Mission Displays for Autonomous Systems (MiDAS) Navy STTR FY2005 Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2005 Topic No.: N05-T017 Topic Title: Mission Displays for Autonomous Systems (MiDAS) Proposal No.: N054-017-0279 Firm: Aptima, Inc. 12 Gill Street Suite 1400 Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Contact: Michael Linegang Phone: (202) 842-1548 Web Site: aptima.com Abstract: We propose producing the MiDAS (Mission Displays for Autonomous Systems) interface designed to exploit existing automation capabilities of unmanned vehicles and improve future user interfaces in unmanned vehicles using an automated control system. Our technical approach features an innovative concept: using a Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) approach to provide the structure for our design of the MiDAS interface so that it is invariant across different types of unmanned vehicles. This analysis would include an assessment of existing automation technologies for unmanned vehicle systems in order to map those parameters of human decision-making to data input requirements and data output capabilities of developed automation technologies. Phase I will consist of four tasks: 1) a Cognitive Work Analysis of the IA system interface; 2) a definition of the UxV operator requirements; 3) a prototype MiDAS interface design; 4) evaluation of the MiDAS interface, and 5) a plan to apply multi-modality to the UI (option task). In Phase II, the prototype MiDAS interface will be further developed for functioning in a more dynamic and unstructured environment, and integrated into a medium-fidelity simulation environment coupled with sufficient autonomy components to evaluate its functioning. Benefits: The envisioned product of this STTR, MiDAS, is a unique operator-centered interface for understanding and assessing mission plans for UxVs in an ISR context. MiDAS will 1) allow operators to examine missions plans for multiple, heterogeneous unmanned vehicles, 2) easily understand changes to the mission and assess the reason for the change, and 3) interact with the IA planning system to improve mission effectiveness. There is a clear need for the MiDAS interface as the Navy experiences increased use of UxVs in various mission contexts, specifically those incorporating an Intelligent Autonomy system. The need for human mission managers to understand and easily evaluate the impact of changes to mission plans is essential to the overall success of UxV missions. Return