doing fun stuff with switches
DESCRIPTION
Presentation given at networking day organised by ACE Centre-North. July 3rd, 2009TRANSCRIPT
02/07/2009 1
Doing fun ‘stuff’ with switchesACE Centre North Network DayJuly 3rd, 2009
Dr Michael TaylorExcitim LimitedTel: 08707 117153Web: www.dream-racer.comBlog: http://dream-racer.spaces.live.com
02/07/2009 2
Switch adapted applications …commercial
Fun productsDream-Racer – radio controlled cars & trucksDream-Gamer – PlayStation controller (1,2 & 3)Dream-Toys – switch adapted musical toys
Technical productsDomino-IR & -EPG programmable infra-red controllersDream-Melody – switch system for SoundbeamDream-Mouse – PC accessWireless switchesInfra-red switches
02/07/2009 3
Switch adapted applications … new concepts
Wacky IdeasSoft-Scan4 – four switch, scanning system with momentary, latched and timed switch modes.Switch-Glider – four (eight) switch system controlled through joystick, tracker ball or mouse input.
ServicesSwitch repair / refurbishment
02/07/2009 4
Fun Products … switch adapted
Motion sensitive- head- hand/wrist
Multiple input- head- hand/wrist- finger/thumb- switch input- big ball
Switch adapted
02/07/2009 5
Boffins put Daniel back at the controls …headline The Sentinel Newspaper
Danny aged 5 yrsreceiving the firsthead controlledcar and boat fromSanta.
Seven years laterhe’s a student atBlackfriars in year 7.
“We need a Christmas present for Danny … any ideas?”
02/07/2009 6
Motion sensitive switches … head control
02/07/2009 7
Dream-Racer … radio controlled cars
running in second place… too tight on the bend
track invasion by the Champion!
total concentration … is thatdoubt on the Champions face?
02/07/2009 8
Dream-Gamer … PlayStation™ gaming
Switch adapted PlayStationcontrollersimple (racing) gameSwitches & mounts
02/07/2009 9
Adapted PlayStation controllers
Switch Action box
Switch input
Mini-joystick (finger)
Pistol (wrist)Cap (head)
Big-Ball (hand)
Adapted controller
02/07/2009 10
Switch adapted musical toys
Supplied to the “Play AT IT” project managed by AbilityNet
Standard 3.5mm switch connection
02/07/2009 11
Bubbles … the switch adapted way
bubbles by the thousand !!!
3.5mm standard switch- latched- momentaryswitch modes
02/07/2009 12
Technical products
Soundbeam controller
Wireless switches
Programmable IR remotes
02/07/2009 13
Dream-Melody … motion sensitive cap switches for Soundbeam
02/07/2009 14
Dream-Switch … wireless switch box
Single or multiple switch input & output
Up to 4 independently switchable devices through the same switch unit
Encoded signal prevents interference with other equipment
Range 20+ meters
On/off switch & “sleep” mode to conserve battery power when “on”but not in use
02/07/2009 15
Dream-Switch … prototype universal IR switch
Universal – works with any infra-red remote such as:
Household TV, DVD, CD remotesadVOCAteCommunicator devices
Range up to about 15 metresTwo switch modes
MomentaryLatched
Encoded switch coming soon
02/07/2009 16
Domino-IR … programmable remote control
Large button, switch adapted, programmable infra-red remote.
4 devices x 6 actions
TVDVDVideoAir conditioningCurtain closers
etc …
02/07/2009 17
Domino-EPG … programmable remote control
Large button, switch adapted, programmable infra-red remote
Designed to control on-screen TV menu guide
SKY or FREEVIEW satellite receivers
02/07/2009 18
Wacky ideas … Technology modules for new products
Soft-Scan4- momentary- latched- timed switch modes
Switch-Gliderwireless4 or 8 switch controller
02/07/2009 19
Services … Switch refurbishment and repair
Fault: poor sound quality
Solution: replacement speaker
Fault: frayed or broken lead
Solution: replacement
Fault: switch sticks
Solution: wash and de-crud
02/07/2009 20
DVD “Children in Control – switch adapted play”
All Dream-Products are designed for users with special needs (and some as one-off designs for specific individuals)Hence: we wanted to create a better way to show the benefits of our products to users, parents and professionalsHypothesis: a better appreciation of our products would lead to more informed decision making, purchasing decisions and greater user satisfaction
Worked with Staffordshire University to film and document our products in action
02/07/2009 21
Switches in action … demonstrations
User testimonials:
1. Dream-Toys - Kool Kidz Nursery
2. Dream-Racer - Blackfriars School
3. Dream-Melody - Blackfriars School
4. Dream-Gamer - Callum
DVD: “Children in Control – switch adapted play”
VIDEO Window