Hand Held Computer
Encyclopedia
Hand Held Computer is the device used during the address canvassing portion of the 2010 Census conducted by the United States Census Bureau
.
al edict, the United States Federal Government is mandated to provide the President
with a census count every 10 years. Historically, the census was gathered via mailed forms. In order to acquire the most comprehensive list of addresses ever compiled, specifically designed, single purpose computers were used for the first time in 2009.
, an established Department of Defense
contractor, via a controversial contract with the Department of Commerce. Secured access via a fingerprint swipe guaranteed that only the verified user had access to the unit. A GPS capacity was integral to the daily address management and the transfer of information that was gathered. Of major importance was the security and integrity of the personal and private information of the populace.
, President Obama's Census Director appointee, there was much mention of contracting problems but very little criticism of the units themselves. In rural areas there was a problem with transmission of data to and from the HHC. Since the units were updated nightly with important changes and reprogramming, operator implementation of proper procedure was imperitive. Dramatic disfunction and delays were caused if the units were not put into sleep mode
overnight.
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
.
2010 Census
By ConstitutionUnited States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
al edict, the United States Federal Government is mandated to provide the President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
with a census count every 10 years. Historically, the census was gathered via mailed forms. In order to acquire the most comprehensive list of addresses ever compiled, specifically designed, single purpose computers were used for the first time in 2009.
Paper cost
The driving force to use the Hand Held Computer was to lessen the enormous amount of paper used in prior census operations. Projected savings were hoped to be in the millions of dollars. Unexpected additional savings were gained due to the effectiveness of the HHC and the reduced (in terms of duration) salaries required. (The AddCAN task was projected to take 8 weeks but was completed in under 6)Security precautions
The HHC was manufactured by Harris CorporationHarris Corporation
Harris Corporation is a Florida-based international communications equipment company that produces wireless equipment, electronic systems, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. It is also the largest private-sector employer in...
, an established Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
contractor, via a controversial contract with the Department of Commerce. Secured access via a fingerprint swipe guaranteed that only the verified user had access to the unit. A GPS capacity was integral to the daily address management and the transfer of information that was gathered. Of major importance was the security and integrity of the personal and private information of the populace.
Success and failure
Enumerators (information gatherers) that had operational problems with the device understandably made negative reports. During the 2009 Senate confirmation hearings for Robert GrovesRobert Groves
Air Commodore Robert Marsland Groves CB DSO AFC RAF was a Royal Navy officer involved with naval aviation during World War I. He was awarded his Aviator's Certificate no. 969 on 15 November 1914. After transferring to the Royal Air Force in 1918, he served as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and held...
, President Obama's Census Director appointee, there was much mention of contracting problems but very little criticism of the units themselves. In rural areas there was a problem with transmission of data to and from the HHC. Since the units were updated nightly with important changes and reprogramming, operator implementation of proper procedure was imperitive. Dramatic disfunction and delays were caused if the units were not put into sleep mode
Sleep mode
Sleep mode refers to a low power mode for electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and remote controlled devices. These modes save significant electrical consumption compared to leaving a device fully on and idle, but allow the user to avoid having to reset programming codes or wait for a...
overnight.