- The HCI DUAS enables stated DoD roadmap goals for interoperability among similar classes of UAVs and between UAVs of different classes.
- STANAG 4586 communication architecture for dissemination of time-critcal data between Ground Control Stations (GCS) and requesters connected to the Distributed UAV Access System
- Collection Agents for the determination of an UAV asset match to a requester's time-critical imagery or weapons request.
- Predictive mission route algorithms for real-time threat avoidance from network-centric updates.
The system also enables the creation of a Common Operational Picture from Network-Centric Situational Awareness updates in novel 2D/3D Human-Computer Interfaces. These HCIs assist in creating actionable intelligence for use by todays Warfighter, Border agent, or Emergency first responder. Key functional components include:
- MIL Standard 2525 representation of battlefield entities.
- Knowledge Models for creation of a dynamic map of the theater of operations
- Mission critical updates to promote Situational Awareness.
- Imagery and data information fusion
- Common Operational Picture among users in the system
- Cross Platform Operability
- User focused and Cognitive theory based HCIs
- Modular and scalable software design
Network-Centric Distributed Real-time UAV Access System
Kutta was selected by the U.S. Air Force Human Effectiveness Directorate as a Phase I and Phase II SBIR winner (AF05-056) to develop a system that allows interoperability and access to UAV assets. For this SBIR effort, Kutta is developing a Network-Centric Distributed UAV Access System with Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI DUAS) for access to the Global Information Grid (GIG). Kutta's system allows for UAV mission re-tasking, sensor re-tasking, access to imagery, collection plans, mission optimization, and interoperability "among and between" different classes of UAV assets. The system contains interface nodes to the airborne network, satellite backbone, terrestrial networks, and tactical and surveillance control centers. Contained with the GIG are a Metadata Catalog and Secure Space for data indexing and storage.
Technology demonstrations are scheduled in February and April 2008 for a small UAV flying at a location in AZ connected through the network with the Air Force's Vigilant Spirit Control Station (VSCS), a multi UAV controller, operating UAVs at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. During one of the flight test sorties, a Situational Awareness (SA) update is posted into the system of a threat in the area of operations. An UAV mission plan decision agent who receives the threat (1) logically determines that it conflicts with the flight route of the UAV, (2) re-routes the UAV in real-time, and (3) uplinks the new waypoints to the UAV avoiding the obstacle without any human interaction. Stay tuned for results of flight testing of the system, results to be posted.
Applications of this technology scale to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), border patrol, and maritime surveillance for the dissemination of time-critical ISR and the promotion of Shared Situational Awareness.
