Distributed Information Systems for Maintenance and Safety
Abstract
A test and evaluation (effort or study) was conducted under the Tech Solution program of the Office of Naval Research to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of wireless wearable computing systems for support of aviation maintenance technicians. The body-worn information systems included electronic technical manual support, a virtual (i.e., software-emulated) test equipment suite, wireless voice communications, and Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management (NALCOMIS) database connectivity, coordinated over a wireless local-area network (LAN). The program was conducted at Naval Air Station Brunswick between August 2002 and December 2003, and involved squadrons VP-10 and VP-26. Testing included objective (e.g., completion time, troubleshooting accuracy, etc.) and subjective (user evaluation) methods that compared performance between conventional tools and wearable computers. Obtaining authorization to operate the wireless network in an operational facility was the most troublesome program issue, and delayed data collection considerably. Although the network was successfully installed, the delays exhausted project funding just as data collection began. although only limited user feedback was gathered, this information, was sufficient to make the following observations about wireless system use: Electronic maintenance manuals are useful, although no new insights were gained through their integration with wireless systems; Virtual test equipment and remote interaction with NALCOMIS are the two capabilities with the greatest potential for maintenance support over wireless networks; Wireless support may not require wearable computers; alternate information systems may be just as effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA509201
Entities
People
- S. A. Murray
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command