NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Imagery

Experiment Overview


Brief Summary

The Panasonic 3D Camera (3DA1 Camcorder) can record three-dimensional high-definition video onto secure digital memory cards, like the type used in many consumer cameras. The camera experiment compares the quality of file-based camcorders as opposed to videotape recorders, and examines how well the camera

Principal Investigator(s)

Rodney Grubbs, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, United States

Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

Information Pending

Developer(s)

Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, United States

Sponsoring Space Agency

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Sponsoring Organization

Technology Demonstration Office (TDO)

Research Benefits

Information Pending

ISS Expedition Duration:

March 2011 - September 2014

Expeditions Assigned

27/28,29/30,31/32,33/34,35/36,37/38,39/40

Previous ISS Missions

Information Pending

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Experiment Description

Research Overview

• The Panasonic 3D Camera (3DA1 Camcorder) camera provides performance data with a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor to compare with that of previous charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras, and real-world experience with a file-based work flow. The 3D HD video also provides the public a more realistic representation of life on the International Space Station.



• Historically HDTV cameras with charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging sensors are susceptible to radiation damage, resulting in damaged pixels noticeable as white dots (i.e., image errors) in the picture. Additionally, cameras that record on video tape require an encoder and must be streamed to get the video to the ground. It is these differences that are being explored in this investigation by using CMOS based camera hardware.



• The benefits from the data collected in this investigation could prove that CMOS sensors last longer than CCD sensors and therefore impact future implementations of HDTV cameras internally and externally on the International Space Station (ISS). The associated file-based work flow could also replace live streaming tape based systems.

Description

The camera is an all-in-one 3D HDTV camera. It records discreet video for the left eye view and the right eye view. Each time the camera record button is pressed it records a specific file for that recording on SD cards, one each for the left eye view and the right eye view. Both files must be available to provide a 3D HDTV output with ground support equipment.

Beyond the uniqueness of providing 3D views of the ISS with HDTV quality, the camera provides an opportunity to gather space flight performance data from the camera's CMOS sensors. HDTV cameras flown previously have had CCD imaging sensors that proved to be highly susceptible to ionizing radiation damage. Observing the frequency and decay rate of the CMOS sensor allows the determination of whether a CMOS based camera provides a more robust spaceflight imaging system vs. CCD based cameras.

The 3DA1 also provides operational experience with video as files vs. real-time streaming or tape based systems. Previous cameras flown required the return of video tapes to the ground, or a real-time streaming video capability to play back and stream files from the camera.

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Applications

Space Applications

The experiment compares the Panasonic camera’s metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor to other charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras. These are two different ways to turn light into an electric charge, which converts visual images into digital information. CCD sensors are common, but they are highly susceptible to damage from radiation in space. The experiment tests how well MOS sensors withstand that radiation. File based workflows allow more flexibility for managing motion imagery and eliminates the need for bringing tapes back to Earth, thus lowering costs and increasing efficiency.

Earth Applications

High-definition video in 3-D provides a realistic representation of life on the International Space Station, which could be used for public outreach programs.

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Operations

Operational Requirements

Various subjects can be filmed on an adhoc basis over weeks and months in order to provide opportunities to observe sensor decay rates and gain experience with file based workflows. Periodic, brief recordings with the lens cap placed over the lens provide a more accurate count of damaged pixels.

Operational Protocols

Setting the camera's "convergence" is very important in the use of this camera system; otherwise, the operation of the camera is very similar to other video cameras with regard to setting exposure, focus, and recording.

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Results/More Information

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Related Websites

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Imagery

JSC2011E061257 - 3DA1 Camcorder

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