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 In some cases, a downloadable file of the paper is available from the NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) or from an external source such as the publisher or the association. For NTRS, a link to the NTRS listing is provided. If NTRS does not have a downloadable version, ordering information is provided. Once you are in NTRS, click the Title to learn more about publication availability. |
| Title | Year | Author | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| + Airborne Forward Looking Interferometer Turbulence Investigation | 2007 | Gimmestad, G.G. West, L. L., Smith, W.L., Kireev, S., Liu, X., Schaffner, P.R. & Murray, J.J. | Weather Sensing; Remote Sensing |
| Abstract: The NASA Langley Research Center is conducting a feasibility study to assess the capability of a Forward Looking Interferometer (FLI) to detect and measure hazards to aircraft. The FLI concept is an aircraft-mounted Michelson Fourier transform spectrometer capable of measuring atmospheric conditions ahead of the aircraft for the purpose of detecting hazards to the aircraft or determining other information relative to flight deck requirements. Hazards of interest include turbulence, low visibility, slant range VFR/IFR visibility transitions (by evaluating optical extinction parameters), volcanic ash, icing conditions, dry wind shear, and wake vortices. The NASA Langley Research Center is conducting a feasibility study to assess the capability of a Forward Looking Interferometer (FLI) to detect and measure hazards to aircraft. The FLI concept is an aircraft-mounted Michelson Fourier transform spectrometer capable of measuring atmospheric conditions ahead of the aircraft for the purpose of detecting hazards to the aircraft or determining other information relative to flight deck requirements. Hazards of interest include turbulence, low visibility, slant range VFR/IFR visibility transitions (by evaluating optical extinction parameters), volcanic ash, icing conditions, dry wind shear, and wake vortices. Citation: 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Reno, NV(Jan 2007) | |||
| + Application of the H-Mode, a Design and Interaction Concept for Highly Automated Vehicles, to Aircraft | 2006 | Goodrich, Kenneth H.; Flemisch, Frank O.; Schutte, Paul C.; Williams, Ralph A. | Automation |
| Abstract: Driven by increased safety, efficiency, and airspace capacity, automation is playing an increasing role in aircraft operations. As aircraft become increasingly able to autonomously respond to a range of situations with performance surpassing human operators, we are compelled to look for new methods that help us understand their use and guide their design using new forms of automation and interaction. We propose a novel design metaphor to aid the conceptualization, design, and operation of highly-automated aircraft. Design metaphors transfer meaning from common experiences to less familiar applications or functions. A notable example is the "Desktop metaphor" for manipulating files on a computer. This paper describes a metaphor for highly automated vehicles known as the H-metaphor and a specific embodiment of the metaphor known as the H-mode as applied to aircraft. The fundamentals of the H-metaphor are reviewed followed by an overview of an exploratory usability study investigating human-automation interaction issues for a simple H-mode implementation. The envisioned application of the H-mode concept to aircraft is then described as are two planned evaluations. Citation: 25th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 2006 IEEE/AIAA 15-19 Oct. 2006 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Automatic Detection of Interaction Vulnerabilities in an Executable Specification | 2007 | Feary, M. | Design Methods |
| Abstract:Abstract: This paper presents an approach to providing designers with the means to detect Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) vulnerabilities without requiring extensive HCI expertise. The goal of the approach is to provide timely, useful analysis results early in the design process, when modifications are less expensive. The twin challenges of providing timely and useful analysis results led to the development and evaluation of computational analyses, integrated into a software prototyping toolset. The toolset, referred to as the Automation Design and Evaluation Prototyping Toolset (ADEPT) was constructed to enable the rapid development of an executable specification for automation behavior and user interaction. The term executable specification refers to the concept of a testable prototype whose purpose is to support development of a more accurate and complete requirements specification. Citation: 12th International Human Computer Interaction Conference, Bejing, China, July 22-27, 2007 + To download PDF from publisher | |||
| + Cockpit Displays for Enhancing Terminal-Area Situational Awareness and Runway Safety | 2007 | Hyer, P.V. and Otero, S. | Runway Incursions; Surface Operations |
| Abstract: HUD and PFD displays have been developed to enhance situational awareness and improve runway safety. These displays were designed to seamlessly transition through all phases of flight providing guidance and information to the pilot. This report describes the background of the Langley Research Center (LaRC) HUD and PFD work, the steps required to integrate the displays with those of other LaRC programs, the display characteristics of the several operational modes and the transitional logic governing the transition between displays. Citation: NASA/CR-2007-214545 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Cockpit Technology for Prevention of General Aviation Runway Incursions | 2007 | Prinzel, Lawrence J., III; Jones, Denise R. | Runway Incursions |
| Abstract: General aviation accounted for 74 percent of runway incursions but only 57 percent of the operations during the four-year period from fiscal year (FY) 2001 through FY2004. Elements of the NASA Runway Incursion Prevention System were adapted and tested for general aviation aircraft. Sixteen General Aviation pilots, of varying levels of certification and amount of experience, participated in a piloted simulation study to evaluate the system for prevention of general aviation runway incursions compared to existing moving map displays. Pilots flew numerous complex, high workload approaches under varying weather and visibility conditions. A rare-event runway incursion scenario was presented, unbeknownst to the pilots, which represented a typical runway incursion situation. The results validated the efficacy and safety need for a runway incursion prevention system for general aviation aircraft. Citation: 14th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 23-26 Apr. 2007, Dayton, OH + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Design and Testing of an Unlimited Field-of-regard Synthetic Vision Head-worn Display for Commercial Aircraft Surface Operations | 2007 | Arthur, Jarvis J., III; Prinzel, Lawrence J., III; Shelton, Kevin J.; Kramer, Lynda J.; Williams, Steven P.; Bailey, Randall E.; Norman, Robert M. | Head-Worn Displays; Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: Experiments and flight tests have shown that a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a head-down, electronic moving map (EMM) can be enhanced with Synthetic Vision for airport surface operations. While great success in ground operations was demonstrated with a HUD, the research noted that two major HUD limitations during ground operations were their monochrome form and limited, fixed field of regard. A potential solution to these limitations found with HUDs may be emerging Head Worn Displays (HWDs). HWDs are small, lightweight full color display devices that may be worn without significant encumbrance to the user. By coupling the HWD with a head tracker, unlimited field-of-regard may be realized for commercial aviation applications. In the proposed paper, the results of two ground simulation experiments conducted at NASA Langley are summarized. The experiments evaluated the efficacy of head-worn display applications of Synthetic Vision and Enhanced Vision technology to enhance transport aircraft surface operations. The two studies tested a combined six display concepts (1) paper charts with existing cockpit displays, (2) baseline consisting of existing cockpit displays including a Class III electronic flight bag display of the airport surface (3) an advanced baseline that also included displayed traffic and routing information, (4) a modified version of a HUD and EMM display demonstrated in previous research (5) an unlimited field-of-regard, full color, head-tracked HWD with a conformal 3-D synthetic vision surface view and (6) a fully integrated HWD concept. The fully integrated HWD concept is a head-tracked, color, unlimited field-of-regard concept that provides a 3-D conformal synthetic view of the airport surface integrated with advanced taxi route clearance, taxi precision guidance, and data-link capability. The results of the experiments showed that the fully integrated HWD provided greater path performance compared to using paper charts alone. Further, when comparing the HWD with the HUD concept, there were no differences in path performance. In addition, the HWD and HUD concepts were rated via paired-comparisons the same in terms of situational awareness and workload. However, there were over twice as many taxi incursion events with the HUD than the HWD. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 6559 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Effectively Transforming IMC Flight Into VMC Flight: An SVS Case Study | 2006 | Glaab, L.J., Parrish, R.V., Hughes, M., and Takallu, M. | Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: A flight-test experiment was conducted using the NASA LaRC Cessna 206 aircraft. Four primary flight and navigation display concepts, including baseline and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) concepts, were evaluated in the local area of Roanoke Virginia Airport, flying visual and instrument approach procedures. A total of 19 pilots, from 3 pilot groups reflecting the diverse piloting skills of the GA population, served as evaluation pilots. Multi-variable Discriminant Analysis was applied to three carefully selected and markedly different operating conditions with conventional instrumentation to provide an extension of traditional analysis methods as well as provide an assessment of the effectiveness of SVS displays to effectively transform IMC flight into VMC flight. Citation: Proceedings of the 25th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Portland, OR, Oct. 15-19, 2006. + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Evaluation of Head-Worn Display Concepts for Commercial Aircraft Taxi Operations | 2006 | Bailey, Randall E.; Arthur, Jarvis J., III; Prinzel, Lawrence J., III; Kramer, Lynda J. | Head-Worn Displays; Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: Previous research has demonstrated that a Head-Up Display (HUD) can be used to enable more capacity and safer aircraft surface operations. This previous research also noted that the HUD exhibited two major limitations which hindered the full potential of the display concept 1) the monochrome HUD format and, 2) a limited, fixed field of regard. Full-color Head Worn Displays (HWDs) with very small sizes and weights are emerging to the extent that this technology may be practical for commercial and business aircraft operations. By coupling the HWD with a head tracker, full-color, out-the-window display concepts with an unlimited field-of-regard may be realized to improve efficiency and safety in surface operations. A ground simulation experiment was conducted at NASA Langley to evaluate the efficacy of head-worn display applications which may directly address the limitations of the HUD while retaining all of its advantages in surface operations. The simulation experiment used airline crews to evaluate various displays (HUD, HWD) and display concepts in an operationally realistic environment by using a Chicago, O Hare airport database. The results pertaining to the implications of HWDs for commercial business and transport aviation applications are presented herein. Overall HWD system latency was measured and found to be acceptable, but not necessarily optimal. A few occurrences of simulator sickness were noted while wearing the HWD, but overall there appears to be commercial pilot acceptability and usability to the concept. Many issues were identified which need to be addressed in future research including continued reduction in user encumbrance due to the HWD, and improvement in image alignment, accuracy, and boresighting. Citation: Proceeding of SPIE, Vol. 6557 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Experimental Evaluation of a Strategic Trajectory Automation Concept for the NAS | 2007 | Mueller, E. | Human-Automation Systems |
| Abstract:This paper presents research on the interoperability of trajectory-based automation concepts and technologies with modern Flight Management Systems and datalink communication available on many of today's commercial aircraft. A tight integration of trajectory-based ground automation systems with the aircraft Flight Management System through datalink will enable mid-term and far-term benefits from trajectory-based automation methods. A two-way datalink connection between the trajectory-based automation resident in the Center/TRACON Automation System and the Future Air Navigation System-1 integrated FMS/datalink in NASA Ames' B747-400 Level D simulator has been established and extensive simulation of the use of datalink messages to generate strategic trajectories completed. A strategic trajectory is defined as an aircraft deviation needed to solve a conflict or honor a route request and then merge the aircraft back to its nominal preferred trajectory using a single continuous trajectory clearance. Engineers on the "ground side" of the datalink generated lateral and vertical trajectory clearances and transmitted them to the Flight Management System of the 747; the airborne automation then flew the new trajectory without human intervention, requiring the flight crew only to review and to accept the trajectory. This simulation established the protocols needed for a significant majority of the trajectory change types required to solve a traffic conflict or deviate around weather. This demonstration provides a basis for understanding the requirements for integration of trajectory-based automation with current Flight Management Systems and datalink to support future National Airspace System operations. Available through Google Scholar Citation: 7th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration and Operations Conference (ATIO), September 18-20, 2007 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Formal Analysis and Automatic Generation of User Interfaces: Approach, Methodology, and an Algorithm | 2007 | Heymann, M., and Degani, A. | Design Methods |
