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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Giovanni: A System for Rapid Access, Visualization and Analysis of Earth Science Data Online

Collecting data and understanding data structures traditionally are the first steps that a user must take, before the core investigation can begin. This is a time-consuming and challenging task, especially when science objectives require users to deal with large multi-sensor data that are usually in different formats and internal structures. The Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) has created the GES DISC Interactive Online Visualization and ANalysis Infrastructure, Giovanni, to enable Web-based visualization and analysis of satellite remotely sensed meteorological, oceanographic, and hydrologic data sets, without users having to download data. The current operational Giovanni interfaces provide the capability to process a number of important satellite measurements, such as (1) ozone and other trace gases from TOMS, OMI, HALOE, and MLS; (2) air temperature, water vapor, and geopotential height from AIRS; (3) aerosols from MODIS TerrdAqua, and GOCART model; (4) precipitation from TRMM and ground measurements; (5) chlorophyll and other ocean color products from SeaWiFS and MODIS Aqua; and (6) sea surface temperature from MODIS Aqua. Depending on the input data structure, the system provides simple statistical analysis and creates time-averaged area plot, area-averaged time series, animations, Hovmoller latitude vs. time and longitude vs. time plots, as well as vertical profiles. The inter-comparison interfaces allow a user to compare observations from different instruments, to conduct anomaly analysis, and to study basic relationships between physical parameters. Giovanni handles data with different temporal and spatial resolutions and, thus, enables both regional and global long-term climate research and short-term special events investigation, as well as data validations and assessments. Because of its simplicity of usage, Giovanni is powerful and versatile, able to assist a wide range of users, from the discipline scientists conducting preliminary research in various fields, to students in the classroom learning about weather, climate, and other natural phenomena. Giovanni can be accessed from: http://disc. esfc.nasa.gov/techlab/giovanni/index.shtml

Shen, S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dark focus of accommodation as dependent and independent variables in visual display technology

When independent stimuli are available for accommodation, as in the dark or under low contrast conditions, the lens seeks its resting position. Individual differences in resting positions are reliable, under autonomic control, and can change with visual task demands. We hypothesized that motion sickness in a flight simulator might result in dark focus changes. Method: Subjects received training flights in three different Navy flight simulators. Two were helicopter simulators entailed CRT presentation using infinity optics, one involved a dome presentation of a computer graphic visual projection system. Results: In all three experiments there were significant differences between dark focus activity before and after simulator exposure when comparisons were made between sick and not-sick pilot subjects. In two of these experiments, the average shift in dark focus for the sick subjects was toward increased myopia when each subject was compared to his own baseline. In the third experiment, the group showed an average shift outward of small amount and the subjects who were sick showed significantly less outward movement than those who were symptom free. Conclusions: Although the relationship is not a simple one, dark focus changes in simulator sickness imply parasympathetic activity. Because changes can occur in relation to endogenous and exogenous events, such measurement may have useful applications as dependent measures in studies of visually coupled systems, virtual reality systems, and space adaptation syndrome.

Jones, Sherrie↗
DOE OSTI2019

TexTonic: Interactive Visualization for Exploration and discovery of Very Large Text Collections

TexTonic is a visual analytic system for interactive exploration of very large unstructured text collections. TexTonic visualizes hierarchical clusters of representative terms, snippets, and documents in a single, multi-scale spatial layout. Exploration is supported by interacting with the visualization and directly manipulating the terms in the visualization using semantic interactions. These semantic interactions steer the underlying analytic model by translating user interactions within the visualization to contextual updates to the supporting data model. The combination of semantic interactions and information visualization at multiple levels of the data hierarchy helps users manage information overload so that they can more effectively explore very large text collections. In this paper we describe TexTonic’s data processing and analytic pipeline, user interface and interaction design principles, and the results of a user study conducted mid-development with experienced data analysts. We also discuss the implications TexTonic could have on visual exploration and discovery tasks

