Remote control tower controller performance evaluation method and system

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of air traffic control, and discloses a remote control tower controller performance evaluation method and system, and the method comprises the steps: solving a problem that a remote control tower controller is large in visual load and is liable to fatigue in a multi-screen collaborative virtualization environment; according to the invention, a multi-dimensional visual work efficiency evaluation system including spectral measurement, alertness test and subjective evaluation is established, and the system studies the influence of different illuminance and color temperature combinations on visual performance, alertness and fatigue. Eight combinations of two kinds of illuminance and four kinds of color temperature are set in an experiment, and a visual work efficiency comprehensive scoring model is constructed by adopting an analytic hierarchy process. According to the method, an empirical basis and theoretical support are provided for human factor optimization design and fatigue active prevention and control of the remote control tower display equipment, and the control operation safety and the work efficiency level can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air traffic control technology, and in particular relates to a method and system for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers. Background Technology

[0002] Remote control tower technology, as an innovative operating model in the civil aviation field, enables controllers to achieve "multimodal perception" in virtual scenarios through multi-screen collaboration and remote communication integration. However, the working environment centered on self-emissive display devices poses a severe challenge to the visual health and cognitive load of controllers. Compared with traditional physical control towers, remote control towers require controllers to face multi-source display terminals for extended periods, continuously integrating audiovisual information in complex dynamic monitoring, significantly increasing visual load. The interaction between the illuminance characteristics of the display devices and the ambient illuminance of the control room directly affects the controller's visual fatigue, visual comfort, and operational performance.

[0003] Existing research largely focuses on single environmental factors or specific scenarios, failing to fully elucidate the collaborative mechanism between multi-screen display parameters and human-machine ergonomics in remote control tower scenarios, particularly the impact of screen spectral characteristics on visual ergonomics. Furthermore, current duty procedures lack a fatigue management framework tailored to the specific needs of personnel in multi-screen display environments, potentially leading to safety hazards such as decreased attention and delayed reaction times. Therefore, a method is urgently needed to scientifically assess and optimize the visual ergonomics of remote control tower operators, enabling precise ergonomic control and proactive fatigue prevention. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for evaluating the performance of remote tower controllers, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers, comprising: Step 1: Construct a simulated environment corresponding to the remote tower control environment; set test conditions based on the constructed simulated environment, including combinations of different monitor illuminance and different monitor color temperature; Step 2: Have the test controller perform simulated control tasks under each of the test conditions; Step 3: After the subject controllers perform the task, collect their corresponding multi-dimensional performance data. The multi-dimensional performance data includes at least objective reaction time data reflecting alertness, test score data reflecting memory level, and subjective rating data reflecting fatigue and drowsiness. Step 4: Normalize the multi-dimensional performance data and synthesize the normalized data of each dimension into a comprehensive performance score based on a preset weight allocation model. Step 5: Based on the comprehensive performance score corresponding to different test conditions, evaluate and determine the combination of display illuminance and color temperature parameters that can optimize the performance of the test controller.

[0006] Optionally, in step 1, the display illuminance includes two levels: 300 lx and 400 lx, and the display color temperature includes four conditions: 6000K, 7000K, 8000K, and 9000K, which together constitute the eight test conditions.

[0007] Optionally, in step 3, the objective reaction time data is collected through a psychomotor alertness task test; the test score data reflecting memory level is collected through a pattern ablation experiment; and the subjective rating data is collected through the Carolina Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleep Scale.

[0008] Optionally, in step 4, the preset weight allocation model is constructed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and is used to allocate weights to the three evaluation dimensions of visual performance, visual alertness, and visual fatigue.

[0009] Optionally, before step 1, the melanin equivalent daylight illuminance value of the display screen under each test condition is calculated; after step 5, based on the melanin equivalent daylight illuminance value, a suitable combination of display illuminance and color temperature parameters is recommended for different work periods or task types.

[0010] On the other hand, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a remote tower controller performance evaluation system, comprising: The environment simulation module is used to configure simulated remote tower control scenarios and adjustable display illuminance and color temperature. The task execution module is used to enable the test controllers to perform preset simulated control tasks; The data acquisition module is used to collect multi-dimensional performance data of the test controllers after the task is completed; The data processing and evaluation module is used to normalize, weighted synthesize and analyze the collected data, generate a comprehensive performance score and output parameter optimization suggestions. The environment simulation module, task execution module, and data acquisition module are all communicatively connected to the data processing and evaluation module. The data acquisition module includes a software unit for running psychomotor alertness task tests and pattern ablation experiments, as well as an interactive interface for inputting subjective scale scores.

