UAF Development Progress

UAF's servo motors are still operating from a single potentiometer, and unfortunately the PIR sensors purchased seem unable to offer a readable output for the Arduino. Although the sensors could successfully be powered from a 12V source (by indication of the LED on the sensor flashing), there is no clear way to get a safe reading the Arduino could use.


Image of Parallax PIR Sensor from: www.parallax.com

It does seem, that it is only the brand chosen that seems to be the problem, as there are pieces using the Arduino and a particular PIR sensor manufactured by Parallax in the US. Unfortunately, importing these sensors is not financially feasible so a compromise must be sought in order to still offer user interaction, I am thinking that using a second potentiometer so users can control the two axis of movement separately would be a successful compromise, as it will still offer interaction and user satisfaction, but, unfortunately, the 'uncontrollable' aspect will be removed.

Alternative and Innovative Public Products

Because the UAF is designed for ease of use, so it could be used by the general public, I decided to look at interesting interfaces that are being made available to the public...


Image of OCZ's NIA from: techreport.com

Pictured above is the "Neural Impulse Actuator Controller" (or NIA) by OCZ. This device is essentially a motionless "joystick" aimed at PC gamers, that through the device's drivers, outputs various facial movements and brain waves as regular keyboard keystrokes. This makes it usable in any application that can have keystrokes bound.

Unlike UAF, it is mentioned in reviews that the NIA takes a lot of getting used to, and users have to 'train' themselves to use the device. With UAF, the device will be plug and play, where only a power supply would be needed.

Here is a video review of the NIA, which notes that it is a fresh, innovative and forward thinking device that will make gaming never be the same again...

Abstract Data Visualisation

I have come across an interesting electronic piece titled: Dept. of Rhythmanalysis: Dupage, by Kevin Hamilton. This piece shows viewers True/False answers to unusual questions in a very basic electronic Green/Red LED display...



Images of Dept. of Rhythmanalysis: Dupage from: www.kevinhamilton.org

... some of the conditions displayed include:

• WAR IN IRAN / WAR IN IRAQ
• BORDER SECURE / NO BORDER
• DEMOCRATIC WHITE HOUSE / REPUBLICAN WHITE HOUSE
• IT WILL GET BETTER / ITS PRETTY BAD

This piece and other versions of it are mentioned in an article on Rhizome that mention Hamilton as an artist that is "clearly invested in questioning the nature of interface and display".So Hamilton seems to have followed similar principles that UAF follows, in that he is exploring alternative ways of display for interfaces. Which is the same thought process of UAF, where alternative thinking will provide users with an unusual and innovative interface.