Delivery and Test of the Digital Hardhat System at US Army Corps of ...

■ 11

US Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratories

USACERL ADP Report 99/16 December 1998

Delivery and Test of the Digital Hardhat System at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District Annette Stumpf, Liang Y. Liu, Chul-Soo Kim, and Sangyoon Chin

Quality assurance at military construction sites presents a challenge for the Corps of Engineers and other participants. The cost and time required to travel between sites limits the ability of personnel to quickly respond to problems at remote sites and to communicate issues between all necessary decision makers. Also, it is difficult to organize and transmit multimedia project information (digital pictures, video, electronic documents, and audio recordings) so that others can access current project information in an intuitive and timely manner. The Digital Hardhat (DHH) technology enables dispersed users to capture and communicate multimedia field data to collaboratively solve problems, and collect and share information. The DHH is a pen-based personal computer with special Multimedia Facility Reporting System software that allows the field representative to save multimedia information into a

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

■ §uay£o

JTSD3

project-specific database, which is then accessible to others through the World Wide Web. Results of the DHH System test show that the system improves the documentation of site conditions by integrating multimedia and database technologies; structured organization of project information provides easy and timely retrieval for fast and accurate decision-making and problem-solving; easy availability of multimedia project information reduces frequent travel and telephone expenses between sites; videoconferencing and whiteboarding on the Internet improved the collaboration of project participants by sharing construction information in multimedia formats. Although problems still exist, it was proven that the DHH System could enhance the current paradigm in project documentation and collaboration.

19990126 087

The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position, unless so designated by other authorized documents.

DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN IT IS NO LONGER NEEDED DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR

USER EVALUATION OF REPORT

REFERENCE: USACERL ADP Report 98/16, Delivery and Test of the Digital Hardhat System at U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers Fort Worth District Office Please take a few minutes to answer the questions below, tear out this sheet, and return it to USACERL. As user of this report, your customer comments will provide USACERL with information essential for improving future reports. 1. Does this report satisfy a need? (Comment on purpose, related project, or other area of interest for which report will be used.)

2. How, specifically, is the report being used? (Information source, design data or procedure, management procedure, source of ideas, etc.)

3. Has the information in this report led to any quantitative savings as far as manhours/contract dollars saved, operating costs avoided, efficiencies achieved, etc.? If so, please elaborate.

4.

What is your evaluation of this report in the following areas? a. Presentation: b. Completeness: c. Easy to Understand: d. Easy to Implement: e. Adequate Reference Material: f. Relates to Area of Interest:

.

g. Did the report meet your expectations? h. Does the report raise unanswered questions?

i. General Comments. (Indicate what you think should be changed to make this report and future reports of this type more responsive to your needs, more usable, improve readability, etc.)

5. If you would like to be contacted by the personnel who prepared this report to raise specific questions or discuss the topic, please fill in the following information. ■ Name: Telephone Number: Organization Address:

6. Please mail the completed form to: Department of the Army CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORIES ATTN: CECER-TR-I P.O. Box 9005 Champaign, IL 61826-9005

form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188

REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503. 1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave Blank)

2. REPORT DATE

REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

December 1998

Final

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

5. FUNDING NUMBERS

Delivery and Test of the Digital Hardhat System at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District Office

MIPR W45XMA72708807

6. AUTHOR(S)

Annette Stumpf, Liang Y. Liu, Chul-Soo Kim, and Sangyoon Chin

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER

U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL) P.O. Box 9005 Champaign, IL 61826-9005

ADP Report 98/16

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

10. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District ATTN: CESWF-PM-J (MED) 819 Taylor Street, Box 17300 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Copies are available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161.

12a. DISTRIBUTION /AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

Quality assurance at military construction sites presents a challenge for the Corps of Engineers and other participants. The cost and time required to travel between sites limits the ability of personnel to quickly respond to problems at remote sites and to communicate issues between all necessary decision makers. Also, it is difficult to organize and transmit multimedia project information (digital pictures, video, electronic documents, and audio recordings) so that others can access current project information in an intuitive and timely manner. The Digital Hardhat (DHH) technology enables dispersed users to capture and communicate multimedia field data to collaboratively solve problems, and collect and share information. The DHH is a pen-based personal computer with special Multimedia Facility Reporting System software that allows the field representative to save multimedia information into a project-specific database, which is then accessible to others through the World Wide Web. Results of the DHH System test show that the system improves the documentation of site conditions by integrating multimedia and database technologies; structured organization of project information provides easy and timely retrieval for fast and accurate decision-making and problem-solving; easy availability of multimedia project information reduces frequent travel and telephone expenses between sites; videoconferencing and whiteboarding on the Internet improved the collaboration of project participants by sharing construction information in multimedia formats. Although problems still exist, it was proven that the DHH System could enhance the current paradigm in project documentation and collaboration. 14. SUBJECT TERMS

Digital Hardhat (DHH) quality assurance project management 17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF REPORT

