Thursday, August 31, 2006

Robots for the Real World

Professor Rodney Brooks, Director of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, gave a talk at the ANU in Canberra on Tuesday on Demographics, Labor Markets, Robotics, and ICT:
The bulge of baby-boomers moving through the population of the west has in many ways determined priorities in medecine, science, and technology for the last 60 years. It will continue to do so for the next few decades. We will see demand for increased productivity in jobs that have traditionally involved manual labor. Robotics provides one way to meet those demands, and the critical research areas in robotics and more general information and communication technologies will be driven by those demands. Australia provides interesting test cases in certain areas while other regions of the world provide complementary cases.
The professor provided an entertaining talk with videos of robots at different stages of development. He argues that low cost flexible robots which can be easily set up by workers (not robot experts) are becoming feasible. Robots need not be able to do everything a human can do to be useful, they can do the easy (for them) more repetitive tasks.

He used the example of the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner, which several researchers have written about.

However, all his robots seemed to be very mechanical. One place where robots have become very successful is on the Internet. Web 'bots search the web and respond to routine email inquiries. These work well because the cyberspace world was specially built for them. Perhaps robots and people can more easily interact in a cyberspace enhanced real world workplace.

As an example a robot with a camera can see how many parts are in a bin next to a production line. But a cyberspace enhanced robot will also be able to see how many parts are in the warehouse next door, by checking the warehouse database. If the human operator is equipped with virtual reality glasses (or just an ordinary computer screen), they will also be able to see this as well and better interact with the robot.

Building robots needs some mechanical sophistication. As an example Professor Brooks discussed a touch sensor made of a dimpled sheet of rubber fitted with magnets and hall effect sensors. When the rubber dimple is deflected the movement of the attached magnet is detected by the hall effect sensor. But this seems a very complex design.

It might be simpler to adapt a cheap membrane keyboard:
...membrane keyboard basically consists of three layers; two of these are membrane layers containing conductive traces. The center layer is a "spacer" containing holes wherever a "key" exists. It keeps the other two layers apart.
... when the top layer is pressed down (with a finger), it makes contact with the bottom layer. ... The switch is now "closed", and the parent device registers a keypress.
If a tiny version of this was made with different thickness rubber buttons, which button was pressed would indicate the force applied. This would make a cheap and simple pressure sensor without the need for magnets or hall effect devices.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Smart vehicles and subs in Canberra

At its open day on 26 August 2006 the Australian National University displayed the test-bed vehicle for its Smart Cars project and a minature robot submarine.

The test-bed vehicle in is a modified 1999 Toyota Landcruiser Four Wheel Drive. From the outside, the only obvious difference from any other SUV is a laser Range finder mounted on the bull bar, to scan the road ahead. Inside it is packed with computers and cameras.

The submarine is only about half a metre long, with five specially designed electric motors in place of the complex moving control surfaces of a conventional submarine. The intention is to have a large number of these submarines under computer control, cooperating to collect data under the ocean.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Australian ICT Standards to be Withdrawn

Standards Australia has advised that it is planning to withdraw some Australian Standards which are more than 10 years old. Details are:
Also the Productivity Commission has released a study into the Australian Government’s relationship with Standards Australia.

The list of standards to be withdrawn is a bit difficult to read, as they are grouped in batches by date inspected. I have extracted the ICT standards from the latest version of the list and sorted them by the name of the standard:

Communication and information technology standards for withdrawal by Standards Australia.
As at 22 August 2006.
DesignationTitleCommitteeComment closes




