Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
information instead of relying on paper media. One of main challenges is the way
information is presented by these mobile computing devices, because it is essential
to operational effectiveness for the crew and supervisors from the perspective of
human factors.
There are many decisions regarding design and implementation that have to be
made on the basis of user-computer interactions. Identifying these decision factors
should be the first step in fulfilling the maximum potential of mobile computing in
construction use. Wang and Dunston (2006) developed a framework for consid-
ering feasibility and usability issues of mobile computing technology under varied
construction operations and conditions. The objective of this framework is to
provide a theory of task-technology mapping for mobile information systems. The
work mainly focused on the human factors issues related to hardware devices and
collaboration. Other issues, such as strategies for system development, develop-
ment cost and infrastructure standards, were not considered. Table 1.1 describes
mobile computing device capabilities with the “high” and “low” end device
examples given.
The field characteristics of construction operations and activities must be
considered as well. As shown in Table 1.2, Wang and Dunston (2006) identified
the factors in construction task requirements that should be considered when
adopting a mobile computing system. Each factor can influence the feasibility and
usability of proposed mobile computing systems.
1.2 Fundamental characteristics of mobile computing
The concept of mobile computing is to enable workers to roam seamlessly with
computing and communication functionalities in an uninterrupted way. Mobile
computing has many constraints that make it different from the conventional
office-based desktop computing setup, for example a desktop PC. The followings
are the major noted differences (Satyanarayanan, 1996):
*
Mobile computing tends to be more resource constrained than its static
counterparts. For example, mobile computers used in a large roaming con-
struction site require a source of electrical energy supplied by battery packs.
These packs usually cannot last long and need to be charged on a regular basis.
*
Mobile computers are vulnerable. Since mobile computers accompany their
users everywhere, they are much more likely to be lost, just like the ease with
which cell phones are lost. Furthermore, they are more likely to be subjected to
rough environments. This is particularly true in a construction site, where the
site conditions are usually not safe and involve potential danger to devices.
*
Mobile connectivity can be highly unstable in bandwidth and latency. Dis-
connections often happens in a concrete-framed buildings where construction
activities are being carried out.
From the technological standpoint, the following aspects of mobile computing
are introduced in this chapter:
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