Novel Human Machine Interface and Interaction (HMI) for Next Generation Avionic Systems

Novel Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems are currently envisaged, in line with the roadmap defined by large-scale research initiatives including Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) in Europe, Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) in US, and other programmes worldwide. Improved Human Machine Interface and Interaction (HMI2), interoperability between airborne and ground systems, and higher levels of automation are key enablers for implementing Trajectory/Intent Based Operations (TBO/IBO). The introduction of highly automated functions will enable reduction of the overall workload of the operators. In order to implement full 4D TBO, air traffic has to be managed through 4D Trajectories (4DT) that are based on three spatial dimensions plus time. In this paper, the requirements of HMI2 system design aspects are identified from a systems engineering, operational and end user perspective. In addition to HMI2 for CNS functions, continuous monitoring, negotiation and validation of the globally optimal 4D trajectories with the ground ATM system aspects are included. The paper identifies the needs for the human machine interface to manage and share 4D trajectories in the ATM concept defined by the regional and large-scale research programmes. The novel concept, system architecture as well as trajectory generation and optimisation algorithms of a Next Generation Flight Management System (NG-FMS) are presented. The NG-FMS, primarily responsible for airborne Navigation, Guidance and Control (NGC) tasks, acts as a key enabler for generating globally optimal trajectories both operationally and environmentally. The NG-FMS is developed for 4D TBO/IBO in CNS/ATM and Avionics (CNS + A) context. The NG-FMS also enables the Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to access the non-segregated airspace by incorporating collision avoidance schemes as part of the system design. As higher levels of automation concepts are conceived, developed, evaluated and implemented, the roles and responsibilities of the pilots are likely to change. The automation will lead to pilots assuming greater roles in decision-making process and solution implementation. The improvements will lead to a state wherein humans act as key information collectors in the system by gathering information including air traffic, weather and airport runway configurations, and passing on that information to the automation tasks. Standard cockpit design of the current state-of-the-art Airbus and Boeing passenger aircraft are considered for initial modelling and simulation purposes. Solutions are proposed for trajectory display and information access, modification, weather predictions and revision support. This paper discusses the suitable type of controls and display formats required, and appropriate Graphical User Interface (GUI) for next generation avionics systems.