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At least 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Knowledge-based control of an adaptive interface

The analysis, development strategy, and preliminary design for an intelligent, adaptive interface is reported. The design philosophy couples knowledge-based system technology with standard human factors approaches to interface development for computer workstations. An expert system has been designed to drive the interface for application software. The intelligent interface will be linked to application packages, one at a time, that are planned for multiple-application workstations aboard Space Station Freedom. Current requirements call for most Space Station activities to be conducted at the workstation consoles. One set of activities will consist of standard data management services (DMS). DMS software includes text processing, spreadsheets, data base management, etc. Text processing was selected for the first intelligent interface prototype because text-processing software can be developed initially as fully functional but limited with a small set of commands. The program's complexity then can be increased incrementally. The intelligent interface includes the operator's behavior and three types of instructions to the underlying application software are included in the rule base. A conventional expert-system inference engine searches the data base for antecedents to rules and sends the consequents of fired rules as commands to the underlying software. Plans for putting the expert system on top of a second application, a database management system, will be carried out following behavioral research on the first application. The intelligent interface design is suitable for use with ground-based workstations now common in government, industrial, and educational organizations.

Lachman, Roy↗
NASA NTRS1988

Sparse distributed memory

Theoretical models of the human brain and proposed neural-network computers are developed analytically. Chapters are devoted to the mathematical foundations, background material from computer science, the theory of idealized neurons, neurons as address decoders, and the search of memory for the best match. Consideration is given to sparse memory, distributed storage, the storage and retrieval of sequences, the construction of distributed memory, and the organization of an autonomous learning system.

Kanerva, Pentti↗
NASA NTRS1989

Development of the CELSS Emulator at NASA JSC

The Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Emulator is under development at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) with the purpose to investigate computer simulations of integrated CELSS operations involving humans, plants, and process machinery. This paper describes Version 1.0 of the CELSS Emulator that was initiated in 1988 on the JSC Multi Purpose Applications Console Test Bed as the simulation framework. The run module of the simulation system now contains a CELSS model called BLSS. The CELSS Emulator makes it possible to generate model data sets, store libraries of results for further analysis, and also display plots of model variables as a function of time. The progress of the project is presented with sample test runs and simulation display pages.

Cullingford, Hatice S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Techniques and implementation of the embedded rule-based expert system using Ada

Ada is becoming an increasingly popular programming language for large Government-funded software projects. Ada with its portability, transportability, and maintainability lends itself well to today's complex programming environment. In addition, expert systems have also assured a growing role in providing human-like reasoning capability and expertise for computer systems. The integration of expert system technology with Ada programming language, specifically a rule-based expert system using an ART-Ada (Automated Reasoning Tool for Ada) system shell is discussed. The NASA Lewis Research Center was chosen as a beta test site for ART-Ada. The test was conducted by implementing the existing Autonomous Power EXpert System (APEX), a Lisp-base power expert system, in ART-Ada. Three components, the rule-based expert system, a graphics user interface, and communications software make up SMART-Ada (Systems fault Management with ART-Ada). The main objective, to conduct a beta test on the ART-Ada rule-based expert system shell, was achieved. The system is operational. New Ada tools will assist in future successful projects. ART-Ada is one such tool and is a viable alternative to the straight Ada code when an application requires a rule-based or knowledge-based approach.

Liberman, Eugene M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Development of the CELSS emulator at NASA. Johnson Space Center

The Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Emulator is under development. It will be used to investigate computer simulations of integrated CELSS operations involving humans, plants, and process machinery. Described here is Version 1.0 of the CELSS Emulator that was initiated in 1988 on the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Multi Purpose Applications Console Test Bed as the simulation framework. The run model of the simulation system now contains a CELSS model called BLSS. The CELSS simulator empowers us to generate model data sets, store libraries of results for further analysis, and also display plots of model variables as a function of time. The progress of the project is presented with sample test runs and simulation display pages.

