[accesscomp] FW: Friday Finds for May 20 2016, Dan's Tip
- From: "Robert Acosta" <boacosta@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "AccessibleWorld Book Discussion ." <aw-booktalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "access comp" <accesscomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <tek-talk-discussion@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 20 May 2016 14:18:46 -0700
Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
(818) 998-0044
www.helpinghands4theblind.org
From: dan Thompson [mailto:dthompson5@xxxxxxxxx] ;
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 9:55 AM
To: dan Thompson
Subject: Friday Finds for May 20 2016, Dan's Tip
Friday Finds for May 20 2016
The start of each article is marked with an asterisk. Using the find/replace
feature of your word processor, type in the asterisk (shift plus numeral eight)
then hit enter to jump between articles.
Contents
1. Pondering questions
2. Fact of the day
3. Tech term
4. Words of Wisdom:
5. Orbit Reader from American PrintingHouse for the Blind
6. Making the System Tray Visible in Windows10
Clever Tricks with Leftovers
8. Upgrade deadline for Windows Ten does not apply to users of assistive
technology
9. Apple quietly toughens rules forcing passcode unlocks of Touch ID devices
10. The Neighborhood News Online Monthly Magazine
<http://bizviznet.com/classifieds-corner/show-ad/67/the-neighborhood-news-online-monthly-magazine/united-states/newsletters-magazines-and-publications/>
11. MIT creates origami robot you can swallow
12. Deque Systems will now be offering their entire curriculum of Deque
University online courses in web and digital accessibility to people with
disabilities for free
13. Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children of Australia has heretofore
offered the UEB Online site where teachers and parents could learn Braille at
no cost in an accessible version for screenreader users
14. Project BLAID: Toyota's Contribution to Indoor Navigation for the Blind
15. Is Your Hut Burning
16. Top Ten Reasons to Belive in the Christian Faith
Articles start next:
*1) Pondering Questions
a. An electric train is moving north at 100mph and a wind is blowing to the
west at 10mph. Which way does the smoke blow? (There is no smoke with an
electric train.)
b. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it? (The
Egg won’t crack the concrete floor!)
*2) Fact of the Day: Smoking
" Tobacco smoking, particularly cigarette smoking, is the single-most
preventable cause of the death in the United States.
Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, a person's blood pressure returns to
normal. Within one year, the chance of suffering a heart attack decreases by
half.
Smoking tobacco emerged from religious ceremonies in the Americas and was
probably initially restricted to only shamans, priests, and medicine men.
Ramon Pane, a monk who accompanied Christopher Columbus to the Americas, is
usually credited with introducing tobacco to Europe.
Renaissance author Ben Jonson argued that smoking was the "devil's fart."
Women in the United States increasingly began smoking publicly in the 1920s
when the cigarette was adopted by advertisers as a symbol of equality,
rebellion, and women's independence.
Only recently, and mainly in Western countries, has smoking been seen as a
serious health hazard. Smoking rates in the United States have dropped by
half since 1965, from 42 percent to 26 percent of adults. Smoking in
developing countries, however, is rising.
*3) Tech Term:
Ajax is a combination of Web development technologies used for creating
dynamic websites . While the term "Ajax" is not written in all caps like most
tech acronyms, the letters stand for "Asynchronous JavaScript And XML."
Therefore, websites that use Ajax combine JavaScript and XML to display
dynamic content.
The "asynchronous" part of Ajax refers to the way requests are made to the Web
server . When a script sends a request to the Web server, it may receive
data, which can then be displayed on the Web page. Since these events happen
at slightly different times, they are considered to be asynchronous. Most Ajax
implementations use the XMLHttpRequest API , which includes a list of server
requests that can be called within JavaScript code. The data is usually sent
back to the browser in an XML format, since it is easy to parse . However,
it is possible for the server to send data as unformatted plain text as well.
What makes Ajax so powerful is that scripts can run on the client side,
rather than on the server. This means a JavaScript function can make a request
to a server after a webpage has already finished loading. The data received
from the server can then be displayed on the page without reloading the other
content. If a server-side scripting language like PHP or ASP was used, the
entire page would need to be reloaded in order for the new content to be
displayed.
