Mobile Networks and Applications 4 (1999) 37–48 37 Supporting collaborative field operations with personal information processing systems Stephanie Guerlain, Jim Lee, Troy Kopischke, Tom Romanko, Peter Reutiman and Scott Nelson Honeywell Technology Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA This paper describes a two-year research project to develop a personal information processing system (PIPS) solution for the roving industrial field operator. Our PIPS system comprises (1) an RF network to deliver wireless digital information, (2) a wearable computer for delivering web-based information (the hardware is a two-piece system composed of a belt-worn NetPC attached via a curly cable to a handheld unit with a mouse/display device combination), and (3) software applications that provide added value in the field. Unique challenges in designing such a system for this environment include providing: (1) good RF coverage in an environment with many metal structures; (2) an intrinsically safe, lightweight, low-cost hardware system; and (3) software that is compatible with the wearable system and supports collaboration in the field. 1. Introduction Honeywell has a long history in developing miniaturized displays, custom microelectronic hardware, and wearable, portable devices, primarily for military applications. More recently, Honeywell researchers have been trying to apply these technologies to the specialized commercial market of supporting the roving refinery operator in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries. Many of the needs in this market are similar to military requirements; namely, the systems must be ruggedized and able to handle harsh environmen- tal conditions. Less similar are the social implications of introducing such innovative technological solutions into an environment where the work force is primarily union-based and personal routines vary widely. In this environment, current communication is primarily face to face or via two- way radios and information tracking is scattered and largely paper based. Our goal in trying to adapt personal information process- ing systems (PIPS) to the refinery field operator environ- ment is to produce a system that fits the needs of the en- vironment and the individual workers, and adds value by providing an infrastructure that supports collaborative field operations. Our systems-based approach to this solution can be broken down into three related parts: (1) develop an RF network infrastructure to support wireless, digital communications; (2) design a wearable hardware system customized to the refinery operator’s needs; and (3) develop software tools and applications that are personalized, intu- itive, customizable, and support collaboration in the field. The project proceeded in two stages. In year 1, we devel- oped a proof-of-concept first-generation system. In year 2, we developed a more complete package worthy of field testing in a refinery environment. This paper describes the design goals, actual designs, and preliminary evaluation re- sults from an internal as well as a field evaluation of PIPS. 2. Year 1: A proof-of-concept first-generation system Our first-generation PIPS system was designed as a proof-of-concept system that we could show to potential customers. Early prototypes of the wearable hardware consisted of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) belt-worn Windows 95 computer combined with either a hard-hat- mounted monocle display device (see figure 1) or a hand- held unit (called the Eyewand) that combines a miniaturized projection display and a three-button user input device (see figure 2). In focus groups with field operators, we found they were reluctant to have a head-mounted system that could obstruct their vision (even though we had designed a flip-up mounting), added weight to their head, and was likely to get bumped endlessly by obstructions typical of the refinery environment. Thus, we concentrated on the handheld unit. Wearable and tablet computers are typically plagued by screen size limitations and/or user input challenges [3]. A miniature projection display design offers the advantage of a high-resolution display in a very small package. Our first- Figure 1. Integrated hard-hat/display device.  Baltzer Science Publishers BV