Cullingford, Hatice S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

CELSS simulations for a lunar outpost

The paper describes a five-year simulation of two mission scenarios consisting of 14 different 'events' that could take place at a lunar outpost. The time-dependent status of the life support consumables was calculated in response to the two selected mission scenarios. This application demonstrates that complex sequences of events are reproducible for understanding of integrated mission operations. A Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) can regenerate air, water, and food from the wastes generated in the habitat and do so with safety and reliability. The CELSS Emulator is under development at the NASA's Johnson Space Center with a purpose of investigating computer simulations of integrated CELSS operations involving humans, plants, process machinery, and reservoirs. The Emulator Version 2.0 has been implemented to provide a mission-scenario-analysis capability. Thus, the future space exploration missions, lunar or Mars, can be analyzed by using 'events' to build mission timelines.

Cullingford, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Supercomputers Of The Future

Report evaluates supercomputer needs of five key disciplines: turbulence physics, aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, chemistry, and mathematical modeling of human vision. Predicts these fields will require computer speed greater than 10(Sup 18) floating-point operations per second (FLOP's) and memory capacity greater than 10(Sup 15) words. Also, new parallel computer architectures and new structured numerical methods will make necessary speed and capacity available.

Peterson, Victor L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Formal and heuristic system decomposition methods in multidisciplinary synthesis

The multidisciplinary interactions which exist in large scale engineering design problems provide a unique set of difficulties. These difficulties are associated primarily with unwieldy numbers of design variables and constraints, and with the interdependencies of the discipline analysis modules. Such obstacles require design techniques which account for the inherent disciplinary couplings in the analyses and optimizations. The objective of this work was to develop an efficient holistic design synthesis methodology that takes advantage of the synergistic nature of integrated design. A general decomposition approach for optimization of large engineering systems is presented. The method is particularly applicable for multidisciplinary design problems which are characterized by closely coupled interactions among discipline analyses. The advantage of subsystem modularity allows for implementation of specialized methods for analysis and optimization, computational efficiency, and the ability to incorporate human intervention and decision making in the form of an expert systems capability. The resulting approach is not a method applicable to only a specific situation, but rather, a methodology which can be used for a large class of engineering design problems in which the system is non-hierarchic in nature.

Bloebaum, Christina L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Interactive explorations of hierarchical segmentations

The authors report on the implementation of an interactive tool, called HSEGEXP, to interactively explore the hierarchical segmentation produced by the iterative parallel region growing (IPRG) algorithm to select the best segmentation result. This combination of the HSEGEXP tool with the IPRG algorithm amounts to a computer-assisted image segmentation system guided by human interaction. The initial application of the HSEGEXP tool is in the refinement of ground reference data based on the IPRG/HSEGEXP segmentation of the corresponding remotely sensed image data. The HSEGEXP tool is being used to help evaluate the effectiveness of an automatic 'best' segmentation process under development.

Tilton, James C.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Characterization of microgravity effects on bone structure and strength using fractal analysis

The effect of micro-gravity on the musculoskeletal system has been well studied. Significant changes in bone and muscle have been shown after long term space flight. Similar changes have been demonstrated due to bed rest. Bone demineralization is particularly profound in weight bearing bones. Much of the current techniques to monitor bone condition use bone mass measurements. However, bone mass measurements are not reliable to distinguish Osteoporotic and Normal subjects. It has been shown that the overlap between normals and osteoporosis is found for all of the bone mass measurement technologies: single and dual photon absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography and direct measurement of bone area/volume on biopsy as well as radiogrammetry. A similar discordance is noted in the fact that it has not been regularly possible to find the expected correlation between severity of osteoporosis and degree of bone loss. Structural parameters such as trabecular connectivity have been proposed as features for assessing bone conditions. In this report, we use fractal analysis to characterize bone structure. We show that the fractal dimension computed with MRI images and X-Ray images of the patella are the same. Preliminary experimental results show that the fractal dimension computed from MRI images of vertebrae of human subjects before bedrest is higher than during bedrest.

