A document describes a system for the automated generation of reports of operations of a robotic exploratory vehicle (rover) on Mars. The automated report-generation system supplants a predominantly manual system, thereby making more information available in less time and reducing the probability of data-entry errors. The automated report-generation system has been incorporated into the Web Interface for Telescience, WITS, and utilizes information in the WITS database. (Described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, the WITS is an Internet-based software system that enables geographically dispersed scientists and engineers to monitor and command a rover.)
This work was done by Paul Backes and Jeffrey Norris of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the document, "Automated Rover Sequence Report Generation," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Information Sciences category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-21123.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Automated Generation of Reports of Mars Rover Operations
(reference NPO-21123) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines a technical support package prepared by NASA, focusing on the automated generation of reports for Mars rover operations. Authored by Jeffrey S. Norris and Paul G. Backes from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), this report was created under NASA Contract No. NAS 7−918 and is dated June 1, 2001.
The primary innovation discussed is a system designed to automate the reporting process for robotic exploratory vehicles, specifically rovers on Mars. This system replaces a predominantly manual reporting method, which not only streamlines the process but also enhances the availability of information while reducing the likelihood of data-entry errors. By automating report generation, the system allows for quicker access to critical operational data, which is essential for mission success.
The automated report-generation system is integrated with the Web Interface for Telescience (WITS), an Internet-based software platform that enables scientists and engineers located in different geographical areas to monitor and command the rover effectively. The reports generated can include a variety of information, such as sequences of commanded rover actions, explanatory notes from operators, the rover's state at each step of a sequence, and downlink data, which may include images captured by the rover.
The document emphasizes the significance of this technology for future planetary rover missions, suggesting that it could be beneficial for other projects within NASA that involve similar robotic technologies. The automated system not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the quality and comprehensiveness of the data collected during missions.
Additionally, the report mentions that the software developed for this automated reporting system is available for commercial licensing, indicating potential applications beyond NASA's immediate needs. Interested parties are directed to contact Don Hart at the California Institute of Technology for licensing inquiries.
Overall, this document serves as a technical brief that highlights the advancements in automated reporting for Mars rover operations, showcasing the collaborative efforts of NASA and JPL in enhancing space exploration technologies. The work represents a significant step forward in the management and dissemination of operational data from robotic missions, ultimately contributing to the success of future explorations on Mars and beyond.
