Hi Subramani
Perhaps, you had not read it until the end. I had provided the source.
Anyways it is:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/presse/fup/2009/fup_09_241/index.html
Harish Kotian
----- Original Message -----
From: "Subramani L" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:23 PM
Subject: Re: [AI] Reading device for the blind
Hai Harish:
Has it been taken from a newsletter? What's the source?
Subramani
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Kotian, H P
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 10:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [AI] Reading device for the blind
Computer Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin Start Field Trials
No. 241 issued on 09/16/2009
The artificial intelligence group at Freie Universität Berlin, under the
direction of the computer science professor Raúl Rojas, has developed a new
type
of information system for blind and visually impaired individuals. Field
trials are being carried out to optimize the device for future users. During
the
next six months it will be tested by 25 persons. The artificial intelligence
group at Freie Universität is collaborating with a research group at the
Telekom
Laboratories headed by Dr. Pablo Vidales and the Berlin Association for the
Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired e.V. The joint project is
called
InformA. After completion of the field trials, it will receive funding from
the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research through its EXIST seed
funding program for university-based business start-ups. In addition, IBM
Germany is providing funding for further development of the device at Freie
Universität.
"InformA" is a small computer that is connected wirelessly to the Internet.
The device is operated like a radio. The user can choose between different
information
channels. By pressing a button, the time or the weather will be announced,
but there are also current newspapers available as audio files (currently
Tagesspiegel
and taz).
In addition, e-mails can be read aloud by the device. The user can answer
e-mails by dictating a message. An integrated camera makes it possible to
have
printed documents such as letters or package information leaflets read aloud
fully automatically. In more complicated cases - such as a statement of
account
for a heating bill - the user of the device can take a photo of the document
and send it to a call center. Persons doing community service instead of
military
service who work for the Berlin Association for the Education of the Blind
and Visually Impaired e.V. then provide further assistance. "Through the
wealth
of information provided by InformA, the device can also be of interest for
older people without previous experience with computers, who until now have
not had access to information offered through the Internet," according to
the project leader, Raúl Rojas.
Twenty-five individuals have already volunteered for the field trials. In a
second phase, another 25 will be added. In order to optimize the device, the
participants will be interviewed during the course of the trials, about how
they cope with the device. There is no charge for participating in the field
trials.
Dr. Armgard von Reden, who is the director of governmental programs at IBM
and who signed the cooperation agreement between Freie Universität and IBM,
stated,
"The integration of persons with disabilities has a long history at IBM.
That applies to our products, where we are constantly working to provide
barrier-free
access to the information society. But it also applies to the nearly
century-old tradition of employing people with disabilities at IBM."
InformA is an example of an information appliance. Even in the age of the
Internet, it is not always necessary to use a fully equipped computer for
online
communications. Specialized equipment, such as internet radios, can cover
specific needs, if the equipment is small, portable, and easy to use.
German Telecom is providing 50 DSL lines and just as many InformA
information devices for the participants in the field trials. After the
field trials IBM
Germany will be supporting the project at Freie Universität Berlin as part
of its diversity program. IBM will provide funding for student asistants and
computers.
Source: http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/presse/fup/2009/fup_09_241/index.html
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