Acharya, Raj S.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Bi-Level Integrated System Synthesis (BLISS)

BLISS is a method for optimization of engineering systems by decomposition. It separates the system level optimization, having a relatively small number of design variables, from the potentially numerous subsystem optimizations that may each have a large number of local design variables. The subsystem optimizations are autonomous and may be conducted concurrently. Subsystem and system optimizations alternate, linked by sensitivity data, producing a design improvement in each iteration. Starting from a best guess initial design, the method improves that design in iterative cycles, each cycle comprised of two steps. In step one, the system level variables are frozen and the improvement is achieved by separate, concurrent, and autonomous optimizations in the local variable subdomains. In step two, further improvement is sought in the space of the system level variables. Optimum sensitivity data link the second step to the first. The method prototype was implemented using MATLAB and iSIGHT programming software and tested on a simplified, conceptual level supersonic business jet design, and a detailed design of an electronic device. Satisfactory convergence and favorable agreement with the benchmark results were observed. Modularity of the method is intended to fit the human organization and map well on the computing technology of concurrent processing.

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw↗
NASA NTRS2012

Monitoring of International Space Station Telemetry Using Shewhart Control Charts

Shewhart control charts have been established as an expedient method for analyzing dynamic, trending data in order to identify anomalous subsystem performance as soon as such performance would exceed a statistically established baseline. Additionally, this leading indicator tool integrates a selection methodology that reduces false positive indications, optimizes true leading indicator events, minimizes computer processor unit duty cycles, and addresses human factor concerns (i.e., the potential for flight-controller data overload). This innovation leverages statistical process control, and provides a relatively simple way to allow flight controllers to focus their attention on subtle system changes that could lead to dramatic off-nominal system performance. Finally, this capability improves response time to potential hardware damage and/or crew injury, thereby improving space flight safety. Shewhart control charts require normalized data. However, the telemetry from the ISS Early External Thermal Control System (EETCS) was not normally distributed. A method for normalizing the data was implemented, as was a means of selecting data windows, the number of standard deviations (Sigma Level), the number of consecutive points out of limits (Sequence), and direction (increasing or decreasing trend data). By varying these options, and treating them like dial settings, the number of nuisance alerts and leading indicators were optimized. The goal was to capture all leading indicators while minimizing the number of nuisances. Lean Six Sigma (L6S) design of experiment methodologies were employed. To optimize the results, Perl programming language was used to automate the massive amounts of telemetry data, control chart plots, and the data analysis.

Fitch, Jeffery T.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Development and Analysis of the Automated Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool Parametric Study Wrapper

The NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) studies all aspects of spacecraft end-of-life and orbital debris measurement, modeling, and mitigation. The reentry safety group within the ODPO uses the Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool (ORSAT) to calculate the casualty risk due to reentry of spacecraft and other types of orbital debris. ORSAT models spacecraft as a collection of fragments that break apart from the parent object at a pre-defined “breakup altitude.” It then calculates the trajectory and aero-heating of these fragments to determine which fragments are completely destroyed and which survive to the ground and pose a risk to human population. Because of the historically high computational cost of these calculations, many simplifying assumptions have been made in the traditional calculation and analysis process used by the ODPO, some of which have been shown by recent research by the ODPO and others to be incorrect. Improvements to the ORSAT code and advancements in computer technology have vastly decreased the program’s processing time, and have allowed the ODPO to develop a capability for large-scale parametric studies and Monte Carlo reentry simulations that can aid in both the initial spacecraft design and provide more detailed and accurate risk analysis to spacecraft operators.