While you may not realize it, you have probably seen Ajax at work on several
different websites. For example, search engines that provide a list of
search suggestions as you type are most likely using Ajax to display the
suggestions. Image searches that produce more thumbnails as you scroll
through the results typically use Ajax to retrieve the continual list of
images. When you click "Older Posts" at the bottom of a Facebook page, Ajax
is used to display additional postings.
Ajax has helped make the Web more dynamic by enabling webpages to retrieve and
load new content without needing to reload the rest of the page. By using
Ajax, Web developers can create interactive websites that use resources
efficiently and provide visitors with a responsive interface.
Christensson, P. (2011, April 13). Ajax Definition. Retrieved 2016, May 20,
from http://techterms.com
http://techterms.com/definition/ajax
*4) Words of Wisdom:
“It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief, and once that belief
becomes a firm conviction, things begin to happen.” ~ Claude M. Bristol
As William Arthur Ward says, "If I can imagine it, I can achieve it; if I can
dream it, I can become it."
“You simply will not be the same two months from now after consciously giving
thanks each and every day for the abundance that exists in your life. You will
set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for,
the more will be given to you.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach
Affirmations are helpful when they are positive thoughts that help to establish
empowering beliefs. They need to be true; it's counter-productive to lie to
yourself. Say what you want, not what you don't want. Speak without a sense of
time, like it's true now, already.
Empowering Affirmations
I feel grateful for everything I experience in this lifetime.
I overcome, I grow, and I prosper all the time.
My experiences and difficulties make me better, stronger, wiser and more alive.
I am grateful for the great health, love, and experiences - both good and bad-
that my life has created for me.
I feel so grateful for all of my life experiences as they have all made me a
better person.
I choose to appreciate everything I have, even the basic things such as food,
breath and shelter.
I am grateful that I can think, that I have free will to use those thoughts and
to
change my life as I choose.
I am grateful for even things that challenge me as I know it is part of my
spiritual growth.
I focus my thoughts on positivity and thankfulness, always, now and forever.
It is such a gift to have my life.
I am grateful knowing I have direct control over my well-being and am the
master of my destiny.
I feel I am ready to love and to be loved.
More and more, I love and accept myself exactly as I am.
The love I give out returns to me multiplied.
I choose to receive more love, support and wealth from the vast supply of the
universe.
I see the beauty in my surroundings and I radiate joy and love.
I deserve all that is good and prosperous in my life.
I choose to feel more and more confident.
I am protected, guided, and connected with the highest good at all times.
I recognize and honor my talents, abilities, and skills.
I choose to live my life the way that makes me happy.
(Inspiring Quotes of the Week ~ Affirmations)
http://www.trans4mind.com/quotes/affirmations.html
*5) Orbit Reader
The high cost of refreshable braille devices (mechanical braille generated by
computer-
driven pins) has remained nearly constant for over 30 years. The Transforming
Braille
Group LLC agreed to fund development of a new technology proposed
by Orbit Research. This technology maximizes simplicity, reliability, and
greatly
reduces cost.
Note: Unit shown is a prototype.
Announcing the Orbit Reader 20™
Working with Orbit Research, APH is proud to announce that the “Orbit Reader
20”
will be available from APH in late 2016!
The Orbit Reader 20 will have a price point dramatically lower than similar
devices on
the market today. The Orbit Reader 20 is a small, portable device featuring:
Refreshable display of 20 braille cells with pins that represent any six-
or eight-
dot braille code
Reads the contents of files on an SD (Secure Digital™) card for
stand-alone
operation
Connects to computers and portable devices via USB or Bluetooth™ for use
with
a screen reader
Braille input keys
Includes simple note-taking capability
Rechargeable batteries (user replaceable)
Using the Orbit Reader 20
As a Stand-Alone Device: Users can read braille content stored on an SD card
that
plugs into the Orbit Reader 20. Content is loaded onto the card in one of two
ways:
Sent by a library
Prepared on a computer and copied to the card
Connected to a Computer or Tablet: Users can connect the Orbit Reader 20 to a
computer or portable device that uses a screen reader to:
Use apps like Kindle®, Adobe Digital Editions®, or iBooks® to read
commercially available titles in braille
Employ any accessible technology for browsing, utilities, and education
Read High-Quality Transcribed Braille: There are multiple sources of available
files
transcribed into high quality braille. Some examples are: the National Library
Service
(NLS), American Printing House for the Blind (APH), and National Braille Press
(NBP).
