Videoconference in Field – a User Oriented Development of a Video

Videoconference in Field – a User Oriented Development of a Video Communication Tool for Field Use Vattenfall Utveckling AB has earlier made a demonstration system showing the possibilities to improve service by using wearable computers and interfaces while working in field. At the demonstrations of the system in a lab environment to the business units at Vattenfall, the function “video communication with expert” was the most popular. The goal of this Master’s project was to test the videoconference function in field together with Vattenfall’s service personnel and to analyse the user requirements regarding quality, transfer, terminal and interface design of the videoconference system. To achieve the goal an introductory field study was performed to create an understanding for the service technicians’ work situation. Second, an implementation of a test system was performed in Söderfors hydro power plant. Finally, an evaluation of the test system, including follow-up interviews, was carried out, using the constructive interaction method. The evaluation resulted in recommendations for a future implementation of a videoconference function. We discovered that the governing quality parameter is the coverage from the radio local network, since if the coverage is poor, it will affect the remaining quality factors of the videoconference. None of the participants thought that video in both directions was necessary. According to the service technicians, a suitable videoconference terminal must be small, so it will not disturb their work. Moreover, the evaluation showed that the user interface could be designed straightforward, as the service personnel barely interact with the videoconference system. Videoconference in Field Anna Hammarberg