Human–Machine Interface Design for Monitoring Safety Risks Associated with Operating Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Urban Areas

Abstract

The envisioned introduction of autonomous Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) into low-altitude urban airspace necessitates high levels of system safety. Despite increased system autonomy, humans will most likely remain an essential component in assuring safety. This paper derives, applies, and evaluates a display design concept that aims to support safety risk monitoring of multiple sUAS by a human operator. The concept comprises of five design principles. The core idea of the concept is to limit display complexity despite increasing the number of sUAS monitored by primarily visualizing highly abstracted information while hiding detailed information of lower abstraction, unless specifically requested by the human operator. States of highly abstracted functions are visualized by function-specific icons that change hue in accordance to specified system states. Simultaneously, the design concept aims to support the human operator in identifying off-nominal situations by implementing design properties that guide visual attention. The display was evaluated in a study with seven subject matter experts. Although preliminary, the results clearly favor the proposed display design concept. The advantages of the proposed design concept are demonstrated, and the next steps for further exploring the proposed display design concept are outlined.

Crossover-effects in technical skills between laparoscopy and robot-assisted surgery

“…These changes in technical skills are likely related to the difference in controls of both systems and should be considered when training skills. From human-machine interaction studies, it is observed that a change in interface requires the operator to switch from a more automated modus, to a more complex neuro control part of the brain that require more active thinking, which may cause problems with execution of the tasks [36][37][38]. The novices and experts experienced less decay of tissue handling skills (MaxForce) when switching from LS to RS, compared to intermediates.…”

Aspects and Challenges of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Assurance and Certification for Advanced Operations.

“…The work mentioned in Ref. [17], highlights that HMI must keep the UAS operator informed at all times about the automation's behavior and its intent. This work focuses on operating multiple UAS by a single operator but in terms of HMI design, it could be applied to single UAS operations.…”

“…In regard to SPTs and SPIs, they are ultimately linked to the safety risks of an operation. Based on [27], two BowTie 17 diagrams are provided covering the case of MACs and GCs. In these examples, UAS are considered without people on board.…”