Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Display Devices”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33

A 10-kW series resonant converter design, transistor characterization, and base-drive optimization

The development, components, and performance of a transistor-based 10 kW series resonant converter for use in resonant circuits in space applications is described. The transistors serve to switch on the converter current, which has a half-sinusoid waveform when the transistor is in saturation. The goal of the program was to handle an input-output voltage range of 230-270 Vdc, an output voltage range of 200-500 Vdc, and a current limit range of 0-20 A. Testing procedures for the D60T and D7ST transistors are outlined and base drive waveforms are presented. The total device dissipation was minimized and found to be independent of the regenerative feedback ratio at lower current levels. Dissipation was set at within 10% and rise times were found to be acceptable. The finished unit displayed a 91% efficiency at full power levels of 500 V and 20 A and 93.7% at 500 V and 10 A.

Robson, R. R.↗

Industrial Inspection System

Lixi, Inc. has built a thriving business on NASA-developed x-ray technology. The Low Intensity X-ray Imaging scope (LIXI) was designed to use less than one percent of radiation required by conventional x-ray devices. It is portable and can be used for a variety of industrial inspection systems as well as medical devices. A food processing plant uses the new LIXI Conveyor system to identify small bone fragments in chicken. The chicken packages on a conveyor belt enter an x-ray chamber and the image is displayed on a monitor. Defects measuring less than a millimeter can be detected. An important advantage of the system is its ability to inspect 100 percent of the product right on the production line.

Source record↗

Linking of the BENSON graph-plotter with the Elektronika-1001 computer

A device, developed by the Institute of Space Research of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, for linking the Elektronika-100I computer with the BENSON graph-plotter is described. Programs are compiled which provide display of graphic and alphanumeric information. Instructions for their utilization are given.

Valtts, I. Y.↗

Software used with the flux mapper at the solar parabolic dish test site

Software for data archiving and data display was developed for use on a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) PDP-11/34A minicomputer for use with the JPL-designed flux mapper. The flux mapper is a two-dimensional, high radiant energy scanning device designed to measure radiant flux energies expected at the focal point of solar parabolic dish concentrators. Interfacing to the DEC equipment was accomplished by standard RS-232C serial lines. The design of the software was dicated by design constraints of the flux-mapper controller. Early attemps at data acquisition from the flux-mapper controller were not without difficulty. Time and personnel limitations result in an alternative method of data recording at the test site with subsequent analysis accomplished at a data evaluation location at some later time. Software for plotting was also written to better visualize the flux patterns. Recommendations for future alternative development are discussed. A listing of the programs used in the anaysis is included in an appendix.

Miyazono, C.↗

Helmet-Mounted Display Of Clouds Of Harmful Gases

Proposed helmet-mounted opto-electronic instrument provides real-time stereoscopic views of clouds of otherwise invisible toxic, explosive, and/or corrosive gas. Display semitransparent: images of clouds superimposed on scene ordinarily visible to wearer. Images give indications on sizes and concentrations of gas clouds and their locations in relation to other objects in scene. Instruments serve as safety devices for astronauts, emergency response crews, fire fighters, people cleaning up chemical spills, or anyone working near invisible hazardous gases. Similar instruments used as sensors in automated emergency response systems that activate safety equipment and emergency procedures. Both helmet-mounted and automated-sensor versions used at industrial sites, chemical plants, or anywhere dangerous and invisible or difficult-to-see gases present. In addition to helmet-mounted and automated-sensor versions, there could be hand-held version. In some industrial applications, desirable to mount instruments and use them similarly to parking-lot surveillance cameras.

