<title>In-flight evaluation of stereoscopic imagery in helicopter cockpits</title>

Abstract

The National Research Council's (NRC) Cockpit Technologies Program flight tested a stereoscopic three-dimensional display format to determine the feasibility of using pictorial and stereoscopic cues during helicopter instrument approach procedures (TAP). Three qualified test pilots flew a series of approach procedures using a modified conventional electronic flight instrumentation format , a pictorial display format, and a pictorial stereoscopic display format. The preliminary evaluation focused on the effect of display format on pilot performance during the approach task, from an approach intercept to the decision height.Performance criteria such as aircraft speed error, localiser error, and glide slope error were measured. Additionally, pilots answered a questionnaire on each display format, and rated the workload required to fly the approaches using the Cooper-Harper scale.Pilots were able to complete approaches to safe landings using any of the display formats. Pilots reported that the pictorial format improved their situation awareness during the approach. Pilots also reported that the stereo cues incorporated in the display design did not significantly enhance their ability to perform TAP. The pictorial display contained several strong monocular depth cues such as occlusion, linear perspective, and motion flow; therefore the stereo cues were of limited value. Pilots most preferred the conventional display, which provided the most accurate tracking capabilities and lowest workload. Pilots encountered a few acceptance problems with the stereo display, most notably, losing the stereo effect when viewing the prototype stereo display off the ceniral viewing axis.

A wavelet-based framework for efficient processing of digital imagery with an application to helmet-mounted vision systems

“…Commercial applications use the basic concept of an HMD as a head-up mode of presenting information, but the cost/benefit and user acceptance in this area has been relatively slow to come. The National Research Council of Canada flight-tested the use of HMDs for Instrument Approach Procedures [52]. NASA has been researching the use of head-worn displays in aviation for HUD equivalency in commercial and business jets [53], and several companies have begun to advertise future products, such as the Thales TopMax [54].…”