Human Computer Interfacing (HCI) for Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) With Varying Levels of Autonomy Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-020 Topic Title: Human Computer Interfacing (HCI) for Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) With Varying Levels of Autonomy Proposal No.: N161-020-0859 Firm: Bihrle Applied Research, Inc. 81 Research Dr Hampton, Virginia 23666 Contact: Jacob Kay Phone: (757) 766-2416 Web Site: http://www.bihrle.com Abstract: In the evolution of Detect And Avoid (DAA) technologies, no mechanism currently exists to enable a human pilot to specify the mix of human-initiated inputs and autonomous maneuver to maintain safe separation. Bihrle Applied Research Inc. (BAR) proposes to address this technology gap by developing a Human Computer Interface (HCI) that effectively conveys current and impending autonomous maneuvering information that enables the human pilot to effectively determine the appropriate mix of autonomous versus human-initiated inputs necessary to avoid collisions. BAR's innovative solution provides the human operator with a timeline-based display and control that provides critical information in an intuitive design that enables effective decision-making given an encounter threat. The design will provide user-configurable settings to accommodate different operating environment, algorithm capabilities, mission intent, pilot preferences, and potential future DAA designs. This unique display will cover the entire encounter timeline from initial detection, through the avoidance maneuver, clear of conflict and the subsequent return-to-course. BAR is uniquely qualified to accomplish this due to its extensive experience in the development of DAA algorithms, User Interface displays for UAS applications, and its comprehensive knowledge of the systems, constraints and operational rule sets stemming from deep involvement in DAA subcommittes and advisory groups. Benefits: While the state-of-the-art advancements in fully autonomous flight operations provide great potential, the transition to widespread adoption and acceptance of these technologies can be hindered by the current lack of human pilot ability to control the mix of autonomous versus human-initiated inputs for collision avoidance. The HCI display solution proposed by BAR will provide an innovative, enabling technology that will give human operators a mechanism by which to specify the level of autonomyin addition to providing full manual control and override capabilities. The displays will also be designed to provide additional benefits, including user-configurable settings to accommodate different algorithm capabilities, algorithm intent, pilot preferences, and potential future DAA designs. There are also potential gains in efficiencies through the adoption of the proposed displays for military applications, such that one UAS pilot may control multiple UAS simulataneously thus enhancing mission effectivenss. One of the commercial benefits of the proposed technology is that it can be applied to a wide variety of systems, ranging from Group 3-5 fixed-wing military UAS to commercial quad-copter small UAS. While the proposed system will be designed and developed under this SBIR to meet the specific need of the group 3-5 fixed-wing military UAS, BAR intends to commercialize this technology by adapting the control and displays for use on small UAS for the commerical sector. BAR intends to leverage existing relationships with commercial UAS customers, UAS manufacturers and UAS component vendors to integrate the proposed display technologies with onboard DAA systems and ground control stations to demonstrate the benefits of these technologies for commercial small UAS applications and progress towards commercial production. Return