Diner, Daniel B.↗

Zinc Alloys for the Fabrication of Semiconductor Devices

ZnBeO and ZnCdSeO alloys have been disclosed as materials for the improvement in performance, function, and capability of semiconductor devices. The alloys can be used alone or in combination to form active photonic layers that can emit over a range of wavelength values. Materials with both larger and smaller band gaps would allow for the fabrication of semiconductor heterostructures that have increased function in the ultraviolet (UV) region of the spectrum. ZnO is a wide band-gap material possessing good radiation-resistance properties. It is desirable to modify the energy band gap of ZnO to smaller values than that for ZnO and to larger values than that for ZnO for use in semiconductor devices. A material with band gap energy larger than that of ZnO would allow for the emission at shorter wavelengths for LED (light emitting diode) and LD (laser diode) devices, while a material with band gap energy smaller than that of ZnO would allow for emission at longer wavelengths for LED and LD devices. The amount of Be in the ZnBeO alloy system can be varied to increase the energy bandgap of ZnO to values larger than that of ZnO. The amount of Cd and Se in the ZnCdSeO alloy system can be varied to decrease the energy band gap of ZnO to values smaller than that of ZnO. Each alloy formed can be undoped or can be p-type doped using selected dopant elements, or can be n-type doped using selected dopant elements. The layers and structures formed with both the ZnBeO and ZnCdSeO semiconductor alloys - including undoped, p-type-doped, and n-type-doped types - can be used for fabricating photonic and electronic semiconductor devices for use in photonic and electronic applications. These devices can be used in LEDs, LDs, FETs (field effect transistors), PN junctions, PIN junctions, Schottky barrier diodes, UV detectors and transmitters, and transistors and transparent transistors. They also can be used in applications for lightemitting display, backlighting for displays, UV and visible transmitters and detectors, high-frequency radar, biomedical imaging, chemical compound identification, molecular identification and structure, gas sensors, imaging systems, and for the fundamental studies of atoms, molecules, gases, vapors, and solids.

Ryu, Yungryel↗

Method and apparatus for monitoring dynamic cardiovascular function using n-dimensional representatives of critical functions

A method, system, apparatus and device for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic pulmonary system is disclosed. This method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of a pulmonary critical function with respect to a dynamic system.

Westinskow, Dwayne↗

The variably spaced superlattice electroluminescent display - A new high efficiency electroluminescence scheme

A new, highly efficient dc electroluminescent display is presented. A variably spaced superlattice scheme is suggested herein which can produce high-energy injection of electrons into a ZnSe:Mn active layer in which impact excitation of the Mn centers can occur. The device is predicted to operate at an applied external bias an order of magnitude less than the best dc electroluminescent device to date. The device is predicted to have comparable brightness, since it operates in the saturation regime. The improved efficiency stems from avoiding significant energy loss to phonons. The electrons sequentially tunnel through a multilayer stack under bias and emerge into the active layer at an energy equal to the conduction-band bending. The injection energy is chosen to coincide with the impact excitation energy of the Mn centers. Different device designs are presented and their performance is predicted.

Brennan, K. F.↗

Performance considerations for high-definition head-mounted displays

Design image-optimization for helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) for military systems is presently discussed within the framework of a systems-engineering approach that encompasses (1) a description of natural targets in the field; (2) the characteristics of human visual perception; and (3) device specifications that directly relate to these ecological and human-factors parameters. Attention is given to target size and contrast and the relationship of the modulation transfer function to image resolution.

Edwards, Oliver J.↗

Radiation Sensor

Claypack is a cost-effective portable system developed by Barringer Research Ltd. for rapid on-site analysis of clay minerals. It is an adaptation of a hand-held rationing radiometer. By measuring the intensity of reflected radiation, the device discriminates among different minerals present in a sample. It simultaneously analyzes radiation intensities in two separate bands of the spectrum, and calculates the ratio of one to the other. The "reflectance ratio" is computer processed and displayed in digital form.

Source record↗

Fluence Uniformity Measurements in an Electron Accelerator Used for Irradiation of Extended Area Solar Cells and Electronic Circuits for Space Applications

It is common to have liquid crystal displays and electronic circuit boards with area sizes of the order of 20x20 sq cm on board of satellites and space vehicles. Usually irradiating them at different fluence values assesses the radiation damage in these types of devices. As a result, there is a need for a radiation source with large spatial fluence uniformity for the study of the damage by radiation from space in those devices. Kent State University s Program on Electron Beam Technology has access to an electron accelerator used for both research and industrial applications. The electron accelerator produces electrons with energies in the interval from 1 to 5 MeV and a maximum beam power of 150 kW. At such high power levels, the electron beam is continuously scanned back and forth in one dimension in order to provide uniform irradiation and to prevent damage to the sample. This allows for the uniform irradiation of samples with an area of up to 1.32 sq m. This accelerator has been used in the past for the study of radiation damage in solar cells (1). However in order to irradiate extended area solar cells there was a need to measure the uniformity of the irradiation zone in terms of fluence. In this paper the methodology to measure the fluence uniformity on a sample handling system (linear motion system), used for the irradiation of research samples, along the irradiation zone of the above-mentioned facility is described and the results presented. We also illustrate the use of the electron accelerator for the irradiation of large area solar cells (of the order of 156 sq cm) and include in this paper the electrical characterization of these types of solar cells irradiated with 5 MeV electrons to a total fluence of 2.6 x 10(exp 15) e/sq cm.

