Tactile Data Entry System

Building on our successful Phase I Tactile Data Entry program, Barron Associates proposes development of a Glove-Enabled Computer Operations (GECO) system to permit suited crewmembers to perform virtual keyboard/mouse interactions using an instrumented EVA glove. The Phase II system will use two-hand motion tracking, multi-finger gesture recognition, and vibrotactile feedback to create an intuitive human-computer interface that mirrors familiar desktop data entry modalities. The program will deliver demonstration hardware and software compatible with laboratory, field, and on-orbit testing of crewmember performance in relevant data entry tasks. The prototype will include functional EVA gloves with integrated motion sensing and vibrotactile transducers that couple to existing NASA suits via a quick-connect fitting. We will produce right and left hand gloves, lower arm suit sections, and a specialized two-port acrylic glove box to enable human subject evaluations in a realistic pressurized environment. Initial trials at Barron Associates will permit refinement of design concepts, followed by more extensive usability, comfort, and durability testing at NASA.