Read “Quick and Dirty” Braille: You may also use free translation software on
the
web to obtain “quick and dirty” braille. Some examples are: bookshare.org
(generates
braille formatted files from the titles in its library); DAISY Pipeline; and
APH’s “Send to
Braille.” http://tech.aph.org/lt/
Features
20 eight-dot refreshable braille cells
Eight braille input keys and space bar
Five-way arrow and select control keys
2 panning control bars
Micro-B USB charging/communication port
SD card slot
Power button
Bluetooth radio
To Order
?Orbit Reader 20: $TBA
Note: The Orbit Reader 20 will be released in late 2016 and will be available
for
purchase from the American Printing House for the Blind.
www.aph.org
(Contributed by Trish)
*6) Making the System Tray visible in Windows 10
Here are the instructions for windows 10.
system tray in windows 10 making it visible
If you have some of your usual applications missing in the system
tray, try this.
Go to your desk top and tab until you hear start button.
Hit your applications key and find properties. If you don't see
properties, hit alt enter and that should bring them up.
now control + tab until you find your on the taskbar and start menu
properties page.
Keep tabbing and do the following
make sure the location of the taskbar is set to the bottom of the
screen so jaws or whatever screen reader you are using can see it.
Now tab again and you will be on another listview of radio buttons.
you need to select. with the arrow keys, Never combine.
now tab again and you will be on a button saying, customize. press
enter on this.
You'll land in the settings page and be in an edit field which will
say search box, find a setting edit
tab to the ;list box which will say notifications and action
Tab several times till you hear select which icons appear on the taskbar link.
this is a lik so press enter on it.
Tab to always show all icons in the notificationb area
this is a toggle, if its off hit the space bar to turn it on.
then hit alt f4 which will bring you back to the previous page.
Tab to Okay and press enter.
Contributed with permission from John Gassman
<johngassman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*7) Clever Tricks with Leftovers
If your refrigerator is at all like mine, it harbors leftovers and an odd
assortment almost empties—bottles and jars of dressings and condiments. So what
can you do with that? Try these suggestions on for size.
LEFTOVER APPLESAUCE
That last bit of applesauce in the jar will make a wonderful coleslaw dressing.
Make sure you have about 1/2 cup applesauce left in the jar. Now add the
following ingredients right into the jar:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/3 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons water
Apply the lid, shake well and toss with 4 cups shredded cabbage or packaged
coleslaw mix. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld. Yield: 8 servings.
LEFTOVER SALAD DRESSING
It’s a rare refrigerator that doesn’t have an assortment of almost-empty salad
dressing bottles. Here’s what you can do with any oil and vinegar dressings
like Caesar, Italian or other vinaigrettes—even the low-fat varieties: Mix them
together to make a marinade for beef, pork or chicken. The oil adds flavor, the
vinegar (or other acid like lemon juice) tenderizes. You need enough to coat
the meat or
poultry, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before roasting,
grilling or baking.
LEFTOVER BUTTERMILK
That 1/2 cup of buttermilk left over won’t last forever. Before it goes bad use
it to make fabulous oven-fried fish. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking
pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. In a
flat dish or pan mix together 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2
teaspoon oregano,
1/8 teaspoon cayenne, stirring with a fork until blended. Pour the buttermilk
into a shallow bowl.
Cut fish fillets to equal four servings (catfish is perfect for this recipe)
into portion-
sized pieces. Dip each piece in the buttermilk and then in the cornmeal
mixture, making sure to dip both sides of each piece. Place on the sprayed
foil. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets or spray with olive oil-flavored
cooking spray. Bake for 25
minutes.
