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| 11-07-2003 | Previous edition: 11-06-2003 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Wireless system makes official debut as Boilers face Hawkeyes
Staff Writer Football fans at Saturday's game will be the first to officially use e-Stadium, the new wireless system developed by Purdue students and faculty. E-Stadium made a debut during test runs with a small group at three of the football games this season, but for the Iowa contest, it will be available to everyone. There are numerous features available on e-Stadium. Real-time game statistics, player and coach biographies, and Lafayette area weather conditions can be accessed, along with scores from other games. Also included are trivia questions, information about Boilermaker history and the e-Stadium project and a user feedback survey. A personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless capabilities is all that’s needed to access the features of e-Stadium. For those interested, PDA's will be distributed to students on a first come, first serve basis at a booth outside the stadium. Barbara Kapp, assistant athletic director, said the response to e-Stadium has been positive but "some aren't interested because they do not want the responsibility of hanging on to (the PDA)." A group of Indianapolis Public School students who are part of Purdue's Science Bound program and their parents will also get to try out the technology. Before using Ross-Ade Stadium as a local wireless community, several aspects had to be considered. Catherine Rosenberg, professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering and director for the Center for Wireless Systems and Applications, said the main thing to consider is the number of access points needed to accommodate a certain number of users. Essentially, the stadium is being used as a laboratory to test out the various features that could eventually be put to use in many places, not necessarily just sporting venues. There are plans to extend e-Stadium to Mackey Arena as well as campus bus routes. There are potential features in development. Julie Kercher-Updike, e-Stadium project coordinator, said many people are interested in instant video replay but "in order for it to occur we need to overcome many technical challenges, especially in a wireless environment." Another interesting feature in process is the act of purchasing food on e-Stadium and having it personally delivered. It is important to emphasize that the applications are written and developed by a group of Purdue students. Rosenberg said, "these students are very excited and very proud of their achievements and the impact of e-Stadium. They have developed something great and it is being used." However, Kercher-Updike pointed out that without the involvement of Information Technology and athletics, e-Stadium wouldn't exist. "All three come together to make this synergy that makes e-Stadium a reality," said Kercher-Updike. Printer-friendly version |
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