School of Computing

University of Dundee

Pocket Interview

Client software

The client software, used for data collection, is run on a Pocket PC handheld computer. The questionnaires interface is created dynamically at runtime by the client. The client software reads the questions from a configuration file.

Kiosk Mode

The software interface is displayed in what is called 'kiosk' mode. This is where the interface is viewed fullscreen. Kiosk mode can be switched on/off by the administrator if they choose.

Demo Mode

Included on the client is a 'demo' mode which can be used for demonstration and to train users.

Prompting

The software can prompt the user to make diary entries, using audio alarms which are triggered following a schedule set up the administrator. The client will record whether the user has missed entries. If the data-providers do not respond to an alarm they can be reminded. Also included is a snooze facility. There may be situations where the user may not want to be disturbed, so they may snooze the device for up to one hour. Multiple protocols of prompts may be run simultaneously. As well as fixed schedules or random intervals the device can also allow the users to record information based on their own initiative.

Encryption

Pocket Interview, allows the data collected to be encrypted using the Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile Enhanced Cryptographic Provider (RSAENH). This conforms to the recent NHS Scotland standard for data held on laptops, memory sticks and all other mobile devices. The standard, introduced in September 2008, outlines the minimum requirements for the protection of mobile data in NHS Scotland. It states that all mobile data devices should be protected through the application of appropriate security controls and encryption regardless of the sensitivity of the information and was introduced in response to recent incidents which involved the discovery of unencrypted medical data on portable computing devices.

System Area

The client includes a system area, which is password protected, and allows administrators to edit settings such as alarm volume, alarm sound and reminders. The administrator can edit the number and length of time in minutes between reminders.

Client

Other Features

Wide variety of question types: checkboxes, radiobuttons, trackbars, text, number, date etc.
Audio - users can record entries as audio using the devices microphone
Images can also be added as thumbnails which can clicked to view the full image

Administration software

The second component of the system is the administration tool which is run on a desktop or laptop PC and is organised into various sections.

Client manager

Used to install the client software on the Pocket PC and the Microsoft .net compact framework

Schedule manager

Consists of a graphical user interface which is used to create the schedules of prompts.

View a demo video of the Schedule Manager here

Data manager

When the client devices have been returned from the data-providers the data will be retrieved. The data manager allows the administrator to collect and organise the data in a suitable manner.

Settings manager

Allows the administrators to adjust the client settings and administer a master settings file.

Questionnaire manager

Used for creating and editing existing questionnaires and consists of a graphical user interface.

View a video which demonstrates constructing a simple questionnaire here

Help

The software will include a comprehensive help system which will include documentation and videos covering trickier parts of the system administration such as branching within questionnaires.

Desktop

Evaluations

There has been great interest in the software already from a broadening group of users. Evaluation has begun with several groups who plan to use the software for their own research purposes and will administer user-created questionnaires and schedules of prompts. These groups are in the process of evaluating the software and have shown so far that they can easily use all aspects of the system with little assistance.

Desktop and Mobile Phone Versions

There are also versions of Pocket Interview which can be run on desktop personal computers and mobile phones. It may not always be necessary to provide users with handheld computers as there will be situations where the data-provider is located in front of a personal computer or have easy access to one. The system is currently compatible with mobile-phones running on the Windows Mobile Professional platform. There are many potential advantages of using mobile phones. These are devices that many users already own and with whose operation they are already familiar. Mobile phone users are more likely to keep the devices with them and less likely to lose or forget them. There is also the potential for project cost savings as no additional equipment requires to be purchased.