NethrowPC

WiiPresent is a new type of 3D-presentation tool which uses multiple Nintendo Wii Remote Controllers by Nintendo.

Additionally, a self-built infrared pen and infrared glasses enable the use of previously undiscovered potentials of the wiimote, like head-tracking and whiteboard-use. These inexpensive utilities and the software WiiPresent enable you to interact intuitively with a computer-generated 3D-model. The combination of the Bluetooth and Infrared (IR) technology with the integrated acceleration sensors revolutionizes Human-Computer Interaction in terms of presentations, because of the use of inexpensive and common controllers like the wiimote.

It was developed by Christa Hasenraht in her diploma thesis at the FH JOANNEUM, Information Management in Graz, Austria.

Diploma Thesis: Christa Hasenrath, 2008
Supervisor: Alexander Nischelwitzer

All in all, three functionalities are implemented one for each wiimote:
•
3D-wiimote is the base interaction controller for the audience. The 3D-product can be rotated in any direction according to the wiimote-rotation.
•
Tracking-wiimote is positioned in front of the audience, where the integrated infrared camera can see the infrared-LEDs of the glasses. One person has to wear them. The background and the model itself will follow the head-position (head-tracking), whereby the 3D-effect will be emphasized.
•
Whiteboard-wiimote is used as a receiver for the infrared pen. It is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the projection field and gives the presenter the possibility of showing further information about the product or to rotate the object on the projection field without using the 3D-wiimote.
All wiimotes must be connected to a PC via Bluetooth. The WiiPresent application has to be started on the PC to capture the data and the movement-actions. Through the use of the implemented tracking functions it is possible to present 3D-products in an intuitive and interactive way.

Interaction Design
As described, three interaction methods are used in combination with the hard-/software, the presenter and the audience.
•
Audience 3D-wiimote
One person in the audience can move the 3D-product on the screen through rotating the 3D-wiimote. The wiimote is only connected to the PC via Bluetooth and is able to transfer the motion-data wirelessly. So it is possible to move the 3D-object in real-time.
•
Audience infrared glasses
One person in the audience puts on the infrared glasses. These glasses have two infrared-LEDs, whereby the technique of head-tracking is possible. With this method the 3D-effect will be emphasized, so that it appears as a virtual window through which it is possible to see a room. The 3D-object is placed in this room.
•
Presenter whiteboard / infrared pen
The presenter has an infrared pen in order to control the presentation and the functionality of the interactive whiteboard. The pen has an integrated infrared-LED, whose light the whiteboard-wiimote detects. Based on this, the presenter can show more information on the screen or move the 3D-object through buttons in the application.

Duration : 0:3:58

(more…)

Technorati Tags: design, Digital, diploma, DMT, FH, Hasenrath, Informationmanagement, interaction, Interface", JOANNEUM, media, Nintendo, Nischelwitzer, technologies, Thesis, University, wii, WiiPresent

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2010/02/01/Steve_Wozniak_Creativity_in_the_21st_Century

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recalls the moment he stumbled upon the idea of how to put color into personal computers. The inspiration came during a sleepless four-day and four-night design session while building the Atari game Breakout. “That was probably one of the biggest things Apple ever did,” he says.

—–

Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder and philanthropist in conversation at the Discovery Forum 2010 with Emmy-award winning journalist Dana King from CBS 5 Eyewitness News.

Renowned technology pioneer Steve Wozniak speaks to the importance of hands-on learning and encouraging creativity, and how the Bay Area Discovery Museum is a critical resource for preparing children for the challenges of the 21st century.

The Discovery Forum serves to increase awareness about the importance of childhood creativity, and raises support for the Museum’s educational exhibitions and programs. – Bay Area Discovery Museum

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Wheels of Zeus (wOz), helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. For his achievements at Apple Computer, Steve was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed America’s leading innovators.

In 2000 Steve was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for “single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.”

Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, Wozniak “adopted” the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. Wozniak founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.

Steve is currently a member of the board of directors for Jacent, a developer of cost-effective telephony solutions, and Danger, Inc., developer of a end-to-end wireless Internet platform.

Duration : 0:2:47

(more…)

Technorati Tags: Apple, colors, computer, Computing, design, designer, engineer, engineering, History, II, inspiring, inventing, invention, Inventor, jobs, PC, steve, story, tech, technology, woz

Running the Windows 7 Beta on my MacBook Pro.

Duration : 0:6:9

(more…)

Technorati Tags: Apple, beta, design, Mac, Mac Mini, Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Oct 14, Steve Jobs, Windows 7

This report explores the use of 3-D and 4-D models in architecture design in system classrooms and constructions sites.

Duration : 0:6:25

(more…)

Technorati Tags: 3-D, architechture, Classrooms, design, education, TAMUS

To celebrate the release of GTA 4 on PC here is a nostalgic look back at Grand Theft Auto through the years especially for PC gamers.

GTA comes back home on December 2nd 2008 and I think the wait will be worth it. The video editor alone looks amazing. Enjoy your copy, I know I will.

Duration : 0:10:52

(more…)

Technorati Tags: 1969, andreas, auto, city", design, dma, Game, gameplay, grand, gta, iv, london, PC, Rockstar, san, theft, vice

http://www.eng.brad.ac.uk The course is not intended to be for IT specialists. It aims to prepare graduates for management roles in industry and commerce and who are familiar with the concepts of all aspects of technology. The course covers a broad range of aspects of information technology. There is an equally strong emphasis on ‘people skills’ and group dynamics.

Duration : 0:2:36

(more…)

Technorati Tags: Automotive, design, Full, msc, part, phd, postgraduate, Product, time, undergraduate

Informatics majors put information to work to meet people’s needs.

The Informatics program at the University of Washington Information School develops students’ ability to design, build, manage and secure information systems. The program is divided into three degree concentrations:

- Human-Computer Interaction and Design
- Information Architecture
- Networks and Information urance

Students study how people use technology and how to build systems to meet those needs, incorporating human concerns such as privacy and ethics and fields like software development and network technology. By considering both the users and uses of technology, students learn to apply their knowledge to positively impact their communities and society.

The three degree concentrations allow students to develop the depth of skills and expertise they’ll use to obtain and thrive in their first job in the information field after graduation. Students are free to specialize in one concentration, or choose from among courses to develop a program based on their career and personal goals.

Graduates of the program typically apply the skills they develop in their roles as:

Usability engineers
Interface designers
Information architects
Network administrators
Web developers
Systems analysts
Web designers
Information urance professionals

The Application Cycle
Priority application deadline: April 15
Notification of applicants: Late June/Early July
http://www.ischool.washington.edu/informatics

Duration : 0:4:55

(more…)

Technorati Tags: computer, design, HCI, Informatics, information, major, science, Security, system, technology, University, UW, Washington

With Kinesis Personal, the individual takes centre stage whilst technology is concealed behind the scenes. This is thanks to the perfect blend of experience offered by Technogym®, Wellness world leader, and its Research & Development Centre, together with the exclusive design of architect Antonio Citterio / istant Toan Nguyen.

Kinesis Personal is a designer furniture product for areas dedicated to personal wellbeing. In perfect harmony with the wellness lifestyle, it blends seamlessly into the home, the most innovative offices and the suites of the most exclusive hotels.

Duration : 0:3:15

(more…)

Technorati Tags: citterio, design, Equipment, Fitness, Home, Kinesis, Lifestyle, Personal, technogym, Wellness