Today I wanted to briefly discuss a recent meeting I had with Todd Huffman. We discussed technology insertion, mobile systems, location awareness, geosocial media as well as a whole host of other topics. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and am happy to report that Todd has agreed to join Sofcoast as our Chief Technology Officer.
Welcome aboard Todd!
We discussed the premise of the company's software systems as well as an iPhone project Todd has been working on. Todd and I agree'd that we have both in different ways and from different perspectives observed that new and very exciting opportunities are surfacing daily as mobile technologies continue to advance.
So the interesting item for me is that Todd "gets it". That makes two of us, Todd.
The reason I chose the term "founders logic" for this posting is that as we clear the memorial day weekend I found myself reflecting about the importance of founders in every aspect of our lives, most importantly the founders of nations, such as ours. Imagine the difficulty of starting a company then magnify it times a bazillion... I wonder if that might be close to what it must have been like to found a country. Amazing!
So, for me founders of tech companies in todays economic times might have ups and downs, however I suspect that it's all gravy compared to what our founding fathers and the founding fathers of other nations went to. I mean think about what it means to bring something into existence, especially when it's a fuzzy image! For me the experience has been both exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. More on that another time.
Todd and I also agree'd today that he is going to make a video of himself using the WeieMedia software system and we're likely going to post these videos on youtube. It's funny that to us that the idea is extremely simple - participatory information logistics for mobile systems. Yet it seems difficult to articulate.... maybe its the speaker and not the message....hmm...
The WeieMedia software system enables location aware and network enabled devices like Blackberries and iPhones to provide citizens and first responders of all types the opportunity to be initial reporters and makes it possible for machines to rapidly evaluate incoming data, synthesize basic or baseline information, analytically seek confirmation, validation, and additional information from the initial reporter and others in the vicinity of a reported incident.
WeieMedia is a unique concept that makes efficient transmission of
multimedia evidence possible. Establish a baseline that exists on the
originating device and on the server receiving the information. That
frame is used to then create baselines on other devices requiring
similar information. If the originator or another user obtains
additional information (video, audio, data, etc.) that new data is sent
to the server, consolidated into the frame, and then the “new” pieces
of information necessary to create the desired picture on the end
user’s device is forwarded to that user. Speed is gained by not sending
everything, just the new or changed information.
As designed,
WeieMedia provides users the ability to capture video (stills and
movies), audio, location, text, and identifying information using
handheld smart phones. WeieMedia can also incorporate
forms that allow for more efficient collection, aggregation, and
distribution of information that improves law enforcement personnel
ability to perform assigned tasks.
The WeieDo Field Interview
form that runs on smartphones is one example. Other examples might be facial recognition that could
be done in car (on laptop running background application) or on
centralized local or regional server. Picture taken from smart phone,
dashboard camera and then sent to facial recognition application.
Perform task where it is most efficient and most effective or
beneficial to those needing information.
As designed, the application is capable of being tailored to meet a variety of law enforcement and public safety needs.
The results of mechanical synthesis, analysis, consolidation, and communication can be tailored to the needs of local and regional law enforcement. The machine can be configured to notify dispatchers and other authorities as needed to initiate action. The information can be consolidated into larger pictures that are compatible with existing or use low cost, openly available GIS tools.
For me the whole idea of participatory data logistics is an interesting space that is beginning to emerge. I'm excited by the possibilities and look forward to continued discovery and problem solving!
Cheers,
John Surmont, founder & CEO
Sofcoast, Inc.
