Assuring Human-Centeredness in Intelligent Rotorcraft Cockpits: Using Crew Intent Estimation to Coordinate RPA Functions

Intent interpretation is the process of identifying patterns of human operator behavior in order to form a causal explanation for observed actions in terms of the current objectives of the operator. The outputs of this process are utilized by intelligent subsystems to support changing operator goals in a dynamic environment. In this paper, the rationale and design for an intelligent Cockpit Intent Estimator (CIE) system for the Rotorcraft Pilot’s Associate (RPA) is described. The CIE is an essential component of the RPA’s crew-vehicle cockpit interface, known as the Cockpit Information Manager (CIM) function. Employment of the CIE in the associate allows the numerous, complex aiding functions of the RPA to remain “lock-step” with the crew as the mission unfolds. CIE interpretation behavior, goal-processing activities, knowledge representation approach, and external communication mechanisms with other intelligent RPA subsystems are described with emphasis on CIE’s essential role in the coordination of RPA functions to accurately follow the crew’s lead and quickly regain coordination when the crew’s intentions change. Of particular interest is the RPA team’s significant accomplishment in the area of combining prescriptive, automated task coordination with descriptive, intent understanding for producing intelligent associate behavior.