[Accessibility] Update projects for blind user

[Lulu-Ann at gmx.de]

Hello list members!

It has been quite a while since I wrote news in English for you.
Here is your update on the projects for blind users.

Project 1
LoroDux: Navigation software for mobile phones with Java ME

LoroDux is available in German as an alpha version.
You can download it from http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/lorodux
Please read the instructions in the zip file.

LoroDux in this version offers 
* navigation: gives distance and direction to the destination
* guiding by vibration (hands free mode)
* instructions for download and integration of OpenStreetMap areas
* Use of OpenStreetMap street and way crossings and POIs
* text search in POIs and crossings
* favorite management
* supports many Symbian OS cellphones, mostly Nokia
* Works with Talks and Mobile Speak
* Supports external Bluetooth GPS receivers

We have a new volunteer programmer for LoroDux now, who will fix some bugs and we are sure to offer a new version with support for integrated GPS devices soon.

If you are a Java programmer, come and join the team. The next important step is the translation to English.



Project 2
Accessible online map portal

No name yet, "Image'n'Text Map" is the working title but will be changed because of the bad readability with screen readers.

We have won more than 3000 Euros for the realization of the project idea in WikiMedia's contest "Wissenwert".
WikiMedia e.V. is the German non profit organization supporting Wikipedia and other open data, open knowledge projects.

We are planning to cooperate with a German University and will hopefully get the same amount of money for the project from the federal state of North Rhine Westfalia.

We have a very qualified programmer and can start the project as soon as all contracts are signed.

The functions will include (planning status of April 2011):

* Map exploration mode: Like in a text adventure you are told what the surroundings are and you can decide where to go next. Take a virtual walk through your favorite vacation place or prepare the walk to the new doctor.

* Mentions features of high interest for blind persons if available in the map: traffic signals with sound or vibration, tactile paving, traffic islands, steps and stairs, lowered kerbs etc.

* Routing: Enter start and destination and get a detailed description of all ways and crossings.
Choose a way that has little crossings or is equipped with acoustic traffic signals.

* Zoom: Start from a globe and zoom in the map by choosing step by step: Kontinents or oceans, countries, states, regions, cities, quarters, streets. 

* Visual maps: Turn on a visual map to share your position or route with sighted persons. 

* Save your personal settings in your user profile.

* Multi language support, starting with English and German.

* Report errors or even make simple edits to correct the map on your own.

* and many more features, including imports and exports

We will soon publish a paypal account for donations.



Project 3
HaptoRender Tactile maps from OpenStreetMap data

This project is open for students and volunteers to join.
There are several technological methods to realise the production of tactile maps, including embossing, laser cutting, 3D printing and swell paper. So we would be happy if several students would take interest in this task.


About this mailing list

We are 115 users now on this mailing list. Many of you have not introduced themselves yet.
Please write some lines an let us know what your need, your interest or your idea for navigation with OpenStreetMap data is.


Happy Easter!
Lulu-Ann


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