My apologies for being a bit dense here.  I am not sure exactly what I am 
being called to action for.

I think a generic talking signs model to aid in transportation navigation 
is a wonderful idea.  Personally, I like the model of having a unit that I 
cary that does the talking so that we don't have a bunch of signs and 
pedestrian crossing signals yelling all over the place.

However, I don't support a call to action for forcing a bunch of 
transportation systems to install a particular brand of talking signage, 
or even a patented version.

There is a guy who invented a very cool break for saw blades, as in a 
table saw.  As soon as it comes in contact with flesh the break engages 
fast enough to prevent serious injury.  I've seen the demonstration 
performed with a hot dog.  The hot dog survived with barely a scratch.

The guy who invented this awesome device has patented the concept.  No saw 
manufacturer has started to use them on their saws yet so this inventor is 
trying to force congress to pass a law that says it is mandatory to 
install these breaks on every saw of such and such a horsepower to prevent 
all the injuries that occur each year.

I would love to purchase a saw with this feature, but I would never want 
congress to pass this law.

Now, if the guy hadn't patented the concept of the saw break and other 
inventors could produce the similar concept, I would be all up for 
passing the law.

So in my mind it is the same with the talking sign deal.  As long as we 
are talking about just supporting the concept of a navigational aid via 
infra red transmission, I am all for it.  If we are talking about 
supporting a specific brand, or specific protocol that is owned by a 
single company, I am not for this action item.

Can someone clear this up for me please?

Thanks.

  --
Blue skies.
Dan Rossi
Carnegie Mellon University.
E-Mail:	[log in to unmask]
Tel:	(412) 268-9081


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