Uribe, Roberto M.↗

Measurement and Controls Data Acquisition System

Measurement and Controls Data Acquisition System (MCDAS) is an application program that integrates the functions of two stand-alone programs: one for acquisition of data, the other for controls. MCDAS facilitates and improves testing of complex engineering systems by helping to perform calibration and setup of test systems and acquisition, dissemination, and processing of data. Features of MCDAS include an intuitive, user-friendly graphical user interface, a capability for acquiring data at rates greater than previously possible, cooperation between the data-acquisition software subsystem and alarm-checking and analytical components of the control software subsystem, and a capability for dissemination of data through fiber optics and virtual and wide-area networks, including networks that contain hand-held display units. The integration of the data acquisition and control software offers a safety advantage by making alarm information available to the control software in a more timely manner. By enabling the use of hand-held devices, MCDAS reduces the time spent by technicians asking for screen updates to determine effects of setup actions. Previously recorded data can be processed without interruption to current acquisition of data. Analysts can continue to view test parameters while test-data files are being generated.

Hall, Rick↗

Charge coupled device (CCD) spectroscopy of comets - Tuttle, Stephan-Oterma, Brooks 2, and Bowell

CCD technology allows the acquisition of high quality spectra from faint comets that provide simultaneous spatial and spectral resolution. Most emissions in the spectra thus obtained are due to CN and NH2. The most interesting results for the continuum were displayed at comet Bowell, whose coma is a factor of 10 more extended than the other comets studied. Calculated production rates are presented for NH2 and CN in the cases of the comet Tuttle and Stephan-Oterma, and first-order comparisons are conducted for measured production rates and those of the H2O molecule, which should be the dominant one in comet activity.

Johnson, J. R.↗

Controls Status for Fermilab’s PIP-II Project

Testing of Cryomodule first articles at PIP-II's on-site Cryomodule Test Facility (CMTF), where EPICS based controls are already being used, has been invaluable to the project. In addition to validating hardware and controls components, it has provided opportunities to build buy-in and illicit meaningful feedback early-on. A device naming convention has also been significantly refined with an internal working group and the PIP-II integration team. Compressed air and Process Control Water (PCW) systems have been installed, and operations has been engaged in Phoebus display development in preparation for a transition to operations for these systems by 2026. Cryoplant hardware has been put in place, and collaboration between controls and PIP-IIs cryo group for IOC and display development is well underway for commissioning of cryoplant systems to begin early 2026. The project has also received beneficial occupancy of the High-Bay Building in October 2025, keeping us on schedule for Warm Front End commissioning to begin in 2027.

Crisp, Dan [Fermilab]↗

Development, Implementation, and Pilot Evaluation of a Model-Driven Envelope Protection System to Mitigate the Hazard of In-Flight Ice Contamination on a Twin-Engine Commuter Aircraft

Fatal loss-of-control accidents have been directly related to in-flight airframe icing. The prototype system presented in this report directly addresses the need for real-time onboard envelope protection in icing conditions. The combination of prior information and real-time aerodynamic parameter estimations are shown to provide sufficient information for determining safe limits of the flight envelope during inflight icing encounters. The Icing Contamination Envelope Protection (ICEPro) system was designed and implemented to identify degradations in airplane performance and flying qualities resulting from ice contamination and provide safe flight-envelope cues to the pilot. The utility of the ICEPro system for mitigating a potentially hazardous icing condition was evaluated by 29 pilots using the NASA Ice Contamination Effects Flight Training Device. Results showed that real time assessment cues were effective in reducing the number of potentially hazardous upset events and in lessening exposure to loss of control following an incipient upset condition. Pilot workload with the added ICEPro displays was not measurably affected, but pilot opinion surveys showed that real time cueing greatly improved their awareness of a hazardous aircraft state. The performance of ICEPro system was further evaluated by various levels of sensor noise and atmospheric turbulence.

simulation training↗

Thin-Film Fracture Behavior for Diketopyrrolopyrrole Semiconducting Polymeric Films