Unclassified NSN 7540-01-280-5500

15. NUMBER OF PAGES

software multimedia facility reporting system '

96 16. PRICE CODE

18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE

Unclassified

19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF ABSTRACT

Unclassified

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

SAR Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89) Prescribed by ANSI Std 239-18 298-102

USACERL ADP Report 99/16

Foreword This research was conducted for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District under Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR) W45XMA 72708807. The report summarizes the research activities under contracts between the University of Illinois and USACERL (DACA88-96-D-0005-03 and DACA88-96-D-0005-04, 18 February 1997 - 31 January 1998). The Fort Worth District technical monitor was Al Khatena, CESWF-PM-J (MED). The work was performed by the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL), Planning and Management Laboratory (PL), Engineering Processes Division (PL-E). The principal investigator for the project was Annette Stumpf (PL-E). Michael P. Case is Chief, PL-E, and L. Michael Golish is Operations Chief, PL. Liang Y. Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Acknowledgements are also due to Sangyoon Chin and Chul-Soo Kim at the University of Illinois for their outstanding contribution while developing and field testing the Digital Hardhat System. The USACERL technical editor was Linda L. Wheatley, Technical Information Team. Dr. Michael J. O'Connor is Director of USACERL.


Contents SF298

1

Foreword

2

List of Figures and Tables

5

1

2

Introduction Background Objective Approach

9 10 10

The Digital Hardhat System

12

Multimedia Facility Reporting System Hardware Software 3

4

5

...9

...12 12 14

Operation of the Digital Hardhat System

18

User Interface Storing and Retrieving Data Project Setup Editing a Project Setting Camera Capture Properties Videoconferencing Retrieving Data Through a WWW Browser

18 19 26 30 34 39 44

Digital Hardhat System Field Test and Results

48

Fort Worth District Field Test Lessons Learned During the Fort Worth Field Test USACERL Field Test and Lessons Learned.'

48 51 53

Summary and Future Development of the Digital Hardhat Technology

65

Summary of the Technology Future Development of the Technology

65 66


6

Conclusions and Recommendations

69

Conclusions Recommendations

69 70

.'

Appendix A: Database Description

73

Appendix B: Project File and Data Source Naming Conventions

76

Appendix C: Installation Procedures

78

Distribution


List of Figures and Tables Figures 1

The Digital Hardhat in use

10

2

Hardware components

12

3

The server unit

13

4

The mobile unit and a hardhat

14

5

The MFR main user interface

18

6

Select a Project

19

7

Select a Project Breakdown

20

8

User Selection Reminder

9

Select a Description Item

20

10

Preview/Capture buttons

21

11

Image Capture dialog box

21

12

Captured Still Image dialog box

22

13

Audio Play/Record dialog box

22

14

Capturing a video clip

15

Import Image button

16

Select a File to import

24

17

Whiteboard image captured into MFR

25

18

Select an Image Name to display

25

19

Create Project menu

26

20

Input Project Information to Create

26

21

Archive Multimedia menu

27

22

Select a Project to archive

27

23

Transfer Data menu

28

24

The main dialog box for data transfer

29

25

Delete Project menu

30

26

Confirm to delete each file

27

Define Project Information menu

31

28

Edit Project Information-Location and Description

31

29

Define Project Breakdown menu

31

;

20

;

23 :

23

,

30


30

Define Project Breakdown dialog box

32

31

Define User menu

32

32

Add/Update User dialog box

33

33

Right-Click an Image Name to delete

33

34

Confirm to delete the image

33

35

Define Video Capture Driver menu

34

36

Select a Driver for the Installed Video Capture Device

34

37

Camera Adjustment menu

35

38

Camera Adjustment dialog box

35

39

Image Size/Quality menu

36

40

Image Size and Quality dialog box

37

41

Compression Format menu

37

42

Compression Format dialog box

38

43

Display Frame Rates menu

38

44

Display Frame Rates dialog

39

45

Internet Phone 4.0

42

46

Using a whiteboard

43

47

The home page of the MFR WWW server

44

48

Issue List Page of MFR WWW

.....45

49

Data List Page of MFR WWW

46

50

An image retrieved through MFR WWW

47

51

Video/audio clips retrieved through MFR WWW

47

A1

Database Relationship Diagram

73

C1

Modems properties

80

C2

Modem maximum speed setting

81

C3

Connection properties of modem

82

C4

Advanced connection settings

82

C5

Network configuration main dialog box

83

C6

Network adapter configurations

84

C7

Network protocols dialog box

85

C8

IP Address input dialog box

86

C9

DNS setup

87

C10

WINS Address dialog box

88

C11

Enable IP Forwarding

;89

C12

Network Services dialog box

90

C13

Remote Access Setup dialog box

90


C14

Set Dial out and Receive calls

91

C15

Allow remote clients running NetBEUI

92

C16

Allow remote NetBEUI clients to access the entire network

92

C17

Assign static address pool

93

A1

Master Database

74

A2

Project Database

74

A3

Multimedia Database

75

Tables

Trademarks Conference Card is a trademark of Nogatech, Inc. Etherlink is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation. Internet Phone is a registered trademark of Vocaltec Communications Ltd. Jaz is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation. SlimSCSI is a trademark of Adaptec, Inc. Stylistic is a trademark of Fujitsu, Inc. U.S. Robotics and Sportster are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. QuickCam is a trademark of Connectix Corporation. Wavepoint is a trademark of Lucent Technologies. Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows CE, NetMeeting, and Access are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.