LEFT OVER COOKED RICE
Turn that rice into a wonderful quiche crust. Mix together 2 cups white or
brown leftover cooked rice, one beaten egg and one teaspoon soy sauce.
Spread evenly to cover a well-buttered quiche or pie pan. Bake crust at 350 F.
for
10 minutes. Remove from oven. Place any kind of fresh or frozen vegetables
(broccoli is a good choice) or meat in bottom of crust. Mix together 4 beaten
eggs,
1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half, salt and pepper to taste and a dash of
nutmeg.
Pour over vegetables, meat or whatever you‘ve placed in that crust. Top with 1
cup grated cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Jack or any combination thereof). Bake at
350 F.
for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near center of pie comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving.
This recipe is so versatile, you can practically clean out the refrigerator
right into your quiche pan. Just remember to add the cheese last to make a
beautiful,
mellow, brown crust on the top.
(Mary Hunt's Everyday
Cheapskate blog
www.everydaycheapskate.com
*8) Upgrade deadline for Windows Ten does not apply to users of assistive
technology
You may want to hang on to this page for future articles on this story.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3067755/windows/microsoft-waives-julys-windows-10-upgrade-deadline-for-assistive-tech-users.html
<div> <img
src="http://secure-us.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=us-203426h ;
<http://secure-us.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=us-203426h&cg=0&cc=1&ts=noscript>
&cg=0&cc=1&ts=noscript"
width="1" height="1" alt="" /> </div> <iframe
src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?GTM-K7239P"height="0"
width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe>
<http://www.pcworld.com/author/Mark-Hachman/>Mark Hachman |
<https://twitter.com/markhachman>@markhachman
Senior Editor, PCWorld
* May 9, 2016 2:38 PM
While Microsoft may be sounding the alarm about the end of the free upgrade
period for Windows 10, one group of users shouldn't have to
worry: those who use assistive technologies.
Microsoft plans to end its one-year free upgrade program on July 29, after
which Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will have to pay for the privilege of
using Windows 10. But that deadline will not apply to users of technologies
designed for disabilities, Microsoft said in a blog post.
"We are continuing to deliver on our previously shared vision for accessibility
for Windows 10 and we are committed to ensuring that users of assistive
technologies have the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10 for free as we do
so," Daniel Hubbell, a Microsoft accessibility technical evangelist,
<https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/accessibility/2016/05/06/accessibility-and-the-windows-10-free-upgrade/>wrote.
It's unclear how many computer users actually make use of assistive
technologies, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimated in 2012 that 33 million Americans have a disability that makes it
difficult for them to carry out daily activities.
Examples of assistive technologies in Windows 10 include Narrator, a
screen-reader app that vocalizes text; Magnifier, a digital magnifying glass
for those with poor vision; and Speech Recognition, which allows you to control
your PC using your voice alone. Microsoft also lists a number of certified
<https://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/matvplist.aspx>third-party
assistive accessories, including literacy software and Braille keyboards.
Why this matters: Unfortunately, Microsoft's blog post leaves many questions
unanswered and a company spokesperson couldn't elaborate on details, for now.
Until then, you have to wonder: What constitutes a "user" of an assistive
technology? Will Microsoft make this determination, or is there a way for a
user to self-certify that they are in fact disabled? Conversely, will there be
methods in place to ensure that the loophole isn't used by able users to take
advantage of the waiver? And how long will disabled users have before this
offer expires? Microsoft has promised us answers, but we don't have them right
now.
John
JAWS Certified, 2014.
http://www.FreedomScientific.com/Certification
Contributed by Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
http://accessibleworld.org
*9) > Apple quietly toughens rules forcing passcode unlocks of Touch ID devices
By Roger Fingas
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Apple has silently added another condition under which an iPhone or
iPad user has to unlock their device with a passcode, despite having
Touch ID enabled, according to a report.
iOS will now ask for a passcode if it hasn't been unlocked that way
for six days, and Touch ID hasn't been used in the last eight hours, MacWorld
said.
