Motion Control Devices (Week 7)

The term motion control in the context of using the human body is the ability to translate body movements into digital signals that is then represented to the user via a feedback of visual display or other means (haptic, auditory, mechanical movement, etc..) but for this article we  will be looking at devices that translates movement into visual feedback via a TV Screen.

Le Stick (Mercury Switch)

Motion controllers are not a modern concept as the first commercially available controller that translated movements into control signals was the Le Stick released by DataSoft back in 1981 for the Atari 2600 and Commodore 64. This technology used a mercury switch that would react to the movement of the user but had issues with the movement mechanics as any slight movements would be translated to the console. 

Unfortunately due to the devices high price tag of $40 ($108 in 2015), lack of games to take advantage of the technology, accuracy issues and the video game crash of 1983 ended the Le Stick for good. 

Nintendo Power Glove (Ultrasonic)

Next up was Nintendo and its Power Glove released in 1989. This device used ultrasonic technology to track movement of the Power Glove. The glove had two ultrasonic transmitters attached and three ultrasonic receivers around the TV screen. The receivers triangulated the transmissions from the glove to determine the X, Y, Z of the glove.

The Power Glove was more of a gimmick than a useful controller plagued with its inconsistent accuracy and lack of game support. Only 100,000 units were sold and was a commercial flop. 

Sega Activator (Infrared)

Sega tried its luck with a hands free device known as the Sega Activator which used beams of infrared light emanating straight up from 8 points on the device that would detect the user breaking the beam and translate the action as if the user pressed a button on a conventional controller.

In theory the technology was sound but in practice it was a commercial disaster with a non consistent reaction to players gestures.

It wasn't until the mid 2000's onward where there would be successful motion controllers that actually worked for the user. 

Nintendo Wii (Accelerometers + Infrared + Bluetooth)

Where the Power Glove failed the Nintendo Wii's control system succeeded with the combination of accelerometers and infrared technologies to detect the user's gestures. Released in 2006 the Nintendo Wii was a commercial success with their console systems struggling to keep up with the demand. 

The key selling point was the novel idea of a motion controller to play the games which broke away from the traditional gaming pads.

The motion controller is connected via Bluetooth to transmit the inputs from the push buttons and the accelerometer combining an infrared signal sent from the controller and is picked up by a receiving bar on top/bottom of TV screen. The controller also contains a small speaker and haptic feedback for additional feedback for the user.

With all these technologies combined enables the user's gestures to be accurately translated onto the screen.

The Microsoft Kinect (RGB Camera, Infrared, Microphone)

The Kinect was released by Microsoft in 2010 for the Xbox 360. This device translates a persons body movements without the need of a controller as the user's body language is the controller.

The device has an RGB camera, an infrared depth sensor and a multi-array microphone. The combination of these technologies provide a full body 3D motion capture which has facial recognition and the use of voice commands. The Kinect was a commercial success partly due to the accuracy of the technology compared to the failure of the Sega Activator which did not come close in the response time. This is an example of how the motion technology has advanced compared to the early 1990's.

Sony PlayStation Move (RGB Camera, inertial sensors, Bluetooth)

Sony's attempt at a motion controller was released in 2010 and received positive reviews. The device uses several technologies to achieve the goal of translating the user's movements into digital signals. The system has a wand controller with a camera that sits on the top/bottom of the TV screen that watches the movement the wand using the LED coloured spear at the end (Up to 4 wand controllers can be used at the same time).

The wand controller is connected to the PlayStation via Bluetooth transmitting data to and from the controller. Within the controller are a pair of inertial sensors, a three-axis linear accelerometer and a three-axis angle rate sensor this is so that the system can track rotation as well as the overall motion the user performs. There is also an internal magnetometer for calibrating the controllers orientation against the Earth's magnetic field and an internal temperature sensor to adjust the inertial sensors against magnetic and temperature factors. Another useful aspect of the inertial sensors is that if the camera is unable to track the LED at the end of the controller (The user blocks the line of sight) then the other sensor readings compensates where the controller is positioned.  The wand also has haptic vibration for user feedback.

Leap Motion (Infrared) 

Here we have the new kid on the block that specialises with hand motion control. Similar to Microsoft's Kinect using the full body as a way to control movements the Leap Motion uses a high sensitivity system that translates the motion of the hands and finger with great accuracy.

