RIM Blackberry SerialKeys Project:

Kevin Caves, Duke University, Durham, NC; John Anchutz, Shepard Center, Atlanta, GA; Greg Fields and David Dougal, RIM, Toronto, Ontario; Se

Goal

To develop a BlackBerry software application that which would allow for a person using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to use one or more of the AAC device's communication interfaces to send and receive emails wirelessly through a current model BlackBerry device.

Progress to Date

Duke Researchers have been working on the development of a Java program that allows AAC devices to control RIM Blackberry handheld phones. The Serial Keys program will be made available on the AAC-RERC website for free download. The program allows AAC devices capable of sending GEIDI escape or serial keys commands to control both the RIM Blackberry navigation interface as well as allow the AAC device to send text to the Blackberry. This enables a user to control Blackberry functions including sending email, text, and SMS messages in addition to allowing the user to operate phone feature (e.g. dial, answer, hangup). The program works with Bluetooth enabled AAC devices. Hardware solutions have been identified that will Bluetooth-enable non-bluetooth AAC devices such as the Dynavox and PRC families of devices. A working solution has been completed and is functional. The interface is being extended to enable legacy AAC devices to send email more easily.

Basic Operation:

Many of the AAC systems currently in use today have the ability to send keystrokes and mouse commands to devices that support the SerialKeys protocol. We've written a version of a serialkeys interpreter for the Blackverry handhelds. The AAC device sends GIEDI formatted commandes to the serial port. The Socket Serial Adapter is connected to the AAC device's serial port. The Serial Adapter converts the incoming information to Bluetooth wireless. The Blackberry uses Bluetooth to receive the incoming commands, which the SerialKeys emulator converts to keystrokes and button commands.

Next Steps

Software is freely available to use. NOTE: this is not commercial software. It is a beta version of the latest work in progress. We have tested it with several systems, and it appears fairly stable. Use at your own risk. We are not responsible for any troubles you have including loss of data. Please make sure you back up your systems prior to installing any software.

Step 1: Make sure the blackberry device is connected to the computer via USB cord.

Step 2: Obtain a Socket Serial Bluetooth adapter from this website:

http://www.socketcom.com/product/CS0400-479.asp Cost: $169

Step 3: Download the Blackberry Desktop Manager from the following link:

http://www.download.com/BlackBerry-Desktop-Manager/3000-2641_4-10794759.html?hhTest=1

Step 4: Next, Download the following two files from the links below and save to the desktop:

Right Click to download and save as "BluetoothSerialKeys.alx"

Right Click to download and save as "BluetoothSerialKeys.cod"

Step 5: Open the desktop manager and click the “Application Loader.” Click next and an Application window should pop up seen below:

Step 6: Click the button “Add..” seen on the screenshot above. The following screen should appear. Please find the bluetoothserial keys file and click open.

Step 7: Click “Next” and the BluetoothSerialKeys application should be loaded to you phone.

Step 8: Once the BluetoothSerialKeys application is on the phone and then to settings. Click on the Bluetooth option, Enable Bluetooth and Add the Socket Serial Adapter device.

Step 9: Next go back to the main screen and click on the BluetoothSerialKeys application. A screen will pop up saying starting SerialKeys. Press OK.

Step 10: After both the Bluetooth and BlutoothSerialKeys application are enabled the blackberry device is ready to receive data from the AAC device.

Publications and Presentations

Caves, K., Shane, H., DeRuyter, F., “Connecting AAC Devices to the World of Information Technology.” Assistive Technology, the Official Journal of RESNA. Volume 14.1, Summer 2002

Caves, K., DeRuyter, F. “Enhancing AAC Connections with the World.” State of the Science Conference in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Los Angeles, CA; March 2006.

Caves, K., Deruyter, F., Shane, H. “RERC on Communication Enhancement - Activity Update” Presented at the Assistive Technology Industries Association Meeting, Orlando, FL, January 2005.

Tobias, J., Baquis, D., Caves, K., Ellis, D., Hare, C., Kani, A. “Future of Wireless Technology for People with Disabilities” Panel Discussion at the Wireless RERC State of the Science Conference, Atlanta, GA, May, 2004

Caves, K., Trautman, J. “Access to communication devices and computers for people with disabilities.” Presented at the Duke University Medical Center Gerontology Grand Rounds, Durham, NC, April, 2004.

For more information about this project, contact Kevin Caves.