CENTAUR - CEllular NeTwork Assisted CoURier 
A. Bosanac, S. Lam, E. Leung, D. Papagiannis
About the CENTAUR Project
CENTAUR or CEllular Network Assisted coURier is a conceptual model
that was designed to assist couriers in their daily work related
activities.
Utilizing PCS (Personal Communication Service) technology, CENTAUR
allows bicycle couriers to remain
continuously
in contact with their
office while
remaining mobile at the same time.
Integrating elements of mobile technology, wearable computing, and
augmented reality, CENTAUR was created by a design team comprised of
undergraduate students at the University of Toronto in 1996.
Many of the project's original diagrams, schematics, and reports are
currently inaccessible. In lieu of these, stills taken from promotional
videos and usability studies are best used to illustrate the CENTAUR
project. Please contact us if you are interested in using these images.
© CENTAUR Design Team, University of Toronto
Design Framework
Heads Up Display (HUD)
A HUD built into the visor projects a GUI menu system 6 feet in
front
of the user. Relevant information is displayed to the user in
real-time, and a minimal GUI menu allows the user to place phone calls,
look up customer billing records, determine location information, and
update the status of any deliveries. A prototype GUI system was
originally designed using Macromedia Director.
Housing
Borrowing from the field of wearable computing, the vest itself houses
the central processing unit (CPU) and the system batteries. The vest
receives input from the controller and scanner via an infrared link,
and routes this information to the HUD. Cellular transceivers are
embedded below the surface. In essence, the entire vest acts as an
antenna. Summer and winter versions are available.
INPUT
Voice Recognition and Activation
A microphone connected to the HUD acts as a telephone and as the input
for both voice recognition and voice navigation.
Controller
Through usability studies, it was determined that users' preferred a
three button input device, primarily for ease of use. This controller
provides a means for the user to access information on the HUD, either
while on the road or while remaining stationary. This was implemented
by making the device removable, usable either on bicycle handlebars or
on a user's vest. The controller is powered by a built-in rechargeable
power unit, which allows for an infrared transmitter.
Scanner/Signing Pad
The pad is utilized for multiple purposes. It functions primarily as a
touch sensitive signing screen to confirm receipt of delivery, as well
as a bar-code scanner for packages. Customers can opt to speak their
name prior to signing the pad, which would display their name on the
screen. Information is transferred to the vest via an infrared
transmitter when the lid is closed. Similar to the controller, the pad
contains a a built-in rechargeable unit.
Advantages of Using CENTAUR
- Easy to use: Voice navigation and point and click
- Cellular Link provides constantly updated schedules and statistics
- Availability of a hands free cellular phone
- The main office can track the location
of all
couriers
Awards
CENTAUR was awarded the inaugural Bell Mobility Interactive Design
Award at the annual Human Computer Interface (HCI) Competition at
the
University of Toronto in 1996
Exhibitions
CENTAUR was publicly exhibited at the Wireless World Show held at the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre in 1996
Implementation Framework - Prototype
An early stage working prototype of the CENTAUR project was
conceptualized but never constructed. It consisted of the following:
Hardware
- A Commodore Amiga 500 modified to fit into a microfiber vest
- Private Eye CGA HUD display
- Wireless Mouse
- DSS 8 Sound Sampler
- Modified Koala Pad
Software
- Amiga OS Speech Synthesis
Subsequent Projects
A device similar to CENTAUR but specifically designed for mountain bike
resorts was briefly considered but never conceptualized
Overview
While designed over 15 years ago, CENTAUR foreshadowed many
computational concepts that we now commonly take for granted, including
voice recognition on cellular phones, touch screen pads, microchips
fastened to clothing, and applications that utilize augmented reality
for navigational purposes.
References
Robert A. Ferchat, Chairman and CEO, Bell Mobility.
"We're Just Getting
Started: Wireless Opportunities in a Customer-Driven Environment".
Wireless '96, Canadian Wireless Telecommunications
Association (CWTA) Conference. May 31, 1996
Contact
Comments or questions are welcome. Please contact us at
<centaurwear@gmail.com>