AS 1436-1983Alphanumeric character set OCR-B for optical recognition IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3716-1989Character sets and information coding - ISO 8-bit code for information interchange - Structure and rules for implementation IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3510-1987Data communication - Arrangements for DTE to DTE physical connection V.24 and X.24 interchange circuits IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3636.1-1989Data storage and transfer media - Storage, transportation and maintenance of magnetic media for use in data proccessing and information storage Exchangeable disksIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3636.3-1989Data storage and transfer media - Storage, transportation and maintenance of magnetic media for use in data proccessing and information storage Flexible disk cartridges (diskettes)IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3636.4-1989Data storage and transfer media - Storage, transportation and maintenance of magnetic media for use in data proccessing and information storage Magnetic tape cartridges and cassettesIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3636.2-1989Data storage and transfer media - Storage, transportation and maintenance of magnetic media for use in data proccessing and information storage Magnetic tape on spoolsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3714-1989Data storage and transfer media - Volume and file structure of flexible disk cartridges (diskettes) for information interchange IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1245-1972Dimensions and location of rectangular punched holes in 80 column punched paper cards IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1069-1971Dimensions for punched paper tape for data interchange IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1073.1-1979Dimensions of hubs and reels for magnetic tape for instrumentation interchange General purpose hubs and reels, with 76 mm (3 in) centre holeIT-0012006-07-29
AS 1073.3-1979Dimensions of hubs and reels for magnetic tape for instrumentation interchange General purpose reels with 8 mm (5/16 in) centre holeIT-0012006-07-29
AS 1073.2-1988Dimensions of hubs and reels for magnetic tape for instrumentation interchange Precision reelsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 1521-1976Grid system for printed circuits IT-0012006-07-03
AS 1560-1989Guidance for the mounting of discrete electronic components on printed boards IT-0012006-07-03
AS 2412-1980Information interchange on 3.81 mm (0.150 in) magnetic tape cassette at 4 cpmm (100 cpi), phase encoded at 63 ftpmm (1600 ftpi) IT-0012006-07-03
AS 2750-1985Information processing - 9-track, 12.7 mm (0.5 in) wide magnetic tape for information interchange - Format and recording, using group coding at 246 cpmm (6250 cpi) IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1009-1983Information processing - 9-track, 12.7 mm wide magnetic tape for information interchange recorded at 32 rpmm IT-0012006-07-29
AS 2825-1985Information processing - Character structure for start/stop and synchronous character-oriented transmission IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3602-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 12.7 mm wide magnetic tape cartridges - 18 tracks, 1491 data bytes per millimetre IT-0012006-07-03
AS 2910-1986Information processing - Data interchange on 130 mm (5.25 in) flexible disk cartridges using modified frequency modulation recording at 7 958 ftprad, 1.9 tpmm (48 tpi), on both sides -... IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3630.1-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 130 mm (5.25 in) flexible disk cartridges using modified frequency modulation recording at 13 262 ftprad, on 80 tracks on each side Dimensional, physical and magnetic characteristicsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3630.2-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 130 mm (5.25 in) flexible disk cartridges using modified frequency modulation recording at 13 262 ftprad, on 80 tracks on each side Track format B for 80 tracksIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2847.1-1986Information processing - Data interchange on 130 mm (5.25 in) flexible disk cartridges using two-frequency recording at 7958 ftprad, 1.9 tpmm (48 tpi), on one side Dimensional, physical and magnetic characteristicsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2847.2-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 130 mm (5.25 in) flexible disk cartridges using two-frequency recording at 7958 ftprad, 1.9 tpmm (48 tpi), on one side Track formatIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3605.1-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 200 mm flexible disk cartridges using modified frequency modulation recording at 13 262 ftprad, 1.9 tpmm on both sides Dimensional, physical and magnetic characteristicsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3605.2-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 200 mm flexible disk cartridges using modified frequency modulation recording at 13 262 ftprad, 1.9 tpmm on both sides Track formatIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2747.1-1985Information processing - Data interchange on 200 mm flexible disk cartridges using two-frequency recording at 13 262 ftprad on one side Dimensional, physical and magnetic characteristicsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2747.2-1985Information processing - Data interchange on 200 mm flexible disk cartridges using two-frequency recording at 13 262 ftprad on one side Track formatIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3606.1-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 6.30 mm magnetic tape cartridge using GCR recording at 394 ftpmm, 39 cpmm Mechanical, physical and magnetic propertiesIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3606.2-1988Information processing - Data interchange on 6.30 mm magnetic tape cartridge using GCR recording at 394 ftpmm, 39 cpmm Streaming modeIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2765-1985Information processing - File structure and labelling of flexible disk cartridges for information interchange IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1068-1987Information processing - File structure and labelling of magnetic tapes for information exchange IT-0012006-07-29
AS 2356.4-1980Information processing - Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its extensions Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its 7-bit and 8-bit extensions on 3.81 mm magnetic tape cassette for data interchangeIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2356.1-1980Information processing - Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its extensions Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its 7-bit and 8-bit extensions on 9-track 12.7 mm (0.5 in) magnetic tapeIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2356.3-1980Information processing - Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its extensions Representation of the 7-bit coded character set on 12-row punched cardsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2356.2-1980Information processing - Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its extensions Representation of the 7-bit coded character set on punched tapeIT-0012006-07-29
AS 1953-1987Information processing - ISO 7-bit and 8-bit coded character sets - Code extension techniques IT-0012006-07-03
AS 2414-1980Information processing - Magnetic tape cassette and cartridge labelling and file structure for information interchange IT-0012006-07-03
