Instead of relying on the Internet to link up your distributed machines, PlanetLab would be a closed high performance network that would allow the researchers to avoid the usual Internet traffic jams.
Actually, these types of systems have been studied intensely for years. The US DOT has a whole program centered on smart safety devices called the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI). Many of the OEMs have also been pursuing this in their own labs.
I should point out that intelligent cruise control (speed adjustment to maintain gap between cars) is already in some cars in the US market (e.g., Infinity Q45). Europe and Japan have more models to choose from (cite your favorite US lawsuit quote here). ICC (aka ACC) with limited (~33%) braking authority is just around the corner.
Also, and perhaps more relevant to/. fears, the Eaton Vorad collision warning and ICC system has been on the market for years. There are a lot of trucks out there with these in use.
I had the misfortune of having my logic board fried by an "analog" hotel phone line within the first year of owning my Powerbook. Apple swapped it out for free.
I have not tried working in a white noise space, but it's a good idea if you want to implement acoustic privacy. I remember some research on outdoor spaces that showed people in areas with waterfalls did not necessarily pay attention to the waterfall itself - the attraction was the insulation from the street noise. You'd have to tinker with the sound level and speaker placement so people didn't find themselves in a Cone of Silence. I'd try a grid of small, unobtrusive speakers. Try to use materials and decorations with good acoustic properties (large plants, cieling tiles, fabric banners, etc).
Cube farms can totally suck the life out if you if they are visually unattractive and bland. You can make spaces more interesting using quirky tricks - use an old computer (white noise generator?), LCD projector, and theater blinders to put a dynamic mural on the wall without blinding half your staff. Corkboard or painted homasote walls also allow rapid customization as well as enhance sound dampening.
The same company also makes keyboards with braille displays for regular computers. Good sites to visit on the topic of computer access for the blind are:
If you are in the States, see if there is a local Independent Living Center (sometimes also called Center for Independent Living). These offer support and information for people with disabilities in the local community.
On a separate note, if she is not sensitive to red light, you might be able to whip up a red "grayscale" display. Check the CRT and LCD manufacturing companies to see if they make such screens already for low light work settings (military).
A crazy thought: If the safe light frequency is too narrow for off the shelf screens, you could go the full geek route and construct a matrix using narrow frequency red LED's (like the banner message board signs) and feed the display with the text stream. One of the low vision/blind access software programs might be able to extract the text for the display.
Still no integrated TTY mobile phones
on
Braille PDA/Phone
·
· Score: 1
Actually, the current problem for deaf mobile phone users is that while most modern mobile phones and networks support TTY signals (as required by the FCC), there is still no phone with an integrated TTY. As such, you need to carry a portable TTY with you and plug it into the phone. The fact that the most commonly used TTY protocol is well below typical modem speeds (I can type faster than the text is transmitted) adds to the technical challenge.
Furthermore, some phones produce unwanted interference in nearby hearing aids and cochlear implants. Not all mobile phones play nice with HA's and CI's either so users often have to employ T-Coil neckloops or direct jacks.
One of the guys I used to work with was on a project to recharge electric vehicles with induction. He was telling me that everyone's watches would go backwards whenever the device activated.
Apple wants this so they can issue OS X and application updates (e.g., iDVD aka iLife). This will make (1) impulse purchases more likely and (2) allow them to update the Apple software options in the store nearly instantaneously - think MacWorld releases.
Third party apps are the gravy of this basic meal.
Specifically a Mac game named Bolo based on a serverless ring topology and written by a fellow named Stuart Cheshire. He also happens to be a "Wizard without Portfolio" at Apple and the Co-chairman of the IETF Zeroconf Working Group.
You can still play it. Watch out - it can get pretty addicting.
Slashdot Mirror
I knew linux users could get obsessive, but I didn't realize it had reached this level...
Yes I agree. The company is downright beleagured!!!
You mean they are dying. Thisis Slashdot. Be precise.
Instead of relying on the Internet to link up your distributed machines, PlanetLab would be a closed high performance network that would allow the researchers to avoid the usual Internet traffic jams.
Also known as a private LAN
again
or the expanded dictionary entry:
1. Exhibiting a lack of wisdom or good sense; foolish. Otherwise known as "Slashdot effect"
2. Steve Ballmer on stage.
3. Al Gore attempting humor.
Antonym: Steve Jobs Reality Distortion Field.
Actually, the G5 and Panther (OS update) are rumored to be 64-bit. You might see 64-bit on a Mac first.
I wonder what the radar profile of a pedestrian is.
Actually, it is not very good unless they have a lot of hard material on/in them.
