Abstract:
A system, handheld devices, and methods for space equipment tracking and control. The system tracks and controls items, people and their interactions. The handheld mobile wireless device provides item specific information, instruction, and supervision. A plurality of handheld devices is configured to be used by different people, and communicate with a central database. A handheld device comprises a camera for scanning an image of an item of space equipment, a display for displaying information, and a wireless network connection to the database for sending and receiving data. The system recognizes the item of space equipment and identifies a person. The database includes information regarding people and their roles, permissions, and authorized or assigned tasks; space equipment and tools; item specific instructions; and the handheld devices. An observer, or the system, can monitor the performance of the tasks, and provide corrective feedback.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to object recognition and control, in particular the invention relates to space equipment recognition and control including mobile wireless devices for use by a space exploration organization. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Various space exploration organizations develop space equipment. Initially only NASA and the Russian Soviet Space programs had the resources to develop space flight and the require equipment. More recently other space exploration or space launch companies exist. For example, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) was founded in 2002, Alliant Techsystems Inc (ATK Aerospace Systems) develops space launch equipment, and Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) develops satellites and launch systems. 
         [0005]    Various attempts have been made to label objects with labels that can be read automatically by a computing machine. Barcodes have proven to be an effective scheme for achieving these purposes. Originally, linear or one-dimensional barcodes such as the Universal Product Code (UPC) were used. The UPC was the first commercially successful model and enjoyed widespread universal use. 
         [0006]    Later a two-dimensional or matrix code was developed. These are similar to one-dimensional codes, but represent more data per unit area and traditionally utilize square pixels. While the UPC represents a serial number, matrix codes can represent text, URLs, or other data. The Quick Response Code (QR Code or QRC) is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional codes and is often used with smart phones. 
         [0007]    More recently, a third-generation barcode called the High Capacity Color Barcode (HCCB) was developed. This two-dimensional barcode uses multi-colored triangles for an increase in data density, but still represents the same types of data. 
         [0008]    Bar code readers are typically connected to computer systems and databases to keep track of sales or inventory. 
         [0009]    These conventional methods have many drawbacks and limitations including the inability to identify individuals in various disciplines and roles and correlate relationships, tasks, permissions, etc. with other objects and/or individuals. In addition, these methods lack the ability to provide and present training, instructional and other information in various forms for maintenance and other purposes. 
         [0010]    There is a need for mobile wireless handheld devices to be able to recognize various items of space equipment and people and to provide for training, instruction, tracking, monitoring, and observation, which is authorized, and item specific. Further there is a need to be able to confirm that maintenance or use procedures are performed properly while they are being performed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means and method of identifying items of space equipment that include and go beyond those currently identifiable by conventional labels and go beyond existing tracking systems. Although traditional coded labels have proven to be an effective scheme for achieving item identification, they by themselves fall short of being able to achieve a more universal means and method of space equipment recognition, training, instruction, tracking, monitoring, observation, and control. Handheld mobile wireless devices are used with space equipment and individuals to provide up-to-date pertinent information using methods such as on screen instructions, checklists, videos, pictures, diagrams, etc. or any combination thereof. Items and people are identified by scanning a label attached to the item or person, or by use of object recognition, facial recognition, or other biological recognition, such as iris scan, fingerprint scan, or other recognition known in the art. The system tracks and controls items, people, and their interactions. The handheld mobile wireless device provides item specific information, instruction, and supervision. 
         [0012]    A system aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of handheld devices used by different people, and a database in communication with the handheld devices. 
         [0013]    A handheld device comprises a camera for scanning an image of an item of space equipment, a display for displaying information, and a wireless network connection to the database for sending and receiving data. 
         [0014]    The system recognizes the item of space equipment by interpreting the image. In some embodiments, a coded label, e.g. a UPC or QR code, is interpreted. The system also identifies a person. The person may be identified by being associated with the handheld device; by scanning a scan label, such as an ID badge, ID card, or tattoo; or by scanning a face, a fingerprint, an iris, or other biometric. 
         [0015]    The database includes information regarding people and their roles, permissions, and authorized or assigned tasks; space equipment and tools; item specific instructions; and the handheld devices. The database also records information regarding the interaction between the space equipment and the people. 
