martinmurphy.com – Martin Murphy

Wow, this is the second movie reference in 2 posts.

You may have guessed that I’m interested in security and alternative computer input/output systems. This morning, I saw this post “Voice biometrics: coming to a security system near you.” about banks using voice print technology.
Interesting discussion about using voice to combine 2 id methods, something you have: voiceprint, and something your know: security question. The usual concerns about “Big Brother” are also mentioned.

Humorous, even if not politically correct, referring to some users as “goats”

Interesting story about a camera that can count eyes. They suggest that it might be used by advertising companies to count the numbers of eyes that have looked at particular ads. Eyeball-tracking camera could change real-world ads
Getting closer to the ads in “Minority Report”
This might be interesting for anyone researching computer vision or pervasive and ubiquitous computing.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | ‘Smart dust’ to explore planets
I just noticed this on BBC News. I’ve obviously heard of smart dust but I hadn’t thought of it in the context of interplanetary exploration. Interesting stuff!

Recently I had been thinking about various output media (including Braille and Text to Speech) for computer systems.  Today I noticed this story on the BBC about RoboBraille. They’re currently testing an email service that converts text to contracted Braille or MP3 and emails the result back to you.  Seems like a good idea.  (You still need a Braille output device to “read” the resulting Braille.)

Just noticed this story (via a link from LifeHacker)

With desktop camera, your face can be your password | CNET News.com

The company produces a 3D desktop camera that can be used for authentication. So instead of entering a password, smartcard or fingerprint, your face can log you into a computer (or open a door). Interesting for anyone working in the field of computer vision.

I was just notified of this today.  Probably of use to people planning on postgrad research.

IRCSET – Embark Initiative – Grant Schemes

Post Graduate Research

The Embark Initiatives Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme is designed for either Masters or Doctorate level researchers in the sciences, engineering or technology.

2007 Programme [First Call] NOW OPEN

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology invites applications for funding from intending postgraduate researchers under the Embark Initiative Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme 2007.

May be of interest to anyone who recently completed a PhD.

IRCSET – Embark Initiative – Grant Schemes
Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme

CALL FOR APPLICANTS (2007)

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology invites applications for research funding under the Government of Ireland’s Embark Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme (2007).