AS 2631-1983Information processing - Self-loading cartridges for 12.7 mm wide magnetic tape IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1341-1982Information processing - Unpunched paper tape IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3601-1988Information processing - Volume and file structure of CD-ROM for information interchange IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3513-1987Information processing systems - Data communication - High-level data link control balanced classes of procedures - Data-link layer address resolution/negotiation in switched environments IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3511-1987Information processing systems - Data communication - Multilink procedures IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3631.1-1989Information processing systems - Data interchange on 90 mm flexible disk cartridge using modified frequency modulation recording at 7958 ftprad on 80 tracks on each side Dimensional, physical and magnetic characteristicsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3631.2-1989Information processing systems - Data interchange on 90 mm flexible disk cartridge using modified frequency modulation recording at 7958 ftprad on 80 tracks on each side Track formatIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3616-1989Information processing systems - Open Systems Interconnection - Connection oriented presentation protocol specification IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3615-1989Information processing systems - Open Systems Interconnection - Connection oriented presentation service definition IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3622-1989Information processing systems - Open Systems Interconnection - Internal organization of the network layer IT-0012006-07-29
AS 3620-1989Information processing systems - Open Systems Interconnection - Service conventions IT-0012006-07-29
AS 4033.3-1992Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Abstract service definition conventionsIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.8-1998Information Technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Electronic data interchange messaging serviceIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.9-1998Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Electronic data interchange messaging systemIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.7-1992Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Interpersonal messaging systemIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.5-1998Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Message store - Abstract service definitionIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.4-1992Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Message transfer system - Abstract service definition and proceduresIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.2-1992Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Overall architectureIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.6-1992Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems Protocol specificationsIT-0012006-07-03
AS 4033.1-1992Information technology - Text communication - Message-oriented text interchange systems System and service overviewIT-0012006-07-03
AS 2250-1979Office machines and data processing equipment - Keyboard layouts for numeric applications IT-0012006-07-03
AS 2546.3-1988Printed boards Design and useIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2546.0-1987Printed boards Terms and definitionsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2570-1982Printing specifications for optical character recognition IT-0012006-07-29
AS 2797-1985Programming language - Minimal BASIC IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1305.1-1974Punched tape for data interchange General requirementsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 2948.1-1987Solderless connections Solderless wrapped connections - General requirements, test methods and practical guidanceIT-0012006-07-29
AS 1070-1971The definition of 4-bit character sets derived from the Australian Standard 7-bit coded character set IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1244-1972Unpunched paper cards for information interchange IT-0012006-07-29
AS 1072.1-1973Unrecorded magnetic tapes for instrumentation applications General and dimensional requirementsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 1072.2-1974Unrecorded magnetic tapes for instrumentation applications Physical properties and test methodsIT-0012006-07-29
AS 3525-1988Bank cards - Magnetic stripe data content for Track 3IT-0052006-07-29
AS 2805.8-1986Electronic funds transfer - Requirements for interfaces Financial institution message contentIT-0052006-07-29
AS 2805.7-1986Electronic funds transfer - Requirements for interfaces POS message contentIT-0052006-07-29
AS 3524-1988Identification cards - Financial transaction cardsIT-0052006-07-29
AS 3659-1989Securities - International Securities Identification Numbering system (ISIN)IT-0052006-07-29
AS 3656-1989Computer graphics - Graphical Kernel System for three dimensions (GKS-3D) functional description IT-0062006-08-18
AS 3643.1-1989Computer graphics - Initial graphics exchange specification (IGES) for digital exchange of product definition data GeneralIT-0062006-08-18
AS 3643.2-1992 Computer graphics - Initial graphics exchange specification (IGES) for digital exchange of product definition data - Subset of AS 3643.1 - Two-dimensional drawings for architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industriesIT-0062006-08-18
AS 1114.1-1985Numerical control of machines Data format for positioning, line motion and contouring control equipmentIT-0062006-08-18
AS 1115-1985Numerical control of machines - Axis and motion nomenclature IT-0062006-08-18
AS P4-1968Commercial forms IT-0082006-08-18
AS P5-1969Punching patterns for round holes used in files and loose leaf binders IT-0082006-08-18
AS 3521-1988Identification cards - Physical characteristicsIT-0122006-07-29
AS 3522.1-1988Identification cards - Recording technique EmbossingIT-0122006-07-29
AS 3522.3-1988Identification cards - Recording technique Location of embossed characters on ID-1 cardsIT-0122006-07-29
AS 3522.4-1988Identification cards - Recording technique Location of read-only magnetic tracks- Tracks 1 and 2IT-0122006-07-29
AS 3522.5-1988Identification cards - Recording technique Location of read-write magnetic track - Track 3IT-0122006-07-29
AS 3522.2-1988Identification cards - Recording technique Magnetic stripeIT-0122006-07-29
AS 1189.2-1982Data processing - Vocabulary Arithmetic and logic operationsIT-0152006-08-18
AS 1189.22-1987Data processing - Vocabulary CalculatorsIT-0152006-08-18
AS 1189.13-1987Data processing - Vocabulary Computer graphicsIT-0152006-08-18
AS 1189.9-1985Data processing - Vocabulary Data communicationIT-0152006-08-18
AS 1189.21-1987Data processing - Vocabulary Interfaces between process computers systems and technical processesIT-0152006-08-18
AS 1189.10-1982Data processing - Vocabulary Operating techniques and facilitiesIT-0152006-08-18
AS 1189.15-1987Data processing - Vocabulary Programming languagesIT-0152006-08-18
AS 2645-1987Information processing - Documentation symbols and conventions for data, program and system flowcharts, program network charts and systems resources charts IT-0152006-08-18
AS 3649-1990Information processing - SGML support facilities - SGML document interchange format (SDIF)IT-0152006-08-18
AS 3514-1987Information processing - Text and office systems - Standard generalized markup language (SGML) IT-0152006-08-18
AS 2742-1984Information processing - Use of longitudinal parity to detect errors in information messages IT-0152006-08-18
AS 1340-1975Symbols for SI units for systems with limited character sets IT-0152006-08-18
AS 2761-1989Character sets and information coding - Control functions for 7-bit and 8-bit coded character sets IT-0272006-08-18
AS 2749-1985Information processing - Basic mode control procedures for data communication systems IT-0272006-08-18
AS 2793.1-1985Information processing - Coded character sets for text communication General informationIT-0272006-08-18
AS 2793.2-1985Information processing - Coded character sets for text communication Latin alphabetic and non-alphabetic graphic charactersIT-0272006-08-18
AS 2760-1985Text communication - Registration of graphic character subrepertoires IT-0272006-08-18
AS 1998-1977A6 microfiche for engineering and other data (excluding computer output microfiche) MS-0042006-08-18
AS 3549-1989Production typing tests MS-0162006-08-18
