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*Zoom and services that include the name Zoom are services provided by Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
From July 15, 2022, Zoom will have a 40-minute limit even for meetings with two participants if you have a free subscription. (Previously, it was only for meetings with 3 or more people.)
Companies and organizations using Zoom for business should consider switching to a paid license at this opportunity.
We also introduce recommended wearable cameras that can be linked with Zoom, so please refer to them if you are thinking of introducing a remote presence.
What is remote presence? Check the trial guidelines by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Remote presence is a mechanism that uses wearable cameras and web conferencing systems to perform online “stage confirmation,” “material confirmation,” and “witnessing” at construction sites .
Requirements for wearable cameras and web conferencing systems are presented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and it is necessary to select devices and systems that meet the requirements.
Remote presence coverage
Remote presence is permitted in accordance with the requirements for the following types of work and sites.
- A type of work that can be confirmed by video confirmation of stages, materials, and witnessing
- A site that can secure a communication environment that can implement the trial contents required by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Equipment configuration and specifications used for remote presence
As a general rule, equipment such as video cameras (wearable cameras) used for remote presence will be prepared and operated by the contractor.
However, if the ordering party has already prepared materials and equipment, or if they want to specify the web conference system, it is possible to make a decision through mutual consultation.
The specification requirements for the video camera and web conferencing system are as follows.
<Video camera>
| item | specification | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| picture | Number of pixels: 640 x 480 or more Frame rate: 15 fps or more | Color |
| audio | Microphone: Monaural (1 channel) or higher Speaker: Monaural (1 channel) or higher |
<Web conferencing system>
| item | specification |
|---|---|
| Communication line speed | Downstream: 50Mbps or more, Upstream: 5Mbps or more |
| video/audio | Transfer rate (VBR): Average 1Mbps or more |
Implementation and recording/storage of remote presence
The implementation method of remote presence and the flow of recording and storage are as follows.
The contractor
will display necessary information such as “work name”, “type of work”, “confirmation details”, “design values”, “measured values” and “materials used” using a blackboard as appropriate. When recording, read out the necessary information at the beginning and obtain confirmation of the action items by the supervisory staff. In addition, at the end of the training, read out the contents of the points to be confirmed and obtain confirmation of the implementation results from supervisory staff, etc.
Recording and storage
The contractor only distributes the video and audio of the remote presence, and does not need to perform recording and storage. If the confirmation is performed by an on-site technician, the on-site technician will record the video of the remote presence (implementation status) by screen capture etc. on the PC used, register it in the information sharing system (ASP), etc. and store it. (This is the same as the conventional management of witnessing materials.)
Use Zoom even remotely! the way is
Remote presence requires a web conferencing system for distribution along with a wearable camera for shooting.
There are several web conferencing systems that meet the requirements specified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
We will also introduce recommended wearable cameras that can be linked with Zoom.
Role of Web conferencing system in remote presence
In the construction industry, there is an urgent need to resolve issues such as chronic labor shortages and delays in ICT utilization.
Therefore, “remote presence” was conceived as a mechanism to reduce the burden and cost of employees who visit the site, and to perform the presence more efficiently and safely .
Remote presence is expected not only to improve the efficiency of the work of the ordering party and the contractor, but also as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus infection, which is still uncertain.
When switching to a remote presence, it is essential to introduce a wearable camera to capture the scene and a web conferencing system to conduct the presence .
Wearable cameras alone can be used to check the site, but according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it is necessary to record the video (implementation status) of the remote presence on a PC by screen capture, etc., and register it in an information sharing system (ASP), etc. A web conferencing system is required to meet this requirement.
Zoom has a screen sharing function, a meeting recording function, and a data cloud management function, so it can be said that it is a system that is compatible with remote presence.
Wearable camera compatible with Zoom [RealWear]
When using Zoom for remote presence, it is recommended to choose a wearable camera that is compatible with Zoom.
One of the wearable cameras that can be linked with Zoom is RealWear’s wearable computer .
RealWear is headquartered in the United States and is known as the company that developed the world’s first wearable computer for industrial sites.
RealWear products are designed to be used at construction sites, etc., so they can accurately recognize voices even in hot, humid or noisy environments.
In addition to 100% hands-free operation, it also features a high-resolution microdisplay so that even the photographer can check the video and shared files.
Currently, the following two types of products have been judged, both of which are compatible with Zoom.
| HMT-1 (standard model) | HMT-1Z1 (explosion-proof type) | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 8.1 | Android 8.1 |
| chipset | 2.0GHz 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 625 | 2.0GHz 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 625 |
| memory | 16GB internal storage (supports up to 256GB with additional memory) | 16GB internal storage (supports up to 64GB with additional memory) |
| number of pixels | 16 million pixels | 16 million pixels |
| Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac – 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac – 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| battery | 3250mAh Li-ion (field replaceable) | 3400mAh lithium-ion |
| Operating time | About 9-10 hours with normal use | About 8-10 hours with normal use |
| Other performance | Waterproof, dustproof, drop durability | Waterproof, dustproof, explosion proof, drop durability |
Advantages of linking Zoom and wearable cameras
From here, I will explain the merits of linking Zoom and wearable cameras (RealWear products).
In addition, we will introduce several examples of companies that have actually introduced RealWear products, so if you are looking for a wearable camera that can be linked with Zoom, please check it out.
Wearable camera functionality improved with Zoom linkage
RealWear’s wearable computer and Zoom are multi-functional and high-performance tools even when used individually, but by linking them, the following benefits can be expected.
- Voice control of Zoom is possible, and Zoom can be operated even while working
- You can record and manage the video and audio of the wearable camera on the Zoom side
- If you use the group call function of Zoom, you can share information at the same time at multiple locations, etc.
By linking RealWear products and Zoom, it is possible to improve the functionality of RealWear and the operability of Zoom for the photographer .
Simultaneous calls can be made with multiple locations, so work can be progressed more efficiently and speedily.
Introducing case studies of remote presence using a web conferencing system
Companies that have actually introduced RealWear wearable computers have achieved the following results.
| Case 1 | RealWear enables the transmission and reception of high-definition video and audio, facilitating smoother communication with supervisors. In addition, by combining the video conference system and storing the video in the cloud, it is also used as a documentary video. (general construction company) |
|---|---|
| Case 2 | By linking RealWear products and web conferencing systems, we succeeded in reducing the on-site presence to about one-fifth of the conventional level. In addition to reducing travel and time costs for supervisors, it is now possible to utilize on-site human resources for other tasks. (general construction company) |
| Case 3 | Until now, pre-training to acquire skills was conducted in a group format, but with the introduction of remote presence, it is now possible to conduct on-the-job training (OJT) by engineers on site. It is used as a training tool for young workers, as it enables real-time training on the work scenes and techniques of skilled workers. (Expressway maintenance and inspection contractor) |
summary
- Requirements for wearable cameras and web conferencing systems used for remote presence are specified in the trial guidelines of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
- “Zoom”, which has functions such as screen sharing, video and audio recording, and management on the cloud, is compatible with remote presence
- For more effective remote presence, we recommend the “RealWear” wearable computer that can be linked with Zoom
NEC Networks & System Integration provides support for the introduction and coordination of RealWear products and the Zoom system.
If you are a company that has already introduced Zoom and is thinking of switching to remote presence, please contact NEC Networks & System Integration.