Flow-based air traffic control: Human-machine interface for steering a path-planning algorithm

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Abstract

In the near future, air traffic controllers are expected to adhere to stringent time and position constraints in controlling traffic. For this new task, new decision-support tools are required which include higher levels of automation, whilst letting humans remain to be the ultimate responsible for the safety of operations. In previous research, an advanced human-machine interface was designed and evaluated that allows controllers to manipulate four-dimensional flight plans of each individual aircraft. In this research, a higher level of automation is explored by designing a new interface prototype that enables controllers to manipulate multiple flows of traffic by facilitating interaction with a path-planning algorithm. A first evaluation of this interface, in which five participants were asked to structure a perturbed airspace as they saw fit, showed that the participants were able to influence the algorithm as they desired and were supported by the interface that visualized the inner workings of the algorithm. However, human influence did not improve the solutions in terms of sector robustness and efficiency, as compared the previously designed interface for aircraft. Therefore, improvements and its use case warrant further research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, SMC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages3186-3191
Number of pages6
Volume2019-October
ISBN (Electronic)9781728145693
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019
Event2019 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, SMC 2019 - Bari, Italy
Duration: 6 Oct 20199 Oct 2019

Conference

Conference2019 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, SMC 2019
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityBari
Period6/10/199/10/19

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