SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Visual attention”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 163 records · Page 9

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1991

Visualization techniques to experimentally model flow and heat transfer in turbine and aircraft flow passages

Increased attention to fuel economy and increased thrust requirements have increased the demand for higher aircraft gas turbine engine efficiency through the use of higher turbine inlet temperatures. These higher temperatures increase the importance of understanding the heat transfer patterns which occur throughout the turbine passages. It is often necessary to use a special coating or some form of cooling to maintain metal temperatures at a level which the metal can withstand for long periods of time. Effective cooling schemes can result in significant fuel savings through higher allowable turbine inlet temperatures and can increase engine life. Before proceeding with the development of any new turbine it is economically desirable to create both mathematical and experimental models to study and predict flow characteristics and temperature distributions. Some of the methods are described used to physically model heat transfer patterns, cooling schemes, and other complex flow patterns associated with turbine and aircraft passages.

Russell, Louis M.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Optical super-resolution microscopy in polymer science

The advent of optical super-resolution microscopy (OSRM) over two decades ago has transformed light-mediated interrogation of systems down to the nanoscale. This innovative set of approaches to optics breaks the so-called diffraction limit of light (~200 nm), allowing for the first time to use optics in the far field to visualize behavior on nanoscopic length scales. While these visualization tools have rapidly found widespread use in biology and related fields, their implementation in materials and, more specifically, in polymer science has been far slower. To overcome possible barriers and highlight possible future directions, we present in this paper an introduction to OSRM for polymer scientists, beginning with an overview of relevant techniques and existing optical probes. We then show and examine the first examples of OSRM adaptation across major areas of polymer science, including: polymerization and structural characterization, self-assembly and solution behavior, bulk structure and behavior, crystallization, gel structure and behavior, phase transitions, and biofunctionality. We hope and anticipate that the discussions provided in this review will draw the attention of the polymer community to the capacities of these hitherto underexplored optical visualization techniques to further transform polymer science.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Adaptive stretching of representations across brain regions and deep learning model layers

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is known to modulate the visual system to favor goal-relevant information by accentuating task-relevant stimulus dimensions. Does the brain broadly re-configures itself to optimize performance by stretching visual representations along task-relevant dimensions? We considered a task that required monkeys to selectively attend on a trial-by-trial basis to one of two dimensions (color or motion direction) to make a decision. Although effects were most prominent in frontal areas, representations stretched along task-relevant dimensions in all sites considered: V4, MT, lateral PFC, frontal eye fields (FEF), lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP), and inferotemporal cortex (IT). Spike timing was crucial to this code. A deep learning model was trained on the same visual input and rewards as the monkeys. Despite lacking an explicit selective attention or other control mechanism, by minimizing error during learning, the model’s representations stretched along task-relevant dimensions, indicating that stretching is an adaptive strategy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1978

Platform motion for fighter simulations

The reported investigation is concerned with aspects of 'realistic' cue generation and evaluation. 'Realistic' cues are defined to mean cues that are representative of an aircraft, that are of sufficient magnitude to be sensed, that are in the proper direction arriving at the proper time, and yet that are within the presentation capabilities of the washout/synergistic platform system. Attention is given to the aircraft mathematical model, computer implementation, cockpit hardware, visual display, the motion system, vertical acceleration, longitudinal acceleration and pitch rate, and lateral acceleration and roll rate. The motion cues for fighter aircraft produced by Langley nonlinear adaptive washout/synergistic motion base system are found to be unacceptable in the roll axis representation. However, a method for producing potentially realistic roll cues is identified.

Parrish, R. V.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Retinal, attentional, and causal aspects of illusory-motion directionality

Extended objects presented instantaneously appeared to propagate or grow into their final shape. A strong bias was found toward perceiving straight lines to grow away from the observer's point of fixation. If attention and fixation were not directed to the same point of the visual field, both influenced illusory motion directionality, and if another small object was present on the screen at a location that was neither fixated nor attended to, the object that was instantaneously presented seemed to grow away from this point. Thus, three factors are involved in illusory-motion directionality: biases toward perceiving objects spreading away from the fixation point, away from an attended area, and away from preexisting objects. The experiments indicate that a satisfactory explanation of the illusion has to include bottom-up and top-down processes. They also challenge existing theories of motion detection.

Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology↗

NASA NTRS2011

Transition of Attention in Terminal Area NextGen Operations Using Synthetic Vision Systems

This experiment investigates the capability of Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) to provide significant situation awareness in terminal area operations, specifically in low visibility conditions. The use of a Head-Up Display (HUD) and Head-Down Displays (HDD) with SVS is contrasted to baseline standard head down displays in terms of induced workload and pilot behavior in 1400 RVR visibility levels. Variances across performance and pilot behavior were reviewed for acceptability when using HUD or HDD with SVS under reduced minimums to acquire the necessary visual components to continue to land. The data suggest superior performance for HUD implementations. Improved attentional behavior is also suggested for HDD implementations of SVS for low-visibility approach and landing operations.