[0011] The technical effects of this invention are as follows: This invention establishes a standardized evaluation process integrating objective performance testing, subjective perception evaluation, and non-visual effect analysis, providing for the first time a systematic and quantitative method for optimizing display parameters in a specific human-machine-environment system—remote control towers. This method can not only accurately assess the comprehensive impact of specific display parameters on controller performance, but also recommend personalized display parameter settings for different work scenarios based on the evaluation results. This effectively improves controller performance, protects their visual health and operational safety, and provides a scientific basis and practical tool for human factors system design and fatigue management in the air traffic control field. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental scenario in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart and timing diagram of a single experiment in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a comparison chart of the objective performance of controllers under different display parameters in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a comparison of controllers' subjective feelings under different display parameters in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the visual ergonomics comprehensive score and optimal parameter determination in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. This detailed description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention, but rather as a more detailed description of certain aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] It should be understood that the terminology used in this invention is merely for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges in this invention, it should be understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within said range, is also included in this invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded from the range.

[0016] Various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments derived from this specification will also be obvious to those skilled in the art. This application specification and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0017] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment provides a method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers, including: Step 1: In a simulated remote control tower environment, set up multiple test conditions for the test controller, including different combinations of display illuminance and color temperature. The display illuminance includes at least two levels: 300 lx and 400 lx, and the display color temperature covers at least four conditions: 6000K, 7000K, 8000K, and 9000K, which together constitute multiple illuminance-color temperature combination test conditions.

[0020] Table 1 Parameter Settings

[0021] Step 2: Instruct the test controller to perform simulated remote tower control tasks under each of the test conditions, including but not limited to approach procedures, gate identification, departure clearance, and multi-flight dynamic monitoring and scheduling.

[0022] Step 3: After the subject controller performs the task, collect their multi-dimensional visual ergonomics data, including: (1) Objective reaction time data: collected through psychomotor alertness task tests, reflecting the alertness and attention levels of the subjects; (2) Memory test score data: collected through pattern ablation experiment, reflecting the subject's instantaneous visual memory ability; (3) Subjective fatigue and drowsiness scores: collected using the Carolina Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleep Scale to reflect the subjects’ subjective fatigue and drowsiness.

[0023] Step 4: Normalize the collected multi-dimensional visual ergonomics data, and use the analytic hierarchy process to assign weights to the three evaluation dimensions of visual performance, visual alertness, and visual fatigue, construct a comprehensive visual ergonomics scoring model, and calculate the comprehensive visual ergonomics score under each test condition.

[0024]

[0025] In the formula, VE is the comprehensive visual ergonomics score, and VP, VA and VF are objective alertness data, objective memory performance data and visual fatigue test data, respectively.

[0026] Step 5: Based on the comprehensive visual ergonomics score corresponding to different test conditions, evaluate and determine the optimal combination of display illuminance and color temperature parameters to optimize the visual ergonomics of the test controllers.

[0027] The method may also include, prior to step 1, calculating the melanin equivalent daylight illuminance value under each test condition based on the spectral power distribution data of the display screen, in order to quantify the non-visual biological effects of the display light environment.

[0028] In step 4, the weight allocation of the analytic hierarchy process is based on the controller's comparison of the pairwise importance of the three elements of visual performance, visual alertness and visual fatigue to construct a judgment matrix, and the weight of each dimension is determined after a consistency test.

[0029] In feasible step 5, the determination of the optimal combination of display illuminance and color temperature parameters is achieved by analyzing the functional relationship between the comprehensive visual ergonomics score and illuminance and color temperature, and finding the parameter point corresponding to the maximum score. Based on the evaluation results, suitable display parameter schemes can be recommended for different work periods or task types: for routine daytime work, a low-to-medium stimulation configuration of 7000K color temperature with 300lx illuminance or 6000K color temperature with 400lx illuminance is recommended; for shift changes or critical task periods, a high alertness configuration of 8000K color temperature with 400lx illuminance is recommended; for nighttime or long-duration shift scenarios, a low-interference mode of 6000K color temperature with 300lx illuminance is recommended.

[0030] This embodiment constructs a standardized evaluation process integrating objective performance testing, subjective perception evaluation, and non-visual effect analysis, providing for the first time a systematic and quantitative method for optimizing display parameters in a specific human-machine-environment system—a remote control tower. This method can not only accurately assess the comprehensive impact of specific display parameters on controller performance, but also recommend personalized display parameter settings for different work scenarios based on the evaluation results. This effectively improves controller performance, protects their visual health and operational safety, and provides a scientific basis and practical tool for human factors system design and fatigue management in the air traffic control field.

[0031] This embodiment provides a systematic and quantitative "remote tower controller performance evaluation method". Its implementation can be referred to... Figure 2 The overall process shown mainly includes four stages: experimental condition setting, task execution and multi-dimensional data collection, data processing and comprehensive modeling, and result analysis and parameter optimization.

