A System for Collecting Data on Observer Preferences in the Field Using Personal Data Assistants

摘要

Field tests to compare camouflage patterns rely on collecting data on the preferences of human observers. The director of such tests has been faced with a choice between using pencil-and-paper ballots or using an expensive data collection system based on push buttons wired to personal computers with custom software. In this paper we describe an alternative system that combines the advantages of digital collection with the simplicity of paper ballots. The key ingredients to the system are personal data assistants (PDA's) and database software that runs on a PDA. Specifically, our system makes use of Palm Pilots and the commercial database program thinkDB. Using a stylus, each observer enters his selection of the better camouflage pattern by pushing a radio button on the screen of his Palm Pilot. At the end of the test, the test director uses the Palm HotSync function to transfer the results to a personal computer for analysis.