maemo.org - Talk - What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

I think QGil actually mentioned something similar in a thread some time ago. While it should be fairly easily done as a generic application, within it's own reference system (as a 'window'), it might not be that easy to link it with actual coordinates - e.g. point at a planet or star and see the relevant star map/info. The N900 lacks a compass you have on your list, AFAIK and that makes establishing reference points hard, especially if you're not moving.

Interesting about the compass. I just assumed that it would include something similar as the N97 has this functionality and it seems that there is a lot of crossover between the two devices. I would guess that the compass would be included as part of a multi-function chip.

Without a compass (magnometer), I agree, this proposition is next to impossible to pull off convincingly. In fact, everything on the list is required for a seamless AR experience.

However, I suppose we'll have to wait before determining the final aspects of the hardware!

As for a AR system. It would be REALLY GOOD if someone made a comprehensive API layer on top of QT with this functionality. It would empower designers to include this type of AR functionality without having to design it ground-up every time!

YARR!
}:^)~
Donkey korrupt

Capt'n Corrupt

2009-04-27 14:51

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lardman (Post 282292)

Sounds interesting, though you'd probably need to do starmap recognition to know which way you're pointing (azimuth should be ok from the accelerometers, but depending on which way the compass is orientated (and assuming it has one) it might not work properly when held up like that).

In any case it sounds doable and pretty cool (assuming the camera is able to see at least some stars tpo do the direction matching, which depends on its internals)

There's already a star map app isn't there? I wonder how hard it would be to hack heading and azimuth input into (from compass, accelerometer, starmap watching, etc.) that....

Anyway, cool idea :)

Thanks!

I completely agree! The starmap proposes many issues especially in light of hardware quirks.

Another issue with the stargazing app, is that when zoomed in, small movements of the device will result in HUGE movements across the sky. Still, I think it could be pulled off in a novel and educational way, with a clever enough interface!

As per my previous post. I would hope that it would be implemented as an API rather than an all inclusive app, as the uses are potentially far reaching!

Keep the ideas comin!

YARR!
}:^)~
Corrupt, eh?

johnkzin

2009-04-27 15:17

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Doesn't GPS functionality automatically imply compass capability? (well, a compass capability that requires GPS signal, not like a literal internal compass)

attila77

2009-04-27 16:19

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Quote:

Interesting about the compass. I just assumed that it would include something similar as the N97 has this functionality

Until we see some specs, it's anybody's guess. It might very well be inertial compass (e.g. gets an estimate from GPS while moving, and then if no movement or GPS signal is presents, just adds accelerometer data to guess the heading). Unfortunately that compass drifts and isn't very accurate - might be enough for walking and general directions but not 'real' navigation. But let's not speculate :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnkzin (Post 282352)

Doesn't GPS functionality automatically imply compass capability? (well, a compass capability that requires GPS signal, not like a literal internal compass)

Not directly. If you're moving, you can cheat and use the position difference to guess north/south. If you don't want to cheat, you can, in theory, make some guesses based on the visibility/signal properties of the satellites. That, however is very-very low resolution (not to mention unreliable). For applications as suggested above you would need a FAR more accurate compass.

GeneralAntilles

2009-04-27 16:54

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerbick (Post 282332)

Not I. The OS isn't ready for primetime yet. Not by a longshot.

You're basing this on, what, your extensive experience with internal Fremantle builds?

GeneralAntilles

2009-04-27 16:55

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnkzin (Post 282352)

Doesn't GPS functionality automatically imply compass capability? (well, a compass capability that requires GPS signal, not like a literal internal compass)

Only if you're moving, and only assuming the signal isn't bouncing 100s of feet in every direction. A digital compass will give you that information even when you're stationary, and even with a weak fix.

attila77

2009-04-27 17:46

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Quote:

Originally Posted by attila77 (Post 282374)

Until we see some specs, it's anybody's guess. It might very well be inertial compass

Run across an N97 manual excerpt by chance - the calibration process hints a magnetometer powered compass. Now, the question is just if anybody ran across anything compass-related in fremantle ? :)

GeneralAntilles

2009-04-27 18:29

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?

Quote:

Originally Posted by attila77 (Post 282407)

Now, the question is just if anybody ran across anything compass-related in fremantle ? :)

No, I haven't seen or heard anything.

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