fully capable prototype of this user interface will be developed and packaged into a software plug-in that can be interfaced with any control station that possesses its own API.BENEFIT:Solutions developed under this effort will have direct application to sensor operators and intelligence analysts, enabling fewer operators to manage larger numbers of vehicles.These solutions could also support the rapidly growing commercial UAV market, making more advanced capabilities available to non-expert users, and offering new and innovative capabilities to commercial UAV developers.Finally, the results of this research can guide the development of new sensor automation technologies that will have high payoff to the military and commercial communities.