The Graphics Research and Analysis Facility (GRAF) is an integral
part of the Habitability and Environmental Factors Division at NASA-JSC.
It performs computer aided human factors analyses. The GRAF utilizes
high-performance computer graphics workstations interfacing with commercial
off-the-shelf tools, open source applications and in-house designed
and developed tools to address human engineering issues for space design
and analyses.
The unique feature of the GRAF is the synergistic environment from
which it derives support data and expertise, referencing various facilities
and universities in order to provide the most accurate and up-to-date
analyses.
Facility capabilities include: human modeling, habitability, computer
animation, lighting and viewing analyses, operations analyses
for activities inside and outside the spacecraft, design concept
visualizations, research and development activities.
Human Modeling
Using in-house tools and JACK, a commercial human modeling product, GRAF has
been performing quantitative evaluations of the human-machine interfaces for
designs and operations. The approach uses a standard statistical mechanism of
percentiles as well as individual measurements. Valuable input can be provided
to the hardware designer regarding handholds and foot restraint placement, and
workstation layout design. Physical access to critical equipment for performing
operational and maintenance tasks in space can also be evaluated.
Habitability and Task Analysis
Using human models and CAD models of vehicle designs combined
with some basic task scenarios, the GRAF has assessed the net
habitable volume of crew exploration vehicle designs. The initial
efforts were for relatively static, macro-level analyses based
on task descriptions such as sleeping, eating, and post-dock
operations. For more refined analyses, the Man-machine
Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) from NASA-ARC is being integrated into the tool set.
Lighting Analysis
GRAF uses an accurate lighting model, which includes the Radiance lighting visualization
software as one of its tools, to produce realistic images of complex environments.
In addition to the images, energy maps of the light on surfaces are created allowing
a prediction of illumination, luminance, contrast ratio and glare. Measured and
published data is used to develop models of artificial light, surface reflectivity
and camera and eye sensitivity. This data when combined with their respective
geometric representations permit the prediction of the lighting and visibility
conditions for space operations.
Design Concepts Visualization
GRAF has created comprehensive visualizations of future habitats for space. Using
integrated modeling techniques, visualizations of lunar interior habitat designs
were generated. The designs were for a horizontal and a vertical configuration.
Research Topics: Computer Modeling of Lighting
for Training
Tasks on the International Space Station involve procedures that are very complex
and highly dependent on the availability of visual information. In many situations,
cameras are used as tools to help overcome the visual and physical restrictions
associated with space flight. However, these cameras are affected by the dynamic
lighting conditions of space. The crew needs to be trained to understand the
images as glare and shadow affect them. Continuing efforts are underway for improved
modeling of illumination for training purposes.
Research Topics: Augmented Reality Technology in Space
Previous research activity by the GRAF in technology has shown that operator
performance of robotic devices is greatly improved by augmented reality (AR)
and that AR seems to have positive effects on training, but there are many
issues and questions that need to be examined. The goal is a greater understanding
of the use of augmented reality technology for space applications.
