company.
(Click here for larger image with animated screenshots)The F@rmphone is a customized version of the
E-ten Glofiish X500. The device is based on a 400 MHz Samsung SC3 2442 processor and is equipped with 64 MB SDRAM and 128 MB flash memory. Its display is a 2.8-inch QVGA, 16-bit color TFT LCD with touchscreen, and it includes a 2 Mpixel video-capable camera plus a micro SD slot for flash memory expansion. In addition to the built-in GPS, the device's wireless capabilities include quad-band GSM/GPRS, 802.11b WiFi, and Bluetooth.
Specialized application softwareThree key applications are included with the device: PocketArea, PocketNav, and Trackomat.
PocketArea, the surveying application, measures area in either acres or hectares and stores data in either Google Earth kml or ArcView shp formats, according to SatconSystem. The device's present position is plotted while measurements are being taken; measurement files can be transferred via ActiveSync, memory card, or email.
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F@rmphone PocketNav
(Click image for
animated screenshots) |
PocketNav, according to SatconSystem, is an "electronic foam-marker" that can guide an applicator while spraying chemicals or spreading fertilizer. It guides the operator to avoid overlap or missed areas. Two modes of operation are:
- Contour mode -- follow parallel to the last track driven that may include curves
- A-B mode -- specify start and end points and follow a grid between them
The area covered is recorded for documentation purposes.
Trackomat logs the movement of the F@rmphone in a vehicle, in order to eliminate the need for paper logs, SatconSystem says. Logged data can include operating time, distance covered, voice notes, and data regarding breaks taken. Logged tracks can be plotted on Google Earth images. Logged data can be emailed at selected intervals to one or more recipients. All this data is important for documenting food traceability, according to the company.
JPG2KMZPhotos taken with the X500's 2 Mpixel camera can be added to Trackomat's log file with a utility called JPG2KMZ. The photos can then be superimposed on Google Earth imagery showing the location where they were taken. "It has never been easier to document," the company says.
The F@rmphone is currently available with three different software bundles, at prices ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 Euros, according to SatconSystem.
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