Remote voice training: A case study on space shuttle applications, appendix C

The Tile Automation System includes applications of automation and robotics technology to all aspects of the Shuttle tile processing and inspection system. An integrated set of rapid prototyping testbeds was developed which include speech recognition and synthesis, laser imaging systems, distributed Ada programming environments, distributed relational data base architectures, distributed computer network architectures, multi-media workbenches, and human factors considerations. Remote voice training in the Tile Automation System is discussed. The user is prompted over a headset by synthesized speech for the training sequences. The voice recognition units and the voice output units are remote from the user and are connected by Ethernet to the main computer system. A supervisory channel is used to monitor the training sequences. Discussions include the training approaches as well as the human factors problems and solutions for this system utilizing remote training techniques

Paper Session II-B - Space Shuttle Processing: A Case Study in Artificial Intelligence

Scheduling the ground processing functions of the Space Shuttle is an inherently difficult task. Most automated scheduling tools are oriented towards manufacturing problems which are very different from shuttle processing. The distinguishing factors between shuttle processing and manufacturing are: 1. Shuttle processing requires much unplanned to be added to the schedule while manufacturing process plans are typically determined well in advance. 2. Manufacturing activities are significantly more predictable than shuttle repair activities in terms of resource needs and durations. 3. Shuttle processing is fundamentally more complex than typical manufacturing concerns. 4. Shuttle processing requires reasoning about orbiter configuration as well as tasks and resources. To address these discrepancies, we have developed a new scheduling system that adopts Artificial Intelligence techniques. This paper describes the unique capabilities of this scheduling system as well as some preliminary results of the system using the shuttle data

Paper Session II-C - Introducing New Technologies Into Space Station Subsystems

In a cooperative effort between Kennedy Space Center, Stanford University and Lockheed Space Operations Company, a new systems engineering methodology has been developed and applied in the operational world of Shuttle processing. The new engineering approach stresses the importance of identifying, quantitatively assessing, and managing system performance and risk related to the dynamic nature of requirements, technology, and operational concepts. Under the cooperative program entitled, Space Systems Integration and Operations Research Applications (SIORA), the modernization of the processing operations for the Shuttle thermal protection system (IPS) or tiles became the first application of the engineering methodology. This effort adopted an approach consisting of an integrated set of rapid prototyping testbeds in which a government/ university/industry team of users, technologists, and engineers tested and evaluated new concepts and technologies within and in parallel to Shuttle processing operations. The integrated set of technologies introduced included speech recognition and synthesis capabilities, laser imaging inspection systems, distributed Ada programming environments, distributed relational database architectures, in addition to distributed computer network architectures, multi-media workbenches, expert system applications, probabilistic risk assessment modeling, and human factors considerations. The successful operational implementation of the integrated prototype, referred to as the Space Shuttle Tile Automation System, has validated the engineering methodology and strongly indicates that the same approach would be a viable systems engineering and project management tool for Freedom Space Station. This paper will address the lessons learned from the Shuttle processing experience and will present concepts which are applicable to the design and development of the Freedom Space Station