1 Introduction Background Quality assurance at military construction sites presents a challenge for the Corps of Engineers and other participants. The cost and time required to travel between District, area, installation, and field offices limits the ability of personnel to quickly respond to problems at remote sites. Field decisions often require input from people at other locations. Communication of issues between all necessary decision makers requires time, travel, and accurate documentation of field conditions. Also, it is difficult to organize and transmit multimedia project information (digital pictures, video, electronic documents, and audio recordings) so that others can access current project information in an intuitive and timely manner. The Digital Hardhat (DHH) technology enables dispersed users to capture and communicate multimedia field data to collaboratively solve problems, and collect and share information. The DHH is a pen-based personal computer (PC) running Windows 95. It is used to collect multimedia information (text, sound, video, and images). Special software called Multimedia Facility Reporting System (MFR) allows the field representative to save multimedia information into a project-specific database, which is then accessible to others through the World Wide Web (WWW). The pen-based computer can also be used to communicate between the construction site and other locations using a direct network connection, a wireless network connection, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line and modem, a POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) analog line and modem (28.8 kps minimum recommended), or any means of cellular communications and associated modem compatible with the computer. If the field representative is using DHH with a wireless network or modem, s/he will be able to roam around the site and video teleconference live with others to solve problems collaboratively. The project information collected using DHH will help document site conditions, progress, and problems in an organized manner so the information can be retrieved easily as needed by any project participant. The remote user can also access other electronic project information (such as CADD drawings, specifications, or change orders) through a network connection or

10


modem. The Digital Hardhat equipment configuration shown in Figure 1 was used in this field test; however, other ways of capturing and sharing multimedia information will work if they can interface with the computer.

Figure 1. The Digital Hardhat in use.

Objective The objective of this research is to improve the usability of DHH hardware and software so that the Fort Worth customer is able to integrate DHH into current operations successfully.

Approach The DHH System (including hardware, software, and communication devices) was installed in June 1997, so that mobile team members could communicate and share multimedia data between remote facilities, sites, or field and District offices. Web-enabled multimedia database management software was provided so that the mobile team could capture accurate site conditions (text, video, sound, or images) into a multimedia database that can be accessed from a Web site using network connections. The DHH System is being evaluated to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the technology. Other issues to be evaluated include: (1) time required to resolve outstanding issues, (2) "quality" of decisions versus traditional methods (using both the DHH and multimedia database system), and (3) which kinds of meetings can be effectively conducted using the DHH.


It is expected that the data-sharing capabilities and improved communication offered by the DHH System will result in a reasonable payback period if the costs of avoided travel and extended meetings are considered. Immediate reductions in travel cost will be the most obvious benefit; however, costs associated with more quickly resolving issues, reducing construction claims, and fewer time delays will be the ultimate benefit of this technology. Improved communication between personnel involved in project planning, design, and construction throughout the life of the project is expected to improve the quality of the completed facility. Additional field testing is necessary, with emphasis on streamlining the procedures for usage, operation, and setup of the DHH technology.

11

12


2 The Digital Hardhat System Multimedia Facility Reporting System DHH supports the management and communication of multimedia construction information using advanced network technologies such as the MFR, developed for facility management tasks of the Corps of Engineers. MFR allows easy capture and retrieval of multimedia construction information based on a userdefined project breakdown. In addition, captured multimedia information is accessible using WWW browsers on the Internet. To support the real-time communication for efficient problem-solving and decision-making, users can discuss the captured information through videoconferencing and white board conferencing between project sites and District offices. For more detailed information on data fields and relationships in the MFR database, see Appendix A. Appendix B describes the database and file naming conventions. Appendix C describes the steps required to set up a new PC as an MFR server.

Hardware The components of the DHH System are shown in Figure 2. Separate detailed descriptions of the server and mobile units are given on the next two pages. «S if i

Figure 2. Hardware components.

its»

!.„*,


13

Note: The DHH system is just one means of multimedia capture. Any of the hardware can be replaced by other technology that achieves the same objective. Advances in technology are inevitable, so none of the hardware or brand names are mandatory, and users should focus on the software product described in this report—the MFR database system. Server Unit

The server unit (Figure 3) is a Pentium-based PC with a Windows NT 4.0 operating system. The unit is also equipped with a SCSI interface external hard disk, a wireless Ethernet device, a high-speed modem, multimedia capabilities, and a digital camera.

Server PC

,

Wavepoint and Antenna

External HDD

Figure 3. The server unit.

