Real-Time Assessment of Operator State in Air Traffic Controllers Using Ocular Metrics

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-261
Author(s):  
Jonny Kuo ◽  
Michael G. Lenné ◽  
Rama Myers ◽  
Anna Collard-Scruby ◽  
Courtney Jaeger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Air Traffic Control ◽  
Pupil Diameter ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Continuous Operator ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
State Monitoring ◽  
Air Traffic Controllers ◽  
Operator Fatigue

This study examined the utility of continuous operator state monitoring in predicting air traffic control officer (ATCO) workload and fatigue. Participants (N=8) were observed in live operational air traffic control environments for 60-minute periods. ATCO state was assessed using a real-time, computer vision-based system which tracked operator gaze and pupil diameter. Workload and fatigue were also assessed via the adapted Bedford Workload Scale and Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale, respectively. Standard deviation of gaze was a significant predictor of both max and mean workload, showing a strong negative relationship with both subjective measures. Pupil diameter showed a significant positive relationship with operator fatigue. Our findings demonstrate the utility of continuous ocular metrics of workload and fatigue in operational environments.

scholarly journals Visual Search and Conflict Mitigation Strategies Used by Expert en Route Air Traffic Controllers

Aerospace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Ricardo Palma Fraga ◽  
Ziho Kang ◽  
Jerry M. Crutchfield ◽  
Saptarshi Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Visual Search ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Air Traffic Control ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Air Traffic Controllers ◽  
Search Patterns ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Conflict Mitigation

The role of the en route air traffic control specialist (ATCS) is vital to maintaining safety and efficiency within the National Airspace System (NAS). ATCSs must vigilantly scan the airspace under their control and adjacent airspaces using an En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) radar display. The intent of this research is to provide an understanding of the expert controller visual search and aircraft conflict mitigation strategies that could be used as scaffolding methods during ATCS training. Interviews and experiments were conducted to elicit visual scanning and conflict mitigation strategies from the retired controllers who were employed as air traffic control instructors. The interview results were characterized and classified using various heuristics. In particular, representative visual scanpaths were identified, which accord with the interview results of the visual search strategies. The highlights of our findings include: (1) participants used systematic search patterns, such as circular, spiral, linear or quadrant-based, to extract operation-relevant information; (2) participants applied an information hierarchy when aircraft information was cognitively processed (altitude -> direction -> speed); (3) altitude or direction changes were generally preferred over speed changes when imminent potential conflicts were mitigated. Potential applications exist in the implementation of the findings into the training curriculum of candidates.

Time-Compressed Components for Air-Intercept Control Skills

1983 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Vidulich ◽  
Yei-Yu Yeh ◽  
Walter Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Air Traffic Control ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Central Issue ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Real Time Simulation ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Time Simulation

The study tested guidelines for the use of microprocessors in training spatial skills for air traffic control. The central issue was the use of time-compressed simulation to aid the development of skill in identifying turn points and rollout headings for aircraft. Two groups of subjects were used. One group trained with a real-time simulation of the task, while the second group trained with a time-compressed version of the task running about 20 times as fast as real-time trials. Both groups were then tested in real-time trials. The results indicate that time compresssion can be a useful technique for increasing the efficiency of training.

scholarly journals Real Time Aircraft Atypical Approach Detection for Air Traffic Control

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Jarry ◽  
Daniel Delahaye ◽  
Stephane Puechmorel ◽  
Eric Feron
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Current Position ◽  
Major Step ◽  
Air Traffic Controllers ◽  
Safe Management ◽  
Energy Behaviour

In this paper, a complete tool for real-time detection of atypical energy behaviors of airplanes is presented. The methodology extends in real time an existing offline process using Dubins trajectories as a predictor of the remaining distance to the runway threshold. Two major contributions are presented in this paper. First, a real-time measure of the aircraft energy behaviour is defined, indicating whether the aircraft is in good condition to intercept the extended runway centreline from its current position. Secondly, a 2D trajectory suggestion is given, allowing safe management of the approach path according to atypical criteria of historical data. Finally, this document proposes a comprehensive tool for air traffic controllers, which is a major step forward in understanding, becoming aware of and resolving critical situations that could lead to accidents.

Automated Radar Video Map Production at NOS

1989 ◽  
pp. 5-10
Author(s):  
Ronald Bolton ◽  
Russell Hoover
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Air Traffic Control ◽  
Federal Aviation Administration ◽  
Air Traffic ◽  
Automated Production ◽  
Air Traffic Controllers ◽  
Manual Methods ◽  
Traffic Control System ◽  
And Control

The Aeronautical Charting Division (ACD), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) produces the Radar Video Maps (RVM's) used by air traffic controllers to monitor and control the Nation's airspace. These complex maps depict the local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace definition and show airways, intersections, holding patterns, selected navigational aids, special-use airspace boundaries, and other radar display elements critical to the traffic controller's radar scope displays. Previously produced by tedious manual methods, the ACD's Aeronautical Chart Automated Production (ACAP) system now provides the tools for automated production of this integral part of the FAA air traffic control system.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document