human centered computing, Visual analytics, Inform↗
NASA NTRS2023

Using Virtual Reality to Envision Deployment of Spacesuit-Compatible Augmented Reality Displays for Lunar Surface Operations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will soon land crew on the lunar surface to establish a sustainable presence and develop operational concepts for future long-duration missions. New technologies will be necessary to extend planning and execution capabilities for lunar surface activities. The Joint Augmented Reality Visual Informatics System (Joint AR) at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) is one such technology. Joint AR is a suit-mounted augmented reality (AR) display and compute system which facilitates unprecedented information exchange and data visualization capabilities between mission support operators and suited crew. This paper describes challenges associated with developing an AR technology for an envisioned work domain by applying a sociotechnical lens to the iterative testing and development of novel AR technology through virtual reality (VR). A foundational VR testbed was established, providing a high-fidelity approximation of the lunar surface and enabling testing of envisioned AR system features in parallel with real world product development. Using this environment, a series of human-in-the-loop experiments were conducted using VR to deploy a notional AR system supporting use cases envisioned for lunar exploration extravehicular activity (xEVA). Our findings indicate VR is a powerful and immersive tool for testing capabilities which extend beyond the limitations of current AR technology. Our VR testbed enables early testing of proposed system features, advancing identification of high-value features and driving present-day development of Joint AR. Future work directions are discussed, including lessons learned and a roadmap for an iterative research and development approach applying VR (among other testbeds) to accelerate Joint AR system maturation.

Augmented reality↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Prototype Dual Robot System to Perform Ultrasonic and Visual Inspection for the Bottom of Double-Shell Tanks - 18624

Up to this point, ultrasonic inspection-based condition data has only been available for double-shell tank (DST) sidewalls because direct inspection access to the primary tank bottom is limited to vent duct channels in an insulating refractory pad that the primary tank rests on. Probe access through the air slot would provide the opportunity to get information about the condition of the bottom of the primary tank, but it is a challenge to deploy a crawling robot that is capable of performing nondestructive ultrasonic and visual inspection through confined air slots. As such, a conceptual prototype of a deployable inspection robot system to enable ultrasonic and visual inspection for DST base through ventilation ducts was designed and fabricated. This prototype dual robot system consisting of the AnnulusBot and the MouseBot can be integrated with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) sensors to inspect and examine the physical properties of the underside of DSTs to enable status assessment. The AnnulusBot was designed to carry the MouseBot and to be deployed to the annulus space through a riser. To deploy the MouseBot to every ventilation channel in the annulus, the arm consisting of a boom and a forearm was used to place the MouseBot on the underside of the tank. The AnnulusBot used segmented wheels enable to traverse pipes and other potential obstacles. The cable management system utilized motorized wheels to feed the cable into the ventilation channel. This would reduce the amount of work that the MouseBot would have to do during inspection. This feeding mechanism would also be used to retrieve the MouseBot at the end of its inspection. Additionally, if the MouseBot fails, this mechanism would be used for retrieval. Once deployed, the MouseBot navigates to the center of the tank via the air ventilation channel beneath the inner shell (the primary tank) while inspecting the space. The MouseBot is then retrieved from the channel by a combination of its own drive power and the AnnulusBot retracting the attached umbilical cord. Compare with the AnnulusBot, the physical dimensional limitations of the MouseBot were a greater challenge. As the surface state of the concrete of the air channels could have variable texture, and may contain debris, it was decided not to travel along this surface. The ceiling of these channels is carbon steel and can be utilized throughout the channel. To use this travel surface, magnetic wheels were employed. A foreseeable problem with the use of magnets on this surface, is that they would preclude the use of eddy currents sensors. However, other technologies like ultrasonic technology sensors should be unaffected. Laboratory scale test was performed on a mock-up single wedge of the refractory pad to evaluate maneuverability of the MouseBot. The electronic components for the prototype would work in the ranges of 150-185 deg. F (65.6-85 deg. C). Both the AnnulusBot and MouseBot will be subject to constant radiation. All major printed circuit board (PCB) microcontroller components were designed to be situated outside of the annulus space and inside the main control panel to avoid radiation-induced failure. As future work, electronic components including the Arduinos that used Atmel commercial microcontrollers will be replaced with the high temperature rated Atmel microcontrollers so that the robots can be operated reliably at ambient temperatures up to 200 deg. F (93.3 deg. C). In addition, the robots will be service life tested to evaluate performance at elevated temperature and under gamma irradiation. (authors)