| Abstract:In this paper we propose a formal approach and methodology for analysis and generation of human-machine interfaces, with special emphasis on human-automation interaction. Our approach focuses on the information content of the interface-that is, on "what should be presented"-rather than on the form and layout of the graphical user interface ("how it should be presented"). The methodology is guided by two criteria: First and foremost, the interface must be correct. That is, given the interface indications and all related information (e.g., user manuals, training material, etc.), the user must be able to successfully perform the specified tasks. Second, the interface and related information should be succinct-that is, the amount of information (e.g., mode indications, mode buttons, parameter settings, etc.) presented to the user should be reduced (abstracted) to the minimum necessary. The foundation of our approach is the notion of information abstraction. We argue that in terms of the information provided on the interface, user interfaces are always an abstract description of the underlying behavior of the machine. The correspondence between what is presented to the user and the inner working of the machine is the focus of the verification and abstraction method presented in this paper. We discuss these concepts and illustrate a step-by-step procedure for generating correct and succinct user interfaces. Two examples are used to illustrate the procedure. The procedure for generating interfaces can be automated, and a software system for its implementation has already been developed. Available through Google Scholar Citation: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Human Factors, Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 311-330, Apr 2007 | |||
| + Fusion of Synthetic and Enhanced Vision for All-Weather Commercial Aviation Operations | 2007 | Bailey, Randall E.; Kramer, Lynda J.; Prinzel, Lawrence, III | Synthetic Vision; Enhanced Vision |
| Abstract: NASA is developing revolutionary crew-vehicle interface technologies that strive to proactively overcome aircraft safety barriers that would otherwise constrain the full realization of the next-generation air transportation system. A piloted simulation experiment was conducted to evaluate the complementary use of Synthetic and Enhanced Vision technologies. Specific focus was placed on new techniques for integration and or fusion of Enhanced and Synthetic Vision and its impact within a two-crew flight deck during low visibility approach and landing operations. Overall, the experimental data showed that significant improvements in situation awareness, without concomitant increases in workload and display clutter, could be provided by the integration and or fusion of synthetic and enhanced vision technologies for the pilot-flying and the pilot-not-flying. During non-normal operations, the ability of the crew to handle substantial navigational errors and runway incursions were not adversely impacted by the display concepts although the addition of Enhanced Vision did not, unto itself, provide an improvement in runway incursion detection. Citation:NATO HFM-141 Symposium on Human Factors of Day/Night All-Weather Operations, 23-25 Apr. 2007, Heraklion, Greece + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Going Below Minimums The Efficacy of Display Enhanced Synthetic Vision Fusion for Go-Around Decisions during Non-Normal Operations | 2007 | Prinzel, Lawrence J., III; Kramer, Lynda J.; Bailey, Randall E. | Synthetic Vision; Enhanced Vision |
| Abstract: The use of enhanced vision systems in civil aircraft is projected to increase rapidly as the Federal Aviation Administration recently changed the aircraft operating rules under Part 91, revising the flight visibility requirements for conducting approach and landing operations. Operators conducting straight-in instrument approach procedures may now operate below the published approach minimums when using an approved enhanced flight vision system that shows the required visual references on the pilot's Head-Up Display. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the complementary use of synthetic vision systems and enhanced vision system technologies, focusing on new techniques for integration and or fusion of synthetic and enhanced vision technologies and crew resource management while operating under these newly adopted rules. Experimental results specific to flight crew response to non-normal events using the fused synthetic enhanced vision system are presented. Citation:14th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 23-26 Apr. 2007, Dayton, OH, United States + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Multi-Dimensionality of Synthetic Vision Cockpit Displays Prevention of Controlled-Flight-Into-Terrain | 2006 | Prinzel, Lawrence J., III; Kramer, Lynda J.; Arthur, Jarvis J.; Bailey, Randall E. | Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: NASA's Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) project is developing technologies with practical applications that will help to eliminate low visibility conditions as a causal factor to civil aircraft accidents while replicating the operational benefits of clear day flight operations, regardless of the actual outside visibility condition. The paper describes experimental evaluation of a multi-mode 3-D exocentric synthetic vision navigation display concept for commercial aircraft. Experimental results showed the situation awareness benefits of 2-D and 3-D exocentric synthetic vision displays over traditional 2-D co-planar navigation and vertical situation displays. Conclusions and future research directions are discussed. Citation: 50th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 16-20 Oct. 2006, San Francisco, CA + Visit NTRS | |||
| + New Directions Derived from Variations on the Theme of Feedback in Augmented Cognition | 2007 | Pope, A. | Operator State |
| Citation: Augmented Cognition conference track at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) Annual Meeting held in San Francisco, California, October 17, 2006 | |||
| + Pilot State Classification and Mitigation in a Fixed and Rotary Wing Platform | 2007 | Schnell, T., Keller, M., & Macuda, T. | Operator State |
| Citation: presented at the Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) annual conference, New Orleans, LA, May 16, 2007 | |||
| + Pressing the Approach - A Study of Recent Accidents Yielding a New Perspective on Pilot Error, Aviation Safety World, Flight Safety Foundation | 2006 | Berman, B & Dismukes, R.K. | Accident Analysis |
| Citation: A Study of Recent Accidents Yielding a New Perspective on Pilot Error, Aviation Safety World, Flight Safety Foundation. + Visit K. Dismuke's Website to Download | |||
| + Requirements for a design knowledge capture tool to support NASA's Complex Systems. International Workshop on Managing Knowledge for Space Missions | 2007 | Hooey, B., and Foyle, D. | Design Methods |
| Abstract: An understanding of the design rationale, or the justification for design decisions made throughout the design process, is necessary in order to understand, recreate, or modify a design. However, this information is rarely captured in a systematic and usable format because there are no tools that adequately facilitate and support the capture of these critical decisions. This paper summarizes the requirements for a design rationale capture tool that supports the capture and retrieval of relevant design knowledge throughout three phases of the design process: Conceptual Design, Design Implementation, and Design Evaluation and Transfer. Citation: International Workshop on Managing Knowledge for Space Missions. Pasadena, CA (July 17-19, 2007) + To Download | |||
| + Runway Incursion Prevention for General Aviation Operations | 2006 | Jones, Denise R.; Prinzel, Lawrence J., III | Runway Incursions |
| Abstract: A Runway Incursion Prevention System (RIPS) and additional incursion detection algorithm were adapted for general aviation operations and evaluated in a simulation study at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) in the fall of 2005. RIPS has been designed to enhance surface situation awareness and provide cockpit alerts of potential runway conflicts in order to prevent runway incidents while also improving operational capability. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the airborne incursion detection algorithms and associated alerting and airport surface display concepts for general aviation operations. This paper gives an overview of the system, simulation study, and test results. Citation: 25th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 15 - 19 Oct. 2006, Portland, Oregon + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Small-vocabulary speech recognition using surface electromyography | 2006 | Betts, B. J., Binsted, K., and Jorgensen, C. | Multi-Modal Interfaces |
| Abstract: We present results of electromyographic (EMG) speech recognition on a small vocabulary of 15 English words. EMG speech recognition holds promise for mitigating the effects of high acoustic noise on speech intelligibility in communication systems, including those used by first responders (a focus of this work). We collected 150 examples per word of single-channel EMG data from a male subject, speaking normally while wearing a firefighter's self-contained breathing apparatus. The signal processing consisted of an activity detector, a feature extractor, and a neural network classifier. Testing produced an overall average correct classification rate on the 15 words of 74% with a 95% confidence interval of (71%, 77%). Once trained, the subject used a classifier as part of a real-time system to communicate to a cellular phone and to control a robotic device. These tasks were performed under an ambient noise level of approximately 95 decibels. We also describe ongoing work on phoneme-level EMG speech recognition. Citation: Interacting with Computers, 18(2006) pp. 1242-1259. | |||
| + Synthetic Vision Systems - Operational Considerations Simulation Experiment | 2007 | Kramer, Lynda J.; Williams, Steven P.; Bailey, Randall E.; Glaab, Louis J. | Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: Synthetic vision is a computer-generated image of the external scene topography that is generated from aircraft attitude, high-precision navigation information, and data of the terrain, obstacles, cultural features, and other required flight information. A synthetic vision system (SVS) enhances this basic functionality with real-time integrity to ensure the validity of the databases, perform obstacle detection and independent navigation accuracy verification, and provide traffic surveillance. Over the last five years, NASA and its industry partners have developed and deployed SVS technologies for commercial, business, and general aviation aircraft which have been shown to provide significant improvements in terrain awareness and reductions in the potential for Controlled-Flight-Into-Terrain incidents accidents compared to current generation cockpit technologies. It has been hypothesized that SVS displays can greatly improve the safety and operational flexibility of flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) to a level comparable to clear-day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), regardless of actual weather conditions or time of day. An experiment was conducted to evaluate SVS and SVS-related technologies as well as the influence of where the information is provided to the pilot (e.g., on a Head-Up or Head-Down Display) for consideration in defining landing minima based upon aircraft and airport equipage. The "operational considerations" evaluated under this effort included reduced visibility, decision altitudes, and airport equipage requirements, such as approach lighting systems, for SVS-equipped aircraft. Subjective results from the present study suggest that synthetic vision imagery on both head-up and head-down displays may offer benefits in situation awareness workload and approach and landing performance in the visibility levels, approach lighting systems, and decision altitudes tested. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 6559 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Very Light Jets in the National Airspace System | 2007 | Burian, B. | Very Light Jets |
| Abstract: Problems that potential very light jet (VLJ) pilots of the future are having in the aircraft they currently fly, as evidenced in incident and accident reports, were analyzed. Significant problems identified include poor crew/single pilot resource management, low currency, inadequate preflight planning, avionics use difficulties, and cognitive performance issues, among others. Implications for training future VLJ pilots are discussed. Citation: Proceedings of the 14th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology. Dayton, OH + To Download | |||
| + The Limits of Expertise - Rethinking Pilot Error and the Causes of Airline Accidents | 2007 | Dismukes, K., Berman, B., and Loukopoulos, L. | Accident Analysis |
| Citation: Ashgate Studies in Human Factors for Flight Operations, Ashgate, 2007. + Visit Publisher's Website | |||
| + Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) Overview | 2008 | Daniels, T., Moninger, W., & Mamrosh, R. | |