A quoted Apple spokesperson claimed the rule has been in place since
iOS 9 was released in Sept. 2015, but MacWorld noted this is
inconsistent with the iOS Security guide, which only mentioned the
change starting May 12. Apple declined to offer an explanation.
The company has several such rules in place, the two most common
forcing a passcode unlock if a device is rebooted or hasn't been
unlocked for 48 hours. Others require a passcode after new fingers are
added to Touch ID, a person tries five unsuccessful Touch ID logins,
or someone issues a remote lock via Find My iPhone.
If the discovered rule is genuinely new, it's not clear how or when
Apple might have made the change, since iOS 9.3.1 was released in
March and 9.3.2 arrived earlier this week.
Regardless, the tactic is presumably a means of reinforcing the
security of Apple devices. It could potentially have an impact on U.S.
law enforcement, which has already begun seeking court orders
compelling people to unlock iPhones with their fingerprints
Original Article At:
http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/05/19/apple-quietly-toughens-rules
-forci ng-passcode-unlocks-of-touch-id-devices
Contributed by viphone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx on behalf of; Kelly
*10) The Neighborhood News Online Monthly Magazine
<http://bizviznet.com/classifieds-corner/show-ad/67/the-neighborhood-news-online-monthly-magazine/united-states/newsletters-magazines-and-publications/>
Hello! My name is Patty L. Fletcher and I am the creator of an online magazine
called The Neighborhood News. The mission of The Neighborhood News is to bridge
the gaps that separate and cause negativity and strife for us all. Gaps such as
disABILITY, both physical and mental, And Blind Abilities: Bridging the Gap
between the limited expectations and the realities of blind Abilities.
<http://bizviznet.com/classifieds-corner/show-ad/66/blind-abilities-bridging-the-gap-between-the-limited-expectations-and-the-realities-of-blind-abilities/usa/community-websites-groups-and-lists/>
“When we share what we see through each other’s eyes, We can then bridge the
Gap between the limited expectations and the realities of Blind Abilities.” The
Free Blind Abilities App is the quickest way to reach High School students,
College bound Students and those seeking information about Blindness.
<http://bizviznet.com/wp-content/uploads/awpcp/images/img_0060-00b59f97-large.jpg>
http://bizviznet.com/wp-content/uploads/awpcp/thumbs/img_0060-00b59f97-primary.jpgClick
to enlarge image.
<http://bizviznet.com/wp-content/uploads/awpcp/images/img_0060-00b59f97-large.jpg>
Contact Information
Contact Seller
<http://bizviznet.com/classifieds-corner/reply-to-ad/67/the-neighborhood-news-online-monthly-magazine/>
Phone : 423.963.9476
Location : United States
Visit Website <http://campbellsworld.wordpress.com/>
https://campbellsworld.wordpress.com/
*11) MIT creates origami robot you can swallow
MIT origami
Robots are not all huge walking contraptions, ripe for abuse by human
engineers. Some of them are small enough to operate inside the human body, and
that’s exactly what a new robot developed at MIT is all about. The
“ingestible origami robot” can fold up inside a pill to be swallowed. After
unfolding itself, the robot can be steered around to clear obstructions or
patch wounds by doctors on the outside.
It took a number of prototypes before the team settled on a material for the
robot’s frame — dried pig intestine. So, this is pretty much a robot made out
of sausage casing that shrinks when heated. It consists of two layers of
structural sausage material with inlaid magnetic components. A pattern of
slits in the structure determines its folded shape.
The origami bot was developed at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial
Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/228345-mit-creates-origami-robot-you-can-swallow?mailing_id=1827994&mailing=ExtremeTech&mailingID=E12518C8FE2616BDF1669D4A2E13BBED
with the aid of researchers from the University of Sheffield and the Tokyo
Institute of Technology. As the name implies, the ingestible origami robot
begins life folded up inside a pill. For its test, MIT scientists use a
pill-shaped ice capsule to move the robot through a simulated esophagus and
stomach. Once it’s in the stomach, the ice melts and the robot unfolds, ready
for action.
