An RSSl Gradient-based AP Localization Algorithm

Recent rapid rise of indoor location based services for smartphones has further increased the importance of precise localization of Wi-Fi Access Point(AP).However,most existing AP localization algorithms either exhibit high errors or need specialized hardware in practical scenarios.In this paper,we propose a novel RSSI gradient-based AP localization algorithm.It consists of the following three major steps:firstly,it uses the local received signal strength variations to estimate the direction(minus gradient) of AP,then employs a direction clustering method to identify and filter measurement outliers,and finally adopts triangulation method to localize AP with the selected gradient directions.Experimental results demonstrate that the average localization error of our proposed algorithm is less than 2meters,far outperforming that of the weighted centroid approach.

Development of a Haptic Interface with Proximity Sensors and Vibration Motors

As described in this paper, we propose a new haptic interface for a service robot. For safety with service robots working in a space where people live, some notification before collision with an obstacle is desirable. To achieve such a function, we developed a master-slave manipulator system in which the slave manipulator surface is covered with many proximity sensors. Additionally, we developed a haptic device that feeds back proximity sense information to the operator using small vibration motors. We attached the haptic device to the arm of the operator and vibrated the vibration motor corresponding to the sensor. Thereby, the operator was able to ascertain the position of an object near the manipulator, and to make the robot maneuver to avoid it before collision. To confirm the system usefulness, we equipped subjects with the developed proximity sense presentation device and performed a detection-position-specific experiment and an obstacle avoidance experiment in a narrow space. As results of the detection position specific experiment on five subjects, four subjects reported the detection position correctly. The remaining one person failed because of his particular arm shape. Operation experiments conducted in a narrow space showed that all subjects＇ work was successful when given feedback of proximity sense information. Nobody was successful without proximity sense information. Results of these two experiments demonstrate that this proposed system is useful for obstacle avoidance of a master-slave manipulator system.

SMS-Parking Service Introduced in Oman

Mobile computing has increased quite rapidly over the past few years. The major drivers of mobile computing are large number of mobile phone users. As their number is increasing worldwide, different organizations are offering their services using the mobile devices. Oman is a developing country that strives to adapt M-services. The number of mobile phone users in Oman increased substantially since its launch in 1996. Prepaid mobile services and SMS （Short Message Services） were introduced in 2001 and both are currently popular with subscribers. Such fine appeal influenced many government organizations to go mobile with their services. This paper describes the SMS-Parking service, which is introduced recently by a joint venture of the Muscat Municipality and the Oman Mobile company offering mobile services to its citizens and reports the initial feedback of its users. This study shows that the new service is not yet popular among its users and may need their more positive attitudes toward it for its quick adoption.

Support for Independent Work： Use of Cell Phones by the Intellectually Disabled in Their Daily Lives

This paper presents a technological solution to promote and help independent access to work for disabled people. The aim is to develop a form of technical assistance that supports them in the control of schedules, prevention of dangerous areas in the work place, warnings and automatic alarm generation. The device chosen to exchange all this information is a smartphone based on Android Operating System and GPS （Global Positioning System） technology mainly. A set of Android applications has been developed using Java language, and controlling the device via Google-developed Java libraries. All of them are connected to the Server Application through the Communications Module. The Server Application Module provides the assistants or psychologists the possibility of supervise all the handicapped people activities. The assistants, psychologists and users have all evaluated the application very positively as it covers disabled people＇s needs perfectly.

Analyzing the Value Chains of China＇s Knock-off Handset industry

Establishing a two-sided market （specialized market） is an effective way to build a national value chain （NVC）. The Chinese knock-off wireless handset industry has succeeded in building a miniature version of an NVC based on the Huaqiangbei Market, a typical specialized market. ＂Ihis paper begins b）, analyzing the differences in the industrial chains of knock-off and traditional wireless handsets and concludes that due to lacking after-sales service, the value chain of knock-off wireless handsets is consumer-driven, with a focus on manufacturing and marketing. Analysis of the knock-off wireless handset-based NVC reveals that multi-level demands, a maturing industry and adaptive innovation are three pre-conditions for Chinese manufacturing to build an NVC in a two-sided market. Given the uneven scale and techniques among knock-off handset makers, their addiction to the low-end market and imperfect value chains constructed using the ＂knockoff pattern＂ this paper proposes that China can break these bottlenecks by letting the specialized and unilateral markets develop closer to each other and by providing governmental guidance in the specialized market.

Towards an Egyptian Mobile Banking Era

Banks have moved towards technology-based customer services such as mobile banking （m-banking）; as an alternative to traditional inter-personal services. However, M-banking still faces resistance that may hamper customers＇ adoption in Egypt. Following a mixed method approach, this study involves two main phases. First, a quantitative Consumer survey is conducted in the form of 350 structured questionnaires to identify the main barriers towards m-banking. Then, decision makers in 5 different public and private banks are interviewed in order to find similarities and difference, and identify service providers＇ roles regarding these barricrs. Questionnaire data was statistically analysed using independent T-Test, Chi-squares, frequencies and cross tabulations, while interview data was interpretively analysed. Results enabled the researchers to identify the risk, usage, and tradition as the most m-banking barriers that discourage m-banking adoption in Egypt as seen by the two main players.

辽宁12316的信息化之路

多年来,辽宁12316金农热线伴随着农民,利用固定电话、移动电话广播、电视、电脑、播着日趋多元化的服务。开通以来,辽宁12316走过了许许多多里程碑式的节点,每一刻都印证着12316踏实稳进的脚步。2005年,中央1号文件明确提出"加强农业信息化建设",辽宁12316就在这一年呱呱坠地了,那时它的名字是16808080。