Toward Metacognitive Radars: Concept and Applications

We introduce a metacognitive approach to optimize the radar performance for a dynamic wireless channel. Similar to the origin of the cognitive radar in the neurobiological concept of cognition, metacognition also originates from neurobiological research on problem-solving and learning. Broadly defined as the process of learning to learn, metacognition improves the application of knowledge in domains beyond the immediate context in which it was learned. We describe basic features of a metacognitive radar and then illustrate its application with some examples such as antenna selection and resource sharing between radar and communications. Unlike previous works in communications that only focus on combining several existing algorithms to form a metacognitive radio, we also show the transfer of knowledge in a metacognitive radar. A metacognitive radar improves performance over individual cognitive radar algorithms, especially when both the channel and transmit/receive hardware are changed

Fully cognitive transceiver for High Frequency (HF) applications

Ionospheric conditions are variable in nature and can cause destructive interference to transmissions made in the High Frequency (HF) band, which ranges from 3-30 MHz. This poses a problem as the HF band is a critical frequency range for various applications (i.e. emergency, military). To manage these dynamic conditions, intelligent techniques should be implemented at the transmitter and receiver to properly maintain reliable communications. In this paper, we present work deriving components of a cognitive HF transceiver with agents called cognitive engines (CEs) operating at the transmitter and receiver. At the transmitter, cognition is employed to determine the combination of modulation and coding techniques that maximize throughput. At the receiver, cognition is implemented to derive the best parameters for equalization (i.e. tap length, step size, filter type, etc.) Results are presented showing that the individual components are able to satisfy their objectives. A discussion is also provided surveying recent research efforts pertaining to the development of cognitive methods for the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) protocol, a common networking methodology for HF stations.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Aircrew Adaptive Decision Making: A Cross-Case Analysis

Although the accident rate for military aviation has declined significantly from earlier decades, during the 1990\u27s it reached a plateau. Human error in the cockpit still accounts for over 80% of the aircraft mishaps resulting in loss of life or over one million dollars in damage. Decision error has been a contributing factor for approximately 60% of these mishaps. The purpose of this research was to investigate aircrew process performance variables as predictors of decision-making outcomes. This study was modeled on elements of previous research in naturalistic decision making. Data were collected for cross-case analysis of the role experience plays in efficient decision strategy selection and use in an uncertain, dynamic high stakes environment. Multiple raters evaluated eight novice and eight experienced military aircrews at seven decision points in a 20-minute flight scenario conducted in a full motion flight simulator. Other raters independently rank ordered the quality of the final outcome. A comprehensive approach to collecting and analyzing data included: (1) development and use of a behaviorally-anchored assessment instrument, (2) use of a digitally integrated presentation of audio/video and flight data, and (3) development of context-specific analytical frameworks and models of observed behaviors and metacognitive processes. Results included inferential and descriptive statistics of process/outcome scores, instructor comments, excerpts of cockpit recordings, participant interviews, and field notes. The study findings were: (1) high individual and collective crew experience had a significant positive effect on process and outcome scores, (2) there was no statistically reliable difference in process scores between experience levels in the three procedurally-based events, (3) experienced crews performed better than novice crews in the four less structured events, (4) novice crews\u27 process/outcome correlation did not approach significance, (5) a strong positive correlation of process/outcome scores was found for experienced crews in the two most challenging (i.e., unstructured) scenario events, (6) qualitative analysis revealed strong relationships between performance and crew interactions/attributes, and (7) in dynamic, time critical situations, the use of adaptive decision-making strategies led to better performance outcomes

A Framework for Delivering Contextually Appropriate Opportunities for Warfighter Practice

Computer-based modeling and simulation has been a training staple in the military domain since the first aircraft simulators were adopted. More recently, virtual environments based on modeling, simulation and serious games, have introduced relatively low-cost, yet high value additions to the learning environment. As these virtual environments have proliferated, many researchers have investigated the relationship between theoretical foundations of learning, learner development and content delivery, and applied their findings in an attempt to bolster learning, yet performance deficiencies continue to exist. This study asserts that performance deficiencies exist in part because of insufficient contextually appropriate opportunities to practice. This work is multi-disciplinary in nature. Its foundation is modeling and simulation engineering; the use of technology to deliver training. Educational psychology and human factors concepts explain the theoretical basis for modeling and simulation as an effective training delivery agent. The study\u27s thesis is that a framework for delivering contextually appropriate opportunities for warfighter practice can be applied to discover whether modeling, simulation and game-based virtual environments have the potential to improve individual performance for learners beyond the Novice Stage (e.g., Competent Stage) of skills acquisition. Furthermore, this conceptually appropriate practice (CAP) framework can be used to assess the potential of low fidelity virtual environments to provide targeted practice and to improve individual performance, not only during training in high-fidelity virtual environments (near transfer) but also in the live environment (far transfer). To evaluate the thesis, this study investigates the relationship of technology and learning science, and features an empirical evaluation of training effectiveness afforded by delivering additional training repetitions using both low-fidelity virtual environment simulator systems and high-fidelity aircraft simulators

Supporting Collaborative Learning in Computer-Enhanced Environments

As computers have expanded into almost every aspect of our lives, the ever-present graphical user interface (GUI) has begun facing its limitations. Demanding its own share of attention, GUIs move some of the users\u27 focus away from the task, particularly when the task is 3D in nature or requires collaboration. Researchers are therefore exploring other means of human-computer interaction. Individually, some of these new techniques show promise, but it is the combination of multiple approaches into larger systems that will allow us to more fully replicate our natural behavior within a computing environment. As computers become more capable of understanding our varied natural behavior (speech, gesture, etc.), the less we need to adjust our behavior to conform to computers\u27 requirements. Such capabilities are particularly useful where children are involved, and make using computers in education all the more appealing. Herein are described two approaches and implementations of educational computer systems that work not by user manipulation of virtual objects, but rather, by user manipulation of physical objects within their environment. These systems demonstrate how new technologies can promote collaborative learning among students, thereby enhancing both the students\u27 knowledge and their ability to work together to achieve even greater learning. With these systems, the horizon of computer-facilitated collaborative learning has been expanded. Included among this expansion is identification of issues for general and special education students, and applications in a variety of domains, which have been suggested

New methodology updating theoretical and practical

Aviation safety statistics have shown the concerning contribution of the general aviation segment, especially of the commercial licensed pilots in accidents and incidents in general. Likewise, air operators have shown attention to the commercial pilot´s issue due to their operational and safety demands. Based on a methodology for the development of specific instructional materials and a modern and efficient methodology for the development of competency-based activities, the study develops several steps, ranging from the definition of a specific performance problem, work and population analysis, the proposition of curricular and instructional elements to the evaluation aspects, to the achievement of its objectives. Finally, the study enables the creation of a proposal of supplementary instructions associated with technical requirements of aviation schools’ activities, aimed to support the development of their materials and practices for their training courses, based on the competency-based training and assessment methodology – CBTA