| Abstract: This paper is an overview of the Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) project, giving some history on the project, various applications of the atmospheric data, and future ideas and plans. As part of NASA's Aviation Safety and Security Program, the TAMDAR project developed a small low-cost sensor that collects useful meteorological data and makes them available in near real time to improve weather forecasts. This activity has been a joint effort with FAA, NOAA, universities, and industry. A tri-agency team collaborated by developing a concept of operations, determining the sensor specifications, and evaluating sensor performance as reported by Moosakhanian et. al. (2006). Under contract with Georgia Tech Research Institute, NASA worked with AirDat of Raleigh, NC to develop the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and icing. It can compute pressure altitude, indicated and true air speed, ice accretion rate, wind speed and direction, peak and average turbulence, and eddy dissipation rate. The overall development process, sensor capabilities, and performance based on ground and flight tests is reported by Daniels (2002), Daniels et. al. (2004) and by Tsoucalas et. al. (2006). An in-service evaluation of the sensor was performed called the Great Lakes Fleet Experiment (GLFE), first reported by Moninger et. al. (2004) and Mamrosh et. al. (2005). In this experiment, a Mesaba Airlines fleet was equipped to collect meteorological data over the Great Lakes region during normal revenue-producing flights. Citation: 86th AMS Annual Meeting, 29 Jan. - 2 Feb. 2006, Atlanta, GA + Visit NTRS | |||
| + A frequency-sweep method for the measurement of visual delays | 2008 | Mulligan, J & Stevenson, S. | Operator State |
| Abstract:Brueggemann and Stevenson compared tracking of a randomly moving target by eye gaze and hand, using a joystick-controlled cursor (2007 OSA Fall Vision Meeting). In this study, we extended their work by comparing motor control of a tracking cursor using either the hand or the head. A Polhemus Fastrak 6-DOF space tracker was used to provide inputs; in the case of the hand, position was used to control the cursor, with up and right in space naturally mapping to up and right on the screen. In the case of the head, angular measures of pitch and yaw were used, as if a virtual laser pointer were attached to the subject's nose. The primary difference between these two cases is that, in the case of head rotations, the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) causes compensatory eye movements to be made, stabilizing the scene on the retina in spite of the movement of the head. Under normal circumstances, the VOR effectively compensates for head movements, the world appears stable, and similar results are obtained for head and hand correlograms. Observed latencies are in the neighborhood of 400 milliseconds, with the head around 50 milliseconds faster than the hand. The method is expected to reveal more striking differences, however, under abnormal gravitational conditions such as those encountered during aircraft maneuvers or space flight, where lack of visual stability is often observed. We have examined adaptation of the VOR (using modified visual feedback) as a possible analog of these conditions. We have also measured period-versus-delay (PVD) functions of oscillations induced by delayed visual feedback. We have previously reported PVD slopes near 1.6 for eye movements, suggesting a control system using both position and velocity inputs. PVD functions obtained for head tracking show steeper slopes, suggesting a different weighting of visual signals is used for control. Citation: Vision Sciences Society Annual Meeting, Naples, FL (May 9-14, 2008). | |||
| + Abstraction, Integration, and Organization of Information: Approach and Emerging Methodologies | 2008 | Degani, A. Jorgensen, C., Shafto, M., & Olson, M. | Design Methods |
| Citation: Human Factors and NextGen: The Future of Aviation Conference, Arlington, TX (April 28-29, 2008) + Access PDF at A Degani's Website | |||
| + Alone at 41,000 feet | 2007 | Burian, B. & Dismukes, R. | Very Light Jets |
| Citation: Aerosafety World, November 2007, 30-34. + To Download PDF | |||
| + Aspects of Synthetic Vision Display Systems and the Best Practices of the NASA's SVS Project | 2008 | Bailey, R.; Kramer, L.; Jones, D.; Young, S.; Arthur, J.; Prinzel, L.; Glaab, L.; Harrah, S.; Parrish, R. | |
| Abstract: NASA's Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) Project conducted research aimed at eliminating visibility-induced errors and low visibility conditions as causal factors in civil aircraft accidents while enabling the operational benefits of clear day flight operations regardless of actual outside visibility. SVS takes advantage of many enabling technologies to achieve this capability including, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS), data links, radar, imaging sensors, geospatial databases, advanced display media and three dimensional video graphics processors. Integration of these technologies to achieve the SVS concept provides pilots with high-integrity information that improves situational awareness with respect to terrain, obstacles, traffic, and flight path. This paper attempts to emphasize the system aspects of SVS - true systems, rather than just terrain on a flight display - and to document from an historical viewpoint many of the best practices that evolved during the SVS Project from the perspective of some of the NASA researchers most heavily involved in its execution. The Integrated SVS Concepts are envisagements of what production-grade Synthetic Vision systems might, or perhaps should, be in order to provide the desired functional capabilities that eliminate low visibility as a causal factor to accidents and enable clear-day operational benefits regardless of visibility conditions. Citation: NASA/TP-2008-215130 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Assessing the Effects of Momentary Priming on Memory Retention During an Interference Task | 2007 | Schutte, P. | Operator Performance |
| Abstract: A memory aid, that used brief (33ms) presentations of previously learned information (target words), was assessed on its ability to reinforce memory for target words while the subject was performing an interference task. The interference task required subjects to learn new words and thus interfered with their memory of the target words. The brief presentation (momentary memory priming) was hypothesized to refresh the subjects memory of the target words. 143 subjects, in a within subject design, were given a 33ms presentation of the target memory words during the interference task in a treatment condition and a blank 33ms presentation in the control condition. The primary dependent measure, memory loss over the interference trial, was not significantly different between the two conditions. The memory prime did not appear to hinder the subjects performance on the interference task. This paper describes the experiment and the results along with suggestions for future research. Citation: NASA/TM-2007-214318 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Detection of Digital Elevation Model Errors Using X-band Weather Radar | 2007 | Young, Steven D.; deHaag, Maatren Uijt | Weather Sensing |
| Abstract: Flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions requires pilots to manipulate flight controls while referring to a Primary Flight Display. The Primary Flight Display indicates aircraft attitude along with, in some cases, many other state variables such as altitude, speed, and guidance cues. Synthetic Vision Systems have been proposed that overlay the traditional information provided on Primary Flight Displays onto a scene depicting the location of terrain and other geo-spatial features.Terrain models used by these displays must have sufficient quality to avoid providing misleading information. This paper describes how X-band radar measurements can be used as part of a monitor, and or maintenance system, to quantify the integrity of terrain models that are used by systems such as Synthetic Vision. Terrain shadowing effects, as seen by the radar, are compared in a statistical manner against estimated shadow feature elements extracted from the stored terrain model from the perspective of the airborne observer. A test statistic is defined that enables detection of errors as small as the range resolution of the radar. Experimental results obtained from two aircraft platforms hosting certified commercial-off-the-shelf X-band radars test the premise and illustrate its potential. Citation: Journal Of Aerospace Computing, Information, And Communication Vol. 2. + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Human Performance Modeling in Aviation | 2007 | Foyle, D. & Hooey, B. | Human Performance Modeling |
| Citation: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2007. + Publisher Information | |||
| + Interruptions create prospective memory tasks | 2008 | Dodhia, R. & Dismukes, R. | Operator Performance |
| Abstract: When the theory of prospective memory is brought to bear on the ubiquitous experience of failing to resume interrupted tasks, the cognitive reasons for these failures may be understood and addressed. We examine three features of interruptions that may account for these failures: (1) Interruptions often abruptly divert attention, which may prevent adequate encoding of an intention to resume and forming an implementation plan, (2) New task demands after an interruption's end reduce opportunity to interpret resumption cues, (3) The transition after an interruption to new ongoing task demands is not distinctive because it is defined conceptually, rather than by a single perceptual cue. Hypotheses based on these three features receive support from two experiments that respectively manipulate encoding and retrieval conditions. The data support our contention that interrupted tasks are a special case of prospective memory, and allow us to suggest practical ways of reducing vulnerability to resumption failure. Citation: Applied Cognitive Psychology, 22: 1-17. + To Download PDF | |||
| + Measurement of eye velocity using active illumination | 2008 | Mulligan, J. | Operator State |
| Abstract: With speeds measured in hundreds of degrees per second, measurement of saccadic velocities can be a challenging problem, usually solved by the application of high-frame-rate cameras or high-bandwidth analog systems. This paper describes a novel approach utilizing a standard NTSC video camera coupled with an array of near-infrared light-emitting diodes that are flashed at various times within a single frame. The principle has been demonstrated with a prototype apparatus consisting of 4 16-cell linear arrays ("light sticks"). The cells of each light stick are energized sequentially during each video field, while a camera captures their images reflected in the cornea. When the eye is still, the four line segments are aligned with the vertical and horizontal directions, but when the eye is in motion they appear tilted. Opposite light sticks are cycled in opposite directions, producing opposite tilts. Thus, the measurement of velocity is transformed to a measurement of the angle between two line segments. Preliminary results from a prototype system show a noise level of approximately 20 deg/sec. Citation: Eye Tracking Research and Applications Symposium, Savannah, GA (March 26-28, 2008). + To Download PDF | |||
| + Perturbing the System: Emergency and Off-Nominal Situations under NextGen | 2008 | Burian, B. | |
| Citation: International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies, Vol.8. + To Download from FAA site | |||
| + Piloted Simulation of Various Synthetic Vision Systems Terrain Portrayal and Guidance Symbology Concepts for Low Altitude En-Route Scenario | 2008 | Takallu, M., Glaab, L., Hughes, M., Wong, D., Bartolone, A. | Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: In support of the NASA Aviation Safety Program's Synthetic Vision Systems Project, a series of piloted simulations were conducted to explore and quantify the relationship between candidate Terrain Portrayal Concepts and Guidance Symbology Concepts, specific to General Aviation. The experiment scenario was based on a low altitude en route flight in Instrument Metrological Conditions in the central mountains of Alaska. A total of 18 general aviation pilots, with three levels of pilot experience, evaluated a test matrix of four terrain portrayal concepts and six guidance symbology concepts. Quantitative measures included various pilot/aircraft performance data, flight technical errors and flight control inputs. The qualitative measures included pilot comments and pilot responses to the structured questionnaires such as perceived workload, subjective situation awareness, pilot preferences, and the rare event recognition. There were statistically significant effects found from guidance symbology concepts and terrain portrayal concepts but no significant interactions between them. Lower flight technical errors and increased situation awareness were achieved using Synthetic Vision Systems displays, as compared to the baseline Pitch/Roll Flight Director and Blue Sky Brown Ground combination. Overall, those guidance symbology concepts that have both path based guidance cue and tunnel display performed better than the other guidance concepts. Citation: NASA/TP-2008-215127 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Prospective Memory in Aviation and Everyday Settings | 2007 | Dismukes, R. | Operator Performance |
| Citation: Kliegel, M., McDaniel, M.A. & Einstein, G.O. (Eds), Prospective Memory: Cognitive, Neuroscience, Developmental, and Applied Perspectives. Mahwah: Erlbaum. + Visit K. Dismuke's Website to Download | |||
| + Scene Context Dependency of Pattern Constancy of Time Series Imagery | 2008 | Woodell, G., Jobson, D. & Rahman, Z. | Enhanced Vision |
