User Input Requirements for Document
Revision
Revision
(Limited for clarity) (Limited for clarity)
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TABLEABLE1414 –– CCOMPARISON OF PROCESS AUTOMATION FOR SELFOMPARISON OF PROCESS AUTOMATION FOR SELF--TESTING ITERATIONSTESTING ITERATIONS
First
First Iteration Iteration Second Second Iteration Iteration Final Final IterationIteration Stage Process
Stage Process Manual /Manual / Automatic
Automatic Manual / AutomaticManual / Automatic
Manual / Manual / Automatic Automatic 1
1 Review Review document document Manual Manual Manual Manual ManualManual 2
2 ApproveApprove document
document Manual Manual Manual Manual ManualManual 3
3 Release Release document document Manual Manual Automated Automated AutomatedAutomated 4
4 Store Store document document Manual Manual Semi-AutomaSemi-Automated ted AutomatedAutomated 5
5 Generate Generate barcode barcode Manual Manual Automated Automated AutomatedAutomated
6
6 Embed barcode onEmbed barcode on document
document Manual Manual Automated Automated AutomatedAutomated 7
7 Print or displayPrint or display document
document Manual Manual Automated Automated AutomatedAutomated 8
8 Scan Scan barcode barcode Manual Manual Manual Manual ManualManual 9
9 Display document Display document information
information
Semi- Semi- Automated
Automated Semi-Automated Semi-Automated AutomatedAutomated 10
10 Determine versionDetermine version number
number Manual Manual Manual Manual AutomatedAutomated 11
11 Apply Apply sectionisectioning ng Manual Manual ManualManual 12
12 Confirm document Confirm document receipt
receipt Semi-Automated Semi-Automated Semi-AutomatedSemi-Automated
13
13 View previousView previous versions
versions AutomatedAutomated
14
14 View relatedView related documents
documents AutomatedAutomated
15
15 Link to electronicLink to electronic document
The salient points from the critical
The salient points from the critical reports have been extracted and presented inreports have been extracted and presented in Table 15.Table 15. T
TABLEABLE1515 –– SSUMMARISED DISCUSSION OF SELFUMMARISED DISCUSSION OF SELF--TESTING ITERATIONSTESTING ITERATIONS
Iteration
Iteration Salient Salient reflection reflection points points Method Method Development Development andand Recommendations Recommendations First First Iteration Iteration
Manual generation and embeddingManual generation and embedding
of barcodes is time consuming and of barcodes is time consuming and prone to i
prone to inconsistencnconsistencies ies throughthrough user input error.
user input error.
Without compulsory input of Without compulsory input of
metadata it is
metadata it is overlookedoverlooked..
Necessity to edit ‘released’Necessity to edit ‘released’
document invalidates release document invalidates release procedure.
procedure.
Usability of barcode information isUsability of barcode information is
poor when stored as a block of text. poor when stored as a block of text.
Size and quality during embeddingSize and quality during embedding
may render barcode unreadable. may render barcode unreadable.
Structured metadata input formStructured metadata input form
and display template for and display template for consistency of
consistency of informatioinformation.n.
Release system with automaticRelease system with automatic
barcode generation and barcode generation and embedding.
embedding.
Structured control of releasedStructured control of released
versions. versions.
Barcode display size and qualityBarcode display size and quality
testing. testing. Second Second Iteration Iteration
Excessive volume of informationExcessive volume of information
stored within metadata barcode due stored within metadata barcode due to structural tags.
to structural tags.
Local file storage is Local file storage is undesirable.undesirable.
Useful to locate barcode and content Useful to locate barcode and content
text on coversheet, but information text on coversheet, but information is lost if torn off.
is lost if torn off.
Static barcode links to resources areStatic barcode links to resources are
unreliable. unreliable.
Compulsory input of metadata forCompulsory input of metadata for
every WIP document removes every WIP document removes working flexibility.
working flexibility.
Integration of release mechanism toIntegration of release mechanism to
Store information in databaseStore information in database
and use query to link to dynamic and use query to link to dynamic content.
content.
Store document information onStore document information on
every page. every page.
Only input metadata andOnly input metadata and
manage final released manage final released documents.
documents.
Use pre-determined inputs toUse pre-determined inputs to
reduce user input error e.g. reduce user input error e.g. dropdown menus.
