This proposal develops a test system to aid mission-operations in implementing technology, safely and efficiently, in its redefined role. NASA's vision of Better, Cheaper, Faster necessitates advanced trainers and tutoring systems utilization, possibly incorporating virtual environment technology (VET). VET has advantages but brings with it undesirable human factors side effects which must be minimized to fully utilize this technique. These side effects undermine NASA's vision in terms of time and efficiency and could impact safety and health. The proposed test system will be demonstratably sensitive to side effects of exposure to simulations and/or demonstrations involving real or depicted motion of the individual and will possess psychometric stability and reliability characteristics requisite for such instruments. By recognizing side effects, this system aids in identifying VET equipment improvements during manufacture, reduces individual's training time, and identifies potential at-risk users in mission operations. The journal Presence (1992), special edition, documented these side effects including motion sickness symptoms, disorientation, occasional significant disruption of perceptual-motor activity, and prolonged fatigue and lethargy ("sopite syndrome") following exposure (Kennedy, 1994). The occurrence of these side effects pose a significant Pittsburgh, PAeptible users and an impediment to NASA's vision.Commercial Applications:Manufacturers and developers of virtual environment devices used for entertainment, simulation and/or training could identify improvements or modifications to equipment to minimize side effects. Any training program, including DoD and other federal agencies, could utilize this device for protection of individuals.
