“Innovation: The Leap Motion Hand Gesture Controller Human-Computer Interface (plus other fun stuff)”
Speaker: Bob Saltzman WB2ARK
In this computer-based slide presentation Bob talks about creativity and innovation, using as a prime example an intriguing new-generation human-computer interface called the Leap Motion hand gesture controller.
This innovative and inexpensive device allows for interfacing with a personal computer without physically touching a mouse, trackball, joystick, or touchscreen. The controller, and its applications and use will be demonstrated.
The innovation of several other (albeit less practical, but possibly more entertaining) electronic devices which Bob has been involved with will also be discussed and demonstrated – examples: persistence of vision clocks and electro-kinetic “art” (left brain, right brain crossover?). In addition to hopefully being interesting, it should also be fun.
Most people have new and interesting ideas, and also the intrinsic ability to translate them into reality by applying a little effort. “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” [Thomas Edison, c. 1903]. In general amateur radio folks fall comfortably into this genre of creativity.
A native of White Plains, NY, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College in 1969, and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Union Graduate College in 1976.
Bob was a senior computer systems architect at General Electric Global Research in Niskayuna, NY, where he was responsible for Internet and intranet-based World Wide Web systems architecture, digital streaming multimedia, computer graphics, collaboration, and network security. He participated in the development of a computer-controlled secure radio dispatching system for several large metropolitan police departments. He also developed the radiological graphics system for GE’s first Computed Tomography (CT) medical imaging scanner. He retired in 2014 after almost 45 years with GE. Bob has two adult children, both involved in the medical field.
Bob has expertise in personal computers and computer security, photography, music, and has been an FCC licensed amateur operator since 1960 (now advanced class). He worked in theater, and in broadcast television and radio as a disk jockey, sports announcer, and engineer. He has been involved in the professional display fireworks business since 1983. Bob has been a researcher and expert on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a topic on which he has lectured nationwide since 1970. He is a trained firefighter and became a New York State certified advanced emergency medical technician-paramedic in 1979 – now retired. He was a member of a county-wide critical incident stress debriefing team for emergency personnel. He is now actively involved with the Red Cross blood donation program.
Meeting Location
First Reformed Church, North Church Street, Schenectady (in the Poling Chapel)
Directions: The church parking lot is on North Church Street, on your left as you head north from Union Street. Cross North Church Street and find the walkway between number 10 and 12 North Church. Go to the end of the walkway and enter the building. Turn left and go through the double doors. Turn right and walk past the rest rooms. The Poling Chapel is just down the hall.