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2019

Visualization and Analysis of Solar System Small Bodies with NASA's Solar System Treks Project

In its investigations of Vesta and Ceres, NASA’s Dawn mission has returned spectacular data detailing the surfaces of these two prominent small bodies in our Solar System’s asteroid belt. In order to greatly facilitate dissemination, visualization, and analysis of this data, and public understanding of the mission, the Dawn mission has partnered with NASA’s Solar System Treks Project (SSTP). SSTP has recently released an update to the Vesta Trek online portal (https://trek.nasa.gov/vesta/) and has released a new Ceres Trek portal (https://trek.nasa.gov/ceres/). This presentation will showcase the use of the Ceres Trek and Vesta Trek portals and demonstrate how they can be used to visualize and analyze particularly interesting landforms such as the pitted terrain on Vesta and relic cryovolcanoes on Ceres. We will also demonstrate the new VR capability that has been added to the portals, allowing users to generate their own virtual reality flyovers for any user-defined paths along the bodies’ surfaces. In addition to highlighting the portals for Ceres and Vesta, the presentation will preview additional portals being planned/developed for other small bodies. NASA and JAXA have requested the development of a portal for the asteroid Ryugu to facilitate dissemination, visualization, and analysis of data from Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission, and a portal for Mars’ moon Phobos in support of mission planning for Japan’s MMX mission. We are also planning a portal for the asteroid Bennu with data from the OSIRIS-Rex mission. All of these products are efforts in the NASA Solar System Treks Project (SSTP), available at https://trek.nasa.gov. NASA's Solar System Trek online portals provide web-based suites of interactive data visualization and analysis tools to enable mission planners, planetary scientists, students, and the general public to access mapped data products from past and current missions for a growing number of planetary bodies including the Moon, Mars, Vesta, etc. These portals are being used for site selection and analysis by NASA and a number of its international partners, supporting upcoming missions. In addition to demonstrating the capabilities of selected portals in this presentation, we will solicit input from the community for ideas for future enhancements to the portals.

Day, Brian↗
DOE OSTI2021

Knocksideways in plants: an inducible system for in planta visualization of protein interactions

Understanding protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is key to unlocking the secrets of various cellular processes. While many tools have been developed to detect PPIs, such as the yeast two-hybrid assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and affinity purification, there is great demand for additional methods to complement existing ones. As all approaches have limitations, evidence from at least two independent assays is required to validate PPIs. In a Breakthrough Report, Joanna Winkler and colleagues present here a promising method, named “knocksideways in plants” (KSP), for inducible visualization of PPIs in planta.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-570: New Quality Assurance Method Using Motion Tracking for 6D Robotic Couches

Purpose: To accommodate geometrically accurate patient positioning, a robotic couch that is capable of 6-degrees of freedom has been introduced. However, conventional couch QA methods are not sufficient to enable the necessary accuracy of tests. Therefore, we have developed a camera based motion detection and geometry calibration system for couch QA. Methods: Employing a Visual-Tracking System (VTS, BonitaB10, Vicon, UK) which tracks infrared reflective(IR) markers, camera calibration was conducted using a 5.7 × 5.7 × 5.7 cm{sup 3} cube attached with IR markers at each corner. After positioning a robotic-couch at the origin with the cube on the table top, 3D coordinates of the cube’s eight corners were acquired by VTS in the VTS coordinate system. Next, positions in reference coordinates (roomcoordinates) were assigned using the known relation between each point. Finally, camera calibration was completed by finding a transformation matrix between VTS and reference coordinate systems and by applying a pseudo inverse matrix method. After the calibration, the accuracy of linear and rotational motions as well as couch sagging could be measured by analyzing the continuously acquired data of the cube while the couch moves to a designated position. Accuracy of the developed software was verified through comparison with measurement data when using a Laser tracker (FARO, Lake Mary, USA) for a robotic-couch installed for proton therapy. Results: VTS system could track couch motion accurately and measured position in room-coordinates. The VTS measurements and Laser tracker data agreed within 1% of difference for linear and rotational motions. Also because the program analyzes motion in 3-Dimension, it can compute couch sagging. Conclusion: Developed QA system provides submillimeter/ degree accuracy which fulfills the high-end couch QA. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning. (2013M2A2A7043507 and 2012M3A9B6055201)