This small device is connected via USB to a Windows/Mac OS computer placed on a desk in front of the user. Using two monochromatic infrared camera and three infrared LEDs, the device observes a hemispherical area above the device where the user hovers their hands over to a distance of around one meter. The LEDs generate a 3D pattern of dots of infrared light which the two camera capture at around 300 frames per second of the reflected light bounced off the user's hands. Using this data and a complex mathematical algorithm the system can use the hand gestures at an individual finger accuracy with a fast response time and display the results on screen.

The Leap Motion is still an experimental piece of equipment and is mostly for developers and tech enthusiasts.   

Conclusion

In this article we covered a few motion controllers past and present. With each generation there is an improvement from previous systems, learning from the mistakes and using the feedback of the user to improve the next generation. The Microsoft Kinect and Leap Motion has proven that the use of a physical controller is not necessary to manipulate the virtual world as combining voice commands and body tracking technology can allow the user become immersed in the virtual word plus with the addition of virtual reality goggles/glasses and the availability of 3D screens will bring the user one step closer to feel like they are in another world.

(A Holodeck in the Star Trek Universe where virtual worlds can be created)

References

Failed gaming devices

http://www.gamesradar.com/5-failed-attempts-at-motion-controls-and-3d-gaming/

Le Stick

http://www.8-bitcentral.com/blog/2014/leStick.html

Nintendo PowerGlove dedicated website

http://thepowerofglove.com/

Sega Activator

http://segaretro.org/Activator

Nintendo Wii Specifications

http://www.engadget.com/products/nintendo/wii/console/specs/

Microsoft Kinect Specifications

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj131033.aspx

Sony PlayStation Move specifications

http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100311e.html

Leap Motion

https://www.leapmotion.com/product

Revolution of 3D Printing technologies (Week 6)

In recent years there has been a growing trend in the manufacturing of three dimensional objects using a technology called 3D printing or additive manufacturing. The first working 3D printer (designed by Charles W. [Chuck] Hull of 3D Systems Corp) came out in 1984. With the technology becoming cheaper and more advanced has the trend really taken off.

3D printing is a process of creating an solid object by laying down layers of a material that is built up layer by layer until the object is completed. The instructions for printing an object comes from a digital file (Usually one made in a CAD program).

It should be noted that not all 3D printing technologies work the same. Here are a few techniques:

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

This technology uses a high powered laser to fuse together small particles of plastic, metal, ceramic or glass powders to build of the desired object. Using the cross section information of the digital CAD object the laser fires at the correct coordinates of the layer of powder. Once the layer is complete the powder bed is lowered and a new layer of powder is laid down to repeat the process and repeats until the object is completed. Once the object is completed the untouched powder is removed leaving the freshly made object.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

Instead of using lasers to fuse powder FDM technology forms 3D objects using plastic filaments or metal wire which is fed into the machine via a cartridge containing a spindle of plastic/metal thread material. As this threaded material passed through the nozzle of the machine it is melted and deposited where necessary. This is done using the layered digital CAD information.  

Stereolithography (SLA)

This method of 3D producing is done with the use of an ultraviolet laser that fires at resin (vat of liquid ultraviolet curable photopolymer). When the laser hits the resin the resin cures (hardens) the area targeted and once a layer has been traced by the laser the platform holding the object is lowered deeper into the vat of resin to complete another layer of the object. This process is repeated until the object is completed. Again the information used comes from a digital CAD file.

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)

This 3D printing technology is a cheaper solution compared with the other three above. The way this technology works is by using layers of adhesive coated paper, plastic, metal laminates that are glued together and is then cut to the shape with a knife of laser cutter attached to the arm of the machine. Using CAD information this is a quick way to create a 3D object at low cost.

Electron beam melting (EBM)

This technology is similar to SLS with the exception of a far greater accuracy in creating implant grade parts for medical sciences so this would be great to replicate a persons skull cap if the original bone needs replacing. Each layer of the object is built up using metal powder and is fired upon by an electron beam. This process is done in a vacuum environment to manufacture parts that use reactive materials with a high affinity for oxygen. Also high temperatures up to 1000°C are used to complete the process. Again CAD file is used by the machine to create the object.

Conclusion

This technology is being used by many industries to create prototypes/concepts fast and cheap which speeds up production of a consumer product or even medical applications. It has also proven to be a cost effective solution when it comes to space travel as only recently engineers sent a digital file up to the International Space Station (ISS) where the crew printed off the tool needed. But there have also been some legal issues with this technology such as the manufacture of knives and even hand guns. Also intellectual property rights have been violated with the manufacture of objects patented (Similar to digital theft of a movie/music). 

