SSL engineers note that a major benefit of implementing SGI systems is the availability of application software. The total time allocated for an EVA is only six to eight hours, and 20 to 45 minutes of that is used up attaching the foot restraint. If Ranger prepares the site for the astronaut, it will be a tremendous efficiency boost. Enhancing Human Effectiveness with Virtual Reality Ranger can be controlled by astronauts on-board or from the SSL ground control station where scientists will run duplicate experiments, testing to determine the exact effects of the time delays and other factors that might cause differing results. The SGI system processes two video feeds sent back from two stereo cameras on Ranger to create a realistic 3D display.
Operators then interact with that display using ultrasonic tracking devices.
But with four joysticks required, you either need a lot of people or you need to find more efficient ways to interact with the robot. We are testing a variety of display and device technologies to find the best combination to give the operators a telepresent feel. We want to reduce the time it takes Ranger to complete a task, and the more efficient the operator is at the controls, the faster the time to completion. We also get extremely good value from our maintenance dollars. SGI's technical support has been great.