In detail, the server unit consists of: •

Pentium based PC Notebook with 32MB or more of RAM and approximately 1GB of hard disk drive Adaptec SHmSCSI PCMCIA SCSI card IOMEGA Jaz Drive with 1GB cartridges 3Com Etherlink III (3C562B/3C563B) PCMCIA network card QuickCam (Gray Scale) digital camera U.S. Robotics Sportster 56K BPS modem Lucent Technologies Wavepoint 915MHz Hub

Mobile Unit

The mobile unit (Figure 4) is a 486-100 CPU pen-based PC with a Windows 95 operating system. It has an audio/video card, a wireless Ethernet card, and a digital camera.

14


Digital Camera Mobile Unit PC

Microphone and Earphone f

Figure 4. The mobile unit and a hardhat.

The mobile unit has the following hardware items: • • • • •

Fujitsu Stylistic Pen-based PC with 16 MB of RAM and 341 MB of hard disk space Nogatech Conference Card PCMCIA sound/video card Vois Microphone/Earphone Lucent Technologies WaveLAN 915 MHz PCMCIA network card Color QuickCam.

Software Software required for running MFR consists of operating systems, database access system files, image data processing programs, and MFR program files. Operating Systems •

Windows NT The server units use Windows NT Workstation 4.0 as an operating system, primarily because it provides remote access service (RAS).

•

Windows 95 The mobile units use Windows 95 as their operating system. Windows 98 has not been tested with the system, but should be as capable as Window 95.

15


Database Interface Software

•

32 bit ODBC (Open Database Connectivity): Version 3.40.2728

•

DAO (Data Access Object)

MFR Program Files

•

Program File* MFR.EXE

•

System DLL Files** MSACAL70.OCX

COMCTL32.0CX

MFC42.DLL

MSVCRT40.DLL

MSVCIRT.DLL

OLEPR032.DLL

MSVCRT.DLL

CTL3D32.DLL (for Windows 95 only) •

Registry File*

•

Lead Tools Files* LEAD.LIC

LEAD32.0CX

LFBMP60N.DLL

LFCAL60N.DLL

LFCMP60N.DLL LFEPS60N.DLL

LFFAX60N.DLL

LFGIF60N.DLL

LFICA60N.DLL

LFIMG60N.DLL

LFLMA60N.DLL

LFLMB60N.DLL

LFMAC60N.DLL LFMSP60N.DLL

LFPCD60N.DLL

LFPCT60N.DLL

LFPCX60N.DLL

LFPNG60N.DLL

LFPSD60N.DLL

LFRAS60N.DLL

LFTGA60N.DLL

LFTIF60N.DLL

LFWFX60N.DLL

FWMF60N.DLL

LFWPG60N.DLL LTFIL60N.DLL

LTIMG60N.DLL .

LTKRN60N.DLL

LTTWN60N.DLL LTWND60N.DLL PCDLIB32.DLL OCX Register File* REGSVR32.EXE Template Database Files***

16


KEYWORDS.MDB MFRMaster.MDB MFRMultimedia.MDB

MFRProject.MDB

*: The directory where MFR is installed. It would be C:\Program Files\MFR. **: The windows system directory. It usually is C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM for Windows 95 and C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32 for Windows NT operating system. ***: The template and project databases directory. C:\Program Files\MFR\Database. Important note: The current version of MFR works best once Microsoft Access 97 has been installed on the computer. Because of the incompatibility between different versions of Microsoft's system files (i.e., DLL files), it is strongly recommended to use the same DLL versions used to develop MFR. Note especially that, with Access 97, the proper versions of ODBCJT32.DLL (Version 3.50.3602.00 or 3.50.3428.00) and MFC42.DLL (Version 6.00.8047.3) should be used. If Access 95 is used, the proper versions are ODBCJT32.DLL (Version 3.40.27778) and MFC42.DLL (Version 4.2.6068). If you have problems running MFR after loading new software to your computer, check to see what versions of these files are being used. MFR WWW Server Files (For Server Unit Only)

•

WWW HTML File MFR.HTM

•

WWW CGI-BIN Files MFRGetProject.EXE

•

MFRGetDate.EXE

MFRGetIssue.EXE

WWW Image Files Image Files


•

WWW DLL Files MFRGetMultimedia.DLL

Communication Software •

Internet Phone 4.0

•

Microsoft NetMeeting is available at no cost over the Internet. This universal availability makes it the preferred means of mobile conferencing. See page 58 for some specific details on working with NetMeeting.