The origami bot can propel itself (via an external magnetic field) through a
process called “stick-slip” motion. The robot’s flexible surface sticks to the
stomach via friction when it moves, but it can slide along freely when the
body flexes to change shape. The biocompatible makeup of this robot means it’s
more flexible than similar robots , and that allows it to get about 20% of its
movement from simple paddling force from its fin-like shape.
View the robot at this link.
http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/228345-mit-creates-origami-robot-you-can-swallow?mailing_id=1827994
<http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/228345-mit-creates-origami-robot-you-can-swallow?mailing_id=1827994&mailing=ExtremeTech&mailingID=E12518C8FE2616BDF1669D4A2E13BBED>
&mailing=ExtremeTech&mailingID=E12518C8FE2616BDF1669D4A2E13BBED
*12) Deque Systems will now be offering their entire curriculum of Deque
University online courses in web and digital accessibility to people with
disabilities for free. This one-year access to their courses is said to be a
$315 value:
https://dequeuniversity.com/scholarships ;
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DGlUkm2rcqjYvSfnDq4M8PXJ1RaMWZMmeWbPurUPy3ssyJyDDEyKvReKdunLunUYiUXxmZii4ElegJbmSgM_vVImpBrI4YosSt6eFn_MUMiaAQfPGwUow4jeVFnkrBYPJtsJJ7xuhyTs_duCNuOXHWeGnH72IqLyxrtlB2Og10HlZEWiiJj2yQARBLEOBQRa&c=LaZTFANxEE9dAtds6vK_pdrn40Lm-CiqfcH0VFgSRF9w7vCA8EGd6g==&ch=ex7Lf4tkoL6ajC3tNH-HB3NvQjP8Z38lVCZ8v8P98WKLWqBpFQzG0w==>
*13) Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children of Australia has heretofore
offered the UEB Online site where teachers and parents could learn Braille at
no cost. They have now launched an accessible version for screen reader users.
Here is the original version:
http://www.uebonline.org/ ;
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DGlUkm2rcqjYvSfnDq4M8PXJ1RaMWZMmeWbPurUPy3ssyJyDDEyKvReKdunLunUYRfsXIHx5YaVaDb5-dEUjEXQvQfoVoEgEYTUO3bodzNjs89j7R-1aV0V3crrsPC7qLkj1fk5glUmPhT-EIkkY7Spt2bEj1J4V7KtR4fKlXOg=&c=LaZTFANxEE9dAtds6vK_pdrn40Lm-CiqfcH0VFgSRF9w7vCA8EGd6g==&ch=ex7Lf4tkoL6ajC3tNH-HB3NvQjP8Z38lVCZ8v8P98WKLWqBpFQzG0w==>
And the accessible version can be found here:
http://accessible.uebonline.org/ ;
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DGlUkm2rcqjYvSfnDq4M8PXJ1RaMWZMmeWbPurUPy3ssyJyDDEyKvReKdunLunUYofWIuzJ4m0WZZeD3QzOu4eBH1eIt-4zQkHfa1zWz9bTSZ1L9YRtB1WAxTSXxcGwmYhtUc-8-p3qcAjfvVfYZRsPe_jYE2oANxF1Rs34Jc7UrQf8gVYnlqg==&c=LaZTFANxEE9dAtds6vK_pdrn40Lm-CiqfcH0VFgSRF9w7vCA8EGd6g==&ch=ex7Lf4tkoL6ajC3tNH-HB3NvQjP8Z38lVCZ8v8P98WKLWqBpFQzG0w==>
I have visited the page and found it extremely informative.
*14) Project BLAID: Toyota's Contribution to Indoor Navigation for the Blind
Jamie Pauls
For many of us, the idea of using robots in our daily lives is still the stuff
of science fiction. But what if creative minds really could harness the power
of technology in ways that would not only serve as tools of convenience, but
perhaps even provide indispensable assistance that couldn't be measured in
dollars and cents?
