Dual Use

AF03-046������������������������������ TITLE: A New Display Paradigm for Air Traffic Control Management

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Airlift & Trainer (AT)

Objective:� Apply near-to-eye display technology to air traffic control management to accurately register aircraft on the runway and its surroundings to improve ground safety

Description:� The need exists to develop a near-to-eye or head-mounted display for air traffic controllers that allows a continuous head-up, out-the window view of the runway and eliminates the time-consuming scanning, eye re-accommodation, and cognitive integration required in accessing this same data on their current head-down displays. The use of a near-to eye head-mounted display allows the �scene-linking� of imagery, e.g., cueing the presence of aircraft and highlighting the location of runways, to improve ground safety. These safety benefits are expected to be significant in low visibility conditions, in which scene-linked imagery may highlight the location of planes that the controller may not be able to see directly. Near-to-eye display technology provides the hardware elements, which must accurately register the controller�s view with the location of the aircraft on the runway. This display must have a comfortable form factor and would look and act like conventional eyewear, such as eyeglasses, to encourage consumer adoption. These features promise applications in airports, military and commercial aircraft systems, and navigation and targeting for Special Operations Forces and the Army by providing imagery through all weather conditions and all illuminations.

Phase I:� Phase I activity shall include (1) a study of the air traffic control task and the development of a suitable concept of operation for the integration of a head-mounted display, (2) an analysis of the minimum field of view and resolution required to improve the air traffic control task, and the potential need for head tracking, (3) a design for a see-through head-mounted display system capable of sufficient resolution and field of view, and (4) several socially acceptable form factors, e.g., an eyeglass configuration, as potential candidates for selection of a display configuration appropriate for air traffic control.

Phase II:� Phase II activity shall be primarily directed toward the construction of a prototype for limited operational testing.� Effort shall address (1) system integration with air traffic control components and software, and (2) real-time update of imagery in dynamic environments, e.g., as the operator monitors the visual separation of approaching planes and controls the taxiing of aircraft along the runway.� Several prototypes may be required to examine all display forms identified in Phase I.

Dual Use Commercialization Potential:� These display technologies may be used in a broad range of military and civilian pervasive computing applications, e.g., for special operation teams or firefighters operating in �smoke-filled� environments with potential applications in military and commercial airports and airlines.