User manual

ECE 477 Final Report Spring 2004
Figure 7-2: Similar Devices produced by
Visiplex, NTN, and Microframe
The J-Tech GuestAlert Guest Paging System (figure 7-1) allows
establishments to
silently notify their guests
. The hostess device features [7-2] an FM mode transmission
operating in UHF (450-470 MHz) at 2 watts of power and is powered from a standard 110V
outlet. J-Tech offers a range of guest units, so for this comparison the most popular one has been
selected, the Glowster Plus [7-3]. This device vibrates and flashes when table is ready. In
addition, the device offers optional voice notification messages alerting guests when their table is
ready or if they are out of range. There are also other competing companies that provide several
products (figure 7-2 [7-4], [7-5], [7-7]) that are very similar to the J-Tech Paging System in
appearance and functionality. The physical dimensions for the J-Tech hostess device could not
be found, but as a reference it is slightly smaller than a laptop computer. It is made of hard
plastic and is relatively durable. The guest pager measures approximately 4.5” x 4.5” and 1”
deep and weighs about 8 ounces. It is made of hard plastic that is slightly translucent. This
allows for durability while maintaining the visibility of the LED’s. In addition, it has a
rechargeable battery connection and a mounting space for additional advertisements.
Some positive features in this design are that it offers durability while still maintaining a
relatively small size and weight. Also, it is extremely functional for alerting guests over a wide
area. Having a motor which causes the unit to vibrate along with the flashing LEDs, increases the
effectiveness of the device. The bad part about this device is its lack of functionality. It does not
have any sort of graphical interface, nor does it allow the user to send information of any kind
back to the host device.
From the Glowster Plus, the device to be made will incorporate the basic alerting system
by using flashing LEDs. The motor used to cause the unit to vibrate will be removed for the
design to be made, but may easily be added later if the design were to go into commercial
production. RF communication between the base station and the handheld units will be adapted
for the design such that it is bi-directional. The size and weight of the Glowster is a component
that would ideally be duplicated, but will not be possible with the addition of an LCD screen and
buttons.
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