17

18


3 Operation of the Digital Hardhat System User Interface MFR is a Windows-based program that operates with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). MFR's main user interface is described in Figure 5. The main user interface of MFR is comprehensive and straightforward. Considering the field use of the pen-based mobile unit, text input using a keyboard is minimized. Most of operations are self-explanatory, and a user can input data and select options as prompted by simply clicking the mouse button. Title Bar Menu Bar Tool Bar Project Selection Box

«., MEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting System - MFR "ProjeeU View

Define

WMJLMMI

Help

&& m% f

-Q Projectlnformation

User Selection Box Project Breakdown Description List Box Image Selection List Box

Champaign VA Hospital ■■j"'"l 1st Floor ■ 38 2nd Floor j' 1 3rd Floor

D 4th Floor 5th Floor

Import Button Video Clip Button Preview/Capture Button Add New Entry Button Figure 5. The MFR main user interface.

fflMtöM cabinets: custom

I..J V.j IS: 1 N 2


19

Through the following sections, the operation of MFR is described in a step-bystep tutorial manner. A user can follow these steps to store and retrieve data and to setup software. At the end of the tutorial, a method to retrieve stored data using the WWW is also explained.

Storing and Retrieving Data Capturing and Storing Multimedia Data •

Run MFR. Double click the MFR icon.

•

Select a project.

Select a project name from the Title combo box (Figure 6) or create a new project and select it. tf MEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting Syste» tfjoject, üjetth Define

Help

D&g? O ^Project Jrtfqrmation Title: Ft. Worth Hospital (CS970411) Location:

ChampaignVAHospital .[TEST01

~2

Description Ft. Worth Hospital (CS 970411) U oM Engineering Hall [UH 0001) Figure 6. Select a project.

Select a project breakdown item (Figure 7). Select a project breakdown item to input to or retrieve data from.

20


I E~£] Ft. Worth Hospital i \ £3 East Wing 11 HBSSlMain BuildinqB I \ El Qj 1st Floor I { | | £] Room 101 i 1 ! J £3 Room 102 [ I ! C^J 2nd Floor [ &0 West Wing f > Q2 1st Floor ;

'

:

;

! ! !

Figure 7. Select a Project Breakdown.

Reminder - user name selection message box (Figure 8).

Select a user before inserting a new entry. &

Figure 8. User Selection Reminder.

Note: If a user name has not been selected in the 'User' combo box, MFR recommends you do so. Just click the OK button. You can still add image, sound, and video to the existing descriptions without selecting a user. However, you need to select a user name to add a new description. •

Select a description item.

Select a description item to which you want to add image/sound or video (Figure 9). Date 11/22/98 04/16/37 04/30/97 05/01/97 nR/08/97

Description Visual C++ version 4.2 p... packaged liftstations lagging, piling with inter... cabinet safesllpackage... mainte nance materials a... flhhrftvifltinns ahcrl

Figure 9. Select a Description Item.

By I l..\ V.J ji B i.. M.. BL BL. B i.. .li

21


•

Preview/Capture

Click the Preview/Capture button (Figure 10) to display image/video capture window. This action will show a live picture fed through the camera. Preview/Capture... Figure 10. Preview/Capture buttons.

Capture Image/Sound Select Image menu, select Capture (Figure 11). Video/Image Capture

mmm

I Video

Figure 11. Image Capture dialog box.

The captured image will be displayed in a separate window. Use the default image name in the format of CAM-MM/DD-HH:MM:SS, or type in a new name for the image (Figure 12).


22

>tiil Image

§,, JlfelxB^tesh; :| $ lave,' {iftarKd;-]

lâme:||CAM-7/25-10:58:6

Figure 12. Captured Still Image dialog box.

•

lb record sound, select the Audio... button to display a window for Audio Play and Record (Figure 13).

E

Audio Play and Record fX-'-' -

'■

JJ Merzan >. ;_J Centia! Deic

»I

Uter

| Annelle Stimpf

3

r f*"

Rsatfy

Figure 19. Create Project menu.

•

Type in project information on the Create Project screen (Figure 20). ID and Name fields should be typed in. The Location and Desc. fields are not necessary to create a project and can be edited later. Click OK to create a new project. Otherwise, click Cancel.

Ix|

BCieate Project - ID Name

CSS70725 Hairy Zackrison Building

OK

1

Cancel

Location Champaign Illinois Desc.

-1

Renovation project in CERL complex, building 3 Add metal studs and drywall to create fixed offices in open areas

A"Figure 20. Input Project Information to Create.

27


Archiving Multimedia Due to the large size of multimedia data (i.e., image, sound, and video), storing all the data onto the hard disk is not feasible. After the user captures data and stores it onto the system's hard disk, the files need to be moved to a permanent storage space so that the system's resources will be available for further uses. Therefore, it is recommended that multimedia data be archived to a removable storage device. MFR provides a mechanism to archive multimedia data to a JAZ drive up to 1GB at a time. The archived data can be retrieved for viewing; however, it cannot be edited or deleted using the current version of MFR. •

Select Archive Multimedia from the Project menu (Figure 21). ■Tf MEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting System Wew

Define

Help

Create Project Archive Multimedia Transfer Data DspitalfCS 970411) Delete Project orida 'j.

' E#

ni^nujpnJ Renovation ProjectThe ? hospital Renovation Pro|ect asdfasdf jdajst

Figure 21. Archive Multimedia menu.