Iteration
Iteration Salient Salient reflection reflection points points Method Method Development Development andand Recommendations Recommendations Final Final Iteration Iteration
Scanning of workflow barcode wasScanning of workflow barcode was
unreliable and had poor response unreliable and had poor response rate.
rate.
Use of network storage is Use of network storage is desirabledesirable
provided reliable connection is provided reliable connection is available.
available.
Use of single ‘released’ format of PDFUse of single ‘released’ format of PDF
has better
has better consistency.consistency.
Automatic resizing of barcodesAutomatic resizing of barcodes
ensures all are
ensures all are readable.readable.
Automatic file storage and namingAutomatic file storage and naming
structure increases reliability of structure increases reliability of system.
system.
Combination of information storageCombination of information storage
via barcode on coversheet and small via barcode on coversheet and small database reference on every page is database reference on every page is useful.
useful.
Short data query in barcode forShort data query in barcode for
database link reduces barcode size database link reduces barcode size considerably.
considerably.
Need for barcode printingNeed for barcode printing
testing. testing.
Need for research into PDANeed for research into PDA
identification for workflow identification for workflow management.
management.
Need for detailed considerationNeed for detailed consideration
of document metadata elements. of document metadata elements.
Need for consideration of Need for consideration of
information importance and information importance and useful features for interface useful features for interface design.
design.
5.1.3
5.1.3 OVERVIEWOVERVIEW
A set of
A set of general observatiogeneral observations and further research activities will ns and further research activities will now be made, now be made, based uponbased upon the reflections from each iteration, the process time comparison and
the reflections from each iteration, the process time comparison and the automationthe automation comparison.
comparison.
Automatic resizing of barcodes at the point of Automatic resizing of barcodes at the point of embedding is a necessity in embedding is a necessity in application toapplication to
ensure their readability. ensure their readability.
Displaying document details with database software can display the metadata in a Displaying document details with database software can display the metadata in a moremore
useful format. The database query barcode should be embedded on every page of the useful format. The database query barcode should be embedded on every page of the document.
document.
Static reference links from barcodes are useful, but it is more reliable to store the URL in Static reference links from barcodes are useful, but it is more reliable to store the URL in aa
dynamic database and use the barcode to run a query for the most recent resource dynamic database and use the barcode to run a query for the most recent resource location.
location.
Documents should only be managed when they are released Documents should only be managed when they are released to allow freedom in work to allow freedom in work
practices for files with WIP
practices for files with WIP status.status.
Released documents should be stored in PDF Released documents should be stored in PDF format for consistency.format for consistency.
The removal of repeated user input, especially keyboard entry, significantly lowers theThe removal of repeated user input, especially keyboard entry, significantly lowers the
chance of error
chance of error through misspellthrough misspelling and ing and non-conformance to the process.non-conformance to the process. The strategy was also used to
The strategy was also used to direct work in direct work in the following areas:the following areas:
Detailed consideration of Detailed consideration of document metadata elements.document metadata elements.
Consideration of information importance and useful features for Consideration of information importance and useful features for interface design.interface design.
Barcode display size and quality testing.Barcode display size and quality testing.
5.
5.22 BARCODE FUNCTION TESTINGBARCODE FUNCTION TESTING
This
This section describes a method and results for section describes a method and results for assessing the ‘readability’ of barcodes andassessing the ‘readability’ of barcodes and produces a set of
produces a set of guidelines for how they should be implemented.guidelines for how they should be implemented.
One important observation from the self-testing and reflection was that barcodes which were One important observation from the self-testing and reflection was that barcodes which were readable on
readable on the author’sthe author’s PDAsPDAs were not readable for the other group members’were not readable for the other group members’ PDAs. ForPDAs. For widespread adoption, it is important that the usability is
widespread adoption, it is important that the usability is maintained, irrespectivmaintained, irrespective of e of printerprinter and scanner resolution and
and scanner resolution and software functionalitysoftware functionality..
5.2.1
5.2.1 GOALS AND METHODOLOGYGOALS AND METHODOLOGY
The main goals of the testing and the way in which they are
The main goals of the testing and the way in which they are investigateinvestigated are shown ind are shown in TableTable 16.
T
TABLEABLE1616–– GGOALS AND ASSOCIATED INVESTIGATION METHODS FOR BARCODE FUNCTION TESTINGOALS AND ASSOCIATED INVESTIGATION METHODS FOR BARCODE FUNCTION TESTING
Goal
Goal Investigation Investigation MethodMethod 1
1 Highlight any unforeseen flaws in theHighlight any unforeseen flaws in the barcode application.
barcode application. Review and discuss
Review and discuss observed environmentobserved environmentalal effects and
effects and potential mitigations.potential mitigations.
