Near-to-eye display concepts for air traffic controllers

John W. Ruffner; Jim E. Fulbrook; Marc Foglia

doi:10.1117/12.541645

8 September 2004 Near-to-eye display concepts for air traffic controllers

John W. Ruffner, Jim E. Fulbrook, Marc Foglia

Proceedings Volume 5442, Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays IX: Technologies and Applications; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541645
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Tower controllers are responsible for maintaining safe separation between airborne aircraft in the airport traffic control area, and separation between aircraft, equipment, and personnel on the airport surface. The objective of this project was to develop and demonstrate an out-the-window, augmented viewing system concept for Air Force air traffic control tower personnel to reduce look-down time within the tower and to optimize visual airfield operations, particularly during limited visibility conditions. We characterized controller tasks where a near-to-eye display greatly aids performance and identified form factor variables that influence user acceptability of hardware configurations. We developed an "out-the-window concept of operation" and analyzed the hardware requirements and feasibility of three near-to-eye viewing systems: two head-mounted monocular displays (HMMD) and a held-to-head binocular display (HHBD). When fully developed, these display prototypes should enhance tower controller situation awareness, and reduce such distractions as having to frequently attend to and respond to head-down (console) display information. There are potential users of this display concept in all branches of the military services, and in the commercial sector. There is also potential utility for surface surveillance operations in support of homeland security, law enforcement personnel, rescue workers, firefighters, and special operations forces in non-aviation applications.

Citation Download Citation

John W. Ruffner, Jim E. Fulbrook, and Marc Foglia "Near-to-eye display concepts for air traffic controllers", Proc. SPIE 5442, Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays IX: Technologies and Applications, (8 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541645

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available