Trucking Technology Alert - Dec. 27
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
- Voice Interaction Software to Improve Alertness
- Wireless Carriers Increase Demand for Voice Support
- Voice Activation Prevents Distraction
- Lockheed Martin Develops Middleman Role
- Wireless Carriers Increase Demand for Voice Support
Voice Interaction Software to Improve Alertness
Dr. Dimitri Kanevsky and Dr. Wlodek Zadrozny of IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center have created a software system that can interact vocally with automobile drivers. Dr. Kanevsky, who is hearing impaired, got the inspiration for the invention when he realized that conversations on long car trips not only entertain drivers but keep them alert.The Artificial Passenger system he and Zadrozny devised would run from inside the car dashboard and use synthesized speech to tell jokes, play games, and keep the driver amused. The software would also pick up the driver's responses via microphones and speech-recognition technology, while cameras might be used to detect lip movement.
Wireless Carriers Increase Demand for Voice Support
A lot of messaging device manufacturers are starting to install voice capabilities into their handheld devices.The manufacturers are responding to pressure from wireless carriers, which are demanding products that are able to take full advantage of upcoming networks. Toronto-based RIM, for example, has added voice support to its popular BlackBerry email device, which enables users to talk on the phone and check their email at the same time. Sources close to the company said that European carriers requested that the Canadian company put voice support into the devices to take advantage of the fact that their General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks will eventually support both data and voice.
In the meantime, Motorola is actually discontinuing its traditional pager business in order to focus on messaging devices with voice capability. Motorola recently introduced its Accompli 009, which can be used for phone functions, wireless email, and Short Message Service using a GPRS network. Devices like the Accompli and the voice-enabled BlackBerry will compete against devices like Handspring's Treo and various upcoming smart phones from Ericsson and Nokia. eWeek (12/20/01); Nobel, Carmen
Voice Activation Prevents Distraction
Driver distraction, particularly when caused by the use of mobile phones, has attracted national attention in recent times.A lot of states have passed or are in the process of passing legislation that would forbid motorists from talking on the phone while driving. As a result, accessories that enable motorists to talk on the phone without having to hold it are becoming more and more common and may eventually become mandatory.
In the meantime, the immediate reaction to the issue of driver distraction has been cut down or eliminate activities that induce drivers to take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. Voice activation is already available in many cars, not only for mobile phones but also for other activities, such as operating the air-conditioning system or changing radio stations.
A voice recognition system that would be able to read email aloud in a safe and practical manner has not yet been developed, although General Motors says it has taken steps toward creating such a system with its OnStar Virtual Advisor, which presents almost all of its information--including email--audibly over a phone line. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started taking testimony on the subject of driver distraction, although so far, there has been very little scientific evidence to go on.
For that reason, Ford Motor has built a $10 million simulator that is designed to test how electronics in the car can become a hazard. Popular Science (12/01) Vol. 259, No. 6, P. 84; McCosh, Dan
Lockheed Martin Develops Middleman Role
The defense contractor Lockheed Martin will start providing Web supply chain management services early in 2002, as the company increases its role as a middleman between suppliers and customers.According to David Gibbs, a program manager at the Surface Systems unit of Lockheed's Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems division, the unit has started managing how the U.S. Navy purchases and stores parts for an undisclosed defense system.
Next year, the division plans to extend the services to other commercial and government customers. Lockheed has said it is now capable of delivering a part anywhere in the United States in less than four business days, and anywhere in the world in less than four business days. The U.S. Navy stated that it expected the contract with Lockheed Martin to save it millions of dollars in inventory costs.
Beyond managing inventory and orders, the Web supply chain management system enables Lockheed to take into account such factors as seasonal variations in demand, a major issue when sending parts to naval vessels that sail all around the world.
Lockheed will be offering the services either directly to its customers or through Exostar, an aerospace exchange that is partially backed by Lockheed. InternetWeek (12/24/01) No. 889, P. 8; Moozakis, Chuck
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