CurrentDev

Since making this overview two years ago, much has already manifested and much is still to do. from now I am leaving this document alone even though much is out of date. //Samu 1 Jan 08//

project overview December 2005
here is a run-down of the whole work. some of it has been done, some of it is being done, some is to come.

2. to write some software that can take input from any of these components and make the computer do something.**
 * 1. to make a rubber mould and stick buttons, TrackPoints, triggers, gyroscopes, accelerometers etc in it.

But what combination is best? And where to put them? and how should the computer interpret the data? I do not want to make it too complicated and have too many buttons. I do not want to make it too basic that it is not functional / extensible this can only be settled by trial and error - I have to explore different configurations and find which ones work. to do this I have to write a general framework: a collection of components that can plug into each other and plug into the operating system.

shpiel
The aim of this research is to make a GeckoPad GeckoPad will be very useful - several uses are listed below the method is to make a component framework. playing around with different combinations of components will lead to an optimal design. some combinations will produce spin off products.

0. starting with these components:
TrackPoint .......wires into PS2 Port

GyroMouse .......gyroscopes are on the end of a two metre cable

1. make these components:
TrackPoints: multi- TrackPoint interface: .......hardware ..............connect many TrackPoints into the computer. .......driver ..............raw data is available to operating system

SqueezeBall: squeezy lemon pressure sensor: .......hardware ..............SqueezeBall connects into pressure sensor driver ..............raw data is available to operating system

GeckoPad - rubber shape with embedded switches .......hardware ..............switches connect to numeric keypad ..............the operating system sees them as keystrokes .......software ..............using keyboard remapping software AHK

user interface .......software ..............TrackPie ..............Trasher ..............Track24Point ..............VRMod: .....................modify voice-recognition software:

.....................command mode ............................edit commands

.....................dictate mode .....................spell mode ............................alpha bravo charlie

.....................lock

.....................show active mode

2. combine the components
TrackPoint + .......+ TrackPie .......+ Track24Point .......+ Trasher .......+ SqueezeBall .......VRMod + ..............+ GeckoPad switches ..............+ Trasher

SqueezeBall + .......+ mouse .......+ gyros ..............- head-mounted ..............- mounted in GeckoPad .......+ TrackPoints

.......+ EyeTracker ..............- make component: homebuild EyeTracker ..............- make SqueezeBall zoom / click

alternatives to SqueezeBall .......- foot pedal .......- mouth clicker .......- muscle sensors

3. final products:
i++ user base website .......- open source software development .......- use with different controllers eg wii .......- download mods


 * GeckoPad**

associated technologies .......- for people with disabilities .......- other

GeckoPad uses **SqueezeBall technology**

SqueezeBall changes mouse sensitivity and/or zoom - the harder you squeeze the **less** sensitive the cursor becomes ( and optionally the more you zoom in) SqueezeBall vibrates as you approach click pressure ( this is so you do not click by accident )

Uses for **GeckoPad**
good for anything that requires precision movement. This is many things. People controlling aeroplanes, helicopters, precision machinery, surgery, art, music, gaming

and artist uses GeckoPad. he is wearing MicroVision glasses. the whole space around him is the canvas. the pressure of his second, a third and 4th fingers on the GeckoPad is choosing a colour RGB. the pressure and direction of the thumb, and the other hand is controlling brush attributes. the artist's whole body is in motion - a the artist is Dancer also.

the gamer uses GeckoPad. it can track intricate movements of his hands, provide a rumble feedback. his hands are separate from one another, not a join together like most games consoles.

you use a GeckoPad when you turn on your computer. The interface is a replacement for mouse and keyboard. It is very natural; intuitive. seamlessly combined with **voice recognition software** it is a fast and accurate interface.

a **musician uses GeckoPad**. Using the pressure of his fingers he can control the sound wave directly.

Uses for **associated technologies**
a number of final products will drop out of this plethora of combinations. the main one of course is GeckoPad, a complete system but others will be particularly useful for people with disabilities and restricted movement, and others will be used for in different situations for example, data entry on a PDA

people who have shaky hands .......using a **SqueezeBall** and **gyroscopic head tracker** people who cannot use their hands .......SqueezeBall variant + EyeTracker ..............instead of using a SqueezeBall use some other input. ..............Pretty much any muscle in the body can be used to gather analogue data. ..............muscle data can be gathered from sensors on the skin.
 * __technologies for people with disabilities__**

people who have RSI .......using a **SqueezeBall/ GeckoPad** and **gyroscopic head tracker**

__**other uses**__

using TrackPoint user interface technology for PDAs. people have a great trouble inputting information into PDAs. It is fiddly.