For the people who are a part of Toyota's
<http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/partner_robot/http:/www.apple.com/>
Partner Robot Group,
http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/partner_robot/http:/www.apple.com/
using technology
to help improve the lives of regular people is more than just a passing idea;
it is what they do every day. Partner Robot Group works to assist people in
four main areas: 1) domestic duties, 2) nursing and medical care, 3)
manufacturing, and 4) short-distance personal transport. They are working on
robots that play the violin, travel places that humans can't easily go, and
assist with the medical care of people who are ill.
Doug Moore is one of the members of the Partner Robot team at Toyota, and he is
currently working on technology that might eventually aid blind people as they
travel. Before you stop reading and say to yourself that you already have all
the aids you need, from good cane and dog guide-handling skills to an array of
GPS apps on your smartphone, stop and think about the last time you went to a
large hotel or shopping mall. The place was probably very crowded, and the
acoustics were possibly not conducive to good travel, either. And where were
any easily discernible landmarks that you could use to reliably map out your
surroundings? This is what the Partner Robot Group is working on: indoor
navigation. What if you could easily find a desired office or restaurant in a
large building with little or no difficulty? And what if you could do this in a
way that did not draw unwanted attention to your blindness? If this sounds
appealing to you, then keep reading.
Project BLAID: a Possible Solution for Indoor Navigation for People with Visual
Impairments
Recently, Toyota's Partner Robot Group began thinking of ways to assist blind
people in the area of independent travel. They realized that there are already
many excellent solutions for outdoor travel. There plenty of good mainstream
and assistive technology solutions that people who are blind can use in order
to determine where they are, map a route to a desired location, and
successfully navigate to that location using a combination of good orientation
and mobility training and new hardware- or software-based technology. But there
is still much work to be done in the area of indoor travel. The team began
exploring various forms that this new travel aid might take, and they talked
with many blind people, including those from the <http://lighthouse-sf.org/>
San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. Internally, the project was known
http://lighthouse-sf.org/
as BLAID, which is short for "Blind Aid." As of this writing, Project BLAID
does not yet have an official title.
Rather than creating a companion robot that would accompany a blind person
everywhere, the team decided to take a look at wearable devices in order to
determine if that might be a better solution. Focus groups were presented with
shoes, gloves, belts, headgear, and many other wearable options, but the team
eventually settled on a device to be worn around the shoulders, much like a
neck pillow.
How Project BLAID Provides Navigation
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Partner Robot team member Doug
Moore about Project BLAID. As I learned through my conversation with Moore,
many of the questions I posed were the same as those being asked by the team
itself.
One of the first things I asked was whether it would be necessary to pair the
wearable device with a smartphone. Although this may be an enhancement that
some will take advantage of, it will not be necessary to use anything other
than this device when navigating.
The Partner Robot Group is working to ensure that this over-the-shoulder device
will be as fashionable as possible. Focus groups were presented with many
different designs, and the end result was a sleek design that the test
participants were very pleased with.
I next asked about how the wearer would access information on the device in a
way that would not be distracting to others, and would allow the wearer to
maintain personal privacy. According to Moore, the device will not only have
built-in speakers and a headphone jack, but will allow for Bluetooth
connectivity to devices such as the <http://www.aftershokz.com/> AfterShokz
bone conduction headphones.
Vibrations will also be available if desired, for use with or without sound.
As I continued to visit with Moore, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of
providing meaningful data for this unit. How would it be possible to map every
building that a blind person would want to visit, and how would that
information be kept current?
Navigation information will be stored on the wearable device itself, but there
will certainly be a need to constantly update existing information. Wi-Fi
connectivity and SD cards are certain to be part of this process. It will be
necessary for the device to integrate with other technology such as iBeacons in
order to obtain information about hotels, malls, airports, and the like.
The Bottom Line
As you read this article, stop and allow yourself to recall a project that you
started, but soon gave up on because there were simply too many details--too
many unanswered questions. For Doug Moore and the other members of the Toyota
Partner Robot Group, those impossible questions are where the hard work really
begins. As Moore talked about his work, I gained the sense that he really was
proud of the accomplishments that the Partner Group has achieved. They are able
to see the positive impact that their efforts have on people's lives--this is
what keeps the team going.
