Integrating Microgravity Test Data with a Human Computer Reach Model

Abstract

Future space vehicles such as the Space Station Freedom will be equipped with computers that have direct manipulation capabilities. The human factors challenge is to provide an optimal human-systems interface which will accommodate a wide range of users and tasks in a microgravity environment. A series of experiments have been conducted by the Man-Systems Division at Johnson Space Center to resolve anthropometric issues related to human reach capabilities and limitations impacting workstation design. To facilitate this goal, two approaches, “Performance-based” and “Model-based” analyses, were integrated to investigate the human reach mapped onto the workstation display panels. Microgravity maximum reach sweep data were collected onboard NASA's KC-135 Reduced Gravity Aircraft. A three-dimensional (3-D) interactive graphics system, PLAID, was used to generate anthropometrically correct human computer models. Video tapes recorded during the flights were used to extract information for positioning each human representation in the computer model relative to the workstation. The approach, findings and implications of the evaluations are discussed in the paper.