The project validated the concept through human-in-the-loop, real-time simulations. Air traffic controllers could see augmented reality 3D symbols overlaid over the out-of-window view. RETINA partners tested a set of goggles – in particular, the Microsoft HoloLens head-mounted display. The test space mimicked the environment at Bologna airport, a typical regional airport where low-visibility conditions – typically fog – are regular. The validation campaign foreseen for the project was completed in the Virtual Reality and Simulation Laboratory at the University of Bologna, Italy. “The solutions proposed by RETINA offer air traffic controllers the possibility to have a head-up view of the airport traffic, including information such as wind velocity and direction, airport layout and runway status, even during low-visibility procedures,” notes Prof. With RETINA, it should also be possible to overcome the application of low-visibility procedures. This should improve the overall air traffic system capacity and, indirectly, alleviate congestion on nearby airports,” explains Prof. “The use of synthetic vision systems in the airport control tower will enable to maintain airport capacity even in adverse weather conditions. It does so through synthetic vision and augmented reality technologies, in the form of see-through, head-mounted displays over the actual ‘out-of-the-window’ view.
RETINA’s new robust solution enhances sight capabilities and situational awareness of air traffic controllers in control towers, allowing them to better manage traffic. During adverse weather conditions, their visual situational awareness can be impaired, leading to a reduction in throughput. Air traffic controllers monitor take-offs, landings and ground traffic, while they also watch the runways and taxiways, ensuring that aircraft do not cross active runways or interfere with ground vehicles. Keeping an augmented eye on air traffic controlĪir traffic management is very important for the smooth running of every flight. “Built upon technology developed by the SESAR project, RETINA aimed to enhance sight capabilities and situational awareness of air traffic controllers in control towers, allowing them to better manage traffic especially when bad weather sets in,” notes Prof. The increasing interest in synthetic vision and augmented reality technologies has led various analysts to positively esteem the adoption of new tools enabling pilots and controllers to seamlessly operate under difficult meteorological conditions.įunded by the EU, the RETINA project investigated the potential and applicability of synthetic vision tools and virtual/augmented reality display techniques for air traffic control service provision. Using augmented reality tools, RETINA will modernise Europe’s air traffic management for safer, smarter and smoother air travel. It will be now easier to visualise airport traffic from the control tower, even in adverse weather conditions.
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