The 300 ft (100m) limit is based on sensor range. Most of the sensors used for this appication become unreliable beyond 100m.
Actually, these types of systems have been studied intensely for years. The US DOT has a whole program centered on smart safety devices called the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI). Many of the OEMs have also been pursuing this in their own labs.
I should point out that intelligent cruise control (speed adjustment to maintain gap between cars) is already in some cars in the US market (e.g., Infinity Q45). Europe and Japan have more models to choose from (cite your favorite US lawsuit quote here). ICC (aka ACC) with limited (~33%) braking authority is just around the corner.
Also, and perhaps more relevant to
I close the lid (Putting the laptop to sleep)
You need SleepWatcher and a dismount script.
You could even have a wakeup script that automounts the appropriate newtork drives when you open the lid.
Now I have to go pee.
I had the misfortune of having my logic board fried by an "analog" hotel phone line within the first year of owning my Powerbook. Apple swapped it out for free.
Free Airborne shipping back & forth too.
How long TiVO's would be running Linux under the hood if Apple did annex TiVO. Personally, im all for it.
I would not assume that Apple would change to a new OS. Keep in mind that Apple uses a 3rd party OS for the iPod.
"Six Great Tips for Homemade Dot Mac Servers"
It just occurred to me that the connector lin-in option may open the door for a AM/FM add-on cartridge...
The title of the press release is wrong. It is referencing the first RoboCup American Open which is happening this weekend.
You have already missed Neal Stephenson, but not the ASIMO demonstrations tomorrow.
Music from Universal
I have not tried working in a white noise space, but it's a good idea if you want to implement acoustic privacy. I remember some research on outdoor spaces that showed people in areas with waterfalls did not necessarily pay attention to the waterfall itself - the attraction was the insulation from the street noise. You'd have to tinker with the sound level and speaker placement so people didn't find themselves in a Cone of Silence. I'd try a grid of small, unobtrusive speakers. Try to use materials and decorations with good acoustic properties (large plants, cieling tiles, fabric banners, etc).
Cube farms can totally suck the life out if you if they are visually unattractive and bland. You can make spaces more interesting using quirky tricks - use an old computer (white noise generator?), LCD projector, and theater blinders to put a dynamic mural on the wall without blinding half your staff. Corkboard or painted homasote walls also allow rapid customization as well as enhance sound dampening.
The same company also makes keyboards with braille displays for regular computers. Good sites to visit on the topic of computer access for the blind are:
Trace Center
Smith-Kettlewell RERC
Section 508
W3C's WAI
National Center for Accessible Media
If you are in the States, see if there is a local Independent Living Center (sometimes also called Center for Independent Living). These offer support and information for people with disabilities in the local community.
On a separate note, if she is not sensitive to red light, you might be able to whip up a red "grayscale" display. Check the CRT and LCD manufacturing companies to see if they make such screens already for low light work settings (military).
A crazy thought: If the safe light frequency is too narrow for off the shelf screens, you could go the full geek route and construct a matrix using narrow frequency red LED's (like the banner message board signs) and feed the display with the text stream. One of the low vision/blind access software programs might be able to extract the text for the display.
Actually, the current problem for deaf mobile phone users is that while most modern mobile phones and networks support TTY signals (as required by the FCC), there is still no phone with an integrated TTY. As such, you need to carry a portable TTY with you and plug it into the phone. The fact that the most commonly used TTY protocol is well below typical modem speeds (I can type faster than the text is transmitted) adds to the technical challenge.
Furthermore, some phones produce unwanted interference in nearby hearing aids and cochlear implants. Not all mobile phones play nice with HA's and CI's either so users often have to employ T-Coil neckloops or direct jacks.
With Adobe's idea of G4 optimization
How about a native program first?
Quartz? What's that?
One of the guys I used to work with was on a project to recharge electric vehicles with induction. He was telling me that everyone's watches would go backwards whenever the device activated.
Apple wants this so they can issue OS X and application updates (e.g., iDVD aka iLife). This will make (1) impulse purchases more likely and (2) allow them to update the Apple software options in the store nearly instantaneously - think MacWorld releases.
Third party apps are the gravy of this basic meal.
Has anyone tried hooking this into the Speech preferences or [insert your favorite ASR software here]?
"Computer, get new mail"
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that Dave..."
Actually it all started with games.
Specifically a Mac game named Bolo based on a serverless ring topology and written by a fellow named Stuart Cheshire. He also happens to be a "Wizard without Portfolio" at Apple and the Co-chairman of the IETF Zeroconf Working Group.
You can still play it. Watch out - it can get pretty addicting.