One day, when Project BLAID has an official name, and when we are all using a
cool-looking wearable device to navigate the hotel where we are playing with
all the newest technology at the latest CSUN convention, perhaps we will take a
moment to thank the members of Toyota's Partner Robot Group for not giving up
on finding answers to the hard questions.
As with most projects, the work being done on Project BLAID will provide a
springboard for new projects. What yet-to-be-released technology will make the
difficulties associated with indoor navigation a distant memory? In the short
term, perhaps developers of technologies such as Apple's iBeacons can work with
Toyota and others to bring the needs of the visually impaired community to the
forefront. We have most likely just scratched the surface of what is to come in
the area of indoor navigation, and there are bound to be some exciting times
ahead. Will it be possible to take the knowledge learned from the work being
done on indoor navigation and apply that knowledge to outdoor travel as well?
Will Toyota's Partner Robot Group be a part of that work also? Only time will
tell, but there is no reason to think that this innovative, hard-working team
won't continue to enrich the lives of the blind community for many years to
come.
Product Information
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6c0JD5ti8M&feature=youtu.behttp://www.apple.com/>
This video with audio description provides more information about Project
BLAID.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6c0JD5ti8M&feature=youtu.behttp://www.apple.com/>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6c0JD5ti8M&feature=youtu.behttp://www.apple.com/
Visit the
<http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/partner_robot/http:/www.apple.com/>
Toyota Partner Robot Group website to learn more about their work.
http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/partner_robot/http:/www.apple.com/
<http://www.thetoyotaeffect.com/> TheToyotaEffect.com is a great way to find
out all of the things that Toyota is doing to enrich the lives of people
everywhere.
http://www.toyota.com/usa/story/effect/index.html
*15) IS YOUR HUT BURNING?
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for
God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none
seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to
protect him from the elements,
and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food,
he arrived home to find his
little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened;
everything was lost. He was
stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was
approaching the island. It
had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of
his rescuers. "We saw
your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose
heart, because God is at
work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time
your little hut is burning to
the ground ---- it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
-- Author Unknown
Contributed by Trish
*16) TOP TEN REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
TOP TEN REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
1. The Credibility of Its Founder: Peter spoke for Jesus' closest followers
when he said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69)
2. Reliability of Its Book: The integrity of this historical and geographical
record is supported by archeology. The Bible continues to speak not only with
spiritual power but with convincing prophetic accuracy.
3. Explanations for Life: It is the Christian faith that reflects a caring
attention to detail so evident in the species and ecosystems of the natural
world. It is Christ who clothed himself in our humanity to feel what we feel
and then to suffer and die in our place.
4. Its Continuity with the Past: The Christian faith offers continuity with
our deepest ancestral roots. Those who trust Christ are accepting the same
Creator and Lord worshiped by Adam, Abraham, and Solomon.
5. Its Foundational Claim: The first Christians were witnesses. They risked
their lives to tell the World that with their own eyes they had seen an
innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them 3 days later.
6. Its Power to Change Lives: Not only were the first disciples dramatically
changed but so were their worst enemies. Paul was transformed from a killer of
Christians into one of their chief advocates (Galatians 1:11-24)
7. Its Analysis of Human Nature: The Bible says that society's real problems
are problems of the heart. In an age of information and technology, failures
of character have scandalized institutions of the family, religion, and the
arts.
8. Its View of Human Achievement: Generation after generation has hoped for
the best. We have conceived technologies that will deliver us from the
oppressive slavery of work. Yet we are as close as ever to what the New
Testament describes as the end times. (Matthew 24:5-31)
9. Its Impact on Society: From roof tops to necklaces to earrings, we see the
sign of the cross, bearing visible witness to Christ's death. Social relief
agencies have been fueled by the direct or residual values
of The Bible.
10. Its Offer of Salvation: No other faith offers everlasting life as a gift
to those who trust the One who has overcome death for them. No other system
offers assurance of forgiveness and adoption into the family of God.
-- Author Unknown
Contributed by Trish
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a
deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
II Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV
Y
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