Technical overview:




















smSage interfaces an ordinary mobile phone with an embedded 'gumstix' computer (running linux) and is
also equipped with a rechargeable self-contained power system, an amplifier and speaker. The system uses
a 1GB flash card to store incoming messages and build its database of texting language.

smSage monitors nearby bluetooth devices, receives text messages and converts them to audible speech
using custom (C++) software incorporating an open-source speech library ('flite', festival lite). The 'concrete
poetry' algorithm utilises simple language processing techniques (such as 'bigrams') to progressively
reshuffle the incoming text from coherence to abstraction, learning from the database of messages it has
received. The algorithm is designed to maintain a balance between clarity, expressiveness, and usability
features such as having the device periodically recite its telephone number, advertising it’s presence and
method of interaction.

The system is powered by a rechargeable battery, which is trickle-charged by a solar panel, or can be
recharged periodically from a mains supply source. It is designed for low-power consumption and unattended
installation, and is completely self contained. Housing the device in a salvaged security camera enclosure
serves several purposes. While the project is designed to comment upon urban infrastructure, technological
communication and surveillance, mimicking a piece of 'non-entertaining' infrastructure, and being selfcontained,
is intended to allow the project to be installed in a guerilla manner i.e. as a piece of 'technological
graffiti'. The security housing is also practical as it is secure, tamperproof and weatherproof.