         [0016]    The roles include maintenance, use, and observation, and may vary based on the item of space equipment. 
         [0017]    The item specific instructions include documents, checklists, pictures, audio, and video. 
         [0018]    When the handheld device scans an item of space equipment, the item is recognized, the person and their role are identified, and if the person is authorized the handheld device provides item specific instructions. 
         [0019]    In some situations, an observer is notified when use, or maintenance, is started by another person who is a user, or a maintainer, respectively. 
         [0020]    An observer, or in some embodiments, the automated system, can monitor the proper performance of the tasks, and provide corrective feedback during the performance. 
         [0021]    Method aspects of the invention include capturing an image with the camera of the handheld device, interpreting the image, determining an item of space equipment, determining a person, and if the person is authorized determining a role of the person. 
         [0022]    A method of performing maintenance includes identifying a current part and any associated tools, providing item specific instructions for the current maintenance task, confirm completion of the task, and recording completion of the task, and repeating for each maintenance task. 
         [0023]    A method of performing use includes identifying tools, if any, providing item specific instructions for the current use task, confirm completion of the use, and recording information regarding the use, and repeating for each use task. 
         [0024]    A method of performing observation includes providing item specific instructions if required, and recording information regarding the start and finish of the observation, and repeating for each observation task. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0025]    Accordingly, the present invention includes the following advantages:
   1. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control.   2. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control that is role based.   3. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control that is used for verification and ratification.   4. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control that is used for assembly instructions.   5. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control that is used for maintenance notification, instructions, and tracking.   6. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control that is used to log maintenance and events.   7. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control that is used to track the events in life of an item of space equipment.   8. To provide a means and method of space equipment recognition and control in an extraterrestrial environment.   9. To provide a means and method of object recognition and control for space equipment.   
 
     
    
     
       DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0035]    In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
           [0036]      FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1C  show prior art coded labels, such as bar codes and QR codes. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  illustrates the system with people with different roles and separate handheld devices communicating with the same database and server. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3D  illustrate flowcharts of showing the exemplary steps for the methods of the system. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates the structure of the database. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates an astronaut with a handheld device in an extraterrestrial environment and cameras for remote observation. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
       [0000]    
       
           100   a - d  coded label 
           101  universal product code (UPC) 
           102  quick response (QR) code 
           103  high capacity color barcode (HCCB) 
           120   a - c  scan label 
           200   a - c  space equipment 
           210   a - c  handheld device 
           211   a - c  image data 
           212   a - c  outgoing database information 
           213   a - c  incoming database information 
           220  maintainer 
           230  user 
           240  observer 
           250  database 
           300  start 
           301  path 
           302  capture image 
           303  path 
           304  interpret image 
           305  path 
           306  determine object 
           307  path 
           308  determine person 
           309  path 
           310  is person authorized 
           311  path 
           312  determine role 
           313  path 
           314  no access 
           315  path 
           316  maintenance? 
           317  path 
           318  perform maintenance 
           319  path 
           320  use? 
           321  path 
           322  perform use 
           323  path 
           324  observe? 
           325  path 
           326  perform observation 
           327  path 
           329  path 
           331  path 
           332  identify part 
           333  path 
           334  identify tools 
           335  path 
           336  provide instruction 
           337  path 
           338  notify observer of start 
           339  path 
           340  confirm completion 
           341  path 
           342  record completion 
           343  path 
           344  notify observer of completion 
           345  path 
           346  more tasks? 
           347  path 
           348  exit 
           349  path 
           350  path 
           351  path 
           352  tools required? 
           353  path 
           354  identify tools 
           355  path 
           356  provide instruction 
           357  path 
           358  notify observer of start 
           359  path 
           360  confirm use 
           361  path 
           362  record use 
           363  path 
           364  notify observer of completion 
           365  path 
           366  more tasks? 
           367  path 
           368  exit 
           369  path 
           370  path 
           371  path 
           372  instruction needed? 
           373  path 
           374  provide instruction 
           375  path 
           376  record observation start 
           377  path 
           378  communicate with others 
           379  path 
           380  record observation finish 
           381  path 
           382  more tasks? 
