The Graphics Research and Analysis Facility at NASA conducts human factors analyses while assessing internal and external spacecraft configurations, crewmember and vehicle interfaces, vision capabilities and lighting conditions by manipulating computer models in a 3-D environment. Mission success depends on the development of effective human-spacecraft interfaces for complex on-orbit operations. System safety and productivity are improved by studying visibility issues and animated mission scenarios allow planners to visualize mission tasks, develop procedures, and explore contingency plans for critical procedures and equipment operations.
Wyle and its contractor teammates support the functions of this facility by performing computer-aided human factors analysis and evaluations using high performance computer graphics workstations to address human engineering issues in space. This group also maintains a database of human-computer and lighting models, based on standard anthropometric and flight data. The specific high-fidelity human and lighting models can be created and manipulated for military, industrial, and occupational situations using these databases. Research activities include measuring the impact of display enhancements such as lighting, shadowing and dynamic overlays (augmented reality) on human performance for training and remote operations.