Award Data

THE PROLIFERATION OF GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES (GUIS) IN PERSONAL COMPUTERS, SUCH AS MICROSOFT WINDOWS AND MACINTOSH, IS A THREAT TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS' ABILITY TO USE COMPUTERS BECAUSE GUIS REPRESENT INFORMATION ICONICLY AND SPATIALLY, AS WELL AS TEXTUALLY. THE GUIS VISUAL ORIENTATION MAKES GUIS DIFFICULT FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO ACCESS THROUGH TRADITIONAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES. WE PR ...

This research will explore the use of a virtual polyhedron modeling environment which creates nets, or patterns, for a polyhedron created on the screen, in the teaching of geometry and spatial skills. When the net is printed, cut, folded, and glued together, a 3-dimensional model of the original polyhedron is created. We propose to examine the use of this tool in an instructional setting, to dete ...

The goal of this project is to improve remedial math instruction for adults by combining (a) an effective adult education model; (b) an effective instructional design method, with; (c) the multimedia capabilities of the computer. The innovative combination of these components will produce an effective math program designed specifically for adult learners that can be used at home, at school, or ...

THIS PROPOSAL ADDRESSES THE POSSIBILITY OF UTILIZING COMMERCIALLY-AVAILABLE LETTER-QUALITY OR DOT-MATRIX PRINTERSFOR BRAILLE OUTPUT WHEN USED WITH A MICROCOMPUTER. THE BRAILLE-OUTPUT ENVISIONED WOULD BE GRADE I BRABRAILLE SINCE GRADE II WOULD NORMALLY REQUIRE TRANSCRIPTION BY AN EX AN EXPERIENCED BRAILLIST. THIS CONCEPT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN INEXPENSIVE, AUTOMATED, AND RAPID SYSTEM OF BRAILLE- ...

Not Available We propose a Phase I study to examine the potential for a lightweight carbon thermal management system, for hi-altitude aircraft and space vehicles. Thermal Hyperconducting carbons have demonstrated performance as high as 2000 W/mK. They are in use in some limited heat sink application at.this time, however this effort will look at a systems approach to conduct comprehensive thermal ...

RECENT ADVANCES IN MICROCOMPUTER TECHNOLOGY HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS TO CONTINUE NORMALLY WITH THEIR EDUCATION. VOICE SYNTHESIZERS AND TEXT MAGNIFI CATION ENABLE HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS TO BEAR RO READ BOOKS,MAGAZINES, AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS WHICH ARE STORED IN D N DIGITAL FROM IN THE MICROCOMPUTER. THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF A LOW COST, MANUALLY OPERATED, OPTICAL SCANNE ...

Today's extremely powerful, low-cost computer systems offer tremendous potential as learning tools. However, development of high quality educational software, particularly simulations, lags behind. This research will explore the issues in creating highly realistic, very detailed simulations directly targeted for educational purposes. The domain simulated will be a small retail business. This do ...

Not Available Virtually every user of launch services is seeking methods to reduce launch costs. A reusable conventional launch vehicle configuration shows the potential to achieve this goal. The LOX/LNG propellant combination shows the potential to enhance both propulsion system reusability and launch system mass-to-orbit capability. This propellant combination also has the performance margins n ...

This proposal describes an effort to improve the education of at-risk youth through web-publishable, project-based activities. These activities might include electronic journalism on community issues, natural science projects, or digital art Galleries. Activities such as these are particularly appropriate for at-risk youth through their power to integrate school and home or street life, to give ...

Not Available The objective of the proposed effort is to determine the feasibility of squeezing a large schematic or diagram image onto a small physical display using a high-resolution area-of-interest in conjunction with warping of the remaining imagery. The resulting, hybrid image can then be viewed by maintenance personnel as they perform their tasks using portable computers. The specification ...