           383  path 
           384  exit 
           385  path 
           400  roles 
           402  people 
           404  space equipment (tools) 
           406  tasks 
           408  task list 
           410  devices 
           510   a -b tool 
           520  mounted camera 
           540  overhead camera 
           552  landing vehicle 
           562  orbiter 
       
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior Art Coded Labels 
       [0150]      FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 1C  show prior art coded labels  100 . 
         [0151]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an example of a coded label  100  with a barcode, in particular universal product code (UPC)  101 . A barcode or UPC typically represents a number. The UPC system allows each product to have a unique code making the system universal. However, individual products can only be identified with an additional label such a serial number barcode. 
         [0152]      FIG. 1B  illustrates an example of a coded label  100  with a quick response (QR) code  102 . A QR code  102  has high data density. It can encode free form text and is typically used to encode a direct address of other information such as an URL. 
         [0153]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an example of a coded label  100  with a high capacity color barcode (HCCB)  103 . A HCCB may also contain a direct address such as an URL. 
       Handheld Devices Used for Space Equipment Recognition and Control and Instruction 
       [0154]      FIG. 2  illustrates a system with people with different roles and separate handheld devices communicating with the same database and server. Each person is shown with a handheld device  210 . The handheld device  210  is preferably a mobile wireless device. The handheld device  210  includes a camera, which can scan an image of an item of space equipment  200 . A coded label  100  on space equipment  200  is initially scanned as image data  211   a - c  by any of the handheld devices  210   a - c,  which is operated by a maintainer  220 , a user  230 , and/or an observer  240 , respectively. The observer  240  can be a manager, supervisor, or team leader, etc. The handheld devices  210   a - c  each interacts with the same database  250  to send and receive information. Information sent to the database  250  is outgoing database information  212   a - c  respectively. For example, when maintainer  220  scans the coded label  100  on space equipment  200 , the image data  211   a  is interpreted by the handheld device  210   a  and the decoded data is sent to the database  250  as outgoing database information  212   a.  The maintainer  220  may also be recognized, for example by scanning scan label  120   a . Information sent from the database  250  to the handheld devices  210   a - c  is incoming database information  213   a - c,  respectively. Incoming database information  213  may be directed to the maintainer  220 , the user  230 , and/or the observer  240 . The information in database  250  can include instructions, tools list and maintenance logs. The data in the database  250  may describe each person&#39;s role, authorization, security access or other information. For example, after receiving the decoded data from the handheld device  210   a , incoming database information  213   a  sent to the maintainer  220  would include instructions and a list of tasks, which may be customized to the specific maintainer  220  (as identified e.g. by scan label  120   a ). The maintainer  220  may receive information about the parts on or in the identified space equipment  200 . The maintainer  220  may also receive instructions on how to perform the maintenance and the tools necessary. The maintainer  220  may be shown a video series on the handheld device  210   a  showing each of the steps of the required maintenance. A local handheld device (e.g.  210   a ) may detect whether or not the proper steps were performed. The observer  240  may be in a remote location, and may receive information about the maintainer  220 , or the user  230 , information on progress updates, and visual data (pictures and/or video) to oversee the tasks being performed. 
         [0155]    The communication paths for the outgoing database information  212   a - c  and the incoming database information  213   a - c  are preferably wireless, such as WiFi or 3G or 4G wireless network protocols. 
         [0156]    The mobile wireless handheld devices  210   a - c  can communicate directly to each other as enabled by the database  250 , or may communicate using the database  250  as a teleconferencing server. 
         [0157]    In some embodiments, the observer  240  observes using conventional computer or video conferencing equipment, rather than using a handheld device  210   c.    
       Exemplary Operation 
       [0158]      FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3D  provide flowcharts for method aspects of an embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments may omit or add steps, or perform steps in different orders. 