| Abstract: A fundamental element of future generic pattern recognition technology is the ability to extract similar patterns for the same scene despite wide ranging extraneous variables, including lighting, turbidity, sensor exposure variations, and signal noise. In the process of demonstrating pattern constancy of this kind for retinex/visual servo (RVS) image enhancement processing, we found that the pattern constancy performance depended somewhat on scene content. Most notably, the scene topography and, in particular, the scale and extent of the topography in an image, affects the pattern constancy the most. This paper will explore these effects in more depth and present experimental data from several time series tests. These results further quantify the impact of topography on pattern constancy. Despite this residual inconstancy, the results of overall pattern constancy testing support the idea that RVS image processing can be a universal front-end for generic visual pattern recognition. While the effects on pattern constancy were significant, the RVS processing still does achieve a high degree of pattern constancy over a wide spectrum of scene content diversity, and wide ranging extraneousness variations in lighting, turbidity, and sensor exposure. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE 6978 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Simulation Evaluation of Synthetic Vision as an Enabling Technology for Equivalent Visual Operations | 2008 | Kramer, L.; Williams, S.; Bailey, R. | Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: Enhanced Vision (EV) and synthetic vision (SV) systems may serve as enabling technologies to meet the challenges of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Equivalent Visual Operations (EVO) concept that is, the ability to achieve or even improve on the safety of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations, maintain the operational tempos of VFR, and even, perhaps, retain VFR procedures independent of actual weather and visibility conditions. One significant challenge lies in the definition of required equipage on the aircraft and on the airport to enable the EVO concept objective. A piloted simulation experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the presence or absence of Synthetic Vision, the location of this information during an instrument approach (i.e., on a Head-Up or Head-Down Primary Flight Display), and the type of airport lighting information on landing minima. The quantitative data from this experiment were analyzed to begin the definition of performance-based criteria for all-weather approach and landing operations. Objective results from the present study showed that better approach performance was attainable with the head-up display (HUD) compared to the head-down display (HDD). A slight performance improvement in HDD performance was shown when SV was added, as the pilots descended below 200 ft to a 100 ft decision altitude, but this performance was not tested for statistical significance (nor was it expected to be statistically significant). The touchdown data showed that regardless of the display concept flown (SV HUD, Baseline HUD, SV HDD, Baseline HDD) a majority of the runs were within the performance-based defined approach and landing criteria in all the visibility levels, approach lighting systems, and decision altitudes tested. For this visual flight maneuver, RVR appeared to be the most significant influence in touchdown performance. The approach lighting system clearly impacted the pilot's ability to descend to 100 ft height above touchdown based on existing Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 91.175 using a 200 ft decision height, but did not appear to influence touchdown performance or approach path maintenance. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 6957 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Some Properties Of Multilayered Patterns (of Information): Insights from Medieval Architecture | 2008 | Degani, A. | Design Methods |
| Citation: Human Factors and NextGen: The Future of Aviation Conference, Arlington, TX (April 28-29, 2008). | |||
| + Spatial Awareness in Synthetic Vision Systems: Using Spatial and Temporal Judgments to Evaluate Texture and Field of View | 2007 | Bolton, M., Bass, E. & Comstock, J. | Synthetic Vision |
| Abstract: This work introduced judgment-based measures of spatial awareness and used them to evaluate terrain textures and fields of view (FOVs) in Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) displays. SVS are cockpit technologies which depict computer generated views of terrain surrounding an aircraft. In the assessment of textures and FOVs for SVS, no studies have directly measured the 3 levels of spatial awareness with respect to terrain: 1) identification of terrain, 2) its relative spatial location, and 3) its relative temporal location. Eighteen pilots made 4 judgments (relative azimuth angle, distance, height, and abeam time) regarding the location of terrain points displayed in 112 5-second, non-interactive simulations of a SVS head down display. There were 2 between subject variables (texture order and FOV order) and 5 within subject variables (the relative azimuth angle, distance, and height of the terrain point, texture, and FOV). Texture produced significant main and interaction effects for the magnitude of error in the relative angle, distance, height, and abeam time judgments. FOV interaction effects were significant for the directional magnitude of error in the relative distance, height, and abeam time judgments. Spatial awareness was best facilitated by the Elevation Fishnet (EF), Photo Fishnet (PF), and Photo Elevation Fishnet (PEF) textures. This study recommends that the EF, PF, and PEF textures be further evaluated in future SVS experiments. Additionally, the judgment-based spatial awareness measures used in this experiment could be used to evaluate other display parameters and depth cues in SVS. Citation: Human Factors, Vol. 49, No. 6, 961-974 | |||
| + Terrain Portrayal for Synthetic Vision Systems Head-Down Displays Evaluation Results | 2007 | Hughes, M. & Glaab, L. | |
| Abstract: A critical component of SVS displays is the appropriate presentation of terrain to the pilot. At the time of this study, the relationship between the complexity of the terrain presentation and resulting enhancements of pilot SA and pilot performance had been largely undefined. The terrain portrayal for SVS head-down displays (TP-HDD) simulation examined the effects of two primary elements of terrain portrayal on the primary flight display (PFD) variations of digital elevation model (DEM) resolution and terrain texturing. Variations in DEM resolution ranged from sparsely spaced (30 arc-sec) to very closely spaced data (1 arc-sec). Variations in texture involved three primary methods constant color, elevation-based generic, and photo-realistic, along with a secondary depth cue enhancer in the form of a fishnet grid overlay. Citation: NASA/TP-2007-214864 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + The NASA Human Performance Modeling Project: Implications for future modeling efforts and a concrete modeling example | 2008 | Kirlik, A., Foyle, D., Hooey, B. & Byrne, M. | Human Performance Modeling |
| Citation: Human Factors and NextGen: The Future of Aviation, May 28-29, 2008, Arlington, TX | |||
| + The Naturalistic Flight Deck System: An Integrated System Concept for Improved Single-Pilot Operations | 2007 | Schutte, P., Goodrich, K., Cox, D., Jackson, B., Palmer, M., Pope, A., Schlecht, R., Tedjojuwono, K. Trujillo, A., Williams, R., Kinney, J., Barry, J. | Operator Performance |
| Abstract: This paper reviews current and emerging operational experiences, technologies, and human-machine interaction theories to develop an integrated flight system concept designed to increase the safety, reliability, and performance of single-pilot operations in an increasingly accommodating but stringent national airspace system. This concept, know as the Naturalistic Flight Deck (NFD), uses a form of human-centered automation known as complementary-automation (or complemation) to structure the relationship between the human operator and the aircraft as independent, collaborative agents having complimentary capabilities. The human provides commonsense knowledge, general intelligence, and creative thinking, while the machine contributes specialized intelligence and control, extreme vigilance, resistance to fatigue, and encyclopedic memory. To support the development of the NFD, an initial Concept of Operations has been created and selected normal and non-normal scenarios are presented in this document. Citation: NASA/TM-2007-215090 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Toward Automatic Generation of User Interfaces: Abstraction of Internal States and Transitions | 2007 | Degani, A. & Heymann, M. | |
| Abstract: In this paper we discuss a formal approach and methodology for reducing and abstracting the internal states and transitions of a (discrete-event) system representation. The resulting abstracted description, called the "user model," forms the foundation of the user interface as it formulates the necessary modes, states and transitions that drive the interface. Citation: 10th IFAC Symposium on Analysis, Design, and Evaluation of Human-Machine Systems. Seoul, Korea (September 4-6, 2007) Aviation Conference, Arlington, TX (May 28-29, 2008) + Visit A. Degani's website | |||
| + Human Performance Models | 2007 | Foyle, D. | Human Performance Modeling |
| Abstract:This appendix comprises two summary papers describing the work on developing human performance models that was conducted under the System Wide Accident Prevention (SWAP) project of the Aviation Safety Program, and some summary comments from the meeting session at which they were presented. The first paper (Foyle, Goodman, and Hooey, (2003)) is the introduction to a conference proceedings and provides an overview of the activities, the state of modeling human performance at the end of 2002, and a description of the future activities planned for 2003 and 2004. It appears in the proceedings of the NASA Aviation Safety Program Conference on Human Performance Modeling of Approach and Landing with Augmented Displays, NASA Conference Proceedings NASA/CP-2003-212267, 2003. The second paper is a summary paper describing the modeling efforts that was presented as a panel presentation on the topic at the 2005 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society meeting. It appears in the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 49th Annual Meeting, Santa Monica, Calif., 2005. Citation: In Irving C. Statler (Ed.) The Aviation System Monitoring and Modeling (ASMM) Project: A Documentation of its History and Accomplishments 1999-2005. NASA TP-2007-214556 | |||
| + A Laboratory Study of Dual-Polarization Scattering Characterizations for Meteorological Objects | 2008 | Huston, A., Zhang, Y., Zhang, G., Yeary, M. & Neece, R. | Remote Sensing |
| Abstract: Radar sensors with dual-polarization capability allow a better understanding and characterization of weather hazards. Especially, scattering characteristics become important for optimally designing and utilizing phase-array dual-polarization radar systems. In this investigation, an experimental approach was designed with the assistance of a controlled laboratory environment. As such, an advanced network analyzer-based scatterometer system has been developed in harmony with a new room that resembles an anechoic chamber. As discussed in the results section of this paper, the instrumented facility allows for key radar cross-section (RCS) parameters and preliminary validations through detailed scattering measurements. Citation: Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference Proceedings, 2008. IMTC 2008. IEEE, 12-15 May 2008 Page(s):507 Ð 512 | |||
| + A near infra-red lidar system for external hazard detection and mitigation | 2008 | Billmers, R., Billmers, E., Ludwig, M., Matchett, J. & Claussen, G. | Enabling Avionics |
SPIE Optics & Photonics Conference, San Diego, CA (August 10-15, 2008) | |||
| + Airborne bistatic radar for external hazard detection and avoidance | 2008 | Lawrence, R., Torres, O., & Ganoe, G. | |
| Abstract: The detection and avoidance of external hazards is an important aspect of overall efforts to improve the safety of future aircraft. Advanced sensor concepts may enhance the detection and quantification of risk due to external hazards. Such sensors, when integrated into cockpit operations, may substantially improve vehicle safety. This paper will describe research efforts to develop a simulation environment to evaluated advanced microwave sensor concepts such as airborne bistatic radars utilizing multiple non-cooperative illuminators or emitters-of-opportunity to detect weather hazards, area traffic, runway incursions, or other potential aircraft hazards. We will present initial efforts to develop a flexible microwave sensor simulation and assessment tool. This tool will be developed to assess the feasibility of various sensor concepts. Existing and potential future capability of the simulation environment will be described. In addition, the results of the application of the simulation tool to a bistatic sensor concept will be presented. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7088, 70880G SPIE Optics & Photonics Conference, San Diego, CA (August 10-15, 2008) | |||
| + Head-Worn Display Concepts for Surface Operations for Commerical Aircraft | 2008 | Arthur, J., Prinzel, L., Bailey, R., Shelton, K., Williams, S., Kramer, L. & Norman, R. | Head Worn Displays |
| Abstract: Experiments and flight tests have shown that a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a head-down electronic moving map (EMM) can be enhanced with Synthetic Vision for airport surface operations. While great success in ground operations was demonstrated with a HUD, the research noted that two major HUD limitations during ground operations were its monochrome form and limited, fixed field-of-regard. A potential solution to these limitations found with HUDs may be emerging with Head Worn Displays (HWDs). HWDs are small display devices that may be worn without significant encumbrance to the user. By coupling the HWD with a head tracker, unlimited field-of-regard may be realized. The results of three ground simulation experiments conducted at NASA Langley Research Center are summarized. The experiments evaluated the efficacy of head-worn display applications of Synthetic Vision and Enhanced Vision technology to improve transport aircraft surface operations. The results of the experiments showed that the fully integrated HWD provided greater pilot performance with respect to staying on the path compared to using paper charts alone. Further, when comparing the HWD with the HUD concept, there were no differences in path performance. In addition, the HWD and HUD concepts were rated via paired-comparisons the same in terms of situation awareness and workload. Citation: NASA/TP-2008-215321 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Interferometric radiometer for in-flight detection of aviation hazards | 2008 | Smith, B., Kireev, S., West, L., Gimmestad, G., Cornman, L. Feltz, W., Perram, G. & Daniels, T. | |
