Collaboration and Visualization -- Projects

Achieving Operator Synergism in Interaction with Virtual Image Displays

Joint Time Sensitive Targeting (TST) Experimentation

Probabilistic Traffic Flow Management Demand Visualization

Collaboration and Visualization focuses on technologies that support effective use of information systems by individuals and groups. Crucial to the success of such systems are the presentation of information, strategies for organizing its manipulation, and support for geographically and temporally dispersed users interacting with each other and with the information they need and create.

Achieving Operator Synergism in Interaction with Virtual Image Displays

Michael A. Wingfield, Principal Investigator

Bedford and Washington

Problem
The potential for personal empowerment becomes more real as advances in mobile computing (e.g., hand-held and wearable devices) enable convergence between computing and communication. However, a suitable interaction model for these types of devices has not yet been thoroughly defined, and manufacturers and interaction designers are still trying to determine the types of applications that are appropriate for this technology.

Objectives
Our current understanding of graphics computing and display technology is challenged by the notion of mobile computing and portable information spaces, and we need to consider task characteristics and information processing mechanisms and required design features. We will examine the roles that computer graphics and “mediated” reality may play and consider the use of multiple modalities for information “display.”

Activities
We have investigated the tradeoffs associated with both wearable computers and wearable displays and have documented the characteristics of available technology. An essential component is the ability to track user location so that computer-generated information can be overlaid on the real world. The plan is to integrate tracking technology with the wearable devices and build an application that exploits this capability.

Impacts
This work positions MITRE as a government resource in the area of portable visual displays for the next generation in wearable computing. As information complexity increases and data portability becomes more critical, the issues examined here will enable MITRE to define guidelines and develop a seamless, natural, and usable interface for providing access to visually intensive data.

Joint Time Sensitive Targeting (TST) Experimentation

James Dear, Principal Investigator

Washington

Problem
Each military service is independently pursuing unique systems and technologies for TST, with some of the application development and integration efforts occurring in selected service laboratories. These labs address various components of the TST process individually. However, these disparate development and integration efforts could present problems to a joint contingency operation in which multiple services may be prosecuting the same time critical targets.

Objectives
The primary objective of this project will be to demonstrate inter-service technical and operational interoperability in TST through a series of intra-MITRE laboratory experiments. A collateral objective is to identify and demonstrate technologies that will enhance this interoperability.

Activities
We will determine and resolve service differences related to TST, identify possible technical interoperability problems or shortfalls, determine and apply metrics to judge process improvements, identify/recommend solutions to the problems/shortfalls, and experiment with technologies that address or identify shortfalls. We will help evolve and mature an inter-service concept of operations for TST and prepare a technical report to guide an acquisition strategy.

Impacts
The TST experiments will address specific concerns of OSD and program executive officers. Recommendations in the report could influence R&D and acquisition decisions of the various services, as well as Air Land Sea Applications documents and joint targeting doctrine. Ideally, this work will result in the services’ developing and executing their own program of regular TST experimentation between their respective labs. The government point of contact for this project is the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Dr. V. Garber, Director for Systems Integration, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics.

Probabilistic Traffic Flow Management Demand Visualization

Craig Wanke, Principal Investigator

Washington

Problem
TFM decisions are based on imperfect predictions of demand; however, prediction uncertainty is not explicitly factored into the decision-making process. In the current Enhanced Traffic Management System (ETMS), demand predictions are presented as “truth,” even though traffic managers are aware of the uncertainty around them. This can result in unnecessary actions and conservative decisions.

Objectives
Our objective is to explore ways to manage the impact of uncertain demand predictions on TFM decision-making. To do this, we must quantify the uncertainty present in the demand predictions used in current TFM operations, and develop candidate visualization techniques and procedures for using this uncertainty to improve decision making.

Activities
We will (1) review past work in the areas of aircraft trajectory prediction, visualization of uncertain information, and decision making in the presence of uncertainty; (2) develop mathematical models to relate trajectory prediction accuracy to uncertainty in TFM predictions; and (3) explore techniques for and associated human factors issues involved in presenting uncertain information to TFM decision makers.

Impacts
The results of this work will be useful in identifying weak points in present-day TFM decision making, in improving the utility of TFM decision support tools currently being developed in the CAASD FAA work program, and in developing prediction performance requirements for future TFM decision support systems.