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<Paper uid="H94-1083">
  <Title>Advanced Human-Computer Interface and Voice Processing Applications in Space</Title>
  <Section position="2" start_page="0" end_page="0" type="intro">
    <SectionTitle>
1. INTRODUCTION
</SectionTitle>
    <Paragraph position="0"> For more than three decades, space programs internationally have been synonymous with the frontier of technological developments.</Paragraph>
    <Paragraph position="1"> Since 1957, NASA alone has launched an impressive series of earthorbiting satellites, exploration missions and manned vehicules.</Paragraph>
    <Paragraph position="2"> Mission complexity has increased tremendously as instrumentation and scientific objectives have become more sophisticated. Recent developments in robotics and machine intelligence have led to striking changes in the way systems are monitored, controlled, and operated\[i\]. In the past, individual subsystems were managed by operators in complete supervisory and directing mode. Now the decision speed and complexity of many aerospace systems call for a new approach based on advanced computer and software technology.</Paragraph>
    <Paragraph position="3"> In this context, the importance of the human computer interface cannot be underestimated. Astronauts will come to depend on the system interface for all aspects of space life including the control of the onboard environment and life support system, the conduct of experiments, the communication among the crew and with the ground, and the execution of emergency procedures.</Paragraph>
    <Paragraph position="4"> One of the technology sought to help solve the human interface challenge in space is voice processing. Though Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and other forms of advanced voice I/0 techniques have only recently been experimented with simple avionic systems, much remains to be done to meet the ergonomic characteristics of the unique operational envkonment found in space.</Paragraph>
    <Paragraph position="5"> This paper presents the particularities of operator-computer interaction in space. As examples, the current envkonment of the Space Shuttle System is described and projected requirements for the international Space Station are examined. The paper also outlines the potential for voice control applications inside spacecraft and suggest methods of integrating spoken-language interfaces onto operational space systems.</Paragraph>
  </Section>
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