•

Select a project you want to archive.

Select Project

loil

/Select Archive Drive P^ ;ChampaignVA Hospital ITEST011 Champaign VA Hospital (VAH001) Ft. Worth Hospital (CS970411) 11 of! F.nnineerinn H all IIIH 0001)

Cancel

d

- Selected Proiect Information -

-

Data Source JMFR Project,TEST01 Date Created j&^/97 Project File

•■.'.,

- ■':,•""'•

C:\PROeBA~1\MFR\Database\MFR-TEST01.mdb

Figure 22. Select a project to archive.

-


28

•

Click OK. Note: Ensure that the selected archive drive is correct. If not, click the '...' button to select the path for the archive drive (i.e., JAZ drive).

Transferring Data MFR uses two types of systems—a data server and data collecting units. The data server stores all the data collected by the collecting units. It is recommended that the user periodically upload the data captured by the collecting units (pen-based PC, Fujitsu Stylistic 1000). On the other hand, when a new project is created in the server, the collecting units need to acquire the project information data so they can collect data for the new project. Note 1: Transfer Data should only be performed to the server from collecting units referred to as 'Mobile Unit (Local Unit)' in MFR. Note 2: At your Local Unit, the server's C:\Program Files\MFR\ Database directory should be mapped as X: drive. Make sure your computer is a Local Unit (a pen-based PC running Windows 95). Also make sure your X: drive is mapped to the server's C:\Program Files\MFR\Database directory. This can be done using Windows 95 Explorer. •

From the Project menu, select Transfer Data (Figure 23). MEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting System yiew fiefhe :£reate Project

Help

/

Wm'-.i)

"ircHve Multimedia

Dspital(CS 970411) tfie|te Project

H

orida

E«t

Renovation ProjectThe hospftaJ Renovation Project ascf asdf Jdajst

Figure 23. Transfer Data menu.

As mentioned, Transfer Data does two things. It uploads collected data and downloads project information (Project ID, Name, Project Breakdown, etc.)

29


To upload data (Figure 24), select the radio button From Local to Server Unit. To download data, select the radio button From Server to Local Unit (General Info. Only). •

Select a source project and a target project. If you want to create a new project using the source project, select from the Target Project list.

MRF Data Tiansfer Data Transfer

;

:

:—

(* From Local to Server Una C From Server to Local Unft (General Info. 0t#) T"Select Project for Transfer Source Project

._______.

~3\

I Champaign VA H ospital (T E S T 01)

target Project rsSelecle Dates From 07-14-1997

a

Champaian VA Hospital rVAHOOl I Name

TEsio):y-"'•.•'•; >>..*>•"';,..!

Update

|

Champaign VA Hospital

Cancel

I

•. Location Champaign, IL | r . Desc. Hospital i

i;

jtp'-'/it .■■-.■

^

Figure 28. Edit Project Information-Location and Description.

Editing Project Breakdown

•

Select Project Breakdown from the Define menu (Figure 29).

>Jf MEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting System » Project

View

Help Project Information Project Breakdown

-Project Inter

Title:

[

u$m

^— Video Capture Driver n wumi, nuiiud

H

The hospital Renovation ProjeclThe hospäal Renovation Project asdfasdf Iclajsc Figure 29. Define Project Breakdown menu.

32


Select a breakdown item (Figure 30). Click Add to add a new item under the selected item. Or, click Remove to delete the item. An item cannot be deleted if it has data associated with it. lb delete such an item, delete the descriptions first. You also cannot delete an item that has subitems. lb delete such an item, delete the subitems first. Dialog B-E3 Ft. Worth Hospital 1 £"3 East Wing

OK

ri ■ £=3 II.H'ffB

Cancel

$£3 1st Floor \ Qj Room 101 ■ Qj Room 102 i Qj 2nd Floor B'[] West Wing ; £j 1st Floor

Add

j

| |

Remove

Figure 30. Define Project Breakdown dialog box.

Defining Users •

Select User from Define menu (Figure 31). ^rMEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting System project: ¥iew U

Dft

Help Pjoject Information Project Breakdown

rProject Inforr Title:/,:; f::[ Video Capture Driver Location:^ rrWuincriuiiua—Description: The hospital Renovation ProjectThe hospfcal Renovation Project asdfasdf ;klajs< Figure 31. Define User menu.

Select a user to edit or remove and click Update or Remove. Or, type in a new user name and click Add (Figure 32).

33


Add/Update User

iO

Select a Name: 3rd User Another User Bill Clinton Jeff

Update

I

Remove

I John Down I Michael Jordan

SM

IKJU. uJJU -.

■user information Name j,jim e,0wr|

-;:::?;Tiae'.'''.:jpM

i

Dept jProject Management

if.

Email [email protected]

|v

Phone |217-3337268

t-ax

J217-333-7269

••

Figure 32. Add/Update User dialog box.

Deleting Multimedia Item

Right-click on the image name you want to delete (Figure 33). JiriagerName asdfd

Sound i N N

Show

|MJ5HEI

Figure 33. Right-Click an Image Name to delete.

