Intelligent Information Leveling Prioritization/filtering Methods for Helmet Mounted Displays

With advances in the Army rotorcraft, the trend towards cooperative man/machine Mission Equipment Packages (MEPs) that synergistically integrate cognitive decision aiding knowledge-based systems, and the complexity of Army aviation missions, it is desired to investigate and develop intelligent information presentations for a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) as the aircraft flight regime changes. Current HMD declutter mechanisms only offer discrete, predetermined solutions. This SBIR would address intelligent HMD display tailoring methodologies that would take advantage of the unfolding information flow within a modern MEP. This intelligent decluttering approach would then continually provide the aircrew with most relevant and important information. SYMVIONICS terms this approach as Information Leveling. Information Leveling, as applied to the HMD, will enhance mission effectiveness and crew safety, minimize crew workload, and maximize situational awareness. For Phase I, a variety of mission analyses for a typical Army aviation mission will be performed. Next, an information/action requirements analysis will be performed. Next, an information/action requirements analysis will be accomplished, accounting for the type of HMD (and its symbology set) and the MEP for the selected rotocraft. Several intelligent Informational Leveling prioritization/filtering techniques will be derived, taking advantage of the processing capability of the MEP. Finally, derived Information Leveling logic will be demonstrated using computer-based modeling and simulation.