| Abstract: The Forward-Looking Interferometer (FLI) is a new instrument concept for obtaining the measurements required to alert flight crews to potential weather hazards to safe flight. To meet the needs of the commercial fleet, such a sensor should address multiple hazards to warrant the costs of development, certification, installation, training, and maintenance. The FLI concept is based on high-resolution Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometry (FTS) technologies that have been developed for ground based, airborne, and satellite remote sensing. The FLI concept is being evaluated for its potential to address multiple hazards including clear air turbulence (CAT), volcanic ash, wake vortices, low slant range visibility, dry wind shear, and icing, during all phases of flight. This project has three major elements: further sensitivity studies and applications of EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function) Regression; development of algorithms to estimate the hazard severity; and field measurements to provide an empirical demonstration of the FLI aviation hazard detection and display capability. These theoretical and experimental studies will lead to a specification for a prototype airborne FLI instrument for use in future in-flight validation. The research team includes the Georgia Tech Research Institute, Hampton University, the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the University of Wisconsin. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7088 SPIE Optics & Photonics Conference, San Diego, CA (August 10-15, 2008) | |||
| + Meeting the Challenge of Cognitive Human Performance Model Interpretability Through Transparency: MIDAS v5.x | 2008 | Gore, B, Hooey, B, Foyle, D. & Scott-Nash, S. | Human Performance Modeling |
| Abstract: Transparency in integrated human performance models (HPMs) is needed to support model verification, validation, and credibility. However, model transparency can be difficult to attain because of the complex interactions that can exist among the cognitive, physical, environment and crewstation models, and because the cognitive models embedded within integrated HPMs produce behaviors that are not directly observable. This paper will illustrate several techniques adopted by the Man-machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) to increase three forms of transparency: input transparency, model architecture transparency, and output transparency. Citation: In the 2nd International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, July 14-17 2008, Las Vegas, NV + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Multi-functional airborne external hazard monitoring radar with antenna diversity | 2008 | Zhang, Y., Palmer, R., Zhang, G., Yu, T., Brewster, K., Yeary, M., Xue, M. & Chilson, P. | |
| Abstract: An airborne radar sensing technology for detecting and monitoring of multiple types of external hazards is investigated. Antennas with spatial and polarimetry diversity are adopted in the radar sensor to support the comprehensive hazard monitoring requirements. A knowledge-aided joint space-time processing approach is developed for monitoring wind hazard as well as estimating target direction and Doppler spectrum simultaneously. The hazard microphysics information can be retrieved through polarimetric data processing. In addition to the intelligent processing algorithms, the system design and the tradeoffs are considered. SPIE Optics & Photonics Conference, San Diego, CA (August 10-15, 2008) Citation: Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 7088 | |||
| + Piloted Evaluation of the H-Mode, a Variable Autonomy Control System, in Motion-Based Simulation | 2008 | Goodrich, K., Schutte, P., & Williams, R. | Automation |
| Abstract: As aircraft become able to autonomously respond to a range of situations with performance surpassing human operators, we are compelled to look for new methods that help understand their use and guide the design of new, more effective forms of automation and interaction. The "H-mode" is one such method and is based on the metaphor of a well-trained horse. The concept allows the pilot to manage a broad range of control automation functionality, from augmented manual control to FMS-like coupling and automation initiated actions, using a common interface system and easily learned set of interaction skills. The interface leverages familiar manual control interfaces (e.g., the control stick) and flight displays through the addition of contextually dependent haptic-multimodal elements. The concept is relevant to manned and remotely piloted vehicles. This paper provides an overview of the H-mode concept followed by a presentation of the results from a recent evaluation conducted in a motion-based simulator. The evaluation focused on assessing the overall usability and flying qualities of the concept with an emphasis on the effects of turbulence and cockpit motion. Because the H-mode results in interactions between traditional flying qualities and management of higher-level flight path automation, these effects are of particular interest. The results indicate that the concept may provide a useful complement or replacement to conventional interfaces, and retains the usefulness in the presence of turbulence and motion. + AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference, Honolulu, HI (18-21 August, 2008) + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Progress towards the remote sensing of aircraft icing hazards | 2008 | Reehorst, A., Brinker, D., Politovich, M., Serke, D., Ryerson, C., Pazmany, A. & Solheim, F. | |
| Abstract: NASA has teamed with the FAA, DoD, industry, and academia for research into the remote detection and measurement of atmospheric conditions leading to aircraft icing hazards. The ultimate goal of this effort is to provide pilots, controllers, and dispatchers sufficient information to allow aircraft to avoid or minimize their exposure to the hazards of in-flight icing. Since the hazard of in-flight icing is the outcome of aircraft flight through clouds containing supercooled liquid water and strongly influenced by the aircraft's speed and configuration and by the length of exposure, the hazard can't be directly detected, but must be inferred based upon the measurement of conducive atmospheric conditions. Therefore, icing hazard detection is accomplished through the detection and measurement of liquid water in regions of measured sub-freezing air temperatures. The icing environment is currently remotely measured from the ground with a system fusing radar, lidar, and multi-frequency microwave radiometer sensors. Based upon expected ice accretion severity for the measured environment, a resultant aircraft hazard is then calculated. Because of the power, size, weight, and view angle constraints of airborne platforms, the current ground-based solution is not applicable for flight. Two current airborne concepts are the use of either multi-frequency radiometers or multi-frequency radar. Both ground-based and airborne solutions are required for the future since ground-based systems can provide hazard detection for all aircraft in airport terminal regions while airborne systems will be needed to provide equipped aircraft with flight path coverage between terminal regions. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE Vol 7088 SPIE Optics & Photonics Conference, San Diego, CA (August 10-15, 2008) | |||
| + The use of x-band radar to support the detection of in-flight icing hazards by the NASA icing remote sensing system during AIRS-II | 2008 | Serke, D., Politovich, M., Reehorst, A., & Gaydos, A. | |
| Abstract: As aircraft become able to autonomously respond to a range of situations with performance surpassing human operators, we are compelled to look for new methods that help understand their use and guide the design of new, more effective forms of automation and interaction. The "H-mode" is one such method and is based on the metaphor of a well-trained horse. The concept allows the pilot to manage a broad range of control automation functionality, from augmented manual control to FMS-like coupling and automation initiated actions, using a common interface system and easily learned set of interaction skills. The interface leverages familiar manual control interfaces (e.g., the control stick) and flight displays through the addition of contextually dependent haptic-multimodal elements. The concept is relevant to manned and remotely piloted vehicles. This paper provides an overview of the H-mode concept followed by a presentation of the results from a recent evaluation conducted in a motion-based simulator. The evaluation focused on assessing the overall usability and flying qualities of the concept with an emphasis on the effects of turbulence and cockpit motion. Because the H-mode results in interactions between traditional flying qualities and management of higher-level flight path automation, these effects are of particular interest. The results indicate that the concept may provide a useful complement or replacement to conventional interfaces, and retains the usefulness in the presence of turbulence and motion. Citation: Proc. SPIE, Vol. 7088 SPIE Optics & Photonics Conference, San Diego, CA (August 10-15, 2008) | |||
| + Applications of a Forward-Looking Interferometer for the On-board Detection of Aviation Weather Hazards | 2008 | West, L., Gimmestad, G., Smith, W., Kireev, S., Cornman, L.B., Schaffner, P.R. & Tsoucalas, G. | |
| Abstract: The Forward-Looking Interferometer (FLI) is a new instrument concept for obtaining measurements of potential weather hazards to alert flight crews. The FLI concept is based on high-resolution Infrared (IR) Fourier Transform Spectrometry (FTS) technologies that have been developed for satellite remote sensing, and which have also been applied to the detection of aerosols and gases for other purposes. It is being evaluated for multiple hazards including clear air turbulence (CAT), volcanic ash, wake vortices, low slant range visibility, dry wind shear, and icing, during all phases of flight. Previous sensitivity and characterization studies addressed the phenomenology that supports detection and mitigation by the FLI. Techniques for determining the range, and hence warning time, were demonstrated for several of the hazards, and a table of research instrument parameters was developed for investigating all of the hazards discussed above. This work supports the feasibility of detecting multiple hazards with an FLI multi-hazard airborne sensor, and for producing enhanced IR images in reduced visibility conditions; however, further research must be performed to develop a means to estimate the intensities of the hazards posed to an aircraft and to develop robust algorithms to relate sensor measurables to hazard levels. In addition, validation tests need to be performed with a prototype system. Citation: NASA/TP-2008-215536 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Multiple Targets Estimation and Tracking for ADS-B Radar System | 2008 | Huang, Narayanan & Feinberg | |
| Abstract:Rapid expansion in air traffic volume and demand will create substantial challenges for air traffic management (ATM) system over the coming decades. By 2015, air traffic is expected to climb by 25-30% overall on average and even higher in certain areas of the country. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is a cooperative surveillance technique for air traffic control which has been approved by the FAA. With its increasing usage and popularity, an airborne radar system using ADS-B system was introduced in 2008. In this paper, the authors propose a technique for multiple target estimation and tracking in order to overcome the constraints of ADS-B radar system. This system can greatly reduce the necessity of communication between aircraft and air traffic control (ATC) and flight safety will be further secured. Computer simulation results show that the proposed method effectively performs multiple target estimation and tracking for ADS-B radar system. Citation: Proceedings of the 27th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), St. Paul, MN, 26-30 October 2008 | |||
| + Predictive Information: Status or Alert Information? | 2008 | Trujillo, A.; Bruneau, D.; and Press, H. | Operator Performance |
| Abstract: Previous research investigating the efficacy of predictive information for detecting and diagnosing aircraft system failures found that subjects like to have predictive information concerning when a parameter would reach an alert range. This research focused on where the predictive information should be located, whether the information should be more closely associated with the parameter information or with the alert information. Each subject saw 3 forms of predictive information: (1) none, (2) a predictive alert message, and (3) predictive information on the status display. Generally, subjects performed better and preferred to have predictive information available although the difference between status and alert predictive information was minimal. Overall, for detection and recalling what happened, status predictive information is best; however for diagnosis, alert predictive information holds a slight edge. Citation:27th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 26-30 Oct. 2008, Saint Paul, MN + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Detection of Mobile Runway Obstacles using Dual Airborne Laser Scanners | 2008 | M. Smearcheck & M. Uijt de Haag | |
| Citation: Proceedings of the 27th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), St. Paul, MN, 26-30 October 2008 | |||
| + Runway Obstacle Detection using Onboard Sensors: Modeling and Simulation Analysis | 2008 | A. Vadlamani and M. Uijt de Haag | |
