Mabulu Mobile Platform is a Java application for mobile handsets that provides core functionality and a modular framework for future functionality.
Environments: The mobile platform runs natively on three handset software environments.
- Android
- Google Android turns mobile handsets into general purpose computers.
- JavaME GUI
- On Java MIDP 2.0 handsets with touchscreens or adequate screen resolution the JavaME GUI can be utilized ofr a more intuitive user experience.
- JavaME Text
- On low-end Java MIDP 2.0 handsets, the system will show only text and rudimentary user interface elements.
Communications: The mobile platform integrates the following capabilities of the handset.
- GPRS
- GPRS data transmission is less costly than SMS. The system utilizes SMS for most of the data communications.
- SMS
- SMS can be used by the Server to notify handsets alleviating the need for handset polling.
- Bluetooth
- Sometimes a User may not live in an area with cellular coverage. If the User comes into frequent contact with another User that travels from an area with cellular coverage, the system provides data synchronization between handsets.
Human Interfaces: The mobile platform exploits the full capabilities of the handset to interact with the User intuitively. It adapts to the limitations of the hardware.
- Keypad
- On handsets with a keypad, the User can navigate the system with the handset's directional keys and "Go" button.
- Touchscreen
- On handsets with touchscreens, the User can navigate the system with their finger or stylus on the screen.
- Text
- On low-end handsets, the system will show only text and rudimentary user interface elements.
- Images
- On handsets with adequate screen resolution, images can be shown to the User to aid understanding (especially helpful with pre-literate users). If the handset has a camera, the User can attach images.
- Audio
- On handsets with a speaker, audio clips can be played to give a verbal help to aid understanding. The User can attach recordings.
- Video
- On handsets with adequate screen resolution, video can be shown to the User to aid understanding (especially helpful with pre-literate users). If the handset has a camera, the User can attach videos.
Core Features: The following features are core to the functionality of the mobile platform.
- Rules Engine
- A full-featured and object-oriented expression evaluator allows your system administrator to define powerful rules that control the behavior of the system without writing any code.
- Data Store
- The system implements a robust data store and forward mechanism to ensure that the User can remain productive and that data will be delivered even when connectivity is intermittent, unreliable and slow.
- Notifications
- Notifications can be sent from the Sevrer using SMS to alert Users immediately.
- Security
- The platform protects your data by requiring the User to identify themselves before opening. Data is encrypted when stored. Data is transmitted using secure http transactions.
- Geo-tagging
- Data can be geo-tagged to indicate the location of the handset when the data is collected. Future modules could be added that utilize location-based services.
- Updates
- All data is versioned for proper handling on the Server. When the Server indicates that newer software is available it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
