Effects of display mode and input method for handheld control of micro aerial vehicles for a reconnaissance mission

Micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) are small lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles used by dismounted soldiers for aerial reconnaissance and acquiring information for local situation awareness. MAVs require a portable handheld ground control station (GCS) that allows the operator to control and monitor the flight of the MAV. This paper investigated two methods of presenting map and sensor information, either simultaneously on one display or separately on two displays, requiring operator navigation. In addition, two input devices are evaluated: a touch screen display with a stylus versus a joystick with an OK button. The findings suggest that MAV GCSs that use touch screen inputs and simultaneous presentation of map and sensor information will result in better operator performance and reduced operator workload.