Let's here it for Linux.. check this out... Note: the "Jupiter" mentioned here is Carl Dahlk's talking command-line interface to linux. HMM, hope I spelled his name correctly from memory! <smile> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David A. Ross" <davidross1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > > We, the Atlanta VA Rehab R&D Center, are the group developing this and > using the DoubleTalk board with Jupiter to produce speech output. It is > a wearable computer orientation and wayfinding system running linux that > uses gps and dead-reckoning when gps signal is not available. We are > working in collaboration with Charmed Technology, the maker of the > Charmed wearable computer. They have made a custom wearable for us with > the DoubleTalk board built into the case. > > We are also making this wearable compatible with a variety of street > crossing systems. And for indoor use we are working with a company > called Talking Lights to replicate the gps signal indoors using > fluorescent lights as the transmission signal. Finally, we are working > with Mike May to develop an indoor mapping and routing system that will > link into the building computer to obtain a directory and building map. > > Mike May also has a separate 5-year project funded by NIDRR to build an > orientation and wayfinding system using the Braille Note computer. > Unfortunately for Mike's programmers, and others who may want to make > use of that system, it is running Windows CE. > > As to interfacing with an ATM, Gregg Vanderheiden has been working on > that for a number of years now, and a standards group has formed to work > on the communications protocol for doing this using either a serial IR > link or blue tooth. Once they complete this standard, and the banks > agree to it, we can include this function on our wearable computer. > > By the way, banks really like this idea because the interface -- usually > the touch screen -- is what always breaks on these machines. Usually > because someone tried touching them a bit too hard with a hammer. In > response, banks have designed the ATM egg that has no user interface at > all. It is just a solid, locked vault with money in it and a slot to > spit out the money. To access it you need a PDA with IR communications > or a cell phone with internet capability. We happen to be using the > same type of IR communications for our wearable that they are > considering, so when it becomes available, we can implement it on the > Charmed wearable. > > Our project just got started last January, and will last 3 years. > Hopefully after that time, Charmed will put this special wearable > computer on the market. > > Hope this is helpful, > David > > -- > David A. Ross, Biomedical Research Engineer > Atlanta VA Rehab R&D Center > 1670 Clairmont Rd., Mail Stop 151R > Decatur, GA 30033 > (404) 321-6111x6817 > >
