The Automation Design Advisor Tool (ADAT): Development and Validation of a Model-Based Tool to Support Flight Deck Automation Design for NextGen Operations

摘要

NextGen aviation will require an even greater reliance on automation than current-day operations. Therefore, systems with problems in human-automation interaction must be identified and resolved early, well before they are introduced into operation. This paper describes a research and software development effort to build a prototype automation design advisor tool (ADAT) for flight deck automation. This tool uses models of human performance to identify perceptual, cognitive, and action-related inefficiencies in the design of flight management systems. Aviation designers can use the tool to evaluate and compare potential flight deck automation designs and to identify potential human-automation interaction concerns. Designers can compare different flight management systems in terms of specific features and their ability to support pilot performance. ADAT provides specific, research-based guidance for resolving problematic design issues. It was specifically designed to be flexible enough for both current-day technologies and revolutionary NextGen designs.