Sensor touch: Fun in reaching out

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There have been a bunch of movies and even more stories where the bad guys or good guys are able to interact physically at a distance.  Usually there is violence involved, but what kind of fun can we have?  Well I am assuming that everyone who wants to take apart their Xbox controller to use it in our research have ordered it or are waiting till the weekend to get it from Game Stop or some place like that.  Research isn't any fun if we can't use the final product would it?  Also it wouldn't last long if there is no profit or benefit.

For now let's start talking about sensor touch and how you as a researcher could make it happen:

 

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If you were an Intern or at your job, and your customer or manager asks you if it is possible to have the XBox Controller respond to a nudge from someone on IM, how would you approach this problem?

First, I would have to make some assumptions:

  • The IM uses a standard that I can look at in a single location
  • That the IM has an application programming interface (also known as API)
  • That there is some way to connect to the XBox Controller

Then I would have look at the Sensor Touch, do I have to have two way capabilities to reach the goals of the researchers at Microsoft.  No, initially I can cut back a little and just have one touch through the "nudge" concept.  I don't have to go both ways.

Some questions for you:

1. Does Microsoft Instant Messenger have a standard?

2. Does the Microsoft Instant Messenger have an API?

3. Is there a way for us to use the XBox Controller?

Remember if you have an XP, you will need to get the WIRED controller to follow through with this research.

A final note: I have not prepared material ahead for this discussion, so as we move through the effort, you and I are exploring these technological concepts together.  I hope that you will have as much fun as I am having!