[0032] Specific implementation examples of this embodiment include: 1. Experimental conditions Simulated experimental environment setup: such as Figure 1 As shown, a remote control tower simulation position was set up in a soundproof, temperature and humidity-controlled laboratory. Core equipment includes: Circular display terminal: It adopts a triple-screen display with independently adjustable illuminance and color temperature to simulate a remote tower panoramic monitoring interface.

[0033] Air traffic control simulation system: This system uses air traffic control simulation software developed based on real airport data (such as Wuhan Tianhe International Airport) to generate dynamic air traffic control scenarios that include arriving and departing flights.

[0034] Measurement equipment: Equipped with a spectral color illuminance meter (such as HP320) for accurately measuring and verifying the actual illuminance and color temperature of the screen at a specified distance (such as 30cm) in front of the screen.

[0035] Environmental control: The background illuminance of the laboratory is kept stable at about 50 lx (only necessary button lighting is provided), the temperature is controlled at 23℃±1℃, and the humidity is controlled at 47%±5% to eliminate interference from irrelevant environmental variables.

[0036] 2. Task execution and multi-dimensional data collection This phase requires subjects to complete a standardized test unit under each displayed parameter condition. The unit procedure is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0037] Light adaptation and task preparation: Subjects enter the experimental environment and sit quietly for 5 minutes to allow their visual system to adapt to the currently set screen light environment (Phase I).

[0038] Simulated Air Traffic Control Task Execution: After the adaptation period, participants began performing a simulated remote apron control task. The task required monitoring and directing 10 flights (5 arriving and 5 departing) simultaneously displayed on the screen until all flight procedures were completed (Phase II). This task simulated the core cognitive load of remote tower control.

[0039] Real-time collection of multi-dimensional performance data: As soon as the control task ends, three tests are immediately and seamlessly conducted to capture the subject's immediate state under the influence of the current displayed parameters (Phase III): Objective vigilance assessment (PVT test): Subjects completed a 2-minute psychomotor vigilance task. The test procedure recorded their average reaction time (in milliseconds) to randomly appearing visual stimuli. This data serves as an objective indicator of "visual vigilance," and its trend can be seen in Figure 3(a) example.

[0040] Objective Memory Performance Assessment (RLT): Subjects completed a pattern ablation experiment (Memory Level Test, RLT). The system presented a complex pattern that then disappeared, and the subject located the pattern from memory. The system automatically scored the accuracy of the markers. This data serves as an objective indicator of "visual performance," and the distribution of the results can be seen in Figure 3(b).

[0041] Subjective experience assessment (KSS / SSS scales): Participants immediately completed the Carolina Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleep Scale to rate their level of sleepiness and drowsiness. The ratings serve as a subjective indicator of "visual fatigue," and a comparison of the results under different parameters can be seen in Figure 5.

[0042] 3. Data Processing and Integrated Modeling Data normalization: To eliminate differences in the dimensions and directions of different evaluation indicators, all collected raw data are normalized and converted into dimensionless values ​​within the range [0,1]. For example, reaction time is converted into a speed indicator (1 / reaction time) and then normalized; RLT scores and subjective scale scores are directly normalized to ensure that higher scores represent better efficacy.

[0043] Constructing a hierarchical analysis model: (1) Target layer: Visual ergonomics comprehensive score.

[0044] (2) Criterion layer: includes three dimensions—Visual Performance (VP, derived from RLT score), Visual Awareness (VA, derived from PVT test), and Visual Fatigue (VF, derived from KSS / SSS scale).

[0045] (3) Scheme layer: that is, 8 different combinations of display parameters.

[0046] Determining Weights and Calculating the Overall Score: The relative weights of each dimension in the criterion layer are determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Experts or test subjects compare the importance of each dimension pairwise to construct a judgment matrix. After calculation and consistency testing, a set of weights is obtained (e.g., VP weight ω1=0.42, VA weight ω2=0.23, VF weight ω3=0.35). Subsequently, the overall visual ergonomics score (VE) corresponding to each display parameter scheme is calculated according to the formula VE=ω1×VP+ω2×VA+ω3×VF.

[0047] 4. Results Analysis and Parameter Optimization Analysis and Visualization: The eight calculated VE values ​​are classified and statistically analyzed according to their corresponding illuminance and color temperature. A key step is to plot the curve of VE value changing with color temperature, which usually shows an inverted "U" shape.

[0048] Determining the optimal parameters: As shown in Figure 5(a), curve fitting can clearly identify the color temperature point at which the VE value reaches its peak under a specific illuminance level. For example, experimental results show that at 400 lx illuminance, the VE peak occurs at a color temperature of approximately 8000 K; as shown in Figure 5(b), at 300 lx illuminance, the peak also occurs around 8000 K. Therefore, it can be determined that, under the current experimental system, 400 lx illuminance combined with a color temperature of 8000 K is the optimal combination of display parameters, providing the best overall visual efficiency.

