David J. Haniff

Virtual reality and augmented reality as a training tool for assembly tasks

In this paper we investigate whether virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer potential for the training of manual skills, such as for assembly tasks, in comparison to conventional media. We present results from experiments that compare assembly completion times for a number of different conditions. We firstly investigate completion times for a task where participants can study an engineering drawing and an assembly plan and then conduct the task. We then investigate the task under various VR conditions and context-free AR. We discuss the relative advantages and limitations of using VR and AR as training media for investigating assembly operations, and we present the results of our experimental work.

Ergonomics of wearable computers

Wearable computers represent a new and exciting area for technology development, with a host of issues relating to display, power and processing still to be resolved. Wearable computers also present a new challenge to the field of ergonomics; not only is the technology distinct, but the manner in which the technology is to be used and the relationship between user and computer have changed in a dramatic fashion. In this paper, we concentrate on some traditional ergonomics concerns and examine how these issues can be addressed in the light of wearable computers.

Contrasting paradigms for the development of wearable computers

In this paper, current applications of wearable computers are reviewed and categorized according to dimensions of “time” and “reference.” The time dimension is based on whether the system uses information that is stored, information that is current, or information that can help in predicting future events. The reference dimension is concerned with the type of application, event, task, environment, person, or artifact. Each of these categories can be described in terms of its temporal features (stored, current, or predicted). It is proposed that these dimensions distinguish wearable computers from their desk-bound counterparts, and this raises the question of appropriate paradigms for wearable computers. A user-centered methodology is then presented and illustrated by paramedic and fire-fighter applications.

User evaluation of augmented reality systems

Augmented reality (AR) systems need to be evaluated for their appropriateness for a given task. Three approaches are used to evaluate the waterpump augmented reality tool (WART). The system is assessed using verbal protocol, performance time and a questionnaire. The WART system is compared with a paper version of the assembly instructions. The verbal protocol revealed that there was more cognitive processing for the paper version of task than WART, it took longer to complete the task with WART than the paper version and the questionnaire revealed the effect on performance of problems associated with AR. All of the participants in the evaluation, however, were positive about WART, and appreciated its usefulness.

Wearable computers for the fire service and police force: technological and human factors

Wearable computer applications can be defined broadly as situationally-aware and situationally-unaware. A situationally-aware fire-fighter application which is under development is described and a situationally-unaware police force application is presented. However, underlying these developments is the issue of the appropriateness of the user interface for these applications.

Preliminary Investigations into the Use of Wearable Computers

In this paper, we investigate human factors which could have a bearing on the use of wearable computers. The first study examines performance on a reaction time task using a head-mounted display in comparison with performance on a sVGA visual display unit. While the number of missed targets was not significantly different, there were significant differences in reaction time to displays. The second study shows performance time of participants using a wearable computer to be superior to those using paper-based manual and recording, but there is a trend for more errors to be made when using the wearable computer.

Wearable Information Appliances for the Emergency Services: HotHelmet

Much of the work into wearable computers has been concerned with the miniaturization of Personal Computers, e.g., 486 or Pentium-based. In this project, we ask whether it is possible to build a wearable device from much simpler electronic components. Specification for the device is based on the capture of user requirements, and constraints for the design are obtained from consideration of the operating environment.

Human Factors of Multi-modal Ubiquitous Computing

Multi-modal interaction with Ubiquitous Computing needs to be carefully examined for its appropriate use within systems. The importance of this analysis is highlighted through the presentation of an experimental study that demonstrates that one modality could be implicit within another.