James Cross

Defining and evaluating context for wearable computing

Abstract Defining ‘context’ has proved to be a non-trivial problem for research in context-awareness. In this paper we address two questions: what features of activity are required to define context? and does the use of context-awareness measurably improve user performance? The first question was addressed by a study of everyday activities, using a Photo Diary method to arrive at a set of Context Identifiers. We feel that it is important to discover what features of activity are needed in order to describe context. Two user trials were carried out to address the second question. We conclude that the use of context improves user task proficiency.

Evaluating contextual information for wearable computing

Does the use of a wearable context-aware computer increase task proficiency? User trials have been carried out in an attempt to answer this question. The study involves WECAPC software developed to ran on the /spl chi//sup 3/ wearable computer. The trials demonstrate that a wearable computer with simple context-awareness yields superior performance to either Internet search or realworld activity. Thus, we conclude that the use of context does indeed improve user task proficiency.

Mobile technology for crime scene examination

In this paper, the concept of distributed cognition is used to inform the design, development and trialling of technologies to support Crime Scene Examination is reported. A user trial, with trainee Crime Scene Examiners, was conducted to compare the ways in which evidence search and recovery could be combined with the production of a crime scene report (that must be written at the scene). Participants completed the crime scene report using either the conventional paper form, an electronic form on a tablet computer (to represent the current trend in digitisation of crime scene reports), or a wearable computer (with speech input). While both computer conditions (tablet and wearable) led to faster performance, when compared with the paper condition, there was no difference in content or quality of the reports produced in any of the three conditions; thus, the computer conditions produced acceptable reports in much faster time when compared to conventional practice. Furthermore, activity sampling analysis showed that participants found it much easier to integrate the wearable computer (than either paper forms or tablet computer) into their search and recovery activity.

Wearable technology for crime scene investigation

In this paper we report the concept and initial prototype of a device that can be used to support evidence recovery at a crime scene. The key elements are radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are fitted to evidence bags, which provide an association between the bags content and an evidence log. The log contains such details as a description of the objects (provided through speech), images of the scene or the objects (captured through digital cameras), the time of recovery, the location of recovery (captured through either global positioning system or through ultrasonic positioning equipment) and the ID of the person who recovered the object. Subsequent analysis can also be linked to the RFID tag.

Layered annotations of digital images for data collection in the field

This paper presents the development and initial usertrial of a wearable computer for collecting andannotating images for field-working applications. Theapplication is based upon the need for fieldarchaeologists to collect accurate records of finds,although it is proposed that the application can beeasily adapted to a host of field-based activities. Theimages are collected via a webcam and then georectified,if required. Users can then annotate theresultant images using a layered system of annotations.The user trial indicates that such an approach issuperior to conventional paper-based methods.

Supporting Crime Scene Investigation

In this paper, we describe the design and development of mobile technology to support crime scene investigation. We briefly review the crime scene investigation processes, arguing that it is highly distributed. We then propose the use of a simple case-based reasoning (CBR) system to support some aspects of this activity, and a wearable computer to assist in data collection. The includes a user trial by practising crime scene investigators, and concludes with discussion of future work.

Disposable stepped-frequency GPR and soil measurement devices

Some geophysical and geotechnical scientists would wish to non-invasively measure the electromagnetic properties of soils using inexpensive, even disposable, technology. They may even wish to develop inexpensive and compact low-power GPR equipment for such uses as teaching and mitigation of construction risks during excavation. To this end, a heuristic comparison is made between a commercial Vector Network Analyser (VNA) and two very low cost VNAs sourced from the amateur radio community. The results are used to illustrate the potential for technology transfer from amateur communications to the GPR community, in order that a wider range of technologies be available for inexpensive implementation in GPR and soil spectroscopy studies. It will be shown that even very low-cost gain and phase detection semiconductor devices can be used to develop simple GPR and soil measurement systems capable of being used in the field to compliment GPR survey interpretation, as well as for standalone soil monitoring.

Ubiquitous digital imaging systems

In this paper we will describe the design, construction and application of a wearable digital imaging project based on the PC/104 embedded PC board. The systems for image capture, manipulation and communication will be presented and power- consumption, heat dissipation and user-interface design will be considered. The paper will also discuss the results of an archaeological field trial and demonstrate the potential of image sequence tagging methods for efficient data retrieval in documentary applications.

MsSAM:task analysis to support the integration of wearable computer technology into crime scene investigation

The following paper outlines the potential capabilities of wearable technology and its application to crime scene investigation. Beginning with the methods used to gather data on the work of the CSI, it will focus on the data capture, recording and disseminative requirements, and also look at how specific research into wearable applications has been utilised to create a multifaceted system that conforms to the requirements of the forensic practitioner.