•

Confirm to delete by selecting OK (Figure 34). lx|

^^^^M^^fl

Are you sure you want to delete the mage/sound data?

mßmm i i-

[IJSLZDl

Cancel

Pl^ö'^:1.:::':::::;^;::^:::.:

Figure 34. Confirm to delete the image.

j

34


Changing the Video Capture Driver •

Select Video Capture Driver from the Define menu (Figure 35). ^r-MEDCOM Multimedia Facility Reporting System

pProject ?View Project Information Project breakdown -Project I nf orr Title:, h Location:

User Video Capture Driver

n. WUIVI, nunuo

Description: The hospital Renovation ProjectJhe hospital Renovation Project asdfasdf ;klajsc Figure 35. Define Video Capture Driver menu.

•

Select a driver from the list (Figure 36). MFR uses Color QuickCam video capture driver as its default driver.

Select MFR Video Source

f Select a source video device: Co or OuickCam video caDture drive Color QuickCam video capture driver Nogatech Video Capture

flK

Hanrj»!

j

Hein

Figure 36. Select a driver for the installed video capture device.

Setting Camera Capture Properties Camera Adjustment •

Select Camera Adjustment from the Settings menu of the Video/Image Capture window (Figure 37).

35


IB Video/I mage Capture * Video image Jf& I

Ba

I

jfl

I If

Camera Adjustment... Image Size/Quality...

^B

Compeer» Format...

^^

Display Frame Rales...

hjfllj

1 ■

HS E3 I

"

fcli —

S ,.,-lail

Figure 37. Camera Adjustment menu.

•

In the Camera Adjustments dialog box (Figure 38), set brightness, hue, saturation, etc.

Camera Adjustments pf? Auto Brightness

rZM=l

Brightness Whit« Level

Cancel

Light Meter

Help

Entire Frame

rR Auto Hue ~ Red Ley,el:

J Blue Level

'.ill-- Other Black Leyel

Jj

J

Jj

128 I

ä]

128

Saturation

R Low-Light Image Fitter

Figure 38. Camera Adjustments dialog box.

36


Image Size and Quality Select Image Size/Quality from the Settings menu (Figure 39). HHBI

| B Video/Image Capture

1 Video Image EaBffia .. .= /■..„■:«,•> |

1

Camera Adjustment..

1

KI3

Image Size/Quality...

!

■ ~

Compression Formal..

H ~

Display Frame Rates...

HI ■ .itfri -■

: —* I

*«HP

I^^^^^^^^V«1^Î^9^^

1

"^

n

0m

v ■£?- . ji

Kî'^ü

rÛ Ir

Figure 39. Image size/quality menu.

•

Select from Full (640 X 480), Half (320 X 240), Quarter (160 X 120), or Other sizes (Figure 40). You can also set colors and the sharpness of the image. Considering the limitations of hardware performance and storage space, Quarter size is recommended for video capturing. For still image capturing, any size can be selected, although Half size would be appropriate in most cases.

37


[Image Size and Quality

f

*»•'''

'.■'.•-''■

Size

,— „.

;|lE

r Full

IP

C Quarter

I!

IÜ I

B3 ;■

•

-

LlZMIZil

^ Half

Width

. ■ . V" Otter

320 |

Cancel

|

Help

|

Height 240

f? Maintain Aspect Ratio

-Z.OOÜI

r Rip

r Mirror

T Rotate 90* C Zoom In

Colors

Million Colors

lj (* Zoom Out

I Jhatpne«

High

Z

Parallel Port Bi-directional

Figure 40. Image Size and Quality dialog box.

Compression Format Select Compression Format from the Settings menu (Figure 41). B Video/Image Capture

HIM El

Video image

Figure 41. Compression Format menu.

Select the default compressor and compression quality as in Figure 42.

38


Video Compression

OK

f Compressor: | Cinepak Codec by Radius Compression fluafity:

jQ ^f''''Cancel

1tt)

,.iJ I R Key Frame Every |15

UJJ

Configure...

:| frames

Figure 42. Compression Format dialog box.

Display Frame Rate •

Select Display Frame Rates from the Settings menu (Figure 43). B Video/Image Capture

Figure 43. Display Frame Rates menu.

Select frame rate and time limit for video (Figure 44). Note: Frame rate represents the number of frames per second. Setting this rate to a higher number increases file size considerably and chances of a hardware crash. The frame rate of 1 frame I second is recommended. For shorter videos (less than 5 seconds at an image size of Quarter), 2 or 3 frames I second may be used. When Enable Time Limit for Video Capture is enabled, video capturing will be terminated automatically after capturing video for the time limit specified in the Limit box.