AS 1102.12-1984Graphical symbols for electrotechnology Electric tractionTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1102.101-1989Graphical symbols for electrotechnology General information and general indexTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.351-1978International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Automatic controlTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.131-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electric and magnetic circuitsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.151-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electric and magnetic devicesTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.461-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electric cablesTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.826-1983International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electrical installations of buildingsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.302-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electrical measuring instrumentsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.446-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electrical relaysTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.581-1979International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electromechanical components for electronic equipmentTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.303-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electronic measuring instrumentsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.531-1975International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electronic tubesTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.301-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary General terms on measurements in electricityTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.601-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - GeneralTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.602-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - GenerationTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.604-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - OperationTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.603-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - Power system planning and managementTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.605-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - SubstationsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.841-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Industrial electroheatingTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.321-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Instrument transformersTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.471-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary InsulatorsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.845-1989International Electrotechnical Vocabulary LightingTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.101-1978International Electrotechnical Vocabulary MathematicsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.551-1983International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Power electronicsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.881-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Radiology and radiological physicsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.521-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Semiconductor devices and integrated circuitsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.441-1985International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Switchgear, controlgear and fusesTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.691-1975International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Tariffs for electricityTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.371-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary TelecontrolTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.431-1981International Electrotechnical Vocabulary TransductorsTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.726-1983International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Transmission lines and waveguidesTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.131-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electric and magnetic circuits TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.101-1978International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Mathematics TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.351-1978International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Automatic control TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.151-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electric and magnetic devices TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.461-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electric cables TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.826-1983International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electrical installations of buildings TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.446-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electrical relays TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.581-1979International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electromechanical components for electronic equipment TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.303-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electronic measuring instruments TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.531-1975International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electronic tubes TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.301-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - General terms on measurements in electricity TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.601-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - General TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.602-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - Generation TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.604-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - Operation TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.603-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - Power system planning and management TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.605-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity - Substations TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.321-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Instrument transformers TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.471-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Insulators TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.845-1989International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Lighting TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.881-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Radiology and radiological physics TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.521-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.441-1985International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Switchgear, controlgear and fuses TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.691-1975International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Tariffs for electricity TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.371-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Telecontrol TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.431-1981International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Transductors TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.726-1983International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Transmission lines and waveguides TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.841-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary รข€” Industrial electroheating TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.302-1988International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Electrical measuring instruments TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1852.551-1983International Electrotechnical Vocabulary Power electronics TE-0132006-08-18
AS 3702-1989Item designation in electrotechnology TE-0132006-08-18
AS 1046.1-1978Letter symbols for use in electrotechnology GeneralTE-0132006-08-18
AS 1046.2-1978Letter symbols for use in electrotechnology Telecommunications and electronicsTE-0132006-08-18

