Game-Based Delegation Interface Design for Unmanned Vehicles

Abstract

Video game interfaces featuring multiple distinct icons that enable a player to quickly select specific actions from a larger set of possible actions have the potential to inform the development of interfaces that enable a single operator to control multiple unmanned vehicles (UVs). The goal of this research was to examine the design of a video game inspired interface for delegating actions (called “plays”) to highly autonomous UVs. Specifically, the impact of color coding (by Play Type, by Vehicle Type, and No Color) and icon row assignment (by Play Type, by Vehicle Type, and Random) for a delegation play calling interface was evaluated in terms of participants’ performance in identifying and manually selecting a commanded play icon in an interface depicting a large set of UV plays. Both the objective performance data and subjective ratings indicated that icon row assignment impacted icon selection, whereas color coding did not. Mean icon selection time and subjective ratings were more favorable when the icons were assigned to rows in the Play Calling interface by vehicle type. Suggestions are made for follow-on research.