From: Ambrose.Moore@f24.n3602.z1.fidonet.org (Ambrose Moore)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: use of advanced tech
Date: 6 Oct 92 21:01:24 GMT
Reply-To: Ambrose.Moore@f24.n3602.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:3602/24 - ADAnet One (tm) Net, Pinson AL
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Index Number: 24648

                --From the Voice of Ambrose Moore-- Hello Pandora!

PN> RZ> Now, wouldn't it be interesting to have the
PN> RZ> computer recognize sign language.  Some research has been done in
PN> RZ> gesture analyzers via camera input, but instead, let's take a
PN> RZ> slightly easier technology to access: power gloves.  These gloves
PN> RZ> which are generally used in virtual reality, could possibly be used
PN> RZ> for identifying sign language symbols (hand motions).
PN>    Intresting yes, but viable and neccessary I don't think so. You
PN>could input
PN>into your computer by typeing just as easily as using a glove and a heck
PN>of a
PN>lot cheaper. But the use of a glove for interfacing could be used to by
PN>pass a
PN>keyboard and a mouse and maybe easier to use for a lot of people as
PN>opposed to
PN>a mouse or holding a stick in your hand to punch out keys.

Hmmm. I agree that the initial costs of implementing such
technology would be staggering, but I believe that the use of
virtual reality in accessing a computer, [via the gloves], is an
excellant one.  I know at present where v.r. is used to design
housing for the disabled.  And I think that, [IMHO], technology is
leaning towards further applications of v.r. in helping the
disabled lead a more indepedent role in society through these sorts
of ideas.

I think that perhaps using a glove with a stick *is* cheaper. But,
co nsider this. When I mentioned to a prospective employer that I
knew how to use a computer, and its different applications,
[WordPerfect, Windows, etc.], he was impressed and made an appt. to
see me at my apt. [He knew I was quad].  We chatted for a while,
and he said that I had good experience, education, etc. and wanted
to see my computer skills on my own system.  On goes the splint,
and stick to access the keyboard. "Oh!  I didn't know you accessed
the computer that way..."  End of interview, gone any hopes of
employment.

I know, I know, I should have told him in the first place.

To me using a stick, just doesn't cut it.  However, the voice
activation device I'm using now, [Voicetype], seems to give me a
bit of an edge. What I guess I'm trying to say is that high-tech
equipment, [such v.r., voice recogntion devices, etc.] can and
should be used whenever and however possible for someone with a
disability, with the cost being a secondary factor.  Perhaps the
ideology of a lot of employers, "How much is it going to cost me?",
needs to be re-examined.   [Ooops! Sounds like I'm straying off
topic!] [g]

PN> RZ> Any thoughts on this, such as shortcomings or research that may
PN> RZ> already be out there?

The use of Virtual Reality, [in regards to its uses for the
disabled], has become a recent fascination with me.  Did you know
that California State University is having a Symposium on "Virtual
Reality and Disability" on June 17-18, of next year?  I'd looove to
go, but I'm afraid my present economic and demographic position
makes it impossible. Ah well, you never know! [g]

Nice chatting with 'ya!

                                           ...power gloves, I love it!

Regards,
>From the Golf, Whiskey, November,
Ambrose Moore

--Voice Console, Go to sleep--
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