| Abstract: In recent years, the increasing demand on the national airspace system (NAS) has propelled further research on new technologies, communication systems, sensors and methods to handle the growing congestion around the terminal area. These include programs such as the runway incursion prevention system (RIPS), automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B), the national aeronautics and space administrationpsilas (NASA) synthetic vision systems (SVS) and more recently, NASApsilas integrated intelligent flight deck (IIFD) project. One of the aspects of the IIFD is an external hazard monitor (EHM) function that interfaces with onboard terrain and obstacle databases, communications, and also with aircraft sensors. The EHM is envisioned to provide improved obstacle detection and hazard evaluation with added integrity and reliability. The work in this paper is performed in support of the EHM function and presents a modeling and simulation framework that models the aircraft sensors, synthesizes their measurements and analyzes their runway obstacle detection capability using both simulations and flight data playback. Various sensor parameters, measurement errors and physical properties of potential runway hazards/objects are evaluated in the simulations. Particular sensors that are considered for this work are: airborne laser scanner (ALS), 3D imaging camera, and forward-looking infrared camera (FLIR). The sensors are evaluated with regard to detection metrics such as probability of detection and time-to-alarm. Furthermore, results from the simulations using playback of actual flight test data in the vicinity of Braxton county airport (K48I), WV and Reno (RNO), NV are presented. Citation: Proceedings of the 27th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), St. Paul, MN, 26-30 October 2008 | |||
| + Bottom-up and Top-down Contributors to Pilot Perceptions of Display Clutter in Advanced Flight Deck Technologies | 2008 | Alexander, Amy L.; Stelzer, Emily M.; Kim, Sang-Hwan; Kaber, David B. | |
| Abstract:Future concepts for the National Airspace System rely on technologies, such as synthetic and enhanced vision systems, to support flight efficiency associated with improved terrain and traffic awareness. While these technologies provide the pilot access to information not available with traditional flight instrumentation, the presentation of this additional information may serve to produce display clutter, thus inhibiting the processes and tasks they are designed to support. An experiment was conducted to assess pilot perceptions and identification of both bottom-up (data-driven) and top-down (knowledge-driven) contributing factors to display clutter. Results revealed the importance of both visual and information density (bottom-up and top-down factors, respectively) to the perception of clutter. Although added display elements provided pilots with critical flight information, pilots considered displays to be cluttered when the imposed visual density exceeded the information density required for specific flight tasks. These findings suggest that moderate levels of display clutter may be tolerable, to the extent that the information is relevant to the tasks at hand. Citation: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Proceedings, Volume 52, Number 18, 2008 , pp. 1180-1184(5) | |||
| + Perceived Clutter in Advanced Cockpit Displays: Measurement and Modeling with Experienced Pilots | 2008 | Kaber, D.B., Alexander, A., Stelzer, E.M. Kim, S., Kaufman, K. & Hsiang, S. | |
| Abstract: Introduction: Synthetic and enhanced vision systems (SVS and EVS) are being introduced into the cockpit to promote safety under workload conditions. Integration of existing iconic imagery with SVS and EVS displays may lead to perceptions of clutter. This research evaluated head-up display (HUD) features, including SVS, EVS, traffic collision avoidance system symbology, flight pathway (TUNNEL) guidance, and different primary flight display symbol sets, on pilot perceptions of clutter. A perceptual decomposition of the construct of clutter was also conducted. Method: During a simulated landing, 4 expert pilots viewed images of 16 HUD configurations. Pilots rated clutter for each image and the utility of pairs of terms for describing clutter. Results: Results revealed all HUD features and two-way interactions to be significant in perceived clutter. Ratings increased with additional features. The presence of EVS, TUNNEL, and an expanded symbol set contributed the most. Regression models were developed to predict the likelihood of clutter ratings based on pilot perceptions of display characteristics. Pairs of terms found to have the greatest use for describing clutter included "redundant/orthogonal," "monochromatic/colorful," "salient/not salient," "safe/unsafe," and "dense/sparse" (in that order). A factor analysis revealed underlying display qualities explaining; 78% of variability in perceived clutter, including global density, feature similarity, feature clarity, and the dynamic nature of displays. These qualities corresponded with the display descriptor terms plus the terms "static/dynamic." Discussion: The study provided information on the relationship of display features and pilot perceptions of clutter. We identified terminology pilots use to describe clutter and latent display variables that drive perceived clutter. Keywords: display clutter, psychophysical modeling, head-up displays, and intelligent flight deck technologies. Citation: Environmental Medicine, Vol. 79, No. 11, November 2008 + Visit D. Kaber's website to Download | |||
| + The Multi-tasking Myth. Handling Complexity in Real-World Operations | 2009 | Loukopoulos, L., Dismukes, K., and Barshi, I. | |
| Citation: Ashgate Studies in Human Factors for Flight Operations, Ashgate, ISBN: 978-0-7546-7382-8; 2009 + Visit Publisher's Website | |||
| + Out of the Fog | 2009 | Dismukes, K. and Burian, B. | |
| Citation: The Aerospace Professional, Royal Aeronautical Society, February 2009 | |||
| + Concept, Simulation and Instrumentation for Radiometric, In-Flight Icing Detection | 2009 | Ryerson, C, Keonig, G., Reehorst, A. & Scott, F. | |
| Abstract:The multi-agency Flight in Icing Remote Sensing Team (FIRST), a consortium of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has developed technologies for remotely detecting hazardous inflight icing conditions. The USACE Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) assessed the potential of onboard passive microwave radiometers for remotely detecting icing conditions ahead of aircraft. The dual wavelength system differences the brightness temperature of Space and clouds, with greater differences potentially indicating closer and higher magnitude cloud liquid water content (LWC). The Air Force RADiative TRANsfer model (RADTRAN) was enhanced to assess the flight track sensing concept, and a 'flying' RADTRAN was developed to simulate a radiometer system flying through simulated clouds. Neural network techniques were developed to invert brightness temperatures and obtain integrated cloud liquid water. In addition, a dual wavelength Direct-Detection Polarimeter Radiometer (DDPR) system was built for detecting hazardous drizzle drops. This paper reviews technology development to date and addresses initial polarimeter performance. Citation: NASA TM-2009-215519, NASA, 2009 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Characterization of Airborne FLIR Sensors for Runway Incursion | 2009 | Archer, C, White, J., & Neece, R. | |
| Abstract: Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors are potential components in hazard monitoring systems for general aviation aircraft. FLIR sensors can provide images of the runway area when normal visibility is reduced by meteorological conditions. We are investigating short wave infrared (SWIR) and long wave infrared (LWIR) cameras. Pre-recorded video taken from an aircraft on approach to landing provides raw data for our analysis. This video includes approaches under four conditions: clear morning, cloudy afternoon, clear evening, and clear night. We used automatic object detection techniques to quantify the ability of these sensors to alert the pilot to potential runway hazards. Our analysis is divided into three stages: locating the airport, tracking the runway, and detecting vehicle sized objects. The success or failure of locating the runway provides information on the ability of the sensors to provide situational awareness. Tracking the runway position from frame to frame provides information on the visibility of runway features, such as landing lights or runway edges, in the scene. Detecting small objects quantifies clutter and provides information on the ability of these sensors to image potential hazards. In this paper, we present results from our analysis of sample approach video. Citation: Proceedings of the SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing Symposia, SPIE, April 14-18, 2009 | |||
| + Data-Link and Surface Map Traffic Intent Displays for NextGen 4DT and Equivalent Visual Surface Operations | 2009 | Shelton, K.J., Prinzel, L.J., Arthur, J.J., Jones, D.R., Allamandola, A.S. & Bailey, R.E. | |
| Abstract: By 2025, U.S. air traffic is predicted to increase 3-fold and may strain the current air traffic management system, which may not be able to accommodate this growth. In response to this challenge, a consortium of industry, academia and government agencies have proposed a revolutionary new concept for U.S. aviation operations, termed the Next Generation Air Transportation System or "NextGen". Many key capabilities are being identified to enable NextGen, including the concept of "net-centric" operations whereby each aircraft and air services provider shares information to allow real-time adaptability to ever-changing factors such as weather, traffic, flight trajectories, and security. Data-link is likely to be the primary source of communication in NextGen. Because NextGen represents a radically different approach to air traffic management and requires a dramatic shift in the tasks, roles, and responsibilities for the flight deck, there are numerous research issues and challenges that must be overcome to ensure a safe, sustainable air transportation system. Flight deck display and crew-vehicle interaction concepts are being developed that proactively investigate and overcome potential technology and safety barriers that might otherwise constrain the full realization of NextGen. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7328, 73280C + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Simulation Evaluation of Equivalent Vision Technologies for Aerospace Operations | 2009 | Kramer, L.J., Williams, S.P., Wilz, S.J. & Arthur, J.J. | Synthetic Vision; Enhanced Vision |
| Abstract: A fixed-based simulation experiment was conducted in NASA Langley Research Center s Integration Flight Deck simulator to investigate enabling technologies for equivalent visual operations (EVO) in the emerging Next Generation Air Transportation System operating environment. EVO implies the capability to achieve or even improve on the safety of current-day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations, maintain the operational tempos of VFR, and perhaps even retain VFR procedures - all independent of the actual weather and visibility conditions. Twenty-four air transport-rated pilots evaluated the use of Synthetic/Enhanced Vision Systems (S/EVS) and eXternal Vision Systems (XVS) technologies as enabling technologies for future all-weather operations. The experimental objectives were to determine the feasibility of XVS/SVS/EVS to provide for all weather (visibility) landing capability without the need (or ability) for a visual approach segment and to determine the interaction of XVS/EVS and peripheral vision cues for terminal area and surface operations. Another key element of the testing investigated the pilot's awareness and reaction to non-normal events (i.e., failure conditions) that were unexpectedly introduced into the experiment. These non-normal runs served as critical determinants in the underlying safety of all-weather operations. Experimental data from this test are cast into performance-based approach and landing standards which might establish a basis for future all-weather landing operations. Glideslope tracking performance appears to have improved with the elimination of the approach visual segment. This improvement can most likely be attributed to the fact that the pilots didn't have to simultaneously perform glideslope corrections and find required visual landing references in order to continue a landing. Lateral tracking performance was excellent regardless of the display concept being evaluated or whether or not there were peripheral cues in the side window. Although workload ratings were significantly less when peripheral cues were present compared to when there were none, these differences appear to be operationally inconsequential. Larger display concepts tested in this experiment showed significant situation awareness (SA) improvements and workload reductions compared to smaller display concepts. With a fixed display size, a color display was more influential in SA and workload ratings than a collimated display. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7328 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + On Organization of Information: Approach and Early Work | 2009 | Degani, A., Jorgensen, C., Iverson, D., Shafto, M. & Olsen, L. | Design Methods |
| Abstract: In this report we describe an approach for organizing information for presentation and display. The approach stems from the observation that there is a stepwise progression in the way signals (from the environment and the system under consideration) are extracted and transformed into data, and then analyzed and abstracted to form representations (e.g., indications and icons) on the user interface. In physical environments such as aerospace and process control, many system components and their corresponding data and information are interrelated (e.g., an increase in a chamber's temperature results in an increase in its pressure). These interrelationships, when presented clearly, allow users to understand linkages among system components and how they may affect one another. Organization of these interrelationships by means of an orderly structure provides for the so-called "big picture" that pilots, astronauts, and operators strive for. Citation: NASA/TM-2009-215368 + To Download PDF | |||