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Multiplanet System TOI-421: A Warm Neptune and a Super Puffy Mini-Neptune Transiting a G9 V Star in a Visual Binary

We report the discovery of a warm Neptune and a hot sub-Neptune transiting TOI-421 (BD-14 1137, TIC 94986319), a bright (V = 9.9) G9 dwarf star in a visual binary system observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) space mission in Sectors 5 and 6. We performed ground-based follow-up observations—comprised of Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope transit photometry, NIRC2 adaptive optics imaging, and FIbre-fed Echellé Spectrograph, CORALIE, High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher, High Resolution Échelle Spectrometer, and Planet Finder Spectrograph high-precision Doppler measurements—and confirmed the planetary nature of the 16 day transiting candidate announced by the TESS team. We discovered an additional radial velocity signal with a period of five days induced by the presence of a second planet in the system, which we also found to transit its host star. We found that the inner mini-Neptune, TOI-421 b, has an orbital period of P{sub b} = 5.19672 ± 0.00049 days, a mass of M{sub b} = 7.17 ± 0.66 M{sub ⊕}, and a radius of R{sub b} = 2.68{sub −0.18}{sup +0.19} R{sub ⊕}, whereas the outer warm Neptune, TOI-421 c, has a period of P{sub c} = 16.06819 ± 0.00035 days, a mass of M{sub c} = 16.42{sub −1.04}{sup +1.06} M{sub ⊕}, a radius of R{sub c} = 5.09{sub −0.15}{sup +0.16} R{sub ⊕}, and a density of ρ{sub c} = 0.685{sub −0.072}{sup +0.080} g cm{sup −3}. With its characteristics, the outer planet (ρ{sub c} = 0.685{sub −0.072}{sup +0.080} g cm{sup −3}) is placed in the intriguing class of the super-puffy mini-Neptunes. TOI-421 b and TOI-421 c are found to be well-suited for atmospheric characterization. Our atmospheric simulations predict significant Lyα transit absorption, due to strong hydrogen escape in both planets, as well as the presence of detectable CH{sub 4} in the atmosphere of TOI-421 c if equilibrium chemistry is assumed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1984

A piloted simulator investigation of side-stick controller/stability and control augmentation system requirements for helicopter visual flight tasks

A piloted simulator experiment was conducted to assess the effects of side-stick controller characteristics and level of stability and control augmentation on handling qualities for several low-altitude control tasks. Visual flight tasks were simulated using four-window computer-generated imagery depicting either a nap-of-the-earth course or a runway with obstacles positioned to provide a slalom course. Both low speed and forward flight control laws were implemented, and a method for automatically switching control modes was developed. Variations in force-deflection characteristics and the number of axes controlled through an integrated side-stick were investigated. With high levels of stability and control augmentation, a four-axis controller with small-deflection in all four axes achieved satisfactory handling qualities for low-speed tasks.

Landis, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The 4-D approach to visual control of autonomous systems

Development of a 4-D approach to dynamic machine vision is described. Core elements of this method are spatio-temporal models oriented towards objects and laws of perspective projection in a foward mode. Integration of multi-sensory measurement data was achieved through spatio-temporal models as invariants for object recognition. Situation assessment and long term predictions were allowed through maintenance of a symbolic 4-D image of processes involving objects. Behavioral capabilities were easily realized by state feedback and feed-foward control.

