Date: 22-07-2006 - Saturday

CONFERENCE CONTENTS
BACKGROUND

1. Inaugural function
1.1 Introductory remarks: Thiru Mr.M.V.Muthuramalingam, Chairman of Velammal Engineering College
1.2 About the conference: Dr.V.Sankaranarayan, Director - Tamil Virtual University
1.3 Special address: Thiru.T.S.Kuppuswamy, Principal General Manager, BSNL -TamilNadu Circle
1.4 Keynote address: Mr. Atul Anand IAS, Director, e-Governance, TN Govt.
1.5 Vote of thanks: Mr. M.Anto Peter - President Kanithamizh Sangam

2. SESSION 1 Mobile Localization

Chair: Dr.V.Krishnamurthy, Vice President, Kanithamizh Sangam

2.1 Invited speaker - Dr .C.Xavier, HCL Technologies Ltd
2.2 Papers
2.2.1 Amar Singh, V.V.Ravindra, Geneva Software Technology Pvt. Ltd.
2.2.2 Mr Senthil Nathan, Global lingo
2.2.3 Mr. M.Anto Peter, President - Kanithamizh Sangam
2.2.4 Mr.R.Shriram, Asst. Professor - Velammal Engineering College

3. Session II Standardisation
Chair: Dr.A.Mohan, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre

3.2 Papers
3.2.1 Thiru Chellappan, Konar Publications
3.2.2 Ms.Abirami - Research scholar, Anna University
3.2.3 Mr.A.C.Senthil Muthukumar, Software Engineer, Wipro technologies
3.2.4 Dr.V.Krishnamurthy, Vice President, Kanithamizh Sangam
3.2.5 Mr.R.Shriram, Asst. Professor - Velammal Engineering College
3.2.6 Mr.V.V.Ravindra, Geneva Software Technology Pvt. Ltd.
3.2.7 A.Sivakami, Researcher, AU-KBC Chennai

3.3 Feedback from participants
3.3.1 Thiru Manian, Singapore Participant
3.2.2 Professor Andavar, Pachaiyappa College

4. Valedictory Function
4.1 Welcome address: Thiru M.V.M.Velmurugan, Chief Executive Officer, Velammal Educational Trust
4.2 Chief Guest Address: Dr.M.Anandha krishnan, Head - Madras Institute of Developmental Studies
4.3 Vote of Thanks: Thiru C.Ananthan, Secretary Kanithamizh Sangam

Background

The advent of mobile computing has created an industry of its own specializing in providing software and other applications on mobile phones. Generally the content of the applications are decided on perceived market demand and needs of the local populace. Most of the mobile computing applications are in English or other European languages. It is only now that Indian Languages are represented with Hindi and Urdu being prime examples of languages, which are supported by the market. Even here the lack of a strong language movement/leaders have meant that the fundamental standards are vague, nonexistent and many times usurped by the manufacturers or the solution providers.

In Tamil, the Diaspora is spread over the world wide world with strong research communities in at-least 25 different countries. The Tamil research community has prided itself in staying abreast/ahead of the latest developments in IT. Tamil keyboard standardization, TAM/TAB fonts design, Key mapping sequences, etc. are but some of the important epochs in this direction. In mobile computing, multiple vendors (Airtel India - Tamil SMS, Samsung - India Tamil keypad, Geneva software - Bangalore Multi-lingual software, Anna University - Chennai - Value added services like railway reservation, Velammal Engineering College - Chennai Tamil SMS) have come out with various software aimed at the mobile phone market. Considering the size of the future market, potential for confusion due to lack of clear standards and sheer need, there was a need for movement in the direction. In this background, Kanithamizh Sangam, an association of Tamil enthusiasts and Tamil Virtual university decide to take the bull by horns and start the standardization activity and organize a National Conference on Mobile Computing localization and standardization in Velammal Engineering College.

1. Inaugural function

The function started with an invocation to almighty. In a traditional way the Guests lit the holy lamp and inaugurated the function.

1.1 Introductory remarks

Thiru Mr.M.V.Muthuramalingam, Chairman of Velammal Engineering College welcomed the gathering. He reaffirmed his commitment to the cause of Tamil Computing and explained about the research efforts of the team led by Mr.Shriram Asst Professor Velammal Engineering College. Expressed the hope that the research of the team will be expanded to Multiple Languages. Thanked Tamil Virtual University for funding the projects of Velammal and expressed the hope that many more such projects will be funded. Expressed his willingness to support Tamil Computing in whatever way the College can. Thanked Tamil Virtual University and Kani Thamizh Sangam for giving Velammal the chance to be a part of such a momentous occasion.

