Monthly Archive for November, 2006

Mobile Apps Final Project

Published
by
kate
on November 30, 2006
in Mobile Applications
. 0 Comments

[Project Name Here]

mobile application for “downtime”

by Kate Bauer & Chris Paretti

[Project Name Here] is a mobile application that enables users to download content via txt (no internet required)
automatically to their mobile phone that can be accessed when the phone is out of range (subway, elevator.)

Concept

[Project Name Here] has evolved from the question of what to do with your mobile phone when it is not being used for talking. Of course, there are text messages, but these can only be sent when there is network capability. Then there are games. But some people enjoy do not playing games (gasp!) as much as others. The phone can be used as an alarm clock, scheduler, even a small computer (with MS Office applications.) However, none of the present applications for the phone seem to fit that time, normally during commute or waiting in line, when a person either does not have advanced applications or wants to just browse some information casually.

People can carry books with them, newspapers and such items. There are times, however, when it is inconvenient to do so. That time still exists- the downtime of the mobile phone. [Project Name Here] is specifically geared toward this time and provides an application with customizable content that provides the option to access this content when there is no network connectivity

How It Works

The application can be downloaded from the [Project Name Here] website, which includes easy-to-follow instructions on the application set-up. (Basically, download the file and send it to your phone using bluetooth on the computer.) The application will trigger the mobile phone to automatically download RSS feeds from the internet using bluetooth technology at a time specified by the user. (A basic list of pre-downloaded RSS feeds will be available at the start-up of the program.) These RSS feeds will be stored on the phone until the next upload time, and then erased when the new information is downloaded. There is a timely nature to this project, however future versions will have the option of deleting certain information only.

The application will be built using J2ME (implementing the Canvas class.) The Bluetooth technology is included in most phone and computer models or can be added to the computer, if needed. Maybe some kind of screen-reading software will be used to enhance accessibility, as reading on a small screen is less than ideal when the screen sizes are very small.

Effects

People will now be able to spend ALL of their time on the phone (for better or for worse.) Maybe computers will be carried around a bit less, as the information will be readily accessible via mobile phone. Ultimately, users will have the option to choose whatever content they want and when they want to read it.

Nature of Code

Published
by
kate
on November 20, 2006
in Nature of Code
. 0 Comments

For the final project, I am going to continue working on the dandelion project I did for midterm. The project consists of a system of particles (which make up the bracts, or petals, of the flower.) These particles are affected by a gentle wind force that moves them slightly on its own.

If a person walks by the dandelions, they will sway with a stronger force, according the the movements picked up on the camera. A microphone will detect sound. If there is a lot of sound, the dandelion bracts will fly away. Sounds can be created by blowing into the microphone. Maybe I can set it up so the microphone is strong enough or the gauge is small enough to detect slight sound so the microphone does not need to be visable.

A similar project was presented at NextFest, however the controller was a hair dryer and the dandelions functioned as a clock. I want to create a more graceful interaction with the flower, almost as if a dance.

Mobile Apps Final Project

Published
by
kate
on November 15, 2006
in Mobile Applications
. 1 Comment

[Project Name Here]

mobile application for “downtime”

by Kate Bauer & Chris Paretti

[Project Name Here] is a mobile application that enables users to download content via txt (no internet required)
automatically to their mobile phone that can be accessed when the phone is out of range (subway, elevator.)

Concept

[Project Name Here] has evolved from the question of what to do with your mobile phone when it is not being used for talking. Of course, there are text messages, but these can only be sent when there is network capability. Then there are games. But some people enjoy do not playing games (gasp!) as much as others. The phone can be used as an alarm clock, scheduler, even a small computer (with MS Office applications.) However, none of the present applications for the phone seem to fit that time, normally during commute or waiting in line, when a person either does not have advanced applications or wants to just browse some information casually.

People can carry books with them, newspapers and such items. There are times, however, when it is inconvenient to do so. That time still exists- the downtime of the mobile phone. [Project Name Here] is specifically geared toward this time and provides an application with customizable content that provides the option to access this content when there is no network connectivity

How It Works

The application can be downloaded from the [Project Name Here] website, which includes easy-to-follow instructions on the application set-up. (Basically, download the file and send it to your phone using bluetooth on the computer.) The application will trigger the mobile phone to automatically download RSS feeds from the internet using bluetooth technology at a time specified by the user. (A basic list of pre-downloaded RSS feeds will be available at the start-up of the program.) These RSS feeds will be stored on the phone until the next upload time, and then erased when the new information is downloaded. There is a timely nature to this project, however future versions will have the option of deleting certain information only.

The application will be built using J2ME (implementing the Canvas class.) The Bluetooth technology is included in most phone and computer models or can be added to the computer, if needed. Maybe some kind of screen-reading software will be used to enhance accessibility, as reading on a small screen is less than ideal when the screen sizes are very small.

Effects

People will now be able to spend ALL of their time on the phone (for better or for worse.) Maybe computers will be carried around a bit less, as the information will be readily accessible via mobile phone. Ultimately, users will have the option to choose whatever content they want and when they want to read it.