In saying that the advantages of this technology outweighs the negative with its cost effective and rapid production of complex objects that normal methods could only dream of creating at an affordable price. With this technology becoming affordable soon people can email gifts and the recipient can print it out with their personal 3D printer. 

References

What is 3D printing

http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

3D printing on the International Space Station

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1115.html

Types of 3D printing

http://replicatorinc.com/blog/2009/02/4-types-of-3d-printing/

3D printing used for film props

http://www.find3dprinter.com/3d-printing-in-movies/

Commercially available 3D Printers

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/3d-printer-buyers-guide,news-17651.html

Worlds first 3D printed jet engine

http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2015/feb/first-3d-printed-jet-engine.cfm

The Age of the Smart Watch (Week 5)

The Age of the Smart Watch

The idea of a smart-watch is nothing new and there have been various models since the mid 1980's. The definition of a smart-watch is a computerized wristwatch that has functionality that is enhanced beyond its primary function of telling the time.

But in today's terms when people talk about Smart-watches they tend to talk about computerized wristwatches that are touch screen enabled, run apps and are connected to the internet usually via a smartphone.  

With the success of the Pebble smart-watch in 2012/13 other companies have also come up with their devices and have released their versions of a smart-watch (More in development) with varying styles and featured technologies.

For people who have purchased these new line of smart-watches are known as early adopters. Early adopters are people who who starts using a product or technology as soon as it becomes available. Companies gather feedback from these early adopters to improve the product in later releases of the hardware/software.


As with all technologies the smart-watch is designed to make people's lives more convenient in the way they communicate with each other and perform tasks. For example when a message arrives on a user's smartphone (SMS, Facebook,Whatsapp, Viber, etc.) it will be displayed on the watch interface saving the need to take the smartphone out of the pocket.

With several technologies like:

• Bluetooth
• Decent Internal Storage
• High quality touch screen
• Barometer
• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)
• Ambient Light/UV sensor
• Compass
• GPS

built into the different models of smart-watch developers have the ability to create useful apps/systems at low cost.

For example the heart rate monitor sensor can be used in conjunction with an app that can measure a persons pulse as they go about their day and with the Bluetooth connection with their smartphone this data can be compiled and uploaded to a web server for the user to review via a web browser on a PC/mac. The use of the HRM in sport related activities has shown interest with those who are health conscious and wish to monitor their vital signs. 

Few more examples is that the user could respond to messages via the touch screen on their smart-watch or change the music track currently playing on their smartphone.

Since this trend is still a fairly new one (only the last few years) it is still too early to tell if this is a technology that people will stick with. Also with the issues of short battery life and an expensive price tag some may hold off before embracing the is technology.

References

Google Wear Home Page
http://www.android.com/wear/

Smartwatch History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartwatch

Apple Watch Home Page
https://www.apple.com/watch/

Ambient interaction by smart watches
http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2413097.2413147&coll=DL&dl=GUIDE&CFID=627244361&CFTOKEN=86566476

How the Pebble Smartwatch Became the Most Funded Project in Kickstarter History
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michaelprice/heres-how-the-pebble-smar_b_5798406.html

List of released/upcoming smart watches 
http://www.wired.co.uk/smartwatches

Best Smart Watches 2015
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-smartwatches,review-2156.html

Internet of Things (Week 4)

To put it simply the Internet of Things is where you give every day objects, animals and/or people a unique identifier such as a mac address and connect them to a network where they exchange data over the internet (or within a private network). This is all done without the need for human to human or human to computer interaction.

The IoT came about with the convergence of wireless technlogies, micro-electromagnetical systems (MEMS) and the Internet. 

An example of how the IoT works can be shown in these scenarios.

An Object

Motion detectors within a house that detect intruders. If one is set off this could trigger surveillance equipment to start recording within the area of the detection. A message could also be passed to the owners smartphone over the internet. The user can see a live feed of the surveillance camera and determine the course of action to take. This could reduce the amount of false alarms such as leaving a window open and a family pet sets off the alarm. If the user sees an intruder or anything suspicious they can send an alert from their smartphone to the authorities. 

An Animal

The owner takes his dog out to the park. The dog runs away and the owner is unable to find him. Fortunately the dog has a transmitter attached to his collar and so the owner takes out his smartphone and with his dog finding app he can locate his dog use geo-location. Using the location data the dogs location is displayed on a map.

