Advanced interface for UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Ground Control Station

The interfaces for UAV Ground Control Station are the fundamental tool for communicating situational information between the system and the operator. In order to increase the success of a mission, such interfaces must be designed around the operator’s needs. The research presented in this paper focuses on an advanced interface whose aim is to guarantee a high level of operator situation awareness and a low level of operator workload in the control and supervision of unmanned vehicles. Here we describe an interface that comprises a touch screen—used by the operator to command the UAV by means of high level commands—and a 3D Virtual Display which provides a stereoscopic visualization of the complex scenario in which the vehicle operates. Good levels of situation awareness are also guaranteed by an audio feedback loop that informs the operator regarding any changes in operational space, as well as when the mission objectives have been accomplished. The interface test results have revealed that it enhances the operator’s sense of presence, and also his awareness of the mission scenario and the aircraft under his control.