The
Common Unmanned Surface Vessel is an Unmanned Surface Vehicle built by Textron
Advanced Systems. The Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV) combines unmanned marine
command and control station as a segment of conflict assignments and payloads combinations.
The Common Unmanned Surface Vessel CUSV includes a designed to make adding,
upgrading and swapping components easy combining off-the-shelf parts. The boat
is operated from the Universal Command and Control System. The system is adaptable
with Harris SeaLancet long-range electronic connection for the exchange of
information. The system is compatible with NATO STANAG 4586, in addition to the
Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems conventions. Textron Systems' manages
the boat through Universal Command and Control System, which is a type of marine
of UGCS. The UGCS is used by several armed forces to operate unmanned aircraft
system (UAS). (Textron Inc, 2014). The UGCS and UCCS work fine with other
unmanned systems reconfigurable and reprogrammable for command and control compatibility
with other systems. Additionally, the UGCS UCCS is effective for immediate maneuver
of several unmanned ground, water, air vehicles.
Maritime Control
Station Hardware Software and User Interfaces
The
UGCS configuration integrates intuitive network interface mixed with programs
that allow operators to control processes control equipment through a computer
graphical user interface (GUI). The universal command and control system rely
on user interface techniques and common data presentation to interchange with
the operator. The UCCS is furnished with a mouse, keyboard, and joystick to
simplify operator feedback (Textron Inc., 2015). Graphics data is showed
through display monitors based on the total of unmanned systems being
controlled. Graphic screen choices contain state data, geographic navigation,
and instrument/task adapted screens. Information items are resulting from
instrument gatherings, like the discovery of a mine with the sonar, is
transferred to the station for situational awareness overlapped onto the
topographical screen. The UCCS connects with the boat through the SeaLancet
RT-1944/U. The link is a web-based protocol capable of transferring data at
rates of 54 megabytes per second (Mbps) to keep data superiority. The link is
supported by information technology, through the robust computer networking
transmissions from marine networks to air and ground systems that sustain
payload information connecting the control station and the boat. The SeaLancet
can reach 150 miles for unobstructed vision, but the span can be stretched past
the unobstructed field of vision with the help of link relays (Reliable System
Services Corporation, n.d.). The platform uses the link to transmit
simultaneous sensor, telecasting, and navigation data. The Unmanned Surface
Vehicle has the ability for autonomous operation and combines autonomy and
human-in-the-loop maneuvers. The platform is arranged with the program that
uses the past and current surrounding information to evaluate mine dangers,
improves mine clearing tactics, and proposes strategies, methods, and processes
(National Research Council, 2000). Mine
Warfare Environmental Decision Aid Library produces mine countermeasure task
strategies to be uploaded to the vehicle and performed autonomously or with
varying degrees of involvement (Textron Systems, 2014).
Ground Control Station Enhancements
The
Universal Command and Control System was intended to comply with military
interoperability criteria that involve control stations to be compatible with
other platforms, as a result requiring a somewhat unsophisticated data
presentation method. The UCCS could be enhanced with the integration of
multiple input modalities to increased usability to transfer and gather data to
and from the operator through several perceptible means. For example, Voice
User Interface to support operator command and control of the vehicle. Haptic
responsiveness, including vibrotactile signals, can be implemented to control,
support instruments, and systems. Vibrotactile techniques can be utilized to increase
manual navigation and obstacle avoidance, or in the course of disembarking
maneuvers. Virtual Reality displays could be used to support safety and greater
three-dimensional awareness by increasing the field of vision and producing a
three-dimensional view.
The
Unmanned Common Control System is an unmanned adjustable GCS. Studies suggest
that implementing these data presentation methods, can contribute to enhanced
system operations. The implementation of technologies to the UCCS can
eventually increase CUVS and UCCS potential.
References
National Research Council (2000,
March 6). Oceanography and Mine Warfare. Retrieved from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9773&page=32
Textron Inc. (2014). Universal Capabilities for the Next-Generation
Battlespace. Retrieved from
Textron Systems (2015,) Unmanned Systems. Retrieved from http://www.textronsystems.com/capabilities/unmanned-systems
The virtual functionality of remotely operated AUV's is only at the beginning of its inception for these platforms. In current discussions that refer to haptic interface, the need for 3D overlay to real time video steaming and data displays will only enable greater operability between human touch as it transfers to teleoperative outputs. Great stuff!
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