A person

The owner of a house approaches their front door. The Bluetooth is active on their mobile device and this unique signal identifier is detected by the home network system and unlocks the door (activates the lighting system if dark, etc.) This makes getting into the house more convenient and efficiently without the need to find house keys or locating light switches if over encumbered with bags of shopping for example.  

Privacy & Security Concerns

The Internet of Things are designed to make people's lives easier to perform tasks and in some cases save on energy bills with intelligent appliances but there have been privacy and security concerns with all this data moving around the internet as well as the risk of hackers hijacking systems within the home.

For example security experts discovered a vulnerability in the LIFX smart light bulbs firmware where a hacker could potentially obtain the home routers password. If successful the hacker could gain control over any connected device in the home and take over. Electric bills could be increased if smart heaters were turned on or hackers could steal personal files from personal devices that are accessible via the wireless network. Another news story reported that Samsung warned users not to discuss personal information in front of their Smart TV's as someone could be listening in via the microphone.

Big Brother could be watching your every move. (Film: Nineteen Eighty-Four)

In theory anyone could gain access to your IoT enabled home, car, Ipad, etc. from anywhere in the world with an internet connection so safeguards must be taken to prevent such breaches of security.

Conclusion

The IoT is still an emerging technology that will take sometime before every household appliance, gadget and even the family pets are Internet ready. So there is little doubt that having your toaster talking to the bread bin wont be so far off in the future. The concerns many people have is the system secure enough from hackers and how is their privacy protected. From the example stories above the system can be hijacked with the potential scenario of a surveillance operation by amateurs or even Government operatives.

That said the benefits outweigh the negativity and with the proper security protocols in place the IoT can be made safe to use with security and privacy protected.

Internet of things

noun

noun: Internet of things

1. a proposed development of the Internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data.

   "if one thing can prevent the Internet of things from transforming the way we live and work, it will be a breakdown in security" ~ Source: Google.

References

An overview of what Internet of Things is

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_Things

An article explaining what the IoT is

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Internet-of-Things

Explains and describes scenarios on how the IoT work

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2488872/emerging-technology/explained--the-abcs-of-the-internet-of-things.html

A vulnerability found in LIFX smart light bulbs
http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/security-vulnerability-found-in-lifx-smart-light-bulbs-exposes-home-wifi-passwords-20140709-zt12p.html

Samsung warns consumers not to discuss personal information in front of their smart TV's
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31296188

Implementing the connected e-bike

http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2694768.2694771&coll=DL&dl=GUIDE&CFID=627244361&CFTOKEN=86566476

Edward Snowden reveals Government spying operations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_surveillance

Twitter Feeds

Follow 5 different twitter feeds relating to the course (Web Trends and Culture)

Twitter : Website

The Raspberry Pi foundation that produce credit card sized computers are here to help educate and encourage people to learn about computers and programming. This twitter feed informs the reader of the latest news and developments within the Raspberry Pi team as well as posting up videos and articles detailing projects and innovation involving the Raspberry Pi. Any future products or innovation regarding Pi projects will appear on the feeds.

Raspberry Pi also use their Twitter feed to advertise their products.

Twitter : Website
BBC Technology reports on the latest developments relating to emerging and interesting technologies that are either on the market, about to be released  or a new concept that is currently in development.
The Twitter feed for BBC News Technology informs the reader on the latest new on new gadgets, phones, computers, games, anything tech. Also any business merges, buyouts etc are also mentioned in related technology businesses

Twitter : Website
ZDNet is a news site reporting on business technology. This will include reports on business dealings such as merges, profit/loss, growth, employment anything worth mentioning. Also the latest products and gadgets with reviews of emerging technologies.
Their Twitter feeds give snippets of the latest stories on their main website with links to the article(s) mentioned.

Twitter : Website
CNET is a news site that publishes news, articles, pod-casts, blogs and video/audio media that relate to new technologies focusing on consumer electronics. The website posts up anything of interest such as the latest mobile from Apple/Microsoft/Android/etc or tech news about companies or even helpful reviews on how to choose the right headphones for you.
The Twitter feeds will inform the user of the latest articles from their main website as well as re-tweets of tech posts.

Twitter : Website

TechRadar reports on tech news around the tech world focusing on mobile phones, TVs, Cameras, Laptops, Tablets, Wearables and anything tech related.
Their Twitter feed has article links that give synopses on the article. Clicking the link within the post will bring the user to their website and related article.