Vision Science and Technology at NASA: Results of a Workshop

A broad review is given of vision science and technology within NASA. The subject is defined and its applications in both NASA and the nation at large are noted. A survey of current NASA efforts is given, noting strengths and weaknesses of the NASA program

NASA SBIR abstracts of 1991 phase 1 projects

The objectives of 301 projects placed under contract by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are described. These projects were selected competitively from among proposals submitted to NASA in response to the 1991 SBIR Program Solicitation. The basic document consists of edited, non-proprietary abstracts of the winning proposals submitted by small businesses. The abstracts are presented under the 15 technical topics within which Phase 1 proposals were solicited. Each project was assigned a sequential identifying number from 001 to 301, in order of its appearance in the body of the report. Appendixes to provide additional information about the SBIR program and permit cross-reference of the 1991 Phase 1 projects by company name, location by state, principal investigator, NASA Field Center responsible for management of each project, and NASA contract number are included

NASA SBIR abstracts of 1990 phase 1 projects

The research objectives of the 280 projects placed under contract in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 1990 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 program are described. The basic document consists of edited, non-proprietary abstracts of the winning proposals submitted by small businesses in response to NASA's 1990 SBIR Phase 1 Program Solicitation. The abstracts are presented under the 15 technical topics within which Phase 1 proposals were solicited. Each project was assigned a sequential identifying number from 001 to 280, in order of its appearance in the body of the report. The document also includes Appendixes to provide additional information about the SBIR program and permit cross-reference in the 1990 Phase 1 projects by company name, location by state, principal investigator, NASA field center responsible for management of each project, and NASA contract number

Telerobotic research at NASA Langley Research Center

An overview of Automation Technology Branch facilities and research is presented. Manipulator research includes dual-arm coordination studies, space manipulator dynamics, end-effector controller development, automatic space structure assembly, and the development of a dual-arm master-slave telerobotic manipulator system. Sensor research includes gravity-compensated force control, real-time monovision techniques, and laser ranging. Artificial intelligence techniques are being explored for supervisory task control, collision avoidance, and connectionist system architectures. A high-fidelity dynamic simulation of robotic systems, ROBSIM, is being supported and extended. Cooperative efforts with Oak Ridge National Laboratory have verified the ability of teleoperators to perform complex structural assembly tasks, and have resulted in the definition of a new dual-arm master-slave telerobotic manipulator. A bibliography of research results and a list of technical contacts are included

Optical techniques for 3D surface reconstruction in computer-assisted laparoscopic surgery

One of the main challenges for computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is to determine the intra-opera- tive morphology and motion of soft-tissues. This information is prerequisite to the registration of multi-modal patient-specific data for enhancing the surgeon’s navigation capabilites by observ- ing beyond exposed tissue surfaces and for providing intelligent control of robotic-assisted in- struments. In minimally invasive surgery (MIS), optical techniques are an increasingly attractive approach for in vivo 3D reconstruction of the soft-tissue surface geometry. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art methods for optical intra-operative 3D reconstruction in laparoscopic surgery and discusses the technical challenges and future perspectives towards clinical translation. With the recent paradigm shift of surgical practice towards MIS and new developments in 3D opti- cal imaging, this is a timely discussion about technologies that could facilitate complex CAS procedures in dynamic and deformable anatomical regions

Evaluation of automated decisionmaking methodologies and development of an integrated robotic system simulation

A generic computer simulation for manipulator systems (ROBSIM) was implemented and the specific technologies necessary to increase the role of automation in various missions were developed. The specific items developed are: (1) capability for definition of a manipulator system consisting of multiple arms, load objects, and an environment; (2) capability for kinematic analysis, requirements analysis, and response simulation of manipulator motion; (3) postprocessing options such as graphic replay of simulated motion and manipulator parameter plotting; (4) investigation and simulation of various control methods including manual force/torque and active compliances control; (5) evaluation and implementation of three obstacle avoidance methods; (6) video simulation and edge detection; and (7) software simulation validation

