Technology Development
 
UAVs - Control with Context Dependent Natural Language Recognition
 
The goal for this project was to prepare a design of an advanced information management system for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). The new software will ultimately provide relevant and meaningful information to all decision makers related to UCAVs including: UCAV console operators, wing and AOC level mission planners, squadron commanders, and senior Defense Department officers. In order to achieve true air superiority, it will be crucial to control information. System information and fusion of data from the platforms will be a key factor in assisting decision makers, including the UCAV operators, in maintaining optimal situational awareness. Without optimal SA, planners, operators, and commanders will not be able to successfully control a UCAV missions.
 
The solution provided by Sapien Systems was a Natural Language Query (NLQ) system to be integrated with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for UCAV operations. The natural language queries would allow operators to pose questions to the databases and data logs associated with UCAV operations in a straightforward manner. In this way the operator could focus on the information, not on the associated computer commands.
 
Under the Phase 1 program, Sapien Systems developed a software system framework for Natural Language Queries (NLQ) to databases. Instead of following a script, as with current voice systems, Sapien System's technology allows dynamic interaction with information through robust context tracking. Voice communication is the natural mode of human discourse and the dynamic query system will increase productivity and reduce dependence on computer information specialists. Sapien System's technology eventually will have a recursive structure that will incorporate new queries on the fly as the system is used. Further, there will be "human in the loop" support for incomplete interactions. This software technology will be useful in many aspects of UCAV operations. As part of this project, we reviewed how operators might interact with UCAV information systems and looked at a sample scenario UCAV operation. From the operational review, we developed information on queries that could be implemented for UCAV operations.