Control Station Analysis
In this activity we were told to identify an unmanned ground system and give an analysis of its data depiction and presentation strategy. For this activity I have chosen the VCS-4586 by Lockheed Martin. This is a software that is utilized by ground stations. This software supports different types of unmanned systems whether air, land, or sea. Lockheed Martin describes the software as “Our Vehicle Control Station (VCS) software is a fully integrated command, control, and information system designed for operating and monitoring unmanned vehicle systems. In operation around the world, VCS is used for controlling Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), high-speed air and sea target-drones, and loitering munitions in a variety of roles. VCS supports the operation of multiple vehicles, sensors, payloads, data links, and other subsystems from as little as one operator workstation.” (Lockheed Martin, n.d.) This software is fantastic compared to most systems that are in use today. The ability to use the same software for different vehicles creates an easy learning curve for operators. From my experience, when talking to my MQ-9 counterparts, there is a disconnect in sharing tactics because we have different capabilities and it can be difficult to close the gap on understanding what each person is talking about.
Lockheed Martin (2017). VCS-4586
The data displayed on this software is fantastic. It takes all of the data available for the system and allows the user to simply point and click where they want their vehicle to go. This removes the requirements of extensive training to employ the system. The automation lets the operator spend more time utilizing the vehicle for its intended purpose and less on actually operating the system. The data depiction allows the operator to control multiple vehicles. It is focused primarily on the map. The operator can click on a vehicle on the map to take control and start moving it around as required. The waypoint system allows the user to set a plan for one vehicle and allow it to continue its mission while the user focuses on either the sensor or a different platform. The software also shows the sensor information for each vehicle. This means that I can control one vehicle while watching the effects from another vehicle.
The system also provides system wide color schemes. Regardless of what type of vehicle you are utilizing, the system will be familiar to whoever is using it. The software also allows for point and click for the payload. This allows the user to simply click where they would like to fly and then click where they would like to point their sensor. This is done autonomously, allowing the operator to focus on the mission. By creating a software that is so autonomous, it lessens the load on the operator.
A negative portion of this system is the fact that it removed the ability to manually control the platform. If the users wants more finite control of the situation, the software does not support this. Due to the mouse and keyboard setup, the user will not be able to take control and move the ground vehicle around certain obstacles. This would be an issue if this software was being used for something such as bomb disposal. To improve this system, I would add a system of controllers similar to today’s game systems to allow the user to manually control the platform or its sensors as required.
References
Lockheed Martin. (n.d.). VCS-4586. Retrieved July 9, 2017, from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/cdl-systems/VCS.html