1.2 About the conference

Dr.V.Sankaranarayan, Director - Tamil Virtual University explained the background of the conference, why it was needed, what are the drawbacks in not acting now and why the meeting was held in Velammal Engineering College. He commented that the Tamil Virtual University is really "VIRTUAL" referring to the various constraints they have like lack of infrastructure, human resources etc. Kanithamizh Sangam is also in a similar situation. When the idea of the conference was conceived he wanted this to be held where real research for Tamil computing is in progress. As Anna University is busy with counseling, hence Velammal Engineering College was the obvious choice. Coincidentally Mr.Shriram visited the TVU next day itself and the decision was finalized.

He briefly mentioned about the papers submitted by the researchers. All together 12 papers were selected. Some were late and hence could not be included in the proceedings. He stressed on the need for collecting and integrating the knowledge gained and standardizing the various solutions and optimization of performance before it is too late.

1.3 Special address

Thiru.T.S.Kuppuswamy, Principal General Manager (O), BSNL -TamilNadu Circle opened the remarks by saying the other meaning for word "Virtual" of Tamil Virtual University is that of the cyber space. He commended the extent of services (content and volume) of Tamil Virtual University. He praised the excitement shown by the students of the Velammal Engineering College when it comes to research and development. He described India's prestigious status among the global software solution providers and attributed this success to the extensive involvement of students in such initiatives. He elaborated on the activities of BSNL, India's topmost Cyberspace provider along with value added services provided by them. He pointed out that the great strides achieved in the software sector by India is not bearing much of fruit when it comes to the rural masses. However the broad bband service provided b the BSNL is heavily accepted even in remote villages.. He mentioned the various applications of broadband like students using chat for clearing doubt, web cams being used for telemedicine etc. He also presented the supporting statistics for his claims. He explained the contributions in these days of triple play and convergence. He mentioned the concept of Village Public Telephone as an example of the reach of BSNL among the rural mass. In spite of all this the internet still has got only a limited reach. But the reach of cell phones are far more extensive. Hence Tamil solutions for mobile phones become highly relevant. He praised Kani thamizh Sangam, Tamil Virtual University and Velammal Engineering College in this regard for organizing such a meet.

Momentos to guests were presented.

1.4 Keynote address:

Mr. Atul Anand (IAS Director, e-Governance) emphasizing on the urgent need for
Localization and standardization .The information revolution is slowly catching up even with the remote villages. He spoke elaborately on the reach and penetration of mobile phones. He urged the research fraternity to come out with novel imaginative solutions, which are adaptable and inter operable with the existing framework. And they should be flexible enough to accommodate refinements and modifications. He was happy that Tamil software solutions are emerging popular. He explained the role of Tamil in popularizing e-Governance. And people are welcoming it wholeheartedly. He said that SMS was a very popular means of communication and holds an infinite amount of scope for localization, adaptation and standardization like Tamil SMS and predictive text input in Tamil. But he observed the need for a coordinated and integrated approach and then to exploit the market potential. He was hopeful about the rapid developments achieved with e Governance with core competency with interoperability and adaptability across a standard common platform. He also stressed on the need for follow-up actions once the solutions are launched.

1.5 Vote of thanks:
Mr. M.Anto Peter - President Kanithamizh Sangam delivered the vote of thanks. He thanked all paper presenters, Kani thamizh sangam members, participants, Principal, staff and students of Velammal Engineering College. He thanked the Chairman of VEC by a poem

" Gold is Cutting from Earth "
But " Pearl on Earth" is the
Chairman Mr.M.V.Muthuramalingam

2. SESSION 1 Mobile Localization

2.1 Invited speaker - Dr .C.Xavier, HCL Technologies

He spoke elaborately on the evolving scenarios. He mentioned the exploding popularity of the Voice Over IP technology. The cable TV network was initially used only for entertainment. Now it is also used for providing the Internet service. Localization is catching up in all the wireless technologies. Mobile penetration is much deeper across the globe and the market is huge. And the Indian software professionals are much sought after and they have become trend-setters in this domain. He quoted the statistics from Telephone Regulatory Authority in India to support his observations. Due to the high disparity in the distribution of wealth, the personal computer and the Internet has not been able to make an extensive penetration. But due to the abundant availability of in expensive but versatile cell phones they are being heavily use by people belonging to all walks of the society and the convergence is surely catching up. He mentioned the extensive use of SMS in the European countries and explained one of his experiences in Monaco. There the short messaging service is being used for purposes like recharging and top up, secure money transactions, location based services based on interest, news alerts, interactive video on demand, scheduled play time, time shifted TV, telemedicine, e-learning etc. He observed that the different technologies are converging and this was the ideal time for localization. He coined that the new motto is "Anywhere, any time, any bandwidth, any service." He spoke elaborately on the evolving scenarios. He mentioned the exploding popularity of the Voice Over IP technology. The cable TV network was initially used only for entertainment. Now it is being for providing the Internet service localization is catching up in all the wireless technologies.

