Systematic The Observer Zoology Training

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Innovative Solutions forUsability Testing
Design of a Usability Lab La Villette, November
24th 2004 Dimitri Gerebtzoff Field Sales Engineer
- France
Titel Spreker Datum
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Noldus Information TechnologyTechnical
Competences

• Observational data collection
• Handheld computer technology
• Video coding, annotation, retrieval
• Digital image processing
• Pattern recognition
• Behavior analysis
• Signal analysis
• Experiment automation

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Core Activities

• Software Development
• Standard software packages
• Custom development on contract basis
• System Integration
• Noldus software
• Computer hardware
• Video and multimedia equipment
• Portable or stationary observational laboratories
• Training and Consulting
• Services (support, conference organisation)

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Integrated Solutions

• Tailor-made observational labs and systems
• System configurations
• Stationary Lab
• Portable Lab
• Mobile Data Collection Systems
• Mobile Device Camera

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The LUTIN lab

• Architecture constrains
• 1 lab around a fireproof structure (ceiling,
  floor, external walls)
• 6 rooms divided in
• 1 observation room with 2 main Observer Stations
• 5 test rooms with 6 test environments

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Prerequisites for Test Rooms

• Each rooms has to be equipped with camera,
  microphone, loudspeakers and a tool to capture
  the screen of the test PC in high resolution
• Position of cameras and microphone can be chosen
  depending on test protocol
• Cameras can be controlled from the Observation
  room
• Additional video input for other hardware
  (miniature camera, VCR, mobile device camera)

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Prerequisites for Observation Room

• 2 Observation stations
• Each station can control independently all
  cameras, in/out audio signals and test PC
• Each station can record the video/audio/screen
  data from a chosen test room (can be identical
  for both stations)
• Information from the camera and screen of a test
  room can be visualised at the Observation Station
• Information is recorded digitally and analysed
  with chosen level of details use of The Observer
  Video-Pro

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Boxed design of the lab versatility
Video
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Boxed design of the lab versatility
Audio
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Technical choices

• Centralized Processing
• All data from test rooms are sent via high
  quality shielded cables to a central management
  and processing unit and then dispatched to the
  two Observation Stations

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High Quality Components
Components have been tested for perfect
compatibility and preassembled at Noldus
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Controls
All video data can be visualized and controlled
from the Observation Stations Use of matrix
system, dome cameras and several preview and
recording monitors
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Selection of data

• We used video quad units and splitters to allow
  the best possible choice of camera view angles
• Overlay boards and Mpeg encoders allow to
  display and record simultaneously the camera
  images and screen capture of the test PC

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Screen Capture

• We used advanced KVM switcher and CAT5 network
  based solution to provide high quality and fast
  screen capture of the Test PCs
• Scan converter was not a viable solution in this
  case

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Final Solution
Provided with integration, installation, on-site
training, tailor-made manual and technical
support (and nice dutch-french-belgian mood ?)
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Any Questions ?
Thank you! Noldus Information
Technology http//www.noldus.com
Titel Spreker Datum