Noting observations on performance Noting observations on performance whilst undertaking structured scan whilst undertaking structured scan testing.
testing.
2
2 Confirm the barcode flaws suggested byConfirm the barcode flaws suggested by the literature and theory.
the literature and theory.
Determine whether the smallest readable Determine whether the smallest readable size is in
size is in accordance with the prediction.accordance with the prediction.
Using structured scan testing Using structured scan testing
3
3 Compare the practical usability to that Compare the practical usability to that suggested by the literature and theory. suggested by the literature and theory. Assess and compare the performance of the Assess and compare the performance of the scanners and display methods.
scanners and display methods.
Assess and compare the performance of the Assess and compare the performance of the scanning software.
scanning software.
Using structured scan testing for a range Using structured scan testing for a range of scanner, electronic display and printed of scanner, electronic display and printed paper resolutions.
paper resolutions.
Using structured scan testing for a range Using structured scan testing for a range of software.
of software.
4
4 Develop a set of guidelines Develop a set of guidelines for all displayfor all display and scan media.
and scan media.
Organising the research data to find the Organising the research data to find the minimum acceptable size compatibility minimum acceptable size compatibility across all scanners and
across all scanners and display methods.display methods.
For this testing, a set of custom ‘eye charts’ will be produced. They are similar to those used For this testing, a set of custom ‘eye charts’ will be produced. They are similar to those used by an optician, but
by an optician, but contain barcodes instead of letters as contain barcodes instead of letters as demonstratdemonstrated byed by Figure 7.Figure 7. The useThe use of these creates a repeatable testing method, which will allow each of the factors affecting of these creates a repeatable testing method, which will allow each of the factors affecting readability to be assessed and c
readability to be assessed and comparisons drawn between the available hardware andomparisons drawn between the available hardware and software.
software.
A classification was created to
A classification was created to compare the minimum size that barcodes could be compare the minimum size that barcodes could be printed orprinted or scanned at. This is
T
TABLEABLE1717 –– AAPPLICATION OF BARCODE TESTING METHODS TO FACTORS AFFPPLICATION OF BARCODE TESTING METHODS TO FACTORS AFF ECTING READABILITYECTING READABILITY
Factor Factor affecting affecting readability readability Description Testing Description Testing Chart Chart Testing Method Testing Method Image Quality Image Quality For a barcode to be For a barcode to be interpreted it must be interpreted it must be possible to distinguish the possible to distinguish the areas of
areas of high/low reflectivhigh/low reflectivee property. These may be property. These may be indistinct if the barcode has indistinct if the barcode has blurred edges or poor
blurred edges or poor contrast. contrast. Contrast Contrast Eyechart Eyechart Scaling Scaling Raster Raster Eyechart Eyechart
Scanning with a variety of Scanning with a variety of different scanners and different scanners and recording
recording minimum/maxminimum/maximumimum contrast and scaling which is contrast and scaling which is scan-able for each.
scan-able for each.
Display Display Resolution Resolution
The display method forms The display method forms the barcode modules the barcode modules through pixels, the size of through pixels, the size of which will affect the
which will affect the minimum size that the minimum size that the barcode can be displayed. barcode can be displayed.
Size Test Size Test Eyechart Eyechart
Displaying on a variety of Displaying on a variety of monitors and printing monitors and printing resolutions and recording resolutions and recording minimum scan-able size for minimum scan-able size for each. each. Scanner Scanner Resolution Resolution
The scanner will have a The scanner will have a finite number of optical cells finite number of optical cells used to distinguish between used to distinguish between the modules, which will the modules, which will affect the minimum size that affect the minimum size that the barcode can be read at. the barcode can be read at.
Size Test Size Test Eyechart Eyechart
Scanning with a variety of Scanning with a variety of scanners and recording scanners and recording minimum scan-able size for minimum scan-able size for each. each. Barcode Barcode decoding decoding software software reliability and reliability and usability usability
After reading the barcode, After reading the barcode, software is required to apply software is required to apply algorithms to interpret the algorithms to interpret the pattern of modules and pattern of modules and retrieve the data encoded retrieve the data encoded within the barcode.
within the barcode.
