NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

54
MAN/SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SUPPORT
Includes human factors engineering, bionics, man-machine systems, life support, space suits and protective clothing. For related
information see also 16 Space Transportation and Safety and 52 Aerospace Medicine.
20040047010 Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI
LED Headlamps: Glare and Color Rendering
Sivak, M.; Schoettle, B.; Flannagan, M. J.; Nov. 2003; 34 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-101687; UMTRI-2003-39; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
Because of rapid improvements in the light output of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), serious consideration is being given
to using LEDs as light sources for headlamps. This study examined the potential effects of LEDs on discomfort glare for
oncoming drivers and on color rendering of retroreflective traffic materials. In both cases, the effects of LED light sources were
compared to the changes in these properties that occurred when the traditional tungsten-halogen light sources were replaced
with high-intensity discharge (HID) light sources. Specifically, the effect on discomfort glare was estimated by comparing the
chromaticities of 7 LED light sources (considered for use in headlamps) with the chromaticities of the light sources from 17
actual HID headlamps. Analogously, the effects on color rendering were estimated by comparing the chromaticities of 46
retroflective materials when illuminated by the LED light sources with the chromaticities of the same materials when
illuminated by the HID light sources.
NTIS
Light Emitting Diodes; Traffıc
20040047033 Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI
Time-Sharing of a Visual In-Vehicle Task While Driving: Finding from the Task Occlusion Method
Tsimhoni, O.; Dec. 2003; 60 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-103653; UMTRI-2003-13; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A04, Hardcopy
What can the task occlusion method reveal about time-sharing of a visual invehicle task while driving. To examine this
issue, 24 licensed drivers (12 under 30 years, 12 over 65 years) were instructed to plan routes to specified destinations on an
electronic map while driving a simulator. Four levels of steering difficulty (parked, straight road, moderate curves, and sharp
curves) were examined for two levels of task immediacy (map fixed and map rotating). Subjects also performed the task while
parked with the map intermittently occluded. Six combinations of viewing times (1, 1.5, and 2 s) and occlusion times (1 and
3 s) were examined. These results can be explained in light of four key constructs: time pressure on sharp curves resulted in
short and efficient glances to the display; interference of concurrent driving resulted in longer total glance times at fixed maps
while driving relative to task occlusion; and postponed processing and the cost of task partitioning balanced each other to keep
total glance time unchanged when viewing time and occlusion time were manipulated.
NTIS
Simulators; Occlusion
20040050365 Oregon Univ., Eugene, OR, USA
Biomechanics of Occupational Shoulder Injuries, Final Performance Report
Karduna, A.; Gracely, E.; Mar. 09, 2004; 22 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-104285; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
The first aim of this proposal was to determine if low load repetitive arm motion would lead to altered scapular motion
patterns, thus providing a biomechanical basis for NIOSH’s recent report. Since it would have been impractical to implement
this type of protocol in an actual work environment to assess muscle impairments, the second aim of This proposal was to
identify an index of muscle fatigue that will explain altered motion patterns with repetitive motion. It was believed that this
would provide a basis for the development of a screening tool to assess impairment, analogous to that currently being
investigated for the low back.
NTIS
Biodynamics; Injuries
20040050372 National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC, USA
Ergonomic Risk Factors and Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Franzblau, A.; Nov. 11, 1997; 14 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-104057; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
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