| + Automatic determination of runway edges in poor visibility conditions | 2008 | Gogineni, S.S.V. & Rahman, Z. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: The automatic detection of runway hazards from a moving platform under poor visibility conditions is a multi-faceted problem. The general approach that we use relies on looking at several frames of the video imagery to determine the presence of objects. Since the platform is in motion during the acquisition of these frames, the first step in the process is to correct for platform motion. Extracting the scene structure from the frames is our next goal. To rectify, enhance the details and to remove fog we perform multiscale retinex followed by edge detection on the imagery. In this paper, we concentrate on the automatic determination of runway boundaries from the rectified, enhanced, and edge- detected imagery. We will examine the performance of edge- detection algorithms for images that have poor contrast, and quantify their efficacy as runway edge detectors. Additionally, we will define qualitative criteria to determine the best edge output image. Finally, we will find an optimizing parameter for the detector that would help us to automate the detection of objects on the runway and thus the whole process of hazard detection. Citation: IS&T/SPIE's 20th Annual Symposium, Electronic Imaging 2008, Image Processing: Algorithms and Systems VI. Proc. SPIE 6812 + To Download PDF | |||
| + Toward Improved Headgear for Monitoring with Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy | 2009 | Harrivel, A., McKay, T., Hylton, A., King, J., Latorella, K., Peltier, S. & Noll, D. | Operator Characterization |
| Citation: 15th Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping Receipt, San Francisco, California, June 18-23, 2009 (NeuroImage, Vol. 47, Supplement 1 (2009), p S141 | |||
| + Noise Reduction Using Multi-resolution Edge Analysis | 2009 | Jiang, B. & Rahman, Z. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: In this paper, a new noise reduction algorithm is proposed. In general, an edge-high frequency information in an image-would be filtered or suppressed after image smoothing. The noise would be attenuated, but the image would lose its sharp information. This defect makes the post-processing harder. One new algorithm performs connectivity analysis on edge-data to make sure that only isolated edge information that represents noise gets filtered out, hence preserving the overall edge structure of the original image. The steps of new algorithm are as follows. First, find the edge from the noisy image by multi-resolution analysis. Second, use connectivity analysis to direct a mean filter to suppress the noise while preserving the edge information. In the first step, we propose a new algorithm to find edges in a very noisy image. The algorithm is based on the analysis of a group of multi-resolution images obtained by processing the original noisy image by different Gaussian filters. After applied to a sequence of images of the same scene but with different signal-noise-ratio (snr), this method is robust to remove noise and keep the edge. Also, through statistic analysis, there exists the regularity that the parameters of the algorithm would be constant with varying images under the same snr. Citation: IS&T/SPIE's 21st Annual Symposium, Electronic Imaging 2009, Image Processing: Algorithms and Systems VII. Proc. SPIE 7245 + To Download PDF | |||
| + Head-Worn Display System for Equivalent Visual Operations | 2009 | Cupero, F., Valimont, B., Wise, J., Best, C. & De Mers, B. | Head Worn Displays |
| Abstract: Head-Worn Displays or so-called, near-to-eye displays have potentially significant advantages in terms of cost, overcoming cockpit space constraints, and for the display of spatially-integrated information. However, many technical issues need to be overcome before these technologies can be successfully introduced into commercial aircraft cockpits. The results of three activities are reported. First, the near-to-eye display design, technological, and human factors issues are described and a literature review is presented. Second, the results of a fixed-base piloted simulation, investigating the impact of near to eye displays on both operational and visual performance is reported. Straight-in approaches were flown in simulated visual and instrument conditions while using either a biocular or a monocular display placed on either the dominant or non-dominant eye. The pilot's flight performance, visual acuity, and ability to detect unsafe conditions on the runway were tested. The data generally supports a monocular design with minimal impact due to eye dominance. Finally, a method for head tracker system latency measurement is developed and used to compare two different devices. Citation: NASA /CR-2009-215781 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + Paper to Electronic Questionnaires: Effects on Structured Questionnaire Forms | 2009 | Trujillo, A. C. | Operator Characterization |
| Abstract: With the use of computers, paper questionnaires are being replaced by electronic questionnaires. The formats of traditional paper questionnaires have been found to effect a subject's rating. Consequently, the transition from paper to electronic format can subtly change results. The research presented begins to determine how electronic questionnaire formats change subjective ratings. For formats where subjects used a flow chart to arrive at their rating, starting at the worst and middle ratings of the flow charts were the most accurate but subjects took slightly more time to arrive at their answers. Except for the electronic paper format, starting at the worst rating was the most preferred. The paper and electronic paper versions had the worst accuracy. Therefore, for flowchart type of questionnaires, flowcharts should start at the worst rating and work their way up to better ratings. Citation: HCI International 2009. J. A. Jacko (Ed.). San Diego, CA, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. 1: 362-371 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + A computational implementation of a human attention guiding mechanism in MIDAS v5 | 2009 | Gore, B. F., Hooey, B. L., Wickens, C. D., & Scott-Nash, S. | Human Performance Modeling |
| Citation: In Human Computer Interaction International Annual Conference. (July, 2009; San Diego). | |||
| + The Perils of Multitasking | 2009 | Loukopoulos, L. D., Dismukes, R. K., & Barshi, I. | Operator Performance |
| Citation: Aerosafety World, August, 2009, 18-23. + To Download PDF | |||
| + Adaptive two-scale edge detection for visual pattern processing. | 2009 | Rahman, Z., Jobson, D. J. & Woodell, G. A | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: Adaptive methods are defined and experimentally studied for a two-scale edge detection process that mimics human visual perception of edges and is inspired by the parvocellular (P) and magnocellular (M) physiological subsystems of natural vision. This two-channel processing consists of a high spatial acuity/coarse contrast channel (P) and a coarse acuity/fine contrast (M) channel. We perform edge detection after a very strong nonlinear image enhancement that uses smart Retinex image processing. Two conditions that arise from this enhancement demand adaptiveness in edge detection. These conditions are the presence of random noise further exacerbated by the enhancement process and the equally random occurrence of dense textural visual information. We examine how to best deal with both phenomena with an automatic adaptive computation that treats both high noise and dense textures as too much information and gracefully shifts from small-scale to medium-scale edge pattern priorities. This shift is accomplished by using different edge-enhancement schemes that correspond with the P- and M-channels of the human visual system. We also examine the case of adapting to a third image conditionÑnamely, too little visual informationÑand automatically adjust edge-detection sensitivities when sparse feature information is encountered. When this methodology is applied to a sequence of images of the same scene but with varying exposures and lighting conditions, this edge-detection process produces pattern constancy that is very useful for several imaging applications that rely on image classification in variable imaging conditions. Citation: Optical Engineering, Vol. 48 +To Download PDF | |||
| + A comparison of visual statistics for the image enhancement of foresite aerial images with those of major image classes | 2006 | Rahman, Z., Jobson, D.J., Woodell, G.A. & Hines, G.D. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: Aerial images from the Follow-On Radar, Enhanced and Synthetic Vision Systems Integration Technology Evaluation (FORESITE) flight tests with the NASA Langley Research Center's research Boeing 757 were acquired during severe haze and haze/mixed clouds visibility conditions. These images were enhanced using the Visual Servo (VS) process that makes use of the Multiscale Retinex. The images were then quantified with visual quality metrics used internally within the VS. One of these metrics, the Visual Contrast Measure, has been computed for hundreds of FORESITE images, and for major classes of imaging---terrestrial (consumer), orbital Earth observations, orbital Mars surface imaging, NOAA aerial photographs, and underwater imaging. The metric quantifies both the degree of visual impairment of the original, un-enhanced images as well as the degree of visibility improvement achieved by the enhancement process. The large aggregate data exhibits trends relating to degree of atmospheric visibility attenuation, and its impact on the limits of enhancement performance for the various image classes. Overall results support the idea that in most cases that do not involve extreme reduction in visibility, large gains in visual contrast are routinely achieved by VS processing. Additionally, for very poor visibility imaging, lesser, but still substantial, gains in visual contrast are also routinely achieved. Further, the data suggest that these visual quality metrics can be used as external standalone metrics for establishing performance parameters. Citation: Visual Information Processing XIV, Proc. SPIE 6246 + To Download PDF | |||
| + Automated, on-board terrain analysis for precision landings | 2006 | Rahman, Z., Jobson, D.J., Woodell, G.A. & Hines, G.D. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: Advances in space robotics technology hinge to a large extent upon the development and deployment of sophisticated new vision-based methods for automated in-space mission operations and scientific survey. To this end, we have developed a new concept for automated terrain analysis that is based upon a generic image enhancement platform---multi-scale retinex (MSR) and visual servo (VS) processing. This pre-conditioning with the MSR and the VS produces a ``canonical'' visual representation that is largely independent of lighting variations, and exposure errors. Enhanced imagery is then processed with a biologically inspired two-channel edge detection process, followed by a smoothness based criteria for image segmentation. Landing sites can be automatically determined by examining the results of the smoothness-based segmentation which shows those areas in the image that surpass a minimum degree of smoothness. Though the MSR has proven to be a very strong enhancement engine, the other elements of the approach---the VS, terrain map generation, and smoothness-based segmentation---are in early stages of development. Experimental results on data from the Mars Global Surveyor show that the imagery can be processed to automatically obtain smooth landing sites. In this paper, we describe the method used to obtain these landing sites, and also examine the smoothness criteria in terms of the imager and scene characteristics. Several examples of applying this method to simulated and real imagery are shown. Citation: Visual Information Processing XV, Z. Rahman, S. E. Reichenbach, and M. A. Neifeld, Eds. Proc. SPIE 6246 + To Download PDF | |||
| + Adaptive methods of two-scale edge detection in post-enhancement visual pattern processing | 2008 | Rahman, Z., Woodell, G.A. & Jobson, D.J. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: Adaptive methods are defined and experimentally studied for a two-scale edge detection process that mimics human visual perception of edges and is inspired by the parvo-cellular (P) and magno-cellular (M) physiological subsystems of natural vision. This two-channel processing consists of a high spatial acuity/coarse contrast channel (P) and a coarse acuity/fine contrast (M) channel. We perform edge detection after a very strong non-linear image enhancement that uses smart Retinex image processing. Two conditions that arise from this enhancement demand adaptiveness in edge detection. These conditions are the presence of random noise further exacerbated by the enhancement process, and the equally random occurrence of dense textural visual information. We examine how to best deal with both phenomena with an automatic adaptive computation that treats both high noise and dense textures as too much information, and gracefully shifts from a small-scale to medium-scale edge pattern priorities. This shift is accomplished by using different edge-enhancement schemes that correspond with the (P) and (M) channels of the human visual system. We also examine the case of adapting to a third image condition, namely too little visual information, and automatically adjust edge detection sensitivities when sparse feature information is encountered. When this methodology is applied to a sequence of images of the same scene but with varying exposures and lighting conditions, this edge-detection process produces pattern constancy that is very useful for several imaging applications that rely on image classification in variable imaging conditions. Citation: Visual Information Processing XV, Z. Rahman, S. E. Reichenbach, and M. A. Neifeld, Eds. Proc. SPIE 6246 | |||
