Success!! After many arduous hours and with the help of John Schimmel the switch for the Flash page flip has been enabled. Watch as we turn the pages of the book on screen via the arduino microcontroller. Super Cool.
We used TinkerProxy which is a "...serial proxy for arduino (and other serials, of course, as it also works with bluetooth mapped COMs) will allow you to connect your arduino boards to other software such as Flash and other apps that don’t support direct reading of serial ports. The TinkerProxy provides a socket server connection to route messages to whatever tcp socket enabled application."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Have you met SpElmo?
SpElmo really deserves his own post on here properly. He even has his own blog. Learn more about him by clicking here...or click on his sausage link on the right.
Friday, March 21, 2008
ALS Internship-Reading Device part Deux
This project has now also become my final project for Developing Assistive Technology class with Amanda Syarfuan. We looked at a lot of available technology out there and theres a lot. The problem is most of it isn't really assistive. Also, for us it's not just about the technology but the experience. We want to recreate the feeling of actually reading while holding a book or paper. Now we can't recreate the physical touch or smell but we can help adding sound effects and such.
You're probably asking...well what about the "page turner's" that exist in the world. Two words. They suck. Probably not the most appropiate terminology but it's true. They're about $3000. THREE GRAND!!! These devices are for handicapped people who need help, they have enough costs. Also, the page turners don't even work well. So why bother!? Now as I calm down, I would like to talk to you about the Flash page flip.
The flash page flip is a flash component that can be incorporated with xml and actionscript. This is great news for us because we need actionscript to make the program assistive/switch enabled. With xml we can hook it up to the web and make it available to everyone. The flash page flip even comes with page turning sound effects. How cool right!?
You can check out the Flash pageflip and demo at http://www.page-flip.com/
So then what's the next step?
Well...there are many steps. We need to create a user friendly interface where the user can easily maximize, minimize text, change colors, etc. There's a big problem with formats...pdf, doc, and so on. I think it'll be really difficult to find a way to make this program be able to read many different formats. I believe there are converters out there...and if we can figure out a way to implement that internally within the program so that the user doesn't have to do anything that would be brilliant.
Ok. So i didn't really answer the next step question in a fantastic manner but for now what we need to do is get pageflip switch enabled and put a book text on it because that way we can start user testing.
You're probably asking...well what about the "page turner's" that exist in the world. Two words. They suck. Probably not the most appropiate terminology but it's true. They're about $3000. THREE GRAND!!! These devices are for handicapped people who need help, they have enough costs. Also, the page turners don't even work well. So why bother!? Now as I calm down, I would like to talk to you about the Flash page flip.
The flash page flip is a flash component that can be incorporated with xml and actionscript. This is great news for us because we need actionscript to make the program assistive/switch enabled. With xml we can hook it up to the web and make it available to everyone. The flash page flip even comes with page turning sound effects. How cool right!?
You can check out the Flash pageflip and demo at http://www.page-flip.com/
So then what's the next step?
Well...there are many steps. We need to create a user friendly interface where the user can easily maximize, minimize text, change colors, etc. There's a big problem with formats...pdf, doc, and so on. I think it'll be really difficult to find a way to make this program be able to read many different formats. I believe there are converters out there...and if we can figure out a way to implement that internally within the program so that the user doesn't have to do anything that would be brilliant.
Ok. So i didn't really answer the next step question in a fantastic manner but for now what we need to do is get pageflip switch enabled and put a book text on it because that way we can start user testing.
A Look at the Kindle Assistively
The Amazon Kindle
Pros
-10.3 oz (size of a paperback book)
-Amazon Whispernet-FREE high speed cellular wireless network (Spring EVDO)
-Memory-200 internal book storage + SD (extra memory) slot
-re-download bought books at no extra charge
-Newspapers and magazine's go automatically to the kindle overnight
-customisable font size
-access to 300 blogs(kindle version)
-bookmarks and remembers last reading spot
-ability to notate, edit and export notes
-glare free clear screen and uses eInk making a great display
-upload .JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG formats
Cons
-$400.00
-$10 book download
-Newspapers=$6-$15p/m // Magazines=$1.25-$3.49p/m // FREE ONLINE
-overpriced content
-can't add blogs not on the amazon list
-Web browsing is terrible and plug ins unavailable
-No real browser
-black and white screen great for reading but terrible for any web stuff including periodicals
How to make it better?