[0049] Parameter application recommendations: Based on the evaluation results and auxiliary analysis of melanin equivalent sunlight illuminance, dynamic adjustment strategies for display parameters can be developed for different working scenarios. During periods of high alertness (e.g., shift changes, peak traffic): The 8000K & 400lx combination is recommended to quickly enhance alertness through its high biostimulation effect. During regular work periods (daytime): Medium-stimulation combinations such as 7000K & 300lx or 6000K & 400lx are recommended to maintain moderate arousal while ensuring visual comfort. During periods of low distraction (nighttime, late stages of long shifts): The 6000K & 300lx combination is recommended to reduce blue light exposure, minimize disruption to circadian rhythms, and alleviate eye strain.

[0050] Through the systematic implementation of the above four steps, this embodiment completes a full closed loop from controllable experiment, multi-source data acquisition, comprehensive quantitative modeling to final parameter optimization, providing a scientific and operable evaluation method and decision-making basis for the ergonomic design and personalized adjustment of remote tower display systems.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers, characterized in that, include: S1: Construct a simulation environment corresponding to the remote tower control environment; S2: Set test conditions based on the constructed simulation environment, the test conditions including combinations of different display illuminance and different display color temperature; S3: The test controller performs simulated remote tower control tasks under each of the test conditions, including but not limited to approach procedures, gate identification, departure clearance, and multi-flight dynamic monitoring and scheduling. S4: After the test controllers complete the simulated remote tower control task, collect multi-dimensional visual ergonomic data; the multi-dimensional visual ergonomic data includes the test controllers' objective alertness data, objective memory performance data and visual fatigue test data under different test conditions; S5: Evaluation of comprehensive visual ergonomics score under different test conditions based on the analytic hierarchy process; S6: Recommend suitable display parameter combinations for different work periods or task types based on the evaluation results.

2. The method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 also includes calculating the equivalent sunlight illuminance value of the display's melanin under each test condition.

3. The method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of acquiring objective alertness data in step S4 is as follows: The average reaction time of the control participants to visual stimuli was selected as an alertness index to calculate objective alertness data.

4. The method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of acquiring objective memory performance data in step S4 is as follows: Pre-set test patterns were shown to the control personnel, and the patterns disappeared after a brief display. The control personnel then marked the location of the disappeared pattern based on their memory. The objective memory performance data of the control personnel were evaluated based on the difference between the location marking results and the pre-set test patterns.

5. The method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of acquiring visual fatigue test data in step S4 is as follows: Visual fatigue test data were obtained by scoring the sleepiness and drowsiness of the subjects based on the Carolina Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleep Scale.

6. The method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S5, which evaluates the comprehensive visual ergonomics score under different test conditions based on the analytic hierarchy process, specifically includes: The collected multi-dimensional visual ergonomics data is normalized to obtain preprocessed data; The weight data corresponding to each dimension of visual ergonomics data were determined based on the analytic hierarchy process. The overall visual ergonomics score (VE) under different test conditions is calculated based on the determined weighted data. VE = ω1 × VP + ω2 × VA + ω3 × VF In the formula, VP, VA and VF are objective alertness data, objective memory performance data and visual fatigue test data, respectively, and ω1, ω2 and ω3 are the weights corresponding to objective alertness data, objective memory performance data and visual fatigue test data, respectively.

7. The method for evaluating the effectiveness of remote tower controllers according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step S6 specifically includes: By combining the melanin equivalent daylight illuminance values ​​of the display under each test condition in step S2, suitable display parameter combinations are recommended for different work periods or task types to optimize the efficiency of remote tower controllers.

8. A remote tower controller performance evaluation system, characterized in that, include: The environment simulation module is used to construct a simulated environment corresponding to the remote tower control environment; test conditions are set based on the constructed simulated environment, and the test conditions include combinations of different display illuminance and different display color temperature; The task execution module is used to enable the test controller to perform simulated remote tower control tasks under each of the test conditions. The simulated remote tower control tasks include, but are not limited to, approach procedures, gate identification, departure clearance, and dynamic monitoring and scheduling of multiple flights. The data acquisition module is used to collect multi-dimensional visual ergonomics data after the test controllers complete the simulated remote tower control task; the multi-dimensional visual ergonomics data includes objective alertness data, objective memory performance data and visual fatigue test data of the test controllers under different test conditions. The evaluation and optimization module is used to evaluate the comprehensive visual ergonomics score under different test conditions using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP); and recommends suitable display parameter combinations for different work periods or task types based on the evaluation results.

Images