Ellis, Kyle K. E.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Sleep deprivation influences some but not all processes of supervisory attention

Does one night of sleep deprivation alter processes of supervisory attention in general or only a specific subset of such processes? Twenty college-aged volunteers, half female, performed a choice reaction time task. A cue indicated that compatible (e.g., right button, right-pointing arrow) or incompatible (e.g., left button, right-pointing arrow) responses were to be given to a stimulus that followed 50 or 500 ms later. The paradigm assessed response inhibition, task-shifting skill, and task strategy-processes inherent in supervisory attention. Performance, along with heart rate, was assessed for 12 hr following normal sleep or a night of complete sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation altered neither preparation for task shifting nor response inhibition. The ability to use preparatory bias to speed performance did decrease with sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation appears to selectively affect this supervisory attention process, which is perceived as an active effort to cope with a challenging task.

NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology↗

NASA NTRS1990

Computational technology for flight vehicles; Proceedings of the Symposium on Computational Technology on Flight Vehicles, Washington, DC, Nov. 5-7, 1990

The present conference on computational methods for aeronautics applications discusses topics in the fields of parallel computing, multidisciplinary computational methods, grid generation, visualization methods for CFD, probabilistic modeling, numerical simulations and methodologies for different flow regimes, computational strategies and adaptive methods in CFD, and computational strategies and dynamics and control. Attention is given to the MACH system-software kernel, a multidisciplinary approach to aeroelastic analysis, interactive grid generation with control points, interactive flow visualization using stream surfaces, numerical simulations of dynamic/aerodynamic interactions, implicit mathods for the Navier-Stokes equations, and the automatic phase-space analysis of dynamical systems.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Processing bottlenecks in dual-task performance: structural limitation or strategic postponement?

Recent evidence indicates that a central bottleneck causes much of the slowing that occurs when two tasks are performed at the same time. This bottleneck might reflect a structural limitation inherent in the cognitive architecture. Alternatively, the bottleneck might reflect strategic (i.e., voluntary) postponement, induced by instructions to emphasize one task over the other. To distinguish structural limitations from strategic postponement, we examine a new paradigm in which subjects are told to place equal emphasis on both tasks and to emit both responses at about the same time. An experiment using this paradigm demonstrated patterns of interference that cannot easily be attributed to strategic postponement, preparation effects, or conflicts in response production. The data conform closely to the predictions of structural central bottleneck models.

Attention↗

NASA NTRS2012

Contribution of Spaceflight Environmental Factors to Vision Risks

The recognition of a risk of visual impairment and intracranial pressure increase as a result of spaceflight has directed our attention and research efforts to the eye. While the alterations observed in astronauts returning from long duration missions include reportable vision and neuroanatomical changes observed by non-invasive methods, other effects and subsequent tissue responses at the molecular and cellular level can only be studied by accessing the tissue itself. As a result of this need, several studies are currently taking place that use animal models for eye research within the HHC Element. The implementation of these studies represents a significant addition to the capabilities of the biomedical research laboratories within the SK3 branch at JSC.

Zanello, Susana↗

DOE OSTI2021

Laser scattering by submicron droplets formed during the electrical explosion of thin metal wires

Abstract This paper presents the results of studying dispersed media formation during the electrical explosion of thin metal wires in vacuum by using low-current generators (~1–10 kA). Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the composition and structure of the corresponding explosion products as well as to the problem of their visualization using simultaneous laser interferometry and shadow imaging at two wavelengths (1.064 µ m and 0.532 µ m). Our findings indicate the important role in the visualization of the explosion products that belongs to multiple scattering by submicron droplets of dense condensed matter, which are mixed with metal vapor. The hypothesis on the existence of submicron droplets in the products of exploding metal wires correlates with the results obtained by soft x-ray radiography combined with a laser probing technique. Taking into account the multiple scattering by submicron droplets, it is possible to significantly clarify the parameters of the explosion products visualized via laser probing techniques as well as to gain a deeper insight into the physics behind the electrical wire explosion.

Physics↗

NASA NTRS1989

Experimental investigation of the F/A-18 vortex flows at subsonic through transonic speeds

A subsonic-to-transonic speed wind tunnel study has been conducted to deepen understanding of the nature and possibilities for control of vortical flows associated with wing leading edge extensions (LEXs) on the F/A-18 aircraft; these vortical phenomena encompass vortex breakdown and vortex interactions with vertical stabilizers. Wind tunnel results were correlated with in-flight flow visualizations as well as handling-qualities trend data from a USN F-18 with LEX fences to improve the vertical tail buffet environment. Attention is given to the sensitivity of the vortex flows to Re and Mach numbers, reduced vertical tail excitation due to the presence of a LEX fence, and the interpretation of off-body flow visualizations.