Smith, Andrew N.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Introduction to Data Visualization

Data visualization can be used to present findings, explore data, and use the human eye to find patterns that a computer would struggle to locate. Borrowing tools from art, storytelling, data analytics and software development, data visualization is an indispensable part of the analysis process. While data visualization usage spans across multiple disciplines and sectors, most never receive formal training in the subject. As such, this tutorial will introduce key data visualization building blocks and how to best use those building blocks for different scenarios and audiences. We will also go over tips on accessibility, design and interactive elements. While this will by no means be a complete overview of the data visualization field, by building a foundation and introducing some rules of thumb, attendees will be better equipped for communicating their findings to their audience.

data visualization↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

EMU Helmet Free Water Transport Assessment for the HAB in Support of Eva 80

After water was reported in the EMU helmet during ISS US EVA-80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. To assess the effectiveness of this strategy, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a human mannikin head in the EMU helmet was used to track water droplets and quantify how much water is likely to be caught by the absorbent material. A combination of engineering judgment, tests, and CFD results were used to develop the expected path of droplets in the helmet, to account for the simplifications necessary in modeling two-phase flow.

Abigail Rose Baukus↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

EMU Helmet Free Water Transport Assessment for the HAB in Support of Eva 80

After water was reported in the EMU helmet during ISS US EVA-80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. To assess the effectiveness of this strategy, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a human mannikin head in the EMU helmet was used to track water droplets and quantify how much water is likely to be caught by the absorbent material. A combination of engineering judgment, tests, and CFD results were used to develop the expected path of droplets in the helmet, to account for the simplifications necessary in modeling two-phase flow.

Abigail Baukus↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

EMU Helmet Free Water Transport Assessment for the HAB in Support of Eva 80

After water was reported in the EMU helmet during ISS US EVA-80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. To assess the effectiveness of this strategy, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a human mannikin head in the EMU helmet was used to track water droplets and quantify how much water is likely to be caught by the absorbent material. A combination of engineering judgment, tests, and CFD results were used to develop the expected path of droplets in the helmet, to account for the simplifications necessary in modeling two-phase flow.

Abigail Baukus↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Top Human System Research and Technology Needs for Mars

NASA is working with industry and international partners to return humans to the moon and eventually enable a human Mars mission. Within NASA, several organizations work together to identify, prioritize, fund, execute, and operationalize the crew health and performance (CHP) research and technology development (R&D) necessary to enable these future missions. These organizations include flight programs as well as other organizations such as the Health and Medical Technical Authority (HMTA), Human Research Program, Space Technology Mission Directorate, and System Capability Leadership Teams, each of which existed for several years prior to the creation of the Moon-to-Mars (M2M) Program Office in 2023. A variety of constructs, vocabularies, and processes exist for the management of risks and strategic planning across these organizations. For example, M2M objectives, program risks, human system risks, human research gaps, capability gaps, and envisioned futures are all constructs currently used within NASA for identifying and prioritizing R&D needs. Alignment and evolution of these strategic planning constructs is ongoing and will allow for alignment and traceability between M2M objectives and R&D investments at a detailed level. While this reorganization is ongoing, and even after it is established, there is a recognized need among stakeholder organizations to identify and communicate the highest CHP R&D priorities in a unified and digestible way that synthesizes the considerations and perspectives of the CHP community across NASA. To achieve this, the HMTA facilitated a series of group discussions with representatives of NASA’s CHP community, which culminated in a product identifying the eight highest priority mission-enabling CHP capabilities for human missions to Mars, referred to as the “Top Human System Capability Needs for Mars”. The list includes Earth-Independent Human Operations; Mars Duration Food System; Mars Duration Effects on Human Physiology; Risks Mitigations for Vehicle Atmospheres; Computational Injury & Anthropometric Models; Exploration Exercise Countermeasures; Individual Variability in Responses to Spaceflight; and Sensorimotor Countermeasures. Existing strategic planning and risk management tools and processes were considered, as well as practicalities of technical, cost, and schedule feasibility associated with potential R&D risk mitigations and technology solutions. The product is not owned by any one organization and does not replace existing strategic or program planning processes; rather it aims to complement and inform them with a unified set of community generated priorities. It is anticipated that this list will be re-evaluated periodically based on R&D progress and the evolving M2M architecture.

Life Support↗