Hypercosm for Aerospace
Hypercosm makes it possible to create highly visual and intuitive operational aids and training systems for complex mechanical systems that have little margin for error such as those found in aerospace applications. For example, numerous Hypercosm simulations have been created for NASA to be used in spaceflight applications. These simulations provide training for scientific
payloads to minimize the initial training needs of the astronauts
and to provide a means of “just-in-time” training, especially
for what NASA calls “off-nominal operations” that are
not the subject of significant preflight training. Software based training
simulations are not meant to totally replace all hardware and high-fidelity
mockup trainers, but can reduce the amount of mockups required
and provide astronauts with portable graphically-oriented trainers
that are common to real-time and refresher training aids available
on-orbit.
Aerospace Applications
The following is a list of a few aerospace applications of Hypercosm:
- Just-in-time (JIT) training
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JIT Training Simulation Created for Assisting Operation of the NASA SPDM Robotic Arm on the International Space Station.
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Training Simulation Created for the Biomass Production System, a Science Payload That Flew On the International Space Station in 2001
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Interactive Simulation of the Merlin Scientific Payload Experiment. This Simulation Features an Interactive Keypad with 500 Different Screens and Simulated User Interface Logic.
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Visual training systems using interactive 3D graphics are perfect for just-in-time training because they make it possible to quickly and unambiguously understand unfamiliar procedures or equipment. Using visual training systems, it's possible to guide a user through a procedure on a piece of equipment that they may have never even seen before. These trainers can guide a user through a procedure step by step as they actually perform that task. JIT training is perfect for tasks or equipment that are infrequently used. With visual JIT training, you SEE it, then you DO it!
- Refresher training
Intuitive visual 3D training systems are also useful for learning concepts or procedures that need to be periodically refreshed. The fact that the materials can be web based makes it easy for users to refresh their knowledge according to their own schedules. These training systems can also be combined with existing learning management systems to enable personalized, customized training that meet the needs of each specific user.
- Operational Aids
3D simulations are useful not just for training, but also as a means of documenting and describing complex equipment and creating tools that can be used during mission operations. 3D simulations can be created that look and act like real equipment so procedures can be worked out on-the-fly during mission operations. These types of operational aids are perfect for assisting with "off-nominal" situations where a procedure may not exist and may need to be worked out on the fly.
- Real-time status displays
Hypercosm 3D simulations have the flexibility to create 3D simulated objects that can update their status using data downloaded in real-time from the Internet. This makes it possible to use 3D simulations as an integral part of a system's user interface. You can create display screens that show a system's status not as an abstract set of numbers, but as an accurate visual depiction of the real thing. This allows for a more intuitive and less error prone means of command and control.
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