Monday, September 22, 2008

Edited single animation

B- Bat (shorten the branch)



C-Cat (remove sfx word, adjust text kerning)



D-Duck (shorten animation length, remove sfx word, adjust text kerning)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Enhancements to the Software

22 Sept 08

These are the changes that need to be done to the software after testing it on the users.

Changes to the program: Done :)

1. Remove the random function that randomizes the appearance of the animations for single letter. (Reason: Not crucial to the experience and confused the kids who are looking for a particular animation)

2. Move the readers to the middle of the table on both sides instead of putting it at the bottom of the table. (Allow more room for the users to place their paper when they want to draw. Ensures that the tags will not be easily nudged away from the reader causing the image to disappear.)

3. Clear the animation on each reader before a new tag is placed. (This is to prevent the overlapping image problem when tags that are removed are not detected)

4. Allow the jolly phonics animation to run on both letters even when 2 is being put at the same time. (So each letter will have a sound irregardless.- Better feedback and user experience so the users knows that the letter has been detected.)

Changes to the Animations: (To be done ..soon!)

Apple: No changes :)
Bat : shorten the branch
Cat: Delete the 'Meow'
Duck: Only swimming, remove the walking and the 'Quack'
Egg: Only cracks for then numbers


Additions to the software: (To be completed by this week 26th Sept)

1. Enable letter and number to work together eg 1 & A = 1 Apple
B & 3 = 3 Bats

2. Enable 2 numbers to work together eg 1 & 2 = 3 Three

Monday, August 18, 2008

Technology Research: RFID tag


125 kHz. Low Frequency (LF) Pole Transponder RFID Tag (Model: 111009)
  • Type : Contactless Read Only
  • Operating Frequency : 125 ± 6 kHz
  • Capacity : 64 bits R/W
  • Data Coding Type : Manchester, Biphase, PSK
  • Common Usage :Patrol security, automobile, pallets, cement and wood
  • Standard Deployment : Inserted into hole or attached via epoxy
  • Tested Read Range : 2-6 cm
  • Multi-Detection : No
  • Max read quantity : 1 tags/sec
  • Size: Diameter : Φ5.8mm×16mm
  • Material : Plastic or resin
  • Color :Black/Blue
  • Weight :1 g
  • Compliance : EM4100 or other compatible tags

125 kHz. Low Frequency (LF) RFID Nail Tag (Model: 111011)
  • Type : Contactless Read Only
  • Operating Frequency : 125 ± 6 kHz
  • Capacity : 64 bits R/W
  • Data Coding Type : Manchester, Biphase, PSK
  • Common Usage :Pallets, cement and wood
  • Standard Deployment :Inserted into hole using hammer
  • Tested Read Range : 2-6 cm
  • Multi-Detection : No
  • Max read quantity : 1 tags/sec
  • Size: Diameter : Φ5.8mm×16mm
  • Material : Plastic or resin
  • Color :Black/Blue
  • Weight :1.25 g
  • Compliance : EM4100 or other compatible tags
From GAO RFID Inc.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Technology Research: wireless RFID reader

As the current system using Phidgets RFID that require a USB cable to connect the reader with the Mac. We are seeking for another solution with wireless reader so that the product would be more independent and portable.
  1. RD5000 Mobile RFID Reader: The RD5000 is based on a 624 MHz PXA270 processor, and is equipped with 64 MB each of SDRAM and flash memory. The battery-powered device supports WiFi and Bluetooth wireless, for cable-free operation.
  2. Class II Bluetooth RFID Reader: Featuring software that allows for up to 4 Bluetooth reader inputs on one PC/laptop, palm-sized Class II Bluetooth RFID Reader series is available in 125 kHz, 134 kHz, and 13.56 MHz frequencies. Software is ready for use for PCs that have Bluetooth adaptor, or are otherwise Bluetooth-enabled, and runs on most Windows operating systems. Reader is compatible with most types of RFID cards; has data transmission range over 10 m; and continuously reads tags up to 7,000 times/charge.

  3. Zigbee Wireless Rfid Reader Rf ODM Module:

  4. Tek Freedom Bareboard: The Freedom is capable of reading and writing to multiple RFID tags. Transmitting data to any Bluetooth PDA or Bluetooth compatible PC is simple using the Freedom’s wireless technology. The RFID Adaptor is self contained and because of its own rechargeable batteries, does not derive power from an external source (batteries not included). The boards can also be powered by a standard AC adaptor. Consisting of two PCBs, the first board houses the Bluetooth components and the second board houses the RFID Reader hardware.

Project Plan

W4-5: Research - looking for applicable technology, material, and method of teaching young kids
W5-7: Program + Graphic - working on the code and the animation (15 extra animations on number)
W7-8: Physical Set up - create input object (5 alphabets & 5 numbers) for user interaction and finalize the final product
W9-10: Testing - have some young kid try out the final product
W10-12: Marketing - design website, user manual, brochure, and name card (as well as slide show, T-shirt if possible)