         [0159]      FIG. 3A  is a top-level flowchart. The process starts at step  300  and moves along path  301  to a capture image step  302  where the image is captured by a handheld device  210 . The process moves along path  303  to an interpret image step  304  where the image is interpreted. The image may be interpreted by the handheld device  210  or by the database  250 . Then the process moves along path  305  to a determine object step  306  where the space equipment is determined from data stored in the database based on the image data  211 . Then the process moves along path  307  to a determine person step  308 . The person may be determined based on a device code unique to the handheld device (e.g.  210   a  or  210   b ), by the scan label (e.g.  120   a  or  120   b ), or by a face, fingerprint, or iris scan. This checks the identity of the individual running the handheld device  210 . The process then moves along path  309  to a decision  310  where it checks if the person is authorized for item of space equipment. If not, the process moves along path  313  to “No Access” step  314  where it will send a message stating “No Access” and moves along path  329  back to path  301 . If yes, the process moves along path  311  to a determine role step  312  where the role will be determined for the person determined in step  308 . Then the process decides which sub-process to perform based on the role: maintenance, use, or observation. First the process moves along path  315  to maintenance? decision  316  to decide if the role is maintenance. If yes, the process moves along path  317  to perform maintenance step  318  (see  FIG. 3B ) and then moves along path  327  back to path  301 . If not, the process moves along path  319  to use? decision  320  to decide if the role is use. If yes, the process moves along path  321  to perform use step  322  (see  FIG. 3C ) and then moves along path  327  back to path  301 . If not, the process moves along path  323  to observe? decision  324  to decide if the role is observe. If not the process moves along path  327  back to path  301 . If yes, the process moves along path  325  to perform observation step  326  (see  FIG. 3D ) and then moves along path  327  back to path  301 . 
         [0160]    In some embodiments, the perform observation step  326  is triggered independently, for example, by the notify observer of the start of maintenance message  338  in  FIG. 3B  or by the notify observer of the start of use message  358  in  FIG. 3C . In those embodiments, the observer  240  does not need to scan the item&#39;s label, but instead may be optionally identified by their handheld device  210   c  or by scanning their ID scan label  120   c , and associated with the observer role by data stored in the database. In other embodiments the observer  240  is identified by the conventional computer or video conferencing equipment they are using or by their physical location. 
         [0161]      FIG. 3B  is a flowchart for the perform maintenance  318  process. The process begins along path  331  to an identify part step  332  where a maintenance part is determined. Next the process moves along path  333  to an identify tools step  334 , where the tools associated with the current maintenance part are identified. The process moves along path  335  to a provide instruction step  336 . Instructional information regarding the current maintenance part, use of tools, how the maintenance is performed is provided, for example, as incoming database information  213   a  from the database  250  to the handheld device  210   a . The instructional information could include videos of the maintenance process. At event  337 , a notify observer of the start of maintenance message  338  is sent. The handheld device  210   c  associated with the observer  240  is notified along communications path  213   c . The observer can observe the maintenance procedure via pictures, audio, and/or video transmitted to the handheld device  210   c  (or in some embodiments, to conventional computing or video conferencing equipment). The information in message  338  is sufficient to automatically authorize and enable the observer  240  to observe the maintenance without requiring further actions by the observer  240 . The observer  240  can watch what is happening and will subsequently wait for confirmation of the maintenance completion. When the maintenance is completed, the process moves along path  339  to the confirm completion step  340 , the handheld device  210   a  will send completion information back to the database  250 . The process will then move along path  341  to a record completion step  342  where the completion of the task is recorded in the database  250 . The database  250  can log the time and date of the maintenance as well as logging the person who performed the maintenance, the tools used, how long it took, and so forth. At event  343 , a notify observer of the completion of maintenance message  344  is sent. The observer  240  could verify that the maintenance was performed as required and can then turn attention to other matters. The optional verification could include sending a verification message to the database  250 . Then the process moves along path  345  to more tasks? decision  346  to determine if there are more maintenance tasks. If so, the process moves along path  349  to path  331  to repeat the cycle. If not, the process moves along path  347  to exit  348 . 
