Most remote controlled systems are complex physical interfaces developed to give users as much control as possible over an external device. The Gestures system is about using natural human movement to control a physical object. By using their body to control the object, the user begins to have a deeper connection to the device and enjoys the unique experience.
nickmckay@gdnm.org
A mini air compressor is attached to a small wooden toy boat with tubes pointing through the rear bottom area of the wooden object. A Sony Xperia phone is connected to an Arduino unit that receives a separate phones’ signal. Another device is setup on land with a 12 x 12 (in) wooden board placed on the ground and another Sony Xperia phone and an Arduino unit connected to the wooden board via a vibration sensor. The phone on land would connect to the phone on the boat by calling to establish a connection. Via a phone call, the user would have to clap their hands in order to cause a reaction on the wooden boat. The boat unit would receive the clapping sound,
nickmckay@gdnm.org
which would be programmed into the Arudino unit. This sound would start the air compressor, which would begin producing air and would release the air through the tubes at a steady pace to keep the boat moving across the water. The wooden boat also has a small container that captures some of the produced air from the compressor and stores it. After capturing enough air, the user on land can stomp their foot on the wooden board. The phone receives this vibration from a sensor on the Arduino unit, which sends a text message to the boat unit. With the message received, the captured air is released out through the tubes and produces a sudden boost, which propels the wooden boat faster across the water.