Introduction
Amnesty International Australia have constructed a full-scale replica of a Guantánamo Bay cell, as part of a campaign to have the detention center shut down. This is a good example of a creative use of a deployable computer system.
The cell is a transportable wooden box the size of a standard shipping container, which resembles a containerized housing module. The unit includes a broadband wireless computer system for information displays and workstations for collecting signatures for an electronic petition. The unit also transmits video and audio to be used on the web site as part of the campaign. All the electronic equipment packs into the "cell" for transport on a truck.
The Amnesty International staff were having some difficulty with the computer equipment when it was deployed at the ANU on 2 May 2007. Some suggestions are given to help improve the display and as an example of the use of web based technology for students of ANU Course "Networked Information Systems" (COMP2410 / COMP6340)
The campaign is interesting as it incorporates both an on-line element, as used for the "One Voice" campaign in 1999 in support of the release of Care Australia workers imprisoned in Yugoslavia, plus a physical display.
Inside The Cell
In inside of the cell is fitted out to resemble a prison cell. There is a bed, a hand basin and toilet. In pace of the mirror is an LCD screen which displays what is shown on a web camera built into the wall. Members of the public can spend a few minutes in the cell to experience what it is like to be locked up and can record a video message protesting about the conditions.
Digital Signage
Two screens are built into the outside of the cell, showing the list of petitioners and other information. As with other examples of digital signage, these are difficult to read in direct sunlight. An additional filter might be applied over the screens, but this is difficult and expensive to do for large screens. The If the screens are plasma units, they might be replaced with LCD ones for greater daylight readability. Anti reflective glass, such as Pilkington Optiview, or Grey tinted polycarbonate sheet might be used to replace the clear plastic currently protecting the screens.
There is a rack of computer equipment in a cupboard behind the sink, with a web server to record the audio and video messages and transmit them by wireless modem. An Ethernet hub connects to petition workstations outside the cell.
An option would be to have a hinged rigid awning over the side of the box. This would cover and protect the screens for shipping and be propped up to form a sunshade.
Petition Workstations
Petition collecting workstations are arranged on a table under an awning next to the cell. These are notebook computers running a Microsoft Widows operating system. The units are covered with a custom made fiberglass case to protect them. Cutouts in the cases allow for the keyboard to be used and screen seen. A corded mouse is used for navigation.
There are some problems with the system, with the visibility of the screens when used outdoors. The workstations used for collecting signatures are notebook computers with pen sensing screens (for recording the signatures). These screens have additional conductive layers in front of the LCD display for detecting the pen and so are less readable, particularly in daylight.
An additional filter might help make the screens more readable. Units such as the 3M Privacy Filter have an array of small black cells embedded in a sheet of plastic, which absorbs stray light.Microsoft windows includes several high contrast screen options designed for people with limited eyesight. A high contrast color scheme could be used to increase the contrast of the display, along with larger bolder text. Also the text of the petition could be increased to fill the whole screen, so improving readability. While the screen design is very simple, accessible web design techniques could be used to improve its usability.
The fiberglass cases prevent the angle of the adjusted from being adjusted to reduce glare. An additional filter could be used on the screen, but this may interfere with the pen operation. There is a white translucent awning over the desk holding the workstations. The light coming through the awning reflects on the screens. This might be changed for a dark opaque one, to lessen the glare on the screen.
The pen used to sign the petition is difficult to hold hp to the screen. An alternative would be a graphics tablet on the desk. This would allow an LCD screen without the sensitive layer to be used, giving better contrast, as well as more comfortable signing.
