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Prototyping
We chose three forms to prototype including an armband, a wristwatch, and an augmented reality display. All of the forms are more portable than the typical paper procedure document that an astronaut or NASA test engineer currently references while working. Each form has unique advantages, such as the unobstrusiveness of the wristwatch, the hands-free input of augemented reality display, and the larger information display of the armband.
Wristwatch
The wristwatch, which is larger than a standard watch but smaller than the armband, is worn on the wrist and accepts touchscreen input. The first iteration allowed individuals to type on a desktop computer and send this data directly to the wristwatch, but we later removed this function because it was unintuitive to participants and required them to use another device. The wristwatch’s main advantage is its portability due to its small size. Limitations include its small display, the lack of keyboard input, and its restricted input commands.
Augmented Reality
The augmented reality (AR) concept projects content onto a transparent screen in front of an individual’s face, accepts voice commands from a predefined list, and has hardware controls that enable individuals to navigate through screens. Its main advantages include its ability to support hands-free work, temporarily overlay information on tools or workspaces, and show content on a large display. Limitations include its incompatibility with noisy environments, the display’s overlap with an individual’s field of vision, as well as the learning curve required to memorize voice commands and grasp a novel technology.
Armband
The armband, which is approximately the size of an iPhone, is worn on the forearm near the wrist and accepts touchscreen and keyboard input. Its main advantages include its portability, large display, familiar touch and keyboard interactions, and detachability to prevent physical work interference. Limitations include muscle fatigue from holding the arm up in order to interact with the application and difficulty
Future Work
If we had a few more months to develop HeliOS, the following are some of the features that we would explore. Throughout the journey of prototyping and iterating on our design for HeliOS, we encountered opportunities to pursue interesting features that we not necessarily core to the functionality of our system.
a combination of a mobile and desktop interface would be more useful for complex jobs
We designed HeliOS to be a standalone system that can be used entirely on a mobile device. However, for ease of use in more complex jobs, such as ones that contain hundreds of tools or notes, it would be easier for the mobile system to work with a companion desktop system. The desktop version of HeliOS would mirror most of the functionality of the mobile version. It would also include more bulk action capabilities that we omitted from the mobile version due to the limited real estate. Additionally, the desktop version would allow easy sending of information to mobile for portability purposes.
Rich Media Notes would benefit technicians, especially when referencing photographs
During one observation at the ArcJet facility at Ames, the technicians used photographs to aid the re-installation of a part. Currently, HeliOS only supports text input for the notes feature. However, we see an opportunity to expand notes into other mediums, such as audio, photo, and video.
knowing the status of a tool would save technicians valuable time
With RFID sensors, we are currently able to prototype how tools can be associated with its current location. Other pertinent information, including whether the tool is being used by a collaborator could be added with technologies such as accelerometers.