Modeling the User as an Observer to Determine Display Information Requirements

For Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) systems under human control or under shared control, we develop a technique to determine the required information content of the display - that is, the device which provides the user with information about the system. Having the right information on the display can help the user to attain better understanding about the system and apply required inputs to control it. To determine the required information to be displayed, we first model the user as a specific type of observer with certain understanding regarding the derivatives of the input and output signals. We then evaluate what information has to be provided for such an observer to make the desired states of the system observable. We provide an example on modeling the pilot of a Boeing B-747 during the phase of approach to landing. In this example we also determine the required information in the display to perform a desired task.