Hogge, T. W. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1986

Electronic controls and displays for a Space Station workstation

A workstation to serve as a man/machine interface for one of the test beds used in the NASA-Space Station development effort is described which will also serve as a demonstrator of the advanced technologies anticipated for the Space Station workstation. Thin-film electroluminescent flat-panels may replace the presently used CRTs for image generation, and the development of multifunctional controls, advanced graphic generators, and videodisc technology are considered. A generalized window management algorithm will control the large volume of information required, and conventional office automation tools such as spread sheets and database managers will be applied to workstation image management.

Busquets, A. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A simulator application of a 'hands-on throttle and stick' concept to a transport pilot/autopilot interface

This paper presents the initial experiences garnered in applying a multifunction control strategy, based on the U.S. Air Force's 'Hands-On Throttle-and-Stick' concept for fighter aircraft to a transport aircraft simulator. The multifunction control strategy involves the activation of various flight system/subsystem operations (such as guidance and control, communication, and navigation functions) by use of menu displays and throttle and stick switches. The initial application of this multifunction control (MFC) concept was developed around a pilot/autopilot interface, contrasting a conventional, dedicated autopilot interface to an MFC implementation. The simulator characteristics and autopilot functions, as well as the conventional interface and MFC hardware/software, which were utilized in the application, are described herein. Initial pilot reaction and suggested improvements to this particular implementation are discussed. The paper terminates with a glance at plans for improvements and future applications based on the outcome of this initial study.

Busquets, A. M.↗