Intelligent Procedure Tracking and Assistance

This is a proposal to build an innovative procedure tracking andassistance system for application to space station. Space stationcrew members are currently hindered by a lack of integration betweenprocedures and telemetry. We propose a software system that willprobabilistically track the execution of a procedure using telemetry.In addition to tracking, the software will also assist in executingthe procedure by prompting for missing steps or handling routineverification. At the core of the software system is a probabilisticreasoning technique that can track multiple possible outcomessimultaneously. We also propose a crew proxy that will mediate theflow of information between the procedure tracking and assistancesoftware and the crew member. A crew interface will be developed fora hand-held computer. This will free crew members from their controlstations and allow for procedure assistance at any place in the spacestation. In developing this system, Metrica will be working withconsultant Reid Simmons of Carnegie Mellon University. Metrica'sprevious experience in procedure tracking and assistance and crewinterface design combined with Dr. Simmons' experience with the TaskDescription Language and probabilistic reasoning techniques creates anideal team to complete this project successfully.