-colour screen
-text/font/ customisable options
-free/almost free content
-book swapping
-social network
-bigger overall size
-scrolling and page turn buttons
-cheaper:take out web browser content/ability such as wikipedia
Some questions and notes
-Why read periodicals and magazine on device such as kindle if easily available online?
-Structure of non digital periodicals and magazine different than digital online version
-Is there a way to get paper periodicals on screen in non web based format without having to scan everything?
-doc format most compatible/popular among eReaders
-eReader.com prices are slightly cheaper than buying a physical book from amazon.com
-prices are high because the web bill is covered by Amazon which they make up for by upping the content price
-how do we make it wireless without phone bill? Wireless only available if near your computer? Bluetooth?
ALS Internship-Reading Device Introduction
So I've been interning at the ALS with Antoinette Verdone, a wonderful woman who has dedicated her life to assistive technology, as a design technology intern. My current project is to develop a reading device for patients of ALS and really anyone who have difficult turning pages but love to read. Here's a brief outline:
Brief: As patient's symptoms worsen, activites like reading become harder and harder. The ability to hold a book and turn a page becomes impossible. For some, reading is the last leisure they have. There have been devices made in the past but they have all turned out to be disappointing, inconsistent and over priced. Some have no problem switching over to audio books but for those who prefer reading, how do we accomodate the independent reader while making it affordable, reliable, inviting, and user friendly?
Objective: We want to create a tool that will allow those who lack mobility and strength to hold a book, and/or and not limited to, turn a page, and in whole, to be able to read independently.
What about pre existing technologies?
Many pre existing technologies are over priced, size limiting, and do not function particularly well such as the Page Turner. The eBook readers, although affordable and probably the best alternative, lack option in screen and size customization. Computers, although they seem like the best option, is very daunting to some and for many, learning the computer is a tedious task that they may want to avoid.
What are the main issues surrounding an assistive reading device and what are some solutions?
The device should be designed in a way that can be enjoyed by the majority. Ergo, it should be created in a manner that can be customised by the user. Some options should be:
Text
-Font(size, color, script, style)
Screen
-Size (can order a preferred size but is not interchangeable)
-Background color
By making these components customisable, possible concerns of weary/irritated eyes that screens can often subject people to, or if you have poor vision, can be avoided or alleviated.
Is this device affordable?
A big problem with a lot of these technologies is the price tag. Part of the reason why eBook Readers are in the couple hundreds is because they're not only readers, they are also now sketchbooks, memo pads, dictionaries, etc. All these extra features are unneccesary to patients who just want to read.
Is this product user friendly and easily accessible?
How do we get the books on to the device. For the older generation, computer's are complicated and to start learning, a nightmare. The books would have to be uploaded onto the device from the internet. That means that the computer is unavoidable.
However, another alternative would be to create a database and make the device wifi/ethernet capable. So that when the user turns the device on they will be directly connected to the database where there will be a list of books that they can choose from. This way, not only will they not have to worry about uploading and using a computer, all the latest books and daily newspapers will be immediately available. Perhaps this can even create a community of readers leading to a possible social network/forum where books can be rated and/or discussed.
How will this device be used?
The device would most probably be controlled in the form of multiple switches but this area is highly flexible.
Some side notes/thoughts:
-page turning effect on screen
- tilt function
Brief: As patient's symptoms worsen, activites like reading become harder and harder. The ability to hold a book and turn a page becomes impossible. For some, reading is the last leisure they have. There have been devices made in the past but they have all turned out to be disappointing, inconsistent and over priced. Some have no problem switching over to audio books but for those who prefer reading, how do we accomodate the independent reader while making it affordable, reliable, inviting, and user friendly?