The Natural Way To Learn: Learn Without Learning

Natural learning ways currently used to accelerate the velocity of learning are reviewed, including Selman’s MEDICASA model with his platoon system of participatory responses---all demonstrating innovative multi-sensory, multi-learning skills.  To augment persuasion and articulation ability of business school students, stand-up comedy is used (University of Chicago).  Song writing, storytelling and improvisation (Vanderbilt University-Owens Management), and for Shakespearean motivation for other management skills at the corporate executive level (Northrup Grumman).  Food “chow-down”, before and during classes, including pizzas, soyburgers and chocolate candy, for relaxation and memory stimulation and retention.  The aromatherapy path to soft learning, the path of music and subliminal sound--Mozart effect and silent sound--and other multi-sensory aids and teaching techniques to activate all the senses for learning---Key for three senses, but strive for five!  Other learning techniques include Selman’s Universal Method (SUM) of breaking large problems into manageable parts or patches.  His MEDICASA Model for developing models for multi-learning in various venues will be demonstrated. Another approach is to have abstract ideas in the sciences translated into physical learning aids, or robotic device, or toys--- where the kernel of the analogies can be retained for comprehending differing situations in the present, and for future metaphors.  Learning aids, toys, robotic devices and simulation techniques will be explored for state-of-the-art reinforcement of ideas and innovative concepts at this point in time.  When Al Gross (a.k.a. Phineas Thaddeus Veeblefetzer) passed away at the end of the last millennium, the gizmos he designed and had patented---just for the fun of it!-- like Dick Tracy’s two-way wrist radio, the walkie-talkie, and other wireless wonders still have a revered resting place in the heart of our fun memories.  Learning can be reinforced in many ways.  But learning without play is difficult, grim and boring presentations.  It may be the major failing of our educational system

Coordination approaches and systems - part I : a strategic perspective

This is the first part of a two-part paper presenting a fundamental review and summary of research of design coordination and cooperation technologies. The theme of this review is aimed at the research conducted within the decision management aspect of design coordination. The focus is therefore on the strategies involved in making decisions and how these strategies are used to satisfy design requirements. The paper reviews research within collaborative and coordinated design, project and workflow management, and, task and organization models. The research reviewed has attempted to identify fundamental coordination mechanisms from different domains, however it is concluded that domain independent mechanisms need to be augmented with domain specific mechanisms to facilitate coordination. Part II is a review of design coordination from an operational perspective

Hi-Tek Learning Strategies

Unorthodox ways currently used in colleges to accelerate the velocity of learning are reviewed. To augment persuasion and articulation ability of business school students, stand-up comedy is used (University of Chicago). Song writing, storytelling and improvisation (VanderbiltUniversity-Owens Management), and for Shakespearean motivation for other management skills at the corporate execu-tive level (Northrup Grumman). Food “chow-down”, before and during classes, including pizza and chocolate candy, for relaxation and memory stimulation. The aromatherapy path to the learning, the path of music and subliminal sound---Mozart effect and silent sound--and other sensory aids and teaching techniques to activate all the senses for learning-Key for three, but strive for five!. Other learning techniques include Selman’s Universal Method (SUM) of breaking large problems into manageable parts or patches, his MEDICASA model and a platoon system of participatory responses---all demonstrating skills, motor and sensory. Another approach is to have abstract ideas in the sciences translated into physical learning aids, or robotic device, or toys----where the kernel of the analogies can be retained for comprehending different situations in the present, and for future metaphors. Learning can be reinforced in many ways. But learning with-out play is difficult---grim and boring presentations. It may be the major failing of our educa-tional system; especially, as training for persuasive communication skills. This paper asks---What if it were possible to transfer information and improve communication without the circuitous paths of present ways of teaching? What if a teacher could guide a student beyond the normal capacity of his/her mind by "broad-casting" over the natural defense mechanism of the unused 90% of the brain