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Movie designs better than the real thing?

Last Saturday I attended a talk by Gavin Tyrrell (aka "IronGav") on "designing for screen". This was organized by the Centre for New Media Arts at ANU and held ay the National Museum of Australia.

X-35 ScreenGavin described the process for producing the images on computer screens in the movie "Superman Returns". One scene which got my attention was a fictional X-35 fighter jet tracking superman. The radar cockpit display was shown. Gavin explained that they developed this display from information for the real X-35 aircraft, but made it look more dramatic than the real thing for film use.

The X-35 was the prototype of the real F-35 aircraft, which Australia is considering buying. The Australian Defence Department has asked for input from University researchers on developing the F-35.

It occurred to me that not only computer scientists, but digital artists might assist, by designing the cockpit displays in the real aircraft. The skills used to quickly tell a story visually in a film could be used to quickly convey information to a pilot.

I suggested this at a talk I gave at the Australian Defence Force Academy on Monday on how to podcast from the F-35.

Inspiring bridges and tunnels

Last Thursday I attended the Canberra Engineering Wonders Forum, as part of science week. This will be on ABC Radio National "By Design" in a few weeks.

The panel was asked to nominate inspiring bridges and tunnels. They could think of lots of bridges but no tunnels.

Sydney Anzac bridge from the air in fog, photo by Sam WorthingtonThe Sydney Anzac bridge must be one of the memorable bridges. Have a look at it from the air in fog.

At question time I asked about building a tunnel under the Himalayas to connect China to India, via Tibet. The tunnel expert said this was feasible. In "High Hopes As Tibet Railway Opens" (August 2006 International Railway Journal) Keith Barrow points out that there will only be a 100 km gap between the Indian and Chinese rail systems.

In terms of existing tunnels, the Channel Tunnel must be inspiring, for linking nations. Unfortunately it has not been a financial success. Also you do not actually see the tunnel, either the entrance portal nor tunnel walls, when travelling though it by train.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Belconnen to City Transitway Submission

Photo of North East of Belconnen Bus Interchange showing hole in new roof panel, mismatch between old and new panels and paint peelingThe ACT Government asked for comment on building a bus way (later to be light rail) in Canberra. So I sent them a
submission.

