The Rockwell Trooper - An Application of Efficient Human Interface Design

Lamy D. Synstelien and Ryp R. Walters

Abstract:	This paper describes the human interface to the Rockwell Trooper* GPS receiver. Trooper is a lightweight, C/A code GPS receiver with a graphical interface developed by Rockwell for use in the industrial and paramilitary markets. Position and navigation information is presented to the user on a high- resolution, graphical display from two perspectives: a ground-level “highway” view and a “bird’s eye” plot view. Data is also available in text format. User inputs data to Trooper using seven keys: five software-definable keys, one power key, and one MENU key. Trooper’s design goal was for intuitive, menu-driven operation. Primary real-time information screens include Position data, Navigation data, and Plot data. Secondary information is made up of Receiver Configuration data, Route / Waypoint Management data, and Help / Demonstration displays. Trooper’s design requirement was for a simple learning curve for the novice Trooper operator. To extend and improve the data management capabilities of Trooper, Rockwell developed a Mission Planning Station application. This is a Microsoft Windows application which the operator can use to maintain libraries of waypoints and routes in conjunction with CD ROM-b‘ased map systems. This data can be loaded to and from Trooper in the field for e,asy route planning ‘and post-mission plotting. These direct ‘and remote interfaces combine to make Trooper a very versatile and portable GPS product.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993) September 22 - 24, 1993 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	949 - 957
Cite this article:	Synstelien, Lamy D., Walters, Ryp R., "The Rockwell Trooper - An Application of Efficient Human Interface Design," Proceedings of the 6th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1993), Salt Lake City, UT, September 1993, pp. 949-957.
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