The next generation air transportation system: An approach to function allocation

A method for function allocation was developed and applied to the conflict detection and resolution problem in the next generation air transportation system. The method identifies key capabilities required of agents, automated or human, to achieve the goals of the system through state-based modeling. For conflict detection and resolution in the next generation air transportation system, those capabilities include the ability to accurately identify current separation, predict future losses of separation and collisions, and identify four-dimensional trajectory changes that, when implemented, will result in proper future separation. The modeling method feeds into an analysis of potential levels of automation across four stages of information processing, yielding a taxonomy of possible function allocation schemes, which can then be analyzed with respect to system and operator performance needs. The taxonomy is identified and analyzed for the current and future conflict detection and resolution system in air traffic control. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.