| + Hazard detection on runways using image processing techniques | 2008 | Rajput, G. S. & Rahman, Z. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: With the tremendous increase in the number of air passengers in the past years, aviation safety has been of utmost importance. At any given point of time, there will be several flights lining up for landing. Landing in good visibility conditions is not a problem. However, the problem arises when we have poor visibility conditions, especially foggy conditions. The pilot finds it difficult to land the flight in poor visibility conditions because of the difficulty to spot the runway clearly. This paper presents a novel method for detecting the runways and hazards on it in poor visibility conditions using image processing techniques. The first step is to obtain the images of a runway on a clear day and compute the smoothness coefficient followed by edge detection, using the SUSAN edge detection algorithm and then finally develop a database of the smoothness coefficients and edge detected images. Now, for the foggy images we compute the smoothness coefficient. Typically, foggy images have low contrast. Hence, before we perform edge detection, we enhance the image using Multi-Scale Retinex (msr). msr provides the low contrast enhancement and color constancy, required to enhance foggy images, by performing non-linear spatial/spectral transforms. After enhancement, the next step is to run the same edge detection algorithm with appropriate thresholds. Finally we determine a hazard by comparing the edge detected images of images taken under clear and foggy conditions. The paper also compares the results of the SUSAN edge detection algorithm with the state of art edge detection techniques. Citation: Visual Information Processing XVII, Z. Rahman, S. E. Reichenbach, & M. A. Neifeld, Eds. Proc. SPIE 6978 | |||
| + Robust edge-detection algorithm for runway edge detection | 2008 | Tandra, S. and Rahman, Z. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: Fog and other poor visibility conditions hamper the visibility of runway surfaces and any obstacles present on the runway, potentially creating a situation where a pilot may not be able to safely land the aircraft. Assisting the pilot to land the aircraft safely in such conditions is an active area of research. We are investigating a method that combines non-linear image enhancement with classification of runway edges to detect objects on the runway. The image is segmented into runaway and non-runway regions, and objects that are found in the runway regions are deemed to constitute potential hazards. For runway edge classification, we make use of the long, continuous edges in the image stream. This paper describes a new method for edge-detection that is robust to the imaging conditions under which we are acquiring the imagery. This edge-detection method extracts edges using a locally adaptive threshold for the detection. The proposed algorithm is evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively on different types of images, especially acquired under poor visibility conditions. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio and as a function of the visibility index. Additionally the results of our new algorithm are compared with other, more conventional edge detectors. Citation: Enhanced and Synthetic Vision 2008. Proc. SPIE 6957 + To Download PDF | |||
| + How Electronic Questionnaire Formats Affect Scaled Responses | 2009 | Trujillo, A. C. | Operator Characterization |
| Abstract: With the use of computers, paper questionnaires are slowly being replaced by electronic questionnaires. This research began to determine how electronic questionnaire formats change subjective ratings from the traditional paper formats. The primary objectives were to determine whether electronic formats of paper questionnaires change subjects' ratings and if more repeatable results could be obtained through electronic questionnaires. Overall, subjects preferred the electronic formats. Results also indicated that respondents may have underestimated their workload with the paper version of the NASA-TLX. The time to input the rating was the fastest for the electronic paper and random title formats. Lastly, subjects did not always read the descriptions associated with each scale. Therefore, moving questionnaires from paper to electronic media could change respondents' answers. Citation: IS&T/SPIE's 20th Annual Symposium, Electronic Imaging 2008, Image Processing: Machine Vision Applications. Proc. SPIE 6813 | |||
| + Image Registration using Conformal Log Polar Mapping | 2009 | Vadapally, I.B.K. & Rahman, Z. | Enabling Avionics |
| Abstract: Image Registration is the process of fusing or overlaying of two images of the same scene that were taken at different times and/or from different viewing angles and/or by sensors with different modality or resolution. The variations in the imaging environment induce the difference between the images of the same scene. In our situation, we have two images of the same scene taken with different sensors, one image is in the visible domain and the other is an IR image. The images are captured using a visible camera and a thermal camera by placing the two devices adjacent to each other and taking the images simultaneously without a significant change in time and spatial location. Using image registration we project the visible image into the infrared image to rectify both images to the same co-ordinate system. This is done to match the sensor output and then produce an information product from the two which can be used to further analyze and assess the scene. In this paper we use the conformal log polar mapping (CLPM) for image registration. The CLPM is invariant to changes in rotation and scale: rotational changes map to a shift along one of the axes and scale changes a shift long the other. Thus the CLPM for the two images mentioned above should essentially be the same even though the two were taken from different sensors. The amount of shift can be used to determine the angle of rotation of the rotated image with respect to the original image. The same holds for the change in scale of the two images were the shift along the x-axis or the magnitude axis in the log polar mappings of the two images can be used to find the scaling factor between the two images. This method calculates the transformation parameters for rectifying the reference image to the original image or vice-versa, and can be used to register the two images that vary in phase and scale. In this paper, we present a robust approach for image registration that uses these shifts to compute the parameters representing rotation and scale change, and registers a pair of images. An application of this approach is in detecting wave height for efficient navigation of a watercraft where the images to be fused are taken from multiple sensors which are fixed on the craft. The wave parameters can be determined by looking at the common features in the edge profile of the images taken from different sensors. The goal here is to provide real time assessment of the sea state from the information obtained from the sensor suite for possible route and speed changes to increase safety and improve ride quality. Citation: Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7341 | |||
| + Modeling pilot cognitive behavior for predicting performance and workload effects of cockpit automation | 2009 | Gil, G-H., Kaber, D. B., Kim, S-H., Kaufmann, K., Veil, T. & Picciano, P. | Enabling Avionics |
| Citation: In Proceedings of the 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (pp. 101-106), Dayton, OH: Wright State University | |||
| + Speech Synthesis for Data Link: A Study of Overall Quality and Comprehension Effort | 2009 | Godfroy, M., Wenzel, E. M., and Begault, D. R. | Multimodal Interfaces |
| Citation: Proceedings of the 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology. Dayton, OH: Wright State University | |||
| + Data and knowledge as predictors of perceptions of display clutter, subjective workload and pilot performance | 2009 | Alexander, A., Stelzer, E., Kim, S-H., Kaber, D. B. & Prinzel, L. | Display Clutter |
| Citation: Proceedings of the 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology. Dayton, OH: Wright State University | |||
| + Multi-tasking, memory failures, and a perspective on human error | 2008 | Dismukes, R. K | Operator Performance |
| Citation: Proceedings of the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (CD-ROM). Santa Monica, CA: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. + To Download PDF | |||
| + Human error or system error: Are we committed to managing it? | 2009 | Dismukes, R. K. | Operator Performance |
| Citation: Presented at the 2008 FAA Northwest Region Runway Summit, Seattle, WA + To Download PDF | |||
| + Assessing the effects of conformal terrain features in advanced head-up displays on pilot performance | 2009 | Kim, S-H & Kaber, D. B. | Heads-up Displays |
| Citation: 53rd Annual Meeting of the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society in San Antonio, Texas | |||
| + The hidden complexity of cockpit operations | 2009 | Loukopoulos, L. D., Dismukes, K., & Barshi, I. | Operator Performance |
| Citation: Presented at the 21st Annual European Aviation Safety Seminar of the Flight Safety Foundation. Nicosia, Cyprus + To Download PDF | |||
| + Developing the Coordinated Situation Awareness Toolkit (CSATK): Situation Awareness Model Augmentation and Application | 2008 | Hooey, B., Gore, B., Scott-Nash, S., Wickens, C., Small, R. & Foyle, D. | |
| Citation: Technical Report HCSL-08-01 | |||
| + Modeling the effects of HUD visual properties and configurations on a multi-dimensional measure of clutter | 2009 | Kim, S-H., Kaber, D. B., Kaufmann, K., Veil. T, Alexander, A. L., Stelzer, E. M. & Prinzel, L. J. | |
| Citation: 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, Dayton, OH: Wright State University, April 27-30, 2009 | |||
| + Eye-tracking in a mid-fidelity Boeing 777 flight simulator to advance new operational concepts | 2009 | Wu, S-C., Lachter, J., Johnson, W., Battiste, V., Kelly, Mogford, R., Brandt, S., Dao, Q., Johnson, N. & Ligda, S. | |
| Citation: 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP), Dayton, OH, April 27-30, 2009 | |||
| + Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for Enhanced Vision Systems, Synthetic Vision Systems and Enhanced Flight Vision Systems | 2009 | RTCA SC-213 committee | |
| Citation: RTCA Document DO-315, Issued December 16, 2008 | |||
| + Predicting the Unpredictable: Estimating Human Performance Parameters for Off-Nominal Events | 2009 | Hooey, B.L., Wickens, E.R., Salud, A., Sebok, S., Hutchins, B.F. & Gore, B. | |
| Citation: 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP), Dayton, OH, April 27-30, 2009 | |||
| + Flight Deck Display Technologies for 4DT and Surface Equivalent Visual Operations | 2009 | Prinzel III, L.J., Jones, D.R., Shelton, K.J., Arthur, J.J., Bailey, R.E., Allamandola, A.S., Foyle, D.C. & Hooey, B.L. | |
| Abstract:NASA research is focused on flight deck display technologies that may significantly enhance situation awareness, enable new operating concepts, and reduce the potential for incidents/accidents for terminal area and surface operations. The display technologies include surface map, head-up, and head-worn displays; 4DT guidance algorithms; synthetic and enhanced vision technologies; and terminal maneuvering area traffic conflict detection and alerting systems. This work is critical to ensure that the flight deck interface technologies and the role of the human participants can support the full realization of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and its novel operating concepts. Citation: 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP), Dayton, OH, April 27-30, 2009 + Visit NTRS | |||
| + NT-SEEV: A model of attention capture and noticing on the Flight Deck | 2009 | Wickens, E.R, Sebok, A., Bzostek, J. Steelman-Allen, K., McCarley, J. Sarter, N. | |
| Citation: 15th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP), Dayton, OH, April 27-30, 2009 | |||
| + Motion Parallax Enhances Depth in a Perspective Traffic Display | 2009 | Mulligan, J. | |
| Citation: 47th Society for Information Display (SID) Conference, San Antonio, TX, May 31-June 5, 2009 | |||
| + Methodology for Estimation of Benefits of Human-Computer Interaction Engineering in NextGen/SESAR Development | 2009 | Sherry, L., Feary, M., Lard, J. & Fennell, K. | |
| Citation: ATM-2009 conference, Napa, CA, June 2009 To Download | |||
| + Dynamic Operating Documents for Dynamic Operating Environments | 2009 | Barbara Burian | |
| Citation: 13th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, San Diego, CA, July 2009 | |||
| + Visual Coding of Analog Signals for Advanced Display Development | 2009 | Jorgensen, C. | |
| Citation: International Conference on Modeling, Simulation & Visualization Methods, Las Vegas, NV, July 13-16, 2009 | |||
| + Fusion of Airborne Radar and FLIR Sensors for Runway Incursion Detection | 2009 | White, J., Archer, C. Haidt, J., Britt, C. & Neece, R. | |
| Abstract: Forward looking infrared and Radar (X-band or Ku-band) sensors are potential components in external hazard monitoring systems for general aviation aircraft. We are investigating the capability of these sensors to provide hazard information to the pilot when normal visibility is reduced by meteorological conditions. Fusing detection results from FLIR and Radar sensors can improve hazard detection performance. We have developed a demonstration fusion system for the detection of runway incursions. In this paper, we present our fusion system, along with detection results from data recorded on approach to a landing during clear daylight, overcast daylight, and clear night conditions. Citation: 28th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), October 2009 | |||
| + Collision Avoidance for Airport Traffic Concept Evaluation | 2009 | Jones, D.R., Prinzel, L.J., Otero, S.D. & Barker, G.D. | |
| Citation: 28th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), October 2009 | |||
| + Simulation Evaluation of Equivalent Vision Technologies for Supersonic Aircraft Operations | 2009 | Kramer, L.J., Williams, S.P., Wilz, S.J., Arthur, J.J. & Bailey, R.E. | |
| Citation: 28th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), October 2009 | |||
| + Surface Map Traffic Intent Displays and Net-Centric Data-link Communications for 4DT Equivalent Visual NextGen Operations | 2009 | Shelton, K.J., Prinzel, L.J., Jones, D.R., Allamandola, A.J., Arthur, J.J., & Bailey, R.E. | |
| Citation: 28th IEEE/AIAA Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), October 2009 | |||
| + N-SEEV: A computational model of attention and noticing | 2009 | Steelman-Allen, K., McCarley, J., Wickens, C., Sebok, A. & Bzostek, J. | |
| Citation: 53rd Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, October 2009 | |||
to the No Fear Act