         [0162]      FIG. 3C  is a flowchart for the perform use  322  process. The process begins along path  350  to a tools required? decision  352 . If so, the process moves along path  353  to an identify tools step  354  where tools are identified and continues along path  355 . If not, the process moves along path  351  and skips step  354 . At a provide instruction step  356 , information regarding use, and tools if applicable, is provided to the handheld device  210   b  of the user  230 . The instruction could include a checklist, pictures, audio, and/or video. At event  357 , a notify observer of the start of use message  358  is sent. The handheld device  210   c  associated with the observer  240  is notified along communications path  213   c . The observer  240  can observe the use via pictures, audio, and/or video transmitted to the handheld device  210   c  (or in some embodiments, to conventional computing or video conferencing equipment). The observer  240  may wait for notice of use completion. When use is completed, the process moves along path  359  to the confirm use step  360 , the handheld device  210   b  will send use information back to the database  250 . The process will then move along path  361  to a record use step  362 . The database  250  can log the time and date of the use as well as logging the person who performed the use, the tools used, how long the space equipment was used, and so forth. At event  363 , a notify the observer of the completion of use message  364  is sent. Then the process moves along path  365  to more tasks? decision  366  to determine if there are more use tasks. If so, the process moves along path  369  to path  350  to repeat the cycle. If not, the process moves along path  367  to exit  368 . 
         [0163]      FIG. 3D  is a flowchart for the perform observation  326  process. The process begins along path  370  to an instruction needed? decision  372 . If so, the process moves along path  373  to a provide instruction step  374 , where instruction regarding the observation is provided, and continues along path  375 . If not, the process moves along path  371  and skips step  374 . At the provide instruction step  374 , information is provided to the handheld device  210   c  of the observer  240 . The instruction could include a checklist, pictures, audio, and/or video. In record observation start step  376 , it is noted that the observer  240  has started the observation. During the observations, at event  377 , the observer  240  may communication with others, e.g. the maintainer  220  or the user  230 . The communication with others  378  could be instructional, corrective or supportive information. The handheld device  210   c  associated with the observer  240  will send communication  378  to other handheld devices (e.g.  210   a  or  210   b ). When the observer  240  stops observing, the process moves along path  379  to the record observation finish step  380 , the handheld device  210   c  will send observation information back to the database  250 . The database  250  can log the time and date of the observation as well as logging the person who observed, how long the observation took, the types of communication that occurred during the observation, and so forth. Then the process moves along path  381  to more tasks? decision  382  to determine if there are more observation tasks. If so, the process moves along path  385  to path  370  to repeat the cycle. If not, the process moves along path  383  to exit  384 . 
       Database 
       [0164]      FIG. 4  illustrates the types of information that the database  250  will hold and maintain. The database  250  can be any data repository including relational, hierarchical, etc. The data schema will support various entities including roles  400 , people  402 , space equipment (including tools)  404 , tasks  406 , task lists  408 , and devices  410 . The storage of this information on a single, central accessible database is valuable to proper communication and coordination. 
         [0165]    The data regarding roles  400  include the roles of various people associated with various items of space equipment. For example, an individual may be a maintainer of a particular item, such a machine, but may be a user of another item, such a tool used to fix the machine. The individual may also be a supervisor for another maintainer and will be notified as an observer whenever the maintainer they supervise is performing maintenance. Thus the same individual may have the role of maintainer, user, and observer. These relationships are tracked in the Roles  400 , People  402 , and Objects (Space Equipment and Tools)  404  data tables. 
         [0166]    Means for identifying people such as ID badges, fingerprints, face scans, or iris scans are stored in the People  402  data table. Relationships of people  402  to roles  400 , objects  404 , task lists  408 , and devices  410  are also tracked in the database. 
         [0167]    Item specific tasks  406  and instructions associated with those tasks are stored in the Tasks  406  portion of the database. Item specific instructions may include documents, checklists, pictures, audio, and/or video. 
