We've built several compelling applications that links web presences to the objects and places that you may interact with every day.

This prototype is a GPS-activated, location aware tour of the MIT Campus.

When a user reached certain GPS-tagged points of interest on the MIT campus, a narration screen would appear on the iPaq, giving the user a summary of the location (e.g. the name, a quick blurb, etc.).  The user could then activate an audio narration for that site if he choose to do so.  

(Play example audio tour: MIT Media Lab)

This prototype consists of a Compaq iPaq H3650 Pocket PC, a Garmin GPS 48 receiver, and an external GPS antenna mounted to a custom-designed laser-cut backboard.

Personal Shopping Assistant
May 18, 2001

The Voyager Personal Shopping Assistant enables customers to interact with electronic services linked to items in a supermarket.  The system delivers personalized, product-specific information and services to shoppers via a wirelessly networked Pocket PC with an attached product scanner.    The PSA also provides additional services, including personalized marketing (for example, the customer may receive specific discounts on products based on their pervious shopping history), time-based electronic coupons (e.g., a bottle of milk may be nearing its expiration date so the store issues an electronic coupon for 50% off its regular price), self-checkout, mobile point of sales, a nutrition guide, and a shopping list planner.

Top Photo:  Barcode-based PSA using a Symbol CS-1504 Keyfob barcode scanner.

Bottom Photo:  RFID-based PSA basket using a Motorola BiStatix RFID tag reader.