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Robert Oschler

Boise, ID

I am a programmer with a passion for robots, androids, and mobile computing. My main focus is on artificial intelligence and how it can be used to enhance robots and social interactions too. I'm a hobbyist musician and sound effects guy and I love making tech demonstration videos and funny parody videos.

  1. on May 18
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    Robert Oschler
    commented on a project

    Hello Bill, I just sent you a direct E-mail via the backers report. Please respond to it so I can make sure your E-mail is the newsletter database. Also, as usual, check your spam folder. I understand your desire not to be a tester but remember, the Rovio robot is a specialty item and a discontinued one at that. So the usual pool of ready testers a popular current electronics item or software only package would have is not available and if everyone takes your stance, then finding testers at all from a meager pool of 140 is obviously very difficult. Sincerely, Robert
  2. on May 18
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    Robert Oschler
    commented on a project

    Hello Bill, Despite sending out numerous updates and the fact there are over 100 backers I have had a tough time getting people to test the releases and submit debug reports. In fact, there only has been 1 dedicated tester. It's as if everyone is waiting for the fully tested version before testing it. That's a deadlock and I need people to get in there and really start testing. The system works successfully for me and I can't debug what isn't broken. Despite that there have been a ton of fixes thanks to bug reports filed by the dedicated tester and the handful of others that submitted 1 or 2 debug reports and then just stopped. In a few days the movie recording feature with Evernote integration will be finished and that will leave only be 2 remaining features, neither major (voice control & WiiMote control) and those will be done shortly. The current version already has all the basic features and includes the biggest Pro feature, that of the compatibility with the Emotiv EPOC headset. Have you sent in any bug reports using the Debug Report Tool? This is a great time to get personal support from the original author, a rare opportunity, and I'm happy to give you the time it takes to get you going. Pointing out rough spots in the code without filing bug reports won't get them fixed. Sincerely, Robert
  3. on April 4
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    Robert Oschler
    Posted project update #12

    Emotiv EEG version finished. Please contact me if you have an EPOC headset

    I just finished the Emotiv EPOC EEG headset interface.  It is undergoing primary testing at Emotiv now and once the rough stuff is worked out, I would like those of you with the headset to participate.  Here is the official training video for the software:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJmmALcH6mU 

    This system is suitable for the severely disabled as long as they have reasonable head movement and can blink their eyes.  As long as they have a headset and a Windows PC, then that is all they need to operate a Rovio telepresence robot at home or half way across the world.  It's also a great alternative interface for able bodied folk that want a unique way to extend their eyes and ears over the Web.

    If you have an Emotiv EPOC please send me an E-mail.  You won't need a Rovio robot because I will set up a time so you can drive mine remotely.

    Thanks again for your participation.  Without it, this system would not exist today!

    Sincerely,
    Robert

      1. Blogfav.thumb
        Lynn S. (Baby Boomer Writer) on May 15

        Congratulations on completing your project! Have you seen this brain scanning device from MIT? I thought the science might interest you since it interfaces with robots (from gizmag):
        http://www.gizmag.com/brainput-wearable-brain-scanner/22538/


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  4. on March 27
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    Robert Oschler
    Posted project update #11

    Debug Report Tool is ready and note to Emotiv EPOC/Rovio owners

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  5. on February 24
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    Robert Oschler
    Posted project update #10

    Alpha release, Emotiv EPOC support, and private mailing list (2nd notice)

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  6. on January 10
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    Robert Oschler
    Posted project update #9

    Please sign up for the Robodance 5 Pro mailing list

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  7. on January 1
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    Robert Oschler
    Posted project update #8

    Happy New year and important update

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Things have been silent up until now because there was not much else for me to do but write code furiously until I got close to a prototype. Well that happened yesterday and today I had the time to evaluate what I have so far. I'm running a bit behind schedule, but I do have a core prototype that has the basic functions but not the Pro functions. In other words you can connect via Skype remotely, drive the robot around, watch the robot's video stream, and hear full audio in both directions (listening and talking), including brightness and contrast adjustments on the video stream. In other words, the important stuff.

    I really need to spend a solid week getting rid of some nasty bugs in the system and adding some necessary polish, but on January 10 I'll be making my first release to the project backers. Please watch your E-mail inbox around that time for information on obtaining the release. Until then, thanks again for everything and I look forward to working with you and your Rovios.

    Sincerely, 
    Robert

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  8. on January 1
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    Robert Oschler
    commented on a project update

    Happy New Year everyone! Things have been silent up until now because there was not much else for me to do but write code furiously until I got close to a prototype. Well that happened yesterday and today I had the time to evaluate what I have so far. I'm running a bit behind schedule, but I do have a core prototype that has the basic functions but not the Pro functions. In other words you can connect via Skype remotely, drive the robot around, watch the robot's video stream, and hear full audio in both directions (listening and talking), including brightness and contrast adjustments on the video stream. In other words, the important stuff. I really need to spend a solid week getting rid of some nasty bugs in the system and adding some necessary polish, but on January 10 I'll be making my first release to the project backers. Please watch your E-mail inbox around that time for information on obtaining the release. Until then, thanks again for everything and I look forward to working with you and your Rovios. Sincerely, Robert
  9. on December 26
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    Robert Oschler
    commented on a project

    Hello Adilson, Will do. Coding furiously even now. Please note. Robodance 5 does not alter the Rovio firmware in any way. It runs on your home PC and acts as a server that responds to Skype calls from the Robodance client. In other words, it's a middleman between your Rovio and the outside world, routing the call over Skype so you get the audio and video quality that Skype is famous for, the encryption benefits too, and the ease of connecting point to point thanks to the Skype network without your web browser getting in the way. Sincerely, Robert
  10. on December 6
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    Robert Oschler
    commented on a project

    Hello Shawn. It's going well. When I get an early prototype to test I'll make a post looking for testers from the pledgers. I don't know exactly when that will be just yet, but it's looking like some time in the next few weeks. Thanks, Robert.