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memeChat: An Adhoc Wirless Communication System

memeChat is a wireless communication system based on WiFi ad-hoc (IBSS) mode. It automatically finds other nearby systems, exchanges messages and presence information. Currently windows XP version is available, and Linux and Macintosh are under development.
memeChat can be used for exchanging information without requiring wireless infrastructure. Here are examples of scenarios where memeChat becomes useful.

At a conference room, audience can exchange opinion without interfering the lecturer's presentation. For sharing opinions between the conference room and the presentor, a second projector screen that shows memeChat messages can be used.
Looking for friends within proximity.
Exchange opinions at any kinds of public areas, such as sports stadiums or public parks.
Propagate information to nearby area.

download

Please note that this software is still ALPHA version.

latest version for Windows(Apr/27/2004)

latest version for Macintosh(text only, Apr/21/2004)

Installation Instruction (WindowsXP version)

Download software from the above URL and unpack it.
Open the folder and double click memeChat.exe An application window appears. Then,
- Select a network device from the "Device" menu (1).
- Choose a connection style (infrastructure or ad-hoc). (2). If your machine is already connected to the wireless network, press "MANAGED" button for infrastructure mode connection. Otherwise, press "ADHOC" button for ad-hoc mode connection.
- In both cases, wait until the button becomes green. This indicates the application is communicating with other participants.
  (Note1: a script alert dialog box may appear during this processing if your computer is protected by virus scanning software. This is because memeChat uses a visual basic script to control wireless settings. If so, please press "permit" or "authenticate" on the alert box.)
  (Note2: connection types cannot be changed during operation. To change the connection type, first terminate the application and execute it again.)
- Now you can start communication by entering messages and hit the enter key at the message field (3)
- You can also select your face icon, a handle name and profile information. Click on a face icon (4) to select your picture. To change a handle name and profile, select "enter profile" of the "File" menu. You will see your face icon appears on a participant pane. You can change these data during a chat session, and changed information is automatically propagated to other participants.
- Choose "Device" - "Recover" when you want to recover your network settings to WiFi infrasturcture and DHCP enabled.
- Profile information pops up by locating a cursor on one of the face icons in the participant pane.

Installation Instruction (Macintosh version)

latest version for Macintosh(text only, Apr/21/2004)

Download memeChat from above address and unpack it.
Double click MChat.jar.
First adjust your AirMac setting. The network name and the password will be shown in a dialog box.
If a dialog box that offers you to set the IP address appears, please do it.
Enter a "handle" name (any alphanumeric characters up to 8 characters, without space).
You can enter a message in the message box and hit RETURN key or SEND button to transmit a message.
Unfortunately, the current Macintosh version does not support image transmission and other fancy staff.

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