Re: E-Clerk hardware thoughts

[Seth Teller <teller@lcs.mit.edu>]

jon, comments follow.

Jonathan Wolfe wrote:
> E-Clerkers - below are thoughts and suggestions for hardware to be
> ordered.  Please give any and all feedback!
> 
> Touchscreen:
> 
> It's already sitting in the hardware bay and supports Linux.  This one's
> taken care of.
> 
> Box:
> 
> Here's two preliminary options that I've priced out quickly on Dell's
> web site, links to follow.  Option 1 is a souped up dual processor
> workstation, stats at
> http://graphics.lcs.mit.edu/~jwolfe/research/dell1.html.  Option 2 is a
> quad processor machine (with less powerful processors but 4 of them)
> which I believe Dell slates as a "server," stats at
> http://graphics.lcs.mit.edu/~jwolfe/research/dell2.html.
> 
> First, the rational behind many processors is to load balance more
> immediate tasks (responding to the user, capturing video frames and
> microphone input) with batched tasks like the scanner and OCR in order
> fulfill one of our most important design principles - fluidity of
> interface.  I believe the issues here are cost and how effective 4 vs. 2
> processors would be.  Dell only sells their machines with either
> Windows, Red Hat x.x, or no OS.  I believe the current plan is to run
> VMWare on top of a Linux distribution, so either Red Hat or no OS
> (installing Debian ourselves) would be a good plan.

i think the 4-proc is the way to go.  what's the maximum local disk
you can configure with it?

> 
> Scanner:
> 
> The original scanner planned for was the Epson Perfection 1640SU (with a
> document feeder of 30 sheets).  This scanner is still available and is
> supported under Linux with either drivers provided by Epson's Japanese
> division or the SANE project.  The resolution on it is 1600 x 3200 with
> 42-bit color.  There is an HP that is slightly less expensive (by $100 I
> believe) that is 2400 x 2400 with 48-bit color and a 35 sheet feeder,
> but I don't believe it's supported by SANE yet.  It seems that we should
> stick with Epson.

ok.

> 
> Microphone:
> 
> This one is straightforward.  We should stick with the Netcom
> directional array used by SLS for GALAXY.  I met with Michelle Spina
> (see below for more about this) and she said there might be one sitting
> around we could borrow, but that they're also rather inexpensive.  If we
> end up purchasing one, we should ask for the best place to get it.

we might as well buy our own.

> 
> Camera:
> 
> The original camera slated for this was the QuickCam express, which
> takes "up to 30 fps at 320x240," which might not be enough resolution
> for what we're looking for.  The other QuickCam products don't seem to
> be supported the same way as the QuickCam express, which has its own
> sourceforge project.  Thoughts?  Is the express good enough?
> 

i think we really want a sustained framerate.  "up to 30 Hz" may not cut
it, especially with lo res.  i'd recommend more looking.  trev, can you
advise?

> 
> Michelle was quite helpful - she gave me an account to access the
> affiliates website for GALAXY which lists the system requirements.  I'm
> still waiting to hear back form her in regards to the Oracle components
> of the system, as we would need Red Hat Linux for that (Oracle doesn't
> support Debian Linux).  The hardware listed is 800MHz+ Pentium III with
> recommended 1GB RAM, which both machines above cover nicely.

ok.

> 
> 
> I would love to order the equipment ASAP, any feedback would be
> super-helpful.

once we hear from the other e-clerkers, supposing we're in agreement,
please go ahead with the order (through bryt).

seth.

> 
> Thanks!
> 
> -Jon
> 
> 
>