doing fun stuff with switches

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