NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Experiment Overview


Brief Summary

Photosynth^TMThree-Dimensional Modeling of ISS Interior and Exterior (Photosynth) synthesizes three-dimensional models of the International Space Station from a series of overlapping still photographs mainly as a tool for education and public outreach. Photosynth is a collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Microsoft Live Labs.

Principal Investigator(s)

Dylan Mathis, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States

Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

Chris Kemp, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States

David Gedye, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, United States

Ronald Ticker, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters, Washington, DC, United States

William Keeter, InDyne, Washington, DC, United States

Developer(s)

InDyne Incorporated, Washington, DC, United States
Microsoft Corporation, Seattle, WA, United States

Sponsoring Space Agency

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Sponsoring Organization

NASA Education (EDU)

Research Benefits

Information Pending

ISS Expedition Duration:

October 2008 - September 2012

Expeditions Assigned

18,19/20,25/26,27/28,29/30,31/32

Previous ISS Missions

Photosynth operations began during ISS Expedition 18.

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Experiment Description

Research Overview

• Photosynth^TM technology, developed by Microsoft Live Labs, analyzes single photographs for similarities to other photos taken in the same area. It uses that data to create an environment which leaves the person viewing the model with a three-dimensional (3D) vision similar to what the photographer actually saw. They can move around the area or zoom in and out to inspect different objects in view.



• NASA, working with Microsoft, is using Photosynth^TM Three-Dimensional Modeling of ISS Interior and Exterior (Photosynth) to create views of the interior and exterior of the International Space Station. These views will be posted on the web and used in exhibits to allow teachers and others to better visualize the Space Station, its size and functions. NASA is also looking at other ways to use these views, such as training future Space Station crewmembers.



• Microsoft is still developing the Photosynth™ software and assessing new features. NASA will be sharing with Microsoft what it learned about creating the Space Station Photosynth™ views and its uses. Microsoft may use this information to improve its Photosynth™ products.

Description

Photosynth^TM, developed by Microsoft Live Labs, is a developmental software product which synthesizes a three-dimensional (3D) model from a set of still digital images. The Photosynth^TM compiler analyzes each photograph for similarities to the others. It uses that data to create a model of the subject area or object. The models allow for navigation through the linked images and for pixel-based zooming to enlarge smaller features observed in the images. Models will be viewed either through a web site posting or by loading the models and the Photosynth^TM viewer software on a personal computer.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in collaboration with Microsoft Live Labs, is creating models of the interior and exterior of the Iinternational Space Station (ISS) in a study titled Photosynth™ Three-Dimensional Modeling of ISS Interior and Exterior (Photosynth). These models will be used by NASA for educational and public outreach, posted on the world wide web and in exhibition displays. NASA will also evaluate the use of the models as additional documentation of the ISS configuration and for possible assistance in crew training, maintenance operations, logistics support and other mission support areas.

Hi-resolution twelve megapixel images are taken inside the United States Operating Segment (USOS) for compilation into an interior ISS model. These images are taken using standard crew digital photographic equipment and procedures. Digital still images combined with high definition video frames acquired during Space Shuttle flyarounds of the ISS will be used to create an exterior model.

Microsoft has provided NASA with licensed Photosynth^TM beta compiler and viewer software. Feedback on Photosynth^TM model creation, including photographic procedures, and applications as well as beta software performance will be provided to Microsoft for possible enhancement to its software products and interfaces.

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Applications

Space Applications

The Photosynth models will be evaluated for possible use by the ISS program in areas such as crew training, maintenance and logistics.

Earth Applications

The Photosynth models of the ISS will provide educators a better way to view the ISS and teach about space and science. The interested public will also benefit from having a better way to view the space station and its scope. Feedback will assist Microsoft with potential Photosynth™ product improvements for general consumer and commercial use.

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Operations

Operational Requirements

Following capture of 12 megapixel images in a Photosynth session, crewmembers downlink the photographs to Earth for ISS model synthesis by ground teams.

Operational Protocols

A crewmember will use standard on-board ISS digital photographic equipment to take pictures of the entire interior of the ISS. Before image acquisition all personal items and wall hangings will be removed or covered. Wall and module end areas should be photographed head on and at a 45 degree angle from at least two sides. The images will overlap by approximately 30 percent. The images will be downlinked and used to create 3D models of each module’s interior.

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Results/More Information

During Expedition 18 ISS Increment Flight Engineer Sandy Magnus took approximately 900 images of the USOS . These images were downlinked and are currently being used to create the Photosynth^TM models of the ISS interior.

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Related Websites

Microsoft Photosynth

International Space Station Photosynths

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Imagery

Two-Dimesional photosynth created from images of the International Space station. Image created courtesy of http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/photosynth/index.html.
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