Role of computer graphics in space telerobotics: preview and predictive displays

Abstract

High fidelity computer graphics preview and predictive displays provide substantial aid in four major space telerobotic activities: overall workspace design including viewing conditions specific workspace analysis for given tasks in a fixed setting operator training and reduction of operator''s uncertainty and operation time under communication time delay conditions. Computer graphics displays are also very useful to help visualize a variety of non-visual sensor data to the operator and to provide an iconic operator interface to a number-based telerobot control system. These applications are illustrated and analyzed by examples implemented in real-time operation at the JPL Advanced Teleoperator project. A video tape recording of these displays is available.