2.2 Session I - Chair Dr.V.Krishnamurthy, Vice President, Kanithamizh Sangam

2.2.1 Amar Singh, V.V.Ravindra, Geneva Software Technology Pvt. Ltd.

" Introduction about their company
" Their vision about localization is that it needs to be addressed as a whole
" For that, the key design aspects are
o Font
o Unicode
o Rendering engine
" There is a need for internationalized system for localization.
" They introduced their own product VIVID technology and explained its features such as the ability send SMS to other mobiles without any special software at the recipient side, track the receiver and deliver in their local languages of the region, local accent voice analysis
" VIVID has been tested for 4 languages and has a unique patent
" Fully interoperable with existing technologies
" Future plans/tieups
o National disaster warning systems in local languages
o Wireless public address system in coastal areas

2.2.2 Mr Senthil Nathan, Global lingo

" Cell phone is acting now like a computer. We can do anything with it.
" Cell phones must be used for access to information
" There is tremendous market for local language based applications
" Now, even people who do not buys computers are buying mobile phones
" Advocates open source based Software development.

2.2.3 Mr. Anto Peter, President - Kanithamizh Sangam

" Tamil language is now developed in cell phone technology and also in software field
" Traced the need for a good glossary of terms related to mobile computing and stressed its importance
" First called the cell phones as Nadai pesi for which one news paper office appreciate him, after that the Kani Thamizh Sangam renamed to cell peaci
" Gave some other examples for terminologies.
Inbox -ulvarugai
Outbox- veliSelugai
" Exhorted everybody to use the terms in day to day to strengthen the language computing movement

2.2.4 Mr.R.Shriram, Asst. Professor - Velammal Engineering College

" Explained about the software developed by Velammal for Tamil SMS.
" One of the important next steps in SMS is predictive texting.
" Explained existing solutions in predictive texting such as T9, eZiText, iTap, etc.
" Listed the problems in the above solutions such as
o their base being a statistical measure,
o do not take into account the characteristics of the language
o Not context dependent
o Cannot handle numbers, special chars
o Based on dictionary measures
and gave reasons for why the above solutions may not work efficiently for Tamil.
" The Predictive text for Tamil solution (submitted to TVU for funding) was explained.
o Architecture
o Measures of understanding context, idea of discourse
o Unique mechanism to understand and harness the collective knowledge in the user community and mechanisms to update them throughout the network
o Memory management schemes to implement the above.
" The status of the work was explained.

Lunch break

3.1 Session II Standardization

Chair: Dr.A.Mohan, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre

" There are so many standards, which are difficult for people to live up to.
" Gave the analogy of Tower of Babel to standardization and explained that standardization alone is no cure for all problems. What is needed is interoperability with older systems.
" Explained what the National e-gov plans are all about.
" Explained about TamilNadu state wide area network
" Lauded the efforts in standardization for Tamil software.

Papers

3.2.1 Thiru Chellappan, Palaniappa Brothers

" Explained the keypad design proposed and its implementation
" Explained how it will be versatile and viable
" Traced its compatibility with Tamil 99 standards.

3.2.2 Ms.Abirami - Research scholar, Anna University

" Explained the value added services for handheld devices project funded by TVU
" Explained the keypad layout
" Features
" User friendly nature of product
" Domain based information for the user from Railways
" Transliteration and lookup table maintained to produce dynamic information
" Can be extended for stock quotes and airlines

3.2.3 Mr.A.C.Senthil Muthukumar, Software Engineer, Wipro technologies Ltd

" Explained their keypad design for SMS
" More conceptual and the Overall architecture explained
o Adopting the Tamil 99 keyboard layout
o Keys are characterized based on usage
o Keypad behavior is dynamic
o Reduced number of key presses
" Explained their new predictive input engine
o Much like T9
o Word, sentence completion
o Priority overwriting at run time
o LRU replacement for words
o Sticks to grammatical rules for words

3.2.4 Dr.V.Krishnamurthy, Vice President, Kanithamizh Sangam- Crescent Engineering College

" The keypad design took about a year of research
" Number of key presses is an issue
" It is difficult to get a keypad that is easy to remember
" Explained the complications in designing the keypads
" The keypad layout is needed to cater to different needs. He designed the key pad using vallinam ,mellinam ,yeedaiyeenam
" Multi-tap is also supported.
" A deliberate change is incorporated in the order

Tea break

Session II Contd..

