A visual automatic analysis and evaluation method based on virtual reality in microgravity environment

To ensure the safety of the astronauts and the prolongation of the life of the space station, maintainability design and verification is an integral part of design process. As a crucial factor in maintainability design, visibility evaluation is the most important part of maintainability design and verification. However, completely different ergonomics parameters and lacking of relevant research are the two major problems limiting the development and application of the visibility design in the microgravity environment. This paper proposes a visibility automation analysis and evaluation model in microgravity environment based on virtual maintenance. Firstly, visibility evaluation indicators are determined by the literature research and the astronauts working condition investigations. Secondly, in responds to the indicators, this paper proposes an evaluation method combining ergonomics and maintainability criteria based on microgravity. Moreover, a comprehensive visual accessibility evaluation model in microgravity environment is developed. Finally, a case of ORU disassembly in space station is conducted and verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.