Visual Messenger: the Visual Side

by
Alex Chen

Visual Messenger is a graphically based chat program, developed in Java for compatibility with Compaq's IPaQ computer platform. This program attempts to remove some of the obstacles that are often present when two people try to communicate via "normal" languages (such as English or Chinese), as the language itself is often a barrier to effective intercourse. The theory behind this is for the chat program to use a universal set of symbols, from which all people can interpret the same (or similar) meanings. This presentation will describe the symbolic language, which is a 200-symbol subset of the Bliss Symbols system (invented by C. K. Bliss) plus some added features. Additionally, broader discussion of visual languages in general will also be included. Finally, I plan to discuss the issues associated with developing java-based programs for the IPaQ platform, such as working with a limited screen size and a restricted set of Java. For further discussion of more issues related to the project, see the presentation by Udam Dewaraja.

Advised by Steve Tanimoto

EE1 037
Wednesday
April 28, 2004
3:30 - 4:20 pm