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NEWS
| October 30, 2003
Computing and Technology
Technology fair showcases inventions
Departments learn about wares
that allow students to better prepare for their future careers.
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| The Shorthorn: Sanjeev Datta |
| Nursing Clinical Instructor Mindi Anderson
shows the heart rate of Sim Man to Video Services Director
James Sanders at Wednesday’s Technology Fair in
the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom. Sim Man is
a battery-powered mannequin that helps nursing students
learn to diagnose symptoms. It costs $35,000. |
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By Andy
Branca
Contributor to The Shorthorn
A pasty white figure lay on a gurney and showed no expression or
emotion as people poked and prodded him.
Sim Man, an interactive dummy for nursing students, was on exhibit
as part of Wednesday’s Technology Fair that showcased new
technology used and created by students at the university.
Sim Man is an interactive dummy that breathes, makes sounds and
can have its blood pressure taken. A computer monitors his heart
rate, breathing and other vital functions. Nursing students can
use the symptoms the dummy shows to diagnose problems. When treatment
starts, he responds like a human patient.
“The neat thing about Sim Man is the software installed on
him. When this software is programmed, it can simulate real-life
health problems students have to work through by diagnosing and
prescribing the right treatment,” said Dee Dee Freeman, Nursing
Learning Resources Center director.
The Computer Science and Engineering department displayed Robo Vac,
a vacuum that can be programmed to clean homes. It contains a sensor
that allows it to detect furniture or other objects in its path.
The department’s display also included a cookbook that projects
recipes onto surfaces.
Technology companies and vendors, including Hewlett Packard, Gateway,
Apple and Dell, were also on hand to promote their latest products
to attendees.
“Technology has always been an interest of mine. I thought
it would be a good time to see the new technology without any salesmen
around,” mechanical engineering graduate student Kalyan Chenna
Reddy said.
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