Browsing Research Papers (Computer Science) by Title
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Now showing items 43-47 of 47
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Glaser, Meryl; Tucker, William D. (2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents a description of telecommunications for Deaf people in South Africa by contrasting the situation in the developed world. We explain the main motivations for providing a locally appropriate solution. Research activity began with a community-based field trial of TTYs. The recommendations of the trial motivated an innovative approach to provide synchronous and accessible relay services. Drawing from international technological developments, we designed a software solution called the SoftBridge. We employ iterative Action Research cycles to drive technological modifications to the SoftBridge and to encourage adoption by the end-user community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/593 Files in this item: 1
GlaserTucker-CVHI2004.pdf (162.9Kb) -
Chetty, Marshini; Tucker, William D.; Blake, Edwin H. (Telkom, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Rural areas in South Africa have unique conditions such as remoteness and scarcity of reliable public facilities. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) introduced into these areas must be suitable for these conditions. Using a user-centred design approach based on Participatory Design and Action Research, we have developed a telemedicine application for a rural village in the Eastern Cape. This paper describes how we determined the requirements and design for the application and why we chose Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) combined with a store and forward approach to achieve our telemedicine goals. We present an overview of the methodology we are using, describe the software application we have developed and mention several challenges we have faced to date. Finally we conclude that VoIP and store and forward technologies are appropriate to the South African rural situation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/621 Files in this item: 1
ChettyTuckerBlake-SATNAC2004.pdf (287.0Kb) -
Penton, Jason; Tucker, William D.; Glaser, Meryl (Telkom, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: We have developed a prototype bridge that relays text and speech between Teldem, a text telephone for the Deaf, and a standard telephone or H.323 endpoint. Telgo323 uses modified H.323 media gateways and open source Text to Speech and Speech to Text software. The approach allows for easy integration of new tools as the technologies mature. This paper presents the design of the implementation prototype, discusses Teldem tone decoding, and suggests directions for future work. The Telgo323 provides evidence that an automated relay bridge is imminently viable for the Deaf Community, and further demonstrates an attractive approach for building bridges over the Digital Divide. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/612 Files in this item: 1
PentonTuckerGlaser-SATNAC2002.pdf (99.60Kb) -
Chetty, Marshini; Tucker, William D.; Blake, Edwin H. (Telkom, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a great disparity between those who have access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and those that do not. This phenomenon forms part of the Digital Divide. Many ICTs may be used to help overcome this divide if they are applied in a useful way, providing locally applicable content and services. Critical Action Research (CAR) is an approach used to develop such applications. CAR aims to empower people by involving them in the development process. Using CAR, this project investigates how Voice over IP (VoIP) may be applied in a productive way in an underserviced community. VoIP is an ICT used for sending voice over packet switched networks using Internet Protocol. It can be used to integrate data and voice to produce multimedia applications. In South Africa (SA), VoIP may only be provided by Telkom, the Second National Operator and the Under-Serviced Area Licensees. Using CAR and VoIP, an application is being developed to service a specific need of a particular rural community. The application will either provide a service to a small rural business or aid the provision of healthcare in rural areas. The project evaluates how well CAR integrates with a normal Software Development Lifecycle and makes policy recommendations for the use of VoIP in rural SA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/479 Files in this item: 1
ChettyTuckerBlakeDigitalDivide2003.pdf (35.78Kb) -
Glaser, Meryl; Tucker, William D. (Telkom, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: A Teldem provides text-based telephony services to the deaf. Despite an array of text-based communications mechanisms on the web, the Teldem is the only means of synchronous telecommunication available to a deaf person. We examine a human-assisted relay that provides a bridge between the deaf and the hearing, and then propose several additional bridges. These bridges take advantage of both standard and cutting edge technologies. We present each bridge's impact on the deaf with respect to synchrony, connectivity, independence, and the Digital Divide. It is hoped that by deploying trials for each bridge, we can eventually provide the deaf with equal access. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/613 Files in this item: 1
GlaserTucker-SATNAC2001.pdf (146.9Kb)
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Now showing items 43-47 of 47