What Comes Down Must Go Up: Training Shipboard Helicopter Signaling Skills

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings from a project to develop a low-cost, effective training solution for shipboard helicopter signaling skills. We identified training objectives, explored training/simulation concepts, identified signal task training requirements, and demonstrated a prototype concept. The training solution includes an innovative prototype Hand Signal Recognition System that utilizes computer vision, a personal computer, a video camera, image acquisition and processing software, and a decision-making algorithm to recognize hand signals in support of signal task training for the Navy Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE) position. The training solution is practical for LSE signal training at the schoolhouse, capable of being deployed aboard ship with some constraints, and cost-effective. The training techniques and hand signal recognition technology developed in this project, and the lessons learned about training shipboard signaling skills, are useful to a variety of training and human factors professionals. The training and technology are relevant to a variety of applications such as emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue, oil platform operations, and shipboard control of unmanned aerial vehicles.