3.2.5 Mr.R.Shriram, Asst. Professor - Velammal Engineering College

" Explained about the software developed by Velammal for Tamil SMS.
" Features
o Interoperable, portable irrespective of handsets subject to minimum hardware requirements
" Keypad layout was explained.
" Major key minor key algorithm
o Uyir, mei characters - 2 key presses
o Uyir mei - 4 key presses
o Pulli Characters - 4 key presses
o Uyir following mei- 5 key presses
o Uniformity
o No timers
o Self-Adaptability of algorithm to screen size
o Code is optimized for performance

3.2.6 Mr.V.V.Ravindra, Geneva Software Technology Pvt. Ltd.

" Sequences in Indian Languages are similar
" Impression in primary school is embedded in natural phenomena
" Deck of cards - Enables us to see more than 1 cards
" VIVID platform - a base for regional languages
" Proposed the ka sa ta keymap method based on deck concept to reduce typing time and remembrance
" Send as text, receive as a picture
" Memory less than 30 KB
" 3 KB on a SIM card
" MIDP 2.0 specs

3.2.7 A.Sivakami, Researcher, AU-KBC Chennai

" Explained the analysis of two Tamil keypad layours
" Methods for SMS
o Multitap
o 2 Tap
o Predictive text - T9, Next character is predicted
" Vowels are arranged first, then consonants
" Corpus - CIIL corpus
" Results of the study/comparison between their method and 2 key method were presented.

3.3 Feedback from Participants:

3.3.1 Thiru Manian, Well wisher Singapore
" Congratulated the organizers for such a novel event
" Explained that the Tamil diaspora is looking towards TamilNadu for directions in Tamil Computing research
" Requested the audience to focus on other applications such as education and leisure also
" Wished the conference all success and looked forward to the further developments

3.2.2 Professor Andavar, Pachaiyappa College

" Lauded the organizers for the conference
" Congratulated the paper presenters for their views and their work.
" Drew a parallel between the Tamil 99 conference and now. Both times Dr.Kalaignar is in power. Also drew attention to the fact that Dr.Ananda Krishnan was present leading the initiative then and now also.
" Expressed a hope that the conference will kick start standardization activity for mobile phones
" Congratulated the host Velammal Engineering College for excellent arrangements.

4. Valedictory Function

4.1 Welcome address: Thiru M.V.M.Velmurugan, Chief Executive Officer, Velammal Educational Trust
" Welcomed the dignitaries, paper presenters, participants, staff and students
" Welcomed Dr.Anandakrishnan
" Thanked Tamil Virtual University and Kanithamizh Sangam for having Velammal as a venue for the meet
" Reiterated the commitment of the Trust towards Tamil Computing and quoted the research of Mr.Shriram, Asst. Professor in this direction.
" Lauded the efforts of the organizing team, staff, student volunteers of VEC
" Requested that the deliberations be taken forward and made fruitful with continuous interaction.

4.2 Chief Guest Address: Dr.M.Anandha krishnan, Head - Madras Institute of Developmental Studies

" Exhorted the developers to be committed to the cause of mobile computing
" Traced the current scenario and stressed the need to act now on mobile standardization
" Expressed confidence that the pitfalls and challenges that Tamil 99 will not be there in this effort
" Lauded the organizers for the timeliness of the event and thought that went into the event
" Coined the words Mobile Tamil 2006 for the conference.
" Exhorted the Government to take the lead in setting up a committee for this purpose
" Requested the organizers to spell out the deliberations as a resolution for the Government

4.3 Vote of Thanks: Thiru C.Ananthan, Secretary Kani thamizh Sangam

Thanked the
" Tamil virtual University and the Director Dr.V.Sankaranarayan for their support
" Management of Velammal Engineering College - the Chairman Thiru.M.V.Muthuramalingam, CEO Thiru M.V.M.Velmurugan and the Principal Dr.C.Rathnasabapathy
" Thiru.M.Anto Peter President for conceptualizing and implementing the event
" Paper presenters and outside participants
" Members of media
" Student and staff volunteers for their excellent hard work and efforts
" Event coordinator Mr.R.Shriram, Asst. Professor, Velammal Engineering College.

Compiled by; Mr.Ranjith Balakrishnan, KTS Member