Dickmanns, Ernst D.↗
NASA NTRS2020

The Multiplanet System TOI-421: A Warm Neptune and a Super Puffy Mini-Neptune Transiting a G9 V Star in a Visual Binary

We report the discovery of a warm Neptune and a hot sub-Neptune transiting TOI-421 (BD-14 1137, TIC 94986319), a bright (V = 9.9) G9 dwarf star in a visual binary system observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) space mission in Sectors 5 and 6. We performed ground-based follow-up observations—comprised of Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope transit photometry, NIRC2 adaptive optics imaging, and FIbre-fed Echellé Spectrograph, CORALIE, High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher, High Resolution Échelle Spectrometer, and Planet Finder Spectrograph high-precision Doppler measurements—and confirmed the planetary nature of the 16 day transiting candidate announced by the TESS team. We discovered an additional radial velocity signal with a period of five days induced by the presence of a second planet in the system, which we also found to transit its host star. We found that the inner mini-Neptune, TOI-421 b, has an orbital period of P(b) = 5.19672 ± 0.00049 days, a mass of M(b) = 7.17 ± 0.66 Mꚛ, and a radius of R(b) = 2.68 (+0.19,-0.18) Rꚛ, whereas the outer warm Neptune, TOI-421 c, has a period of P(c) = 16.06819 ± 0.00035 days, a mass of M(c) = 16.42 (+1.06,-1.04) Mꚛ, a radius of R(c) = 5.09{+0.16,-0.15) Rꚛ, and a density of ρ(c) = 0.685 (+0.080,-0.072) g/cu. cm. With its characteristics, the outer planet (ρ(c) = .685 {+0.080,-0.072) g/cu cm) is placed in the intriguing class of the super-puffy mini-Neptunes. TOI-421 b and TOI-421 c are found to be well-suited for atmospheric characterization. Our atmospheric simulations predict significant Lyα transit absorption, due to strong hydrogen escape in both planets, as well as the presence of detectable CH4 in the atmosphere of TOI-421 c if equilibrium chemistry is assumed.

Ilaria Carleo↗
NASA NTRS2023

Using Virtual Reality to Envision Deployment of Spacesuit-Compatible Augmented Reality Displays for Lunar Surface Operations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aims to land crew on the lunar surface to establish a sustainable presence and develop operational concepts for future long-duration missions. New technologies will be necessary to extend planning and execution capabilities for lunar surface activities. NASA’s Joint Augmented Reality Visual Informatics System (Joint AR) is one such technology. Joint AR is a suit-mounted augmented reality (AR) display and computes system which facilitates unprecedented information exchange and data visualization capabilities between mission support operators and suited crew. This paper describes challenges associated with developing AR technology for an envisioned work domain by applying a sociotechnical lens to the iterative testing and development of novel AR technology through virtual reality (VR). A VR testbed was established to simulate a representative lunar surface environment, enabling a series of three human-in-the-loop (HITL) tests evaluating AR navigation interfaces for exploration extravehicular activity (xEVA). Our findings identify several considerations for future Joint AR design and testing efforts, including challenges with data overload, attentional demands, and environment-related perceptual challenges. Trade-offs and potential approaches are discussed to mitigate these challenges and improve future Joint AR testing fidelity.

Jacob Keller↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Using Virtual Reality to Envision Deployment of Spacesuit-Compatible Augmented Reality Displays for Lunar Surface Operations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aims to land crew on the lunar surface to establish a sustainable presence and develop operational concepts for future long-duration missions. New technologies will be necessary to extend planning and execution capabilities for lunar surface activities. NASA’s Joint Augmented Reality Visual Informatics System (Joint AR) is one such technology. Joint AR is a suit-mounted augmented reality (AR) display and computes system which facilitates unprecedented information exchange and data visualization capabilities between mission support operators and suited crew. This paper describes challenges associated with developing AR technology for an envisioned work domain by applying a sociotechnical lens to the iterative testing and development of novel AR technology through virtual reality (VR). A VR testbed was established to simulate a representative lunar surface environment, enabling a series of three human-in-the-loop (HITL) tests evaluating AR navigation interfaces for exploration extravehicular activity (xEVA). Our findings identify several considerations for future Joint AR design and testing efforts, including challenges with data overload, attentional demands, and environment-related perceptual challenges. Trade-offs and potential approaches are discussed to mitigate these challenges and improve future Joint AR testing fidelity.

Matthew Miller↗