Abstract

Intelligent Interfaces for Human Control of Advanced Automation and Smart Systems

Madni, A.M. and Freedy, A.

Abstract

Advanced automation systems and intelligent robotic systems have ushered in a new era in man-machine systems. Human operators now interact with machines capable of making autonomous decisions regrading their own actions. Typically, most of the low-level control decisions are made by the system, while the operator provides the high-level cognitive inputs in directing and supervising the man-machine system. In this situation it is apparent that total system performance depends on the effectiveness of the combination between the man and the machine. Consequently, the main challenge today is the development of a natural interface between the human and the "intelligent" machine counterpart.

The major goal of such an interface is to ensure smooth interaction between the controlling operator and the machine activity. This interaction primarily involves operator communication with the system's controls and displays. Consequently, the key challenge is to construct a mutually responsive interface between the human and the smart system which allows them to interact with each other in a symbiotic manner. The framework for achieving this symbiosis is the establishment of an intelligent interface (12), an active agent that utilizes its knowledge about both human and machine capabilities/limitations, in conjunction with sensed information regarding both human and machine state for knowledgeably mediating between the two.

In an advanced man-machine system, the operator must be able to monitor the overall operation of the system in order to make effective supervisory decisions and take necessary control actions. To this end, the overall concept of an intelligent interface requires the embedding of artificial intelligence software in order to model and assess machine state, monitor its operation, develop awareness of operator information needs and direct the flow of information between the machine task environment and the operator's supervisory needs.

Three major functions are suggested for an I2 in an advanced human-machine system (1) decide what information about machine state and task environment should be given to the operator at any point in time, (2) provide the necessary intelligence that allows the operator to communicate in a high-level command language with the system, and (3) optimize the allocation of operator and functions/machine decisions with the machine possessing option of requesting operator intervention whenever necessary.

This paper defines the concept of an intelligent interface (I2). It provides a description of its various features, analyzes its various functions, and provides a generic design concept. The basis and supporting rationale for this concept is derived from prior work in man-machine systems, human interaction with intelligent systems, and computer decision aids. It is expected that the idea of an intelligent interface will improve both operator acceptance of automation and reduce operator training requirements.

From:

Madni, A.M. and Freedy, A., Proceedings of 1983 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Bombay and New Delhi, India, December 30, 1983 - January 7, 1984.