<title>Human interaction with wearable computer systems: a look at glasses-mounted displays</title>

Abstract

With the advancement oftechnology and the information explosion, integration of the two into performance aiding systems can have a significant impact on operational and maintenance environments. The Department of Defense and commercial industry have made great strides in digitizing and automating technical manuals and data to be presented on performance aiding systems. These performance aides are computerized interactive systems that provide procedures on how to operate and maintain fielded systems. The idea is to provide the end-user a system which is compatible with their work environment.The purpose of this paper is to show, historically, the progression of wearable computer aiding systems for maintenance environments, and then highlight the work accomplished in the design and development of glasses-mounted displays (GMD). The paper reviews work performed over the last seven years, then highlights, through review of a usability study, the advances made with GMDs. The use of portable computing systems, such as laptop and notebook computers, does not necessarily increase the accessibility ofthe displayed information while accomplishing a given task in a hands-busy, mobile work environment. The use of a GMD increases accessibility of the information by placing it in eye sight ofthe user without obstructing the surrounding environment. Although the potential utility for this type of display is great, hardware and human integration must be refined. Results from the Usability study show the usefulness and usability ofthe GMD in a mobile, hands-free environment.

The Use of Voice and Head-Tracking for Hands-Free Human-Computer Interaction

“…The use of wearable computer system for United States Air Force (USAF) maintenance applications promises to improve technician performance and reduce aircraft downtime by directly providing electronic technical orders (TOs) to the maintainer regardless of his location (Friend & Grinstead, 1992;Kancler & Quill, 1997;Masquelier, 1991;Revels, Quill, Kancler & Masquelier, 1998;Webb, 1997). However, many maintenance activities require the use of both of the maintainer's hands; therefore, conventional input devices for these wearable system are inadequate for computer control.…”

Comparison of Hands-Free versus Conventional Wearable Computer Control for Maintenance Applications

“…To date the primary focus of research and development on wearable computers by the Air Force Research Laboratory Logistics Readiness Branch (AFRL/HESR) has been on display development and presentation formats (Friend & Grinstead, 1992;Kancler & Quill, 1997;Masquelier, 1991;Revels, Quill, Kancler & Masquelier, 1998;Webb, 1997). However, to fully exploit the potential advantages of the wearable computer as a maintenance aiding system, research and development must integrate hands-free control technology.…”