Blind runner Simon Wheatcroft creates a mental map that allows him to run independently so that he... [+]
Cloud computing is busy changing the world, we all know the hype. Industrial processes are being transformed with data analytics intelligence and firms are enjoying new agility on service-based clouds as they move from CapEx (capital expenditure) structures to leaner OpEx (operational expenditure) frameworks. So where are the human touch points and good news stories?
Simon Wheatcroft has run more consecutive miles than most people could imagine walking. But he is blind.
Wheatcroft uses the GPS fitness-tracking app RunKeeper to gauge the world around him like anybody else. With some additional custom-built software application development and programming intelligence, here’s how he does it.
Creating a mental map
Using the application to measure the distance and pace of his run, Wheatcroft creates a mental map that allows him to run independently so that he doesn't bump into lampposts etc. He senses changes in the terrain he's feeling underfoot as a key element of his experience with the technology.
When he does bump into signposts, bushes and traffic lights while learning a new route, he uses those mishaps to memorize a clear pathway. The application itself processes data requests and helps him learn his routes by consistently calculating the distance he's travelled.
In Wheatcroft’s own words, “Since I couldn’t afford a gym membership, I needed to find a way to run outside on my own. So I bought this fitness tracker app for my phone and headed to the soccer pitch behind my house. I positioned myself between the goalposts and just started running up and down the field, using the app to see how fast I could go. For the most part all went well. But it wasn’t long before I needed more space. Plus, the pitch was becoming a bit more hazardous, as moveable objects, like dog walkers, often stopped me in my tracks. They thought I could see; I thought they would move.”
Audio cue control
The software application itself has Audio Cues that gives runners audible alerts at specific distances on their run, which the runner inputs himself or herself. It’s meant to help people with things like keeping pace, tracking distance and so on. Wheatcroft instead used it to track obstacles, like telephone poles, construction sites, hills, etc.
The technology in question here is the RunKeeper app itself running
“Running is not an involuntary exercise. You have to want to do it -- and if you’re physically challenged you have to want it a little more. I like to think that I used some great cognitive innovations in an innovative way to get to this point. Re-purposing tech. But I’ve also had a lot of help and support along the way,” writes Wheatcroft.
Wheatcroft explains that he has now used this combination of technologies to run to 10K races and marathons including the New York Marathon. He started losing his vision when he was 17 years old, started training when he was 25 and six months later was competing in his first 100-mile race.
This is obviously a great example of cloud computing helping to deliver mobile-based data intelligence with a human factor, a geographic GPS factor and a customization factor.
The call out to software developers is also clear i.e. ‘applied applications’ that take existing technology streams and produce something new dependent on a real human beings’ needs -- that’s how you come up with the next killer app. It’s plain to see.
HelpMeSee
As an extension to this story, the team at HelpMeSee got in touch to tell us about cloud-based technology has enabled a range of other innovative solutions in eye care.
HelpMeSee is a nonprofit campaign dedicated to ending blindness caused by cataracts — the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
The organization has now developed a smartphone app for use by local community screeners working to identify patients in the field as well as a surgical reporting system to monitor quality of care.
According to an official statement, "Both are cutting-edge solutions to eye care work in the developing world. Thanks to the power of cloud computing, the team can access this data as soon as it is captured and uploaded anywhere in the world, in real time. HelpMeSee's use of this technology may very well help to restore sight to millions in the developing world."
It's a new breed of IT... and we call it 'Technology For Good' and RedMonk analyst Tom Raftery hosts a dedicated blog & podcast with that exact title, its time has very arguably come.
