Audio E-Book Reader

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Verticals: Custom Product Development
Technologies: Embedded Software,Embedded Hardware
Tags: Coldfire, pthread, uCLinux, 5249 Microcontroller, Low cost, Daisy, MP3, XML

CLIENT

Client is a Delhi; India based NGO, which has been working closely with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) for past few years for the welfare of the blind.

 

OBJECTIVE

To build a low cost CDROM based e-book reader targeting the visually impaired, with features at least equal to the available expensive readers in the international market. Features of E-book reader:-
  • Supporting Daisy 2.02 standard for eBooks
  • Support for mp3, wav audio files
  • Portable unit with low power consumption
  • Customizable and upgradeable audio prompts

 

PROJECT SCOPE

The client intended to use the technology developed through the project for low cost digital talking book readers and distribute them among the blind. The DTB is designed around a 140MHz RISC processor on Linux platform with the following features:-
  • 8MB RAM
  • 4MB Flash for storage and boot code
  • Keypad for eBook navigation
  • Rechargeable Li-Ion battery operation
  • CDROM (Supports CD-R, CD-RW, Multi session disks)
  • 3 Hrs of Battery life, upgradeable to 10 Hrs version

The project demanded expertise in designing and developing complex embedded systems with necessary experience in the product development life cycle. The client required a team that could take on the role of the technology partners for the product, working in tandem with them to evolve the exact specifications of the product. The strong background of the KritiKals embedded team in the hardware design and system software was the main reasons for the client to select KritiKal for the project.

 

CHALLENGES:

  • Cost a major factor: Since the product was targeted towards blind people and funded by NGO, final bill of material was a key constraint
  • Interfacing with other partners: It required, KSPL to interface with Enclosure design house, Mechanical design house, CAD design house, many part vendors and assembling partner.

 

KRITIKAL'S ROLE

KritiKal took up the complete task of developing the device from concept phase to final prototype (ready for production) stage. The product was developed using low power coldfire based System-on-Chip. The device development required various skills during different stages of the product development lifecycle. (Mapping the client requirements to technical specifications, Selecting the right processors and controllers, Design of the hardware to porting the Linux kernel and Device drivers and development of the end application)

Hardware design, till the schematic level was carried out by the Hardware Design Team. In tandem, the system software modules were developed using the evaluation boards by the Systems Team. PCB fabrication was outsourced to competent agencies identified by KritiKal. Debugging, testing, bring up of the boards and later the hardware integration with the necessary software was done by KritiKal.

 

Audio E-Book Reader

VALUE DELIVERED

Three versions of the product were identified to be released in two separate phases to release the product early in the market. The first phase involved the testing of the five prototypes developed by KritiKal. The second phase would involve more extensive tests of two hundred prototypes and finally the mass production of the DTB readers in final phase. The DTB would empower many visually handicapped people to avail the new technology for a seamless learning experience.
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