39


Video Capture Setup f-

■«Han« Display Hate r-

w

1

Preview: iDf] • . Capture: |3 fev

Unit

ffc i

OK

4{ frame/sec

j

Cancel

|j ftame/sec

& frames/sec f*' sec/frame

P Enable Time Limit for Video Capture Limit 15

Tjjj seconds

-me Allocation

- •-

t

Video filename: C:\captureme.a , ... ( Disk Space Allocation: J1

^j MB

Figure 44. Display Frame Rates dialog box.

Videoconferencing Videoconferencing is live, two-way video and audio telecommunications technology capable of linking people locally, nationally, and internationally using a variety of communication channels. The image quality and speed of video transmission depend on the equipment and available bandwidth in the chosen communication channel. Bandwidth is a term used to describe the speed with which information flows, usually given in bits/second. Currently, the fastest communication channels are special digital telephone lines ISDN or a fast connection to the Internet (e.g., a Tl line). ISDN connections deliver 128 Kbps, while Tl lines are rated at 1Mbps. Actual transmission rates will depend on the network conditions between the two points and how many other users are transmitting information. During a videoconferencing test, the actual transmission rate was only one quarter of the rated Tl speed. Modems (regular, cell phone, satellite) can also be used while videoconferencing. Again, the transmission rate will depend on the modem-speed, traffic, and phone switching equipment between the users. In the future, cable modems are expected to provide connections that are between 4 and 78 times the speed of ISDN connections (500 Kbps to 1 Mbps compared to 128 Kbps). It is possible to use either two-way (point-to-point) videoconferencing or multipoint videoconferencing (meeting of more than two sites). Multipoint

40

USACERLADP Report 99/16

videoconferencing requires either special switching equipment or Internet multicasting capability such as MBONE. MBONE uses the Internet Protocol (IP)-multicast protocols to allow more than two users to share video, audio, and whiteboards over the Internet. A whiteboard enables users to share, communicate, and markup multimedia (graphic, text, audio, and video) information. Using the Internet, modem, or local area network (LAN) connections, users can collaborate on a project more effectively than would be possible using a regular telephone, while seeing video views of the other party. Standards

Recent telecommunications and videoconferencing standards have been developed to ensure compatibility between different software and equipment. All videoconferencing software and hardware purchased should comply with the relevant standard. Room-based Videoconferencing

Room-based videoconferencing systems typically have more expensive equipment, dedicated high speed communication channels, large monitors to display outgoing and incoming video, good quality microphones and videocameras, and additional equipment to allow sharing of computer files, graphics, whiteboards, etc. These systems provide the best quality audio, video, and transmission speed. The Corps of Engineers has an established network of room-based videoconferencing centers for point-to-point and multipoint videoconferencing. Each room can accommodate a reasonably large audience. For more information, see the USACE Video Teleconferencing home page at http://www.usace.army.mil/ inet/functions/cw/cecwe/coexpert/newcoe/doe/vcnm.htm. Desktop Videoconferencing

Of the many different types of desktop videoconferencing systems, the more expensive systems typically require a controller board to be installed in each computer. Depending on the communication channel used, these systems provide better quality video and audio transmission. PictureTel, for example, is a system that can be used at an individual desk or in a small conference room. Desktop videoconferencing systems can be configured to use a variety of communication channels, depending on the user requirements. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a network of desktop videoconferencing systems connecting all Commanding Officers.


Less expensive desktop videoconferencing systems are widely available, and many people are beginning to use them to videoconference from their desktops. Each computer must be configured with the standards-based videoconferencing software, soundcard, speakers or headphones, a microphone, digital videocamera and modem, and ISDN or network connection. Several of the most commonly used videoconferencing software programs are available free on the Internet. Mobile Videoconferencing

Users who wish to videoconference from remote sites have special concerns. If they are using a laptop computer, a pen-based computer, or a palmtop computer, there are fewer options for equipment than with a desktop computer. It is typically more difficult to access high speed communications channels from remote sites. Also, if the user is mobile, the fastest and most reliable communication channels will vary from location to location. The DHH System described in this report is considered a mobile videoconferencing system. The best commercially available videoconferencing software and equipment were chosen for this field test. New commercial developments are watched closely, so that technology improvements can be incorporated into the DHH System. The Digital Hardhat Mobile Videoconferencing System

Currently, commercially available videoconferencing software include CU-See Me, Video Phone, NetMeeting, and Internet Phone. After several tests, VocalTec's Internet Phone 4.0 was found to suit our needs the best in terms of provided features, performance, and stability. Quite simple and easy to operate, Internet Phone 4.0 is included in DHH as a communication feature (Figure 45). Using Internet Phone, a field inspector can communicate with an engineer at a remote office while running the MFR program. Inputting the other party's IP address makes the call and the rest of the operation is similar to regular phone calls (refer to Internet Phone's user manual for details).

£L

42


EjSangyoon Chin-VocalTec Internet P... HUES Ehone Vjew

/

aI

Call Center Audio Video

Help

~\

!

..

' I IC tw««

)

L Hold

)

C HanqUp )

c3 ^^Ê^^l No one is talking Name: SangyoonChin Nick: Cimac-13 22:36:28

J