       Exemplary Use 
       [0168]      FIG. 5  shows how user  230 , for example, an astronaut on Mars, can use a handheld device  210  and various communication methods. The user  230  identified by the scan label  120  can access information from the handheld device  210 . A remote observer  240 , for example, Mars mission control, can observe using various cameras, such as mounted camera  520  shown on a landing vehicle  552  or an overhead camera  540  shown on an orbiter  562 . The handheld device  210  can identify space equipment  200  (shown as a exploration robot) by reading coded label  100   a  to review maintenance history, to determine what tasks are to be performed using the space equipment  200 , and to get more information regarding the space equipment  200 . The database  250  can assimilate this information and determine whether the user  230  will need tools such as scoop tool  510   a  or tong tool  510   b  for a particular use (or maintenance task). For example, the astronaut may be instructed to use the scoop tool  510   a  to collect a sample of Mars dust and then to place in an input port on the exploration robot from processing and analysis. At the same time, the system tracks that the specific user  230  is interacting with the space equipment  200 . The system can notify one or more observers  240  who are required to observe or who may be interested and authorized to observe. The system may automatically observe. For example, if tool  510   a  is required, the system can notify the astronaut  230 , provide instructional information, including video information to the astronaut  230  via the handheld device  210 , and the monitor the use to ensure that it is performed properly. If the use (or maintenance task) is not performed properly, the system, or an observer  240 , can correct the situation while the astronaut  230  is in position and performing the task. Further, if there is a problem, additional instruction may be provided via pictures, audio, and/or video. Details of the use or maintenance, and optional observation, are stored in the database as part of the maintenance or use history and can be used to improve procedures, training, and safety. 
         [0169]    If, during an extravehicular activity (EVA), the space suit identified by coded label  100   b  develops a problem, the mission control observers would: a) be provided confirmation based on the coded label  100   b  that the right space suit is being used, b) have access to the complete maintenance history of the space suit, c) have accurate information about the specific model of suit and parts and how to address the problem. They would also be able to identify similar problems that occurred during training and testing as well as people who were involved with the problems as users, maintainers, and observers. Those people could be quickly called to assist with the situation at hand. Once the problem is understood, maintenance tasks could be scheduled to resolve the problem that may potentially affect other space suits with similar parts. 
         [0170]    In some embodiments, the mounted camera  520  can scan all of the coded labels  100  and scan labels  120  as well as recognize space equipment  200  and tools  510 . Once a user  230  and the space equipment  200  are identified in proximity, the system could instruct the user  230  via the handheld device  210  to perform the procedure. The system could observe the entire interaction and provide instruction prior to each task as well as providing corrective feedback and instruction when the wrong actions or parts are observed. The system would also record information regarding the user  230 , the space equipment  200 , and the interactions. 
       Advantages  
     Role Based 
       [0171]    The present invention can be used to assign roles to individuals associated with various items of space equipment or tasks. 
       Specific Media Rich Instructions 
       [0172]    The present invention can be used to provide instructions regarding specific items of space equipment to specific individuals in a variety of mediums including documents, checklists, pictures, audio, and/or video. 
       Maintenance Notification and Instructions 
       [0173]    The present invention can be used to provide maintenance notification and instructions regarding specific space equipment to specific individuals. 
       Log Maintenance And Events 
       [0174]    The present invention can be used to log maintenance and events for space equipment. 
       Track the Life of an Item of Space Equipment 
       [0175]    The present invention can be used to track a variety of events for space equipment. 
       Presenting Information in a Variety of Mediums 
       [0176]    The present invention can be used to provide information in a variety of mediums including documents, checklists, pictures, diagrams, audio and/or video. 
       Problem Solving 
       [0177]    The present invention can be used to provide the ability for problem solving via knowledge bases that can be associated with space equipment and individuals. The present invention is effective, allowing for multiple sources of identification and providing helpful information to streamline the work that needs to be done. 
       Suitable for an Extraterrestrial Environment 
       [0178]    The present invention is functional in an extraterrestrial environment. 
       Use for Space Equipment 
       [0179]    The present invention has useful applications specifically for space equipment and its special use and maintenance needs. 
       Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope 
       [0180]    Accordingly, the reader will see that the improved, universal, role and discipline based, low cost means and method of space equipment identification, tracking and control are easy to use, quicker and accurate and can be used with space equipment or individuals to provide up-to-date pertinent information using methods such as on screen instructions, checklists, videos, pictures, diagrams, etc. or any combination thereof. 
         [0181]    While the above descriptions contain several specifics these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. The variations could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the novel features of the present invention. 
         [0182]    Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.