Objective: We want to create a tool that will allow those who lack mobility and strength to hold a book, and/or and not limited to, turn a page, and in whole, to be able to read independently.
What about pre existing technologies?
Many pre existing technologies are over priced, size limiting, and do not function particularly well such as the Page Turner. The eBook readers, although affordable and probably the best alternative, lack option in screen and size customization. Computers, although they seem like the best option, is very daunting to some and for many, learning the computer is a tedious task that they may want to avoid.
What are the main issues surrounding an assistive reading device and what are some solutions?
The device should be designed in a way that can be enjoyed by the majority. Ergo, it should be created in a manner that can be customised by the user. Some options should be:
Text
-Font(size, color, script, style)
Screen
-Size (can order a preferred size but is not interchangeable)
-Background color
By making these components customisable, possible concerns of weary/irritated eyes that screens can often subject people to, or if you have poor vision, can be avoided or alleviated.
Is this device affordable?
A big problem with a lot of these technologies is the price tag. Part of the reason why eBook Readers are in the couple hundreds is because they're not only readers, they are also now sketchbooks, memo pads, dictionaries, etc. All these extra features are unneccesary to patients who just want to read.
Is this product user friendly and easily accessible?
How do we get the books on to the device. For the older generation, computer's are complicated and to start learning, a nightmare. The books would have to be uploaded onto the device from the internet. That means that the computer is unavoidable.
However, another alternative would be to create a database and make the device wifi/ethernet capable. So that when the user turns the device on they will be directly connected to the database where there will be a list of books that they can choose from. This way, not only will they not have to worry about uploading and using a computer, all the latest books and daily newspapers will be immediately available. Perhaps this can even create a community of readers leading to a possible social network/forum where books can be rated and/or discussed.
How will this device be used?
The device would most probably be controlled in the form of multiple switches but this area is highly flexible.
Some side notes/thoughts:
-page turning effect on screen
- tilt function
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sensible Wheelchair
For safety during mobility.
by Stella Kim, Amanda Syuarfan, Susan
Problem: Clients who use wheelchairs for everyday mobility sometimes demonstrate difficulty in determining the amount of space needed for passing by objects or through doorways during wheelchair propulsion. This ultimately leads to cuts and bruises along the clients arms and hands.
Solution: Create a device for either side of the wheelchair using the IR sensor. This device will function by providing an auditory alarm that increases in speed and intensity as the client approaches stationary objects and doorways. A more advanced model could be activated by movement, where the sensors will be silent when the wheelchair is not in motion.
Analog Sensor: This is an integrated sensor with IR emitter, detector, optics and timing logic. Its output is an analog voltage proportional to the distance to the nearest object in its field of view. The output signal is compatible with low-cost ADC circuits including those built into many robot controllers. The sensor can detect objects within a range of approximately 8" (20cm) to 59" (150cm).".
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R144-GP2Y0A02YK.html
by Stella Kim, Amanda Syuarfan, Susan
Problem: Clients who use wheelchairs for everyday mobility sometimes demonstrate difficulty in determining the amount of space needed for passing by objects or through doorways during wheelchair propulsion. This ultimately leads to cuts and bruises along the clients arms and hands.
Solution: Create a device for either side of the wheelchair using the IR sensor. This device will function by providing an auditory alarm that increases in speed and intensity as the client approaches stationary objects and doorways. A more advanced model could be activated by movement, where the sensors will be silent when the wheelchair is not in motion.
Analog Sensor: This is an integrated sensor with IR emitter, detector, optics and timing logic. Its output is an analog voltage proportional to the distance to the nearest object in its field of view. The output signal is compatible with low-cost ADC circuits including those built into many robot controllers. The sensor can detect objects within a range of approximately 8" (20cm) to 59" (150cm).".
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R144-GP2Y0A02YK.html
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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