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Revision as of 20:13, 11 October 2007 (view source) Timothy Cheung (Talk | contribs) (→Report 1 Revisions) ← Older edit		Revision as of 20:13, 11 October 2007 (view source) Timothy Cheung (Talk | contribs) (→Autonomous Motion) Newer edit →
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	===Autonomous Motion===		===Autonomous Motion===
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		+	A potential modification to the product design that was considered involved enabling product with the capabilities for autonomous motion.  This design would be able to address user needs for increased control of the product, as well as providing an alternative mode of interaction with the device.  This change in the experience for the user would be positive in that it is an innovative method for remote control, increasing its appeal.
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		+	The implementation of autonomous motion would require additional components in order to enable the product to move in this manner.  The controlling device would be some form of laser pointer, which would in turn activate IR sensors located on the tarantula.  Combining additional hardware with additional software would enable the tarantula to move according to the data relayed from the IR array.
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		+	The IR array would consist of two sensors with a relatively limited range of detection.  Each sensor would be located on the front of the tarantula, on either the right or left side.  There would be a portion of detection that overlapped between the two, as well as portions that corresponded solely to an individual IR sensor.  This would allow the input from the array to be attributed to one of three types of input.  The first type would be nothing at all, which would prompt the tarantula to do nothing.  The second input would be either of the IR sensors individually.  This would relay to the internal controller to turn until the sensory input corresponded to the third type of input.  This last type of input would correspond to both sensors detecting the laser pointer.  The resulting action of this detection would be the forward motion of the tarantula.  By implementing this control scheme and arrangement, a relatively limited amount of material would be required for an additional type of control.  The IR array could be integrated into the circuitry and the overall appearance of the tarantula.
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		+	However, this design also introduces additional problems.  The introduction of additional hardware would create added energy demands on the limited resources.  The tarantula would require additional voltage or electrical energy, which would in turn lead to an increase in the amount of batteries required.  This necessity would create the need for a larger battery slot, which would ultimately require a complete change in the design of the tarantula.  In order to support the additional power and control requirements, the overall size of the product would be changed, which would present further problems in manufacturing and production that will not be discussed currently.
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		+	Also, the limitations of this design would not provide enough additional benefits to outweigh the costs.  Increasing the power demands and the size of the product would introduce the need for a redesign of the power, motion, and control systems.  This added cost would transfer to the consumer, which may not translate well due to the relatively minute additional features that it introduces.

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Revision as of 20:13, 11 October 2007

Contents 1 Report 1 Revisions 1.1 User Studies 1.2 Proposed Design Alternatives 1.2.1 Autonomous Motion

Report 1 Revisions

Summary of revisions.

User Studies

To further our research of the product, our analysis included a study of user interaction. Two of SW Randall toy store locations were chosen, one in downtown Pittsburgh, the other in Squirrel Hill. The first study was conducted during the lunch break of working adults, while the second was conducted on a weekend afternoon. These two studies allowed for access to the different demographics that would drive the demand for the product.

The first study introduced the product to adults, who would ultimately be the purchasers of the product. This was done to understand adult usage and interaction of the product. The second study was conducted to allow for a greater interaction of the product with younger children. By doing so around 5PM on a Saturday afternoon, there was a greater chance of interaction with families with young children. Users were asked to express any comments or suggestions regarding improvements or positive aspects of the product. These comments were taken into account when devising potential design changes of the product, as well as gaining a better understanding of what qualities were considered more important than others. By conducting this user study, the analysis of the product would be made more complete by accessing the needs of the customer during further development.

Two particular cases of product interaction with young child involved two young children. A female, age 4, found the product easy to use and liked the way it looked. If she was dissatisfied with the positioning of the tarantula, she would pick it up and rearrange it herself frequently. The second was a male, age 2, who would follow after the tarantula as he controlled it.

Comments ranged from positive to negative, touching upon aspects of both function and aesthetics. Some suggestions pertained to increasing the function of the tarantula. Specifically, increased manipulative controls were suggested. Having control of the mouth or the feelers was proposed, increasing the potential uses for the product. Other users commented on the need for increased aesthetic appeal. These suggestions pertained to the appearance of the product, either changing the color of the exterior, or increasing the amount of fur coverage to conceal any mechanical parts. Also, complaints about the amount of noise created were noted. Certain modifications were suggested, among them the ability to jump or to eject a projectile. Generally, the user response to the product was positive, taking into account the different limitations of the product.

The main points addressed to improve involved improving the overall experience of using the product. This could be done through increasing the realism of the device, either by modifying the articulation of the legs and the tarantula motion, or by creating a more realistic model of a tarantula body. Also, the function of the product could be increased with a greater range of control and function. Specifically, allowing the tarantula to turn in two directions was suggested by all users.

Proposed Design Alternatives

Autonomous Motion

A potential modification to the product design that was considered involved enabling product with the capabilities for autonomous motion. This design would be able to address user needs for increased control of the product, as well as providing an alternative mode of interaction with the device. This change in the experience for the user would be positive in that it is an innovative method for remote control, increasing its appeal.

The implementation of autonomous motion would require additional components in order to enable the product to move in this manner. The controlling device would be some form of laser pointer, which would in turn activate IR sensors located on the tarantula. Combining additional hardware with additional software would enable the tarantula to move according to the data relayed from the IR array.

The IR array would consist of two sensors with a relatively limited range of detection. Each sensor would be located on the front of the tarantula, on either the right or left side. There would be a portion of detection that overlapped between the two, as well as portions that corresponded solely to an individual IR sensor. This would allow the input from the array to be attributed to one of three types of input. The first type would be nothing at all, which would prompt the tarantula to do nothing. The second input would be either of the IR sensors individually. This would relay to the internal controller to turn until the sensory input corresponded to the third type of input. This last type of input would correspond to both sensors detecting the laser pointer. The resulting action of this detection would be the forward motion of the tarantula. By implementing this control scheme and arrangement, a relatively limited amount of material would be required for an additional type of control. The IR array could be integrated into the circuitry and the overall appearance of the tarantula.

However, this design also introduces additional problems. The introduction of additional hardware would create added energy demands on the limited resources. The tarantula would require additional voltage or electrical energy, which would in turn lead to an increase in the amount of batteries required. This necessity would create the need for a larger battery slot, which would ultimately require a complete change in the design of the tarantula. In order to support the additional power and control requirements, the overall size of the product would be changed, which would present further problems in manufacturing and production that will not be discussed currently.

Also, the limitations of this design would not provide enough additional benefits to outweigh the costs. Increasing the power demands and the size of the product would introduce the need for a redesign of the power, motion, and control systems. This added cost would transfer to the consumer, which may not translate well due to the relatively minute additional features that it introduces.