A survey of new technology for cockpit application to 1990's transport aircraft simulators

Two problems were investigated: inter-equipment data transfer, both on board the aircraft and between air and ground; and crew equipment communication via the cockpit displays and controls. Inter-equipment data transfer is discussed in terms of data bus and data link requirements. Crew equipment communication is discussed regarding the availability of CRT display systems for use in research simulators to represent flat panel displays of the future, and of software controllable touch panels

The Computer Graphics Scene in the United States

We briefly survey the major thrusts of computer graphics activities, examining trends and topics rather than offering a comprehensive survey of all that is happening. The directions of professional activities, hardware, software, and algorithms are outlined. Within hardware we examine workstations, personal graphics systems, high performance systems, and low level VLSI chips; within software, standards and interactive system design; within algorithms, visible surface rendering and shading, three-dimensional modeling techniques, and animation. Note: This paper was presented at Eurographics\u2784 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Survey of multi-function display and control technology

The NASA orbiter spacecraft incorporates a complex array of systems, displays and controls. The incorporation of discrete dedicated controls into a multi-function display and control system (MFDCS) offers the potential for savings in weight, power, panel space and crew training time. The technology applicable to the development of a MFDCS for orbiter application is surveyed. Technology thought to be applicable presently or in the next five years is highlighted. Areas discussed include display media, data handling and processing, controls and operator interactions and the human factors considerations which are involved in a MFDCS design. Several examples of applicable MFDCS technology are described

A comparison of two computer graphic systems

None provided

Compressive current response mapping of photovoltaic devices using MEMS mirror arrays

Understanding the performance and aging mechanisms in photovoltaic devices requires a spatial assessment of the device properties. The current dominant technique, electroluminescence, has the disadvantage that it assesses radiative recombination only. A complementary method, laser beam-induced current (LBIC), is too slow for high-throughput measurements. This paper presents the description, design, and proof of concept of a new measurement method to significantly accelerate LBIC measurements. The method allows mapping of the current response map of solar cells and modules at drastically reduced acquisition times. This acceleration is achieved by projecting a number of mathematically derived patterns on the sample by using a digital micromirror device (DMD). The spatially resolved signal is then recovered using compressed sensing techniques. The system has fewer moving parts and is demonstrated to require fewer overall measurements. Compared with conventional LBIC imaging using galvanic mirror arrangements or xy scanners, the use of a DMD allows a significantly faster and more repeatable illumination of the device under test. In this proof-of-concept instrument, sampling patterns are drawn from Walsh–Hadamard matrices, which are one of the many operators that can be used to realize this technique. This has the advantage of the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement being significantly increased and thus allows elimination of the standard lock-in techniques for signal detection, reducing measurement costs, and increasing measurement speed further. This new method has the potential to substantially decrease the time taken for measurement, which demonstrates a dramatic improvement in the utility of LBIC instrumentation

Spacelab data analysis and interactive control study

The study consisted of two main tasks, a series of interviews of Spacelab users and a survey of data processing and display equipment. Findings from the user interviews on questions of interactive control, downlink data formats, and Spacelab computer software development are presented. Equipment for quick look processing and display of scientific data in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) was surveyed. Results of this survey effort are discussed in detail, along with recommendations for NASA development of several specific display systems which meet common requirements of many Spacelab experiments

Digital imaging technology assessment: Digital document storage project

An ongoing technical assessment and requirements definition project is examining the potential role of digital imaging technology at NASA's STI facility. The focus is on the basic components of imaging technology in today's marketplace as well as the components anticipated in the near future. Presented is a requirement specification for a prototype project, an initial examination of current image processing at the STI facility, and an initial summary of image processing projects at other sites. Operational imaging systems incorporate scanners, optical storage, high resolution monitors, processing nodes, magnetic storage, jukeboxes, specialized boards, optical character recognition gear, pixel addressable printers, communications, and complex software processes