Abstract
In aerial refueling operations, boom operators of KC-135 Stratotankers rely on direct vision to command receiver pilots into position and maneuver the flying into the receptacle of receiver aircrafts. A laboratory-based feasibility study was conducted to determine if indirect 2D camera-assisted vision system can be used to replace current unaided vision mode of operation in prolonged awkward postures leading to neck pain, fatigue and discomfort. 8 volunteers who underwent functional vision tests (visual acuities under different test illuminations, contrast sensitivity and colour vision) were recruited to assess suitability of participants and ascertain best corrected visual performance of these individuals using different visual devices (Camera A: wide field-of-view camera with compromised resolution versus Camera B: limited field-of-view camera with superior visual resolution) displayed through a 7-inch LCD display panel. In a simulated task experiment, participants had to remotely control a moving object, "the boom" into a stationary target, "the receptacle" using the proposed visual devices, to determine the feasibility of their applications at the outset of operational missions. In addition, a subjective survey was administered at the end of the experiment to determine the participants’ level of confidence in using the camera systems. Successful simulated task outcomes were demonstrated for both unaided and aided vision using Camera B with proposed display. This was supported by favourable participants’ confidence: 95%CI (83.41, 97.59), mean=90.5 for unaided vision; 95%CI (11.07, 37.68), mean=24.38 for aided vision using Camera A with display; 95%CI (67.92, 93.08), mean=80.5 for Camera B with display. None of the participants demonstrated successful task outcomes using Camera A with the similar LCD display. More results will be presented during poster presentation. By adopting an ergonomically more compatible 2D camera system (Camera B with LCD display), the boom operators will be able to perform aerial refueling operations remotely in a more comfortable setting.
Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2012