Size Test Size Test Eyechart Eyechart
Scanning with a variety of Scanning with a variety of software applications and software applications and recording minimum size for recording minimum size for each software application. each software application.
Fading Eyechart Fading Eyechart Foreground Lightening Foreground Lightening Background Darkening Background Darkening
H
H
E
E ZZ
L P O T
L P O T
D A F V D A F V N E U C N E U C Opticians EyechartOpticians Eyechart Scaling Raster EyechartScaling Raster Eyechart
Shrinking Shrinking Enlargement Enlargement Original Image Original Image
Size Test Eyechart Size Test Eyechart
A A B B C C
Scalable vector image Scalable vector image
(lossless) (lossless)
The hardware which was used for testing is listed in
The hardware which was used for testing is listed in Table 18.Table 18. The testing method adopted,The testing method adopted, processes and outputs can be represented visually by
processes and outputs can be represented visually by Figure 8.Figure 8.
T
TABLEABLE1818 –– AAVAILABLE HARDWARE FOR BARCODE FUNCTION TESTINGVAILABLE HARDWARE FOR BARCODE FUNCTION TESTING
Printers Printers Office Laser Office Laser Home Inkjet Home Inkjet Photo Inkjet Photo Inkjet Displays Displays Laptop Monitor Laptop Monitor
Touch-screen Tablet Monitor Touch-screen Tablet Monitor Desktop Monitor Desktop Monitor PDA Screen PDA Screen Scanners Scanners Barcode Scanner Barcode Scanner PDA Scanner PDA Scanner
Home flatbed scanner Home flatbed scanner Office flatbed scanner Office flatbed scanner
Scaled raster image eyechart Scaled raster image eyechart
Scaled vector image eyechart Scaled vector image eyechart Faded vector image eyecharts Faded vector image eyecharts
O O b b s s e e r r v v a a t t i i o o n n a a n n d d a a n n a a l l y y s s i i s s 1
1 IImmaagge qe quuaalliitty ty teessttiinngg
2
2 IImmaagge e ssiizze e tteessttiinngg
Software recommendation Software recommendation Display size recommendation Display size recommendation Contrastrecommendation Contrastrecommendation Scaling recommendation Scaling recommendation
F
5.2.2
5.2.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONRESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The summarised results will now be
The summarised results will now be presented and discussed.presented and discussed. IMAGE QUALITY TESTING
IMAGE QUALITY TESTING
It is possible to scan It is possible to scan the barcodes when the black modules have faded by as much as 80%the barcodes when the black modules have faded by as much as 80%
and the white background is darkened by up to 50%. and the white background is darkened by up to 50%.
The scanning of resized raster images is only sensitive to shrinking, with a maximum 40%The scanning of resized raster images is only sensitive to shrinking, with a maximum 40%
reduction. During reduction, the pixels which make up the
reduction. During reduction, the pixels which make up the modules are ‘grouped’modules are ‘grouped’ together and an average value is
together and an average value is taken. This means that the structure of the taken. This means that the structure of the data itself isdata itself is modified and becomes unreadable.
modified and becomes unreadable.
The scalar barcode was resized by as much as The scalar barcode was resized by as much as 600% and the barcode was still readable.600% and the barcode was still readable.
The limit for enlargement encountered was due to the size of the display method The limit for enlargement encountered was due to the size of the display method available and is
available and is dependendependent on the t on the focal distance of the scanner.focal distance of the scanner. IMAGE SIZE TESTING
IMAGE SIZE TESTING
The display size testing discussion is summarised in
The display size testing discussion is summarised in Table 19.Table 19. A key for the size testingA key for the size testing categories is shown in
categories is shown in Table 20Table 20 for interpretation of the results.for interpretation of the results. T
TABLEABLE1919 –– DDISCUSSION OF BARCODE DISPLAY SIZE TESTINGISCUSSION OF BARCODE DISPLAY SIZE TESTING
Results
Results Summarised Summarised discussiondiscussion
Table 21
Table 21 –– Display and scanDisplay and scan medium minimum barcode medium minimum barcode size compatibility matrix size compatibility matrix
The greatest barrier to the readability of the The greatest barrier to the readability of the barcodesbarcodes
was the display capability of the monitors with around 3 was the display capability of the monitors with around 3 modules/mm (Category D).
modules/mm (Category D).
The second significant barrier was the The second significant barrier was the barcode printingbarcode printing
ability of the printers. At