A CSCW system for distributed search/collection tasks using wearable computers

In this paper, we define the cooperative activities using wearable computers outdoors as WCSCW: wearable computer supported cooperative work, and assess the value of a WCSCW system for search/collection tasks. The system provides history information as well as real-time communication support. The workers searched and reconstructed the scattered (geographically distributed) puzzle pieces in three conditions; WCSCW system, share map combined with realtime communication, and audio communication only. The task completion times were the shortest in the audio communication condition, and worst in the WCSCW system condition. But workers rated their work efficiency highest in WCSCW system condition, and worst when using audio communication condition.