Erickson, Gary E.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Effects of shifts in the rate of repetitive stimulation on sustained attention

The effects of shifts in the rate of presentation of repetitive neutral events (background event rate) were studied in a visual vigilance task. Four groups of subjects experienced either a high (21 events/min) or a low (6 events/min) event rate for 20 min and then experienced either the same or the alternate event rate for an additional 40 min. The temporal occurrence of critical target signals was identical for all groups, irrespective of event rate. The density of critical signals was 12 signals/20 min. By the end of the session, shifts in event rate were associated with changes in performance which resembled contrast effects found in other experimental situations in which shift paradigms were used. Relative to constant event rate control conditions, a shift from a low to a high event rate depressed the probability of signal detections, while a shift in the opposite direction enhanced the probability of signal detections.

Krulewitz, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

A head-up display for low-visibility approach and landing

An electronic flight-guidance display format was designed for use in evaluations of the collimated head-up display concept in low-visibility landings of transport aircraft. In the design process of iterative evaluation and modification, some general principles, or guidelines, applicable to such flight displays were suggested. The usefulness of an indication of instantaneous inertial flightpath was clearly demonstrated, particularly in low-altitude transition to visual references. Evaluator pilot acceptance of the unfamiliar display concepts was very positive when careful attention was given to indoctrination and training.

Bray, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), video tasks, and implications for stimulus-response spatial contiguity

Recent reports support the argument that the efficiency of primate learning is compromised to the degree that there is spatial discontiguity between discriminands and the locus of response. Experiments are reported here in which two rhesus monkeys easily mastered precise control of a joystick to respond to a variety of computer-generated targets despite the fact that the joystick was located 9 to 18 cm from the video screen. It is argued that stimulus-response contiguity is a significant parameter of learning only to the degree that the monkey visually attends to the directional movements of its hand in order to displace discriminands. If attention is focused on the effects of the hand's movement rather than on the hand itself, stimulus-response contiguity is no longer a primary parameter of learning. The implications of these results for mirror-guided studies are discussed.

Rumbaugh, Duane M.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Worldwide Spacecraft Crew Hatch History

The JSC Flight Safety Office has developed this compilation of historical information on spacecraft crew hatches to assist the Safety Tech Authority in the evaluation and analysis of worldwide spacecraft crew hatch design and performance. The document is prepared by SAIC s Gary Johnson, former NASA JSC S&MA Associate Director for Technical. Mr. Johnson s previous experience brings expert knowledge to assess the relevancy of data presented. He has experience with six (6) of the NASA spacecraft programs that are covered in this document: Apollo; Skylab; Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), Space Shuttle, ISS and the Shuttle/Mir Program. Mr. Johnson is also intimately familiar with the JSC Design and Procedures Standard, JPR 8080.5, having been one of its original developers. The observations and findings are presented first by country and organized within each country section by program in chronological order of emergence. A host of reference sources used to augment the personal observations and comments of the author are named within the text and/or listed in the reference section of this document. Careful attention to the selection and inclusion of photos, drawings and diagrams is used to give visual association and clarity to the topic areas examined.

Johnson, Gary↗

DOE OSTI2024

Atomic-scale visualization of a cascade of magnetic orders in the layered antiferromagnet GdTe3

Abstract GdTe 3 is a layered antiferromagnet which has attracted attention due to its exceptionally high mobility, distinctive unidirectional incommensurate charge density wave (CDW), superconductivity under pressure, and a cascade of magnetic transitions between 7 and 12 K, with as yet unknown order parameters. Here, we use spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy to directly image the charge and magnetic orders in GdTe 3 . Below 7 K, we find a striped antiferromagnetic phase with twice the periodicity of the Gd lattice and perpendicular to the CDW. As we heat the sample, we discover a spin density wave with the same periodicity as the CDW between 7 and 12 K; the viability of this phase is supported by our Landau free energy model. Our work reveals the order parameters of the magnetic phases in GdTe 3 and shows how the interplay between charge and spin can generate a cascade of magnetic orders.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2012

Automated Performance Characterization of DSN System Frequency Stability Using Spacecraft Tracking Data

This software provides an automated capability to measure and qualify the frequency stability performance of the Deep Space Network (DSN) ground system, using daily spacecraft tracking data. The results help to verify if the DSN performance is meeting its specification, therefore ensuring commitments to flight missions; in particular, the radio science investigations. The rich set of data also helps the DSN Operations and Maintenance team to identify the trends and patterns, allowing them to identify the antennas of lower performance and implement corrective action in a timely manner. Unlike the traditional approach where the performance can only be obtained from special calibration sessions that are both time-consuming and require manual setup, the new method taps into the daily spacecraft tracking data. This new approach significantly increases the amount of data available for analysis, roughly by two orders of magnitude, making it possible to conduct trend analysis with good confidence. The software is built with automation in mind for end-to-end processing. From the inputs gathering to computation analysis and later data visualization of the results, all steps are done automatically, making the data production at near zero cost. This allows the limited engineering resource to focus on high-level assessment and to follow up with the exceptions/deviations. To make it possible to process the continual stream of daily incoming data without much effort, and to understand the results quickly, the processing needs to be automated and the data summarized at a high level. Special attention needs to be given to data gathering, input validation, handling anomalous conditions, computation, and presenting the results in a visual form that makes it easy to spot items of exception/ deviation so that further analysis can be directed and corrective actions followed.

Pham, Timothy T.↗