Fracture energy, which quantifies a material’s resistance to the propagation of a pre-existing crack, is a key parameter for ensuring the mechanical reliability of stretchable organic electronic devices. However, most existing methods, such as a four-point bending fracture energy, utilized for measuring the fracture energy of semiconducting polymeric thin films are complicated by substrate effects, making it challenging to isolate the intrinsic behavior of the film from interfacial influences. In this study, we employed a pseudo free-standing pure shear method to systematically investigate the cohesive fracture energy of poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole-terthiophene) P(DPP-T)-based thin films to examine the effects of nanoconfinement, side chain length, degree of crystallinity, and strain rates. This method effectively eliminates substrate interference, enabling a direct assessment of the cohesive fracture energy of P(DPP-T) thin films. We found that thinner films and those with lower molecular weights exhibited significantly reduced fracture energies due to diminished chain entanglements. Additionally, films with shorter side chains displayed notably higher fracture energies, which were attributed to an increase in the degree of crystallinity. Finally, slower strain rates led to higher fracture energies, consistent with an enhanced stress relaxation. These insights offer practical guidelines for designing mechanically robust semiconducting polymers, contributing to the advancement of reliable, durable, flexible, and wearable electronic devices.

Zhang, Song [Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattie↗

Multiuser Collaboration with Networked Mobile Devices

In this paper we describe a multiuser collaboration infrastructure that enables multiple mission scientists to remotely and collaboratively interact with visualization and planning software, using wireless networked personal digital assistants(PDAs) and other mobile devices. During ground operations of planetary rover and lander missions, scientists need to meet daily to review downlinked data and plan science activities. For example, scientists use the Science Activity Planner (SAP) in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission to visualize downlinked data and plan rover activities during the science meetings [1]. Computer displays are projected onto large screens in the meeting room to enable the scientists to view and discuss downlinked images and data displayed by SAP and other software applications. However, only one person can interact with the software applications because input to the computer is limited to a single mouse and keyboard. As a result, the scientists have to verbally express their intentions, such as selecting a target at a particular location on the Mars terrain image, to that person in order to interact with the applications. This constrains communication and limits the returns of science planning. Furthermore, ground operations for Mars missions are fundamentally constrained by the short turnaround time for science and engineering teams to process and analyze data, plan the next uplink, generate command sequences, and transmit the uplink to the vehicle [2]. Therefore, improving ground operations is crucial to the success of Mars missions. The multiuser collaboration infrastructure enables users to control software applications remotely and collaboratively using mobile devices. The infrastructure includes (1) human-computer interaction techniques to provide natural, fast, and accurate inputs, (2) a communications protocol to ensure reliable and efficient coordination of the input devices and host computers, (3) an application-independent middleware that maintains the states, sessions, and interactions of individual users of the software applications, (4) an application programming interface to enable tight integration of applications and the middleware. The infrastructure is able to support any software applications running under the Windows or Unix platforms. The resulting technologies not only are applicable to NASA mission operations, but also useful in other situations such as design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and business meetings, as they can benefit from having the participants concurrently interact with the software applications (e.g., presentation applications and CAD design tools) to illustrate their ideas and provide inputs.

ground operations↗

Interfacial defect reduction enhances universal power law response in Mo–SiNx granular metals

Granular metals (GMs), consisting of metal nanoparticles separated by an insulating matrix, frequently serve as a platform for fundamental electron transport studies. However, few technologically mature devices incorporating GMs have been realized, in large part because intrinsic defects (e.g., electron trapping sites and metal/insulator interfacial defects) frequently impede electron transport, particularly in GMs that do not contain noble metals. Here, we demonstrate that such defects can be minimized in molybdenum–silicon nitride (Mo–SiN x ) GMs via optimization of the sputter deposition atmosphere. For Mo–SiN x GMs deposited in a mixed Ar/N 2 environment, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy shows a 40%–60% reduction of interfacial Mo-silicide defects compared to Mo–SiN x GMs sputtered in a pure Ar environment. Electron transport measurements confirm the reduced defect density; the dc conductivity improved (decreased) by 10 4 –10 5 and the activation energy for variable-range hopping increased 10×. Since GMs are disordered materials, the GM nanostructure should, theoretically, support a universal power law (UPL) response; in practice, that response is generally overwhelmed by resistive (defective) transport. Here, the defect-minimized Mo–SiN x GMs display a superlinear UPL response, which we quantify as the ratio of the conductivity at 1 MHz to that at dc, Δσ ω ⁠. Remarkably, these GMs display a Δσ ω up to 10 7 , a three-orders-of-magnitude improved response than previously reported for GMs. By enabling high-performance electric transport with a non-noble metal GM, this work represents an important step toward both new fundamental UPL research and scalable, mature GM device applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