I suggested Canberra plan a route for light rail, although it may never be built. In the short term a bus transit lane would be better. Also fixing the Bus Interchange would be good.

By the time light rail is an option for Canberra, other transport options, such as automatically guided electric vehicles may be available.

For more on the issues, see the link List discussion "RUF Dual Mode transport system" May and June.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Digital evidence for lawyers and IT professionals

New UNSW Law Building
On Friday I attended the first LawTechTalk seminar at UNSW:

The Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre at UNSW provides a focus for research, public interest advocacy and education on issues of law and policy concerning digital transactions in cyberspace. It is a Centre of the Faculty of Law at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

"Digital evidence: Issues for lawyers, judges and scholars, and what's coming over the horizon... Stephen Mason, Director of the Digital Evidence Research Programme, British
Institute of International and Comparative Law ... "
Stephen's work on e-evidence is equally applicable to IT professionals as lawyers. You can download the slides of the presentation and some of his papers from the event announcement.

This article briefly outlines the case law in relation to manuscript signatures in England and Wales, putting the concept of manuscript signatures into historical perspective from the point of view of the common law. A short outline of the international framework for electronic signatures will follow, and consideration will be given to the three main concepts adopted by politicians in the form of legislation from across the world. The forms of electronic will be set out, and a number of practical and evidential issues will be taken into account. Relevant case law is considered throughout the article.
From Electronic Signatures in Practice, Stephen Mason, Journal of High Technology Law (JHTL), Volume VI: 2006
Dr Alathea Foster is alleged to have attacked Julie Simpson after discovering a series of emails on her husband John Foster's computer. She is also said to have recounted her state of mind in diary entries which were today read out to the court. ...

From E-mail trail that led wife to husband's lover, Lewis Smith for Times Online, April 24, 2006

A woman who stabbed her husband's ex-lover 17 times has been cleared of attempted murder but jailed for causing grievous bodily harm.

Alethea Foster, 61, of Bromley, south London, stabbed Cambridge University student Julie Simpson when she learned of their 15-year affair via e-mails. ...
From Wife jailed for love rival attack, BBC, 5 May 2006

The e-Signature Law Journal brings news, articles, legal developments and case reports to academics, practitioners and the industry in relation to electronic signatures from across the world. The journal also seeks to include reports on technical advances, book reviews and a calendar of events and conferences.
From e-Signature Law Journal

One quibble I have is over the use of the term "electronic signature". The digital signature" uses a cryptographic process, whereas an "electronic signature" is just about any sort of mark in an electronic document.

A quick web search shows that the term "digital signature" is four times as common as "electronic signature". But there is so much room for confusion between the two it might be better to drop the term "electronic signature" and just call them "signatures". If it is an electronic document you can infer that some sot of electronic signature is meant. The more specific term "digital signature" could continue to be used to indicate the cryptographic sort. In any case the definition of a "signature" is not as universal and fixed as might be expected.

Perhaps there will be a meeting of minds between lawyers, records managers and IT people on digital evidence. The IT people have been approaching the same issues from the point of view of implementing record management systems and the standards they are required to comply with. This will likely meet the lawyers as well.

It looks like the same "if it prints like a document, it is an e-document" applies in the USA and the UK as well as in Australian law.

I do expert witness work for lawyers on IT matters and had a recent electronic evidence is done. Another area of e-evidence is podcasting.

ps: One problem is that Stephen's British Institute of International and Comparative Law needs to fix their fellows page, as the link to his details is broken. Also UNSW needs a simpler map to find their new law building.

The building boasts two "Harvard style lecture theatres". These are horseshoe shaped rooms like miniature parliamentary debating chamber. Perhaps this is why so many lawyers feel at home in politics. ;-)


pps: I was little worried when Stephen mentioned that he used to be in bomb disposal. I thought this might be a reference to my carrying into ten seminar a bloc of what looked like 10kg of plastic explosive (it was actually pottery clay, but that is another story).