Data Visualization in Augmented Reality
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Abstract
During critical procedures with limited resources, astronauts are expected to operate at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness. Recently, NASA has begun development of an advanced space suit design with many technological upgrades that will make astronauts more efficient and effective during extravehicular activities (EVAs). These upgrades include the introduction of an informatics subsystem projected on the inside of the helmet in an astronaut’s spacesuit. The current informatics system relies heavily on voice communication to a team member, “mission control,” and an EVA partner. During an EVA, the astronaut needs access to two streams of data: the instructions on how to complete the EVA task and sensor readings on the health of the suit. The task data stream is a spiral notebook attached to the forearm, the system health display, and controls are embedded in the spacesuit’s chest and must be monitored using a mirror on the forearm. The aim of this thesis is to reduce the workload of the astronaut user by leveraging an augmented reality display as part of the new informatics subsystem to increase efficiency and effectiveness. This includes two displays: the task display and the suit consumables display. Two types of consumable displays were tested. One resembles the current astronaut display on their arm and the other has a sprocket design. The subjects were asked to complete an activity using one of these two consumable displays. The subject’s performance was then compared between the two displays.