Lab+7

Lab 7: Physical computing is a revolutionary way of interacting with the analogue world using hardware and software. They are used to determine a relationship between humans and the digital world. Physical computing allows for the user to fully interact with the digital world, allowing them to control its outcome.
 * Write four paragraphs to define the term 'physical computing'. (4 paragraphs) **

Recently physical computing has taken a “hands on” approach with touch screen, as compared to the conventional way with the use of a mouse, keyboard, and a screen. This allows for technology to literally be “at your fingertips.”

A perfect example of Physical computing is the iPhone or tablet computers. Instead of using a physical mouse to move around, you simply use your finger as the curser. In the iPhone for example, the use of motion sensors and accelerometers allow us as the user to have interactions with the device in a three-dimensional matter.

Physical computing also allows for Tangible User Interface. This is when an individual interrelates with digital information through their physical atmosphere. This is described in Hiroshi Ishii’s (one of the pioneers in TUI) experiment that correlate with music bottles.

__Dtools__ ** Dtools is an integrated support that offers three key steps: designing, testing and analyzing. These are done at the early prototyping stage of physical user interfaces. The video used a hand held GPS device as an example. Visual representations are displayed via the use of Dtools such as motion sensors and accelerometers. __Exemplar__ Exemplar is a manipulation and pattern recognition program tool that looks at interactions with the product via sensors. When compared to Dtools, Exemplar uses more sensors while, Dtools use more for physical interface. In addition, Exemplar can also be manipulated through data manipulation and help apply and refine filters. Unfortunately, Dtools can not support this.
 * Here are two links to videos describing new authoring devices for prototyping, which include software and technical information. Write two paragraphs each describing their prototyping methods, and describing what they are enabled to do. (4 paragraphs)