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Controlling Smart Spaces by Blind and Low Vision Individuals Using Technology Available in 2004

By Hofstader, Christian D.; Iype, Sheena; ICOST 2004, 2nd International Conference on Smart Homes and Health Telematics: Toward a Human-Friendly Assistive Environment, Vol. 14, pp. 269-277

Publication Date: 2004

Article focuses on assistive technology (AT) applications that can be used for environmental control in the homes of people with visual disabilities. Three AT applications are highlighted: (1) PAC Mate from Freedom Scientific, (2) Elba from Papenmeier, and (3) the BrailleNote family of products from Pulse Data, Incorporated. The PAC Mate is a personal digital assistant that utilizes Bluetooth and Ethernet wireless networks, which allow them to connect to and control devices that are supported with drivers for the Microsoft Pocket PC Platform. The Elba is another portable device that runs on the GNU/Linux operating system. Thus, the device can control applications that run on this platform. BrailleNote devices can control some smart devices so long as communication requires only Ethernet. The products are based on the KeySoft proprietary software system, and work with other devices manufactured by Pulse Data. A technological evaluation of the process of environmental control with these devices is presented.

Assistive Products Discussed: PAC MATE BNS
PAC MATE TNS
ELBA - BRAILLEX EL BRAILLE ASSISTANT
BRAILLENOTE MPOWER BT 32
BRAILLENOTE MPOWER BT 18
BRAILLENOTE PK
This article or book was published by: IOS Press   (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
ISBN: 1-58603-457-X
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number R08566
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