Autonomous Systems Human Controller Simulation

Dynamic online and real-time virtual humans exhibit behaviors associated with inputs and outputs of an autonomous control system. To foster the awareness and trust, the virtual humans exhibit situational awareness via apparent (e.g., rendered) behaviors based on inputs such as direct system measures, functions of the measures, estimates of state based on measures, and estimates of state based on a priori constraints. The virtual humans also exhibit situational control via apparent behaviors associated with outputs such as direct control of devices, functions of control, actions based on high-level goals, and the optional use of virtual versions of conventional physical controls. A dynamic virtual human who continually exhibits awareness of the system state and relevant contextual circumstances, along with the ability to directly control the system, is used to reduce negative feelings associated with the system such as uncertainty, concern, stress, or anxiety on the part of real humans.