Training to Operate a Simulated Micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle With Continuous or Discrete Manual Control

Abstract : This report investigates the effects of continuous vs. discrete control methods and the number of simultaneous camera views on operator performance during training to manually control a simulated micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV). Seventy-two participants were trained to operate a MAV in a simulated environment, to designated criterion levels. They were then given training missions during which performance was measured. Eight conditions were investigated, formed by crossing three 2-level factors: input device (mouse vs. game controller), input control display (discrete vs. continuous), and number of simultaneous camera views (one vs. two). Superior performance was observed when a continuous input method (e.g., multiple degrees of freedom) was provided for continuous MAV functions (e.g. maneuvering in space) and a discrete input method (e.g., single action) was provided for discrete MAV functions (e.g., command to hover). Under these conditions, mission times were shorter, collisions were fewer, and more targets were photographed. Effects of video game experience and spatial ability were also investigated. Recommendations for the design of unmanned vehicle controls were discussed.

[1]  Michael A. Goodrich,et al.  Seven principles of efficient human robot interaction , 2003, SMC'03 Conference Proceedings. 2003 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics. Conference Theme - System Security and Assurance (Cat. No.03CH37483).

[2]  J. G. Hollands,et al.  Engineering Psychology and Human Performance , 1984 .

[3]  Patrick Péruch,et al.  Between Desktop and Head Immersion: Functional Visual Field During Vehicle Control and Navigation in Virtual Environments , 1999, Presence: Teleoperators & Virtual Environments.

[4]  William K. Durfee,et al.  Discrete and continuous inputs as command control sources for rehabilitation robot manipulators , 1993, Proceedings of the 15th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Societ.

[5]  Christopher D. Wickens,et al.  Pilots Strategically Compensate for Display Enlargements in Surveillance and Flight Control Tasks , 2006, Hum. Factors.

[6]  David D. Woods,et al.  Envisioning human-robot coordination in future operations , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part C (Applications and Reviews).

[7]  C. S. Green,et al.  Action video game modifies visual selective attention , 2003, Nature.

[8]  Abigail Sellen,et al.  A comparison of input devices in element pointing and dragging tasks , 1991, CHI.

[9]  Earl Hunt,et al.  Spatial Representations of Virtual Mazes: The Role of Visual Fidelity and Individual Differences , 2001, Hum. Factors.

[10]  Erik F. Strommen,et al.  Is It Easier to Hop or Walk? Development Issues in Interface Design , 1993, Hum. Comput. Interact..

[11]  J. Pratt,et al.  The effects of action video game experience on the time course of inhibition of return and the efficiency of visual search. , 2005, Acta psychologica.

[12]  H. Gardner.  Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century , 1999 .

[13]  H. Stumpf,et al.  A structural analysis of visual spatial ability in academically talented students , 1999 .

[14]  David E. Meyer,et al.  Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching. , 2001 .

[15]  Paula J. Durlach,et al.  12. Evaluation of a Touch Screen-Based Operator Control Interface for Training and Remote Operation of a Simulated Micro-Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle , 2006 .

[16]  Paula J. Durlach.  PACERS: Platoon Aid for Collective Employment of Robotic Systems , 2007 .

[17]  Paula J. Durlach,et al.  Change Blindness and Its Implications for Complex Monitoring and Control Systems Design and Operator Training , 2004, Hum. Comput. Interact..

[18]  B. Tabachnick,et al.  Using Multivariate Statistics , 1983 .

[19]  Stuart K. Card,et al.  Evaluation of mouse, rate-controlled isometric joystick, step keys, and text keys, for text selection on a CRT , 1987 .

[20]  S. Hart,et al.  Development of NASA-TLX (Task Load Index): Results of Empirical and Theoretical Research , 1988 .

[21]  C D Wickens,et al.  Codes and Modalities in Multiple Resources: A Success and a Qualification , 1988, Human factors.