[games_access] Fw: Single-Handed Access Game Controller is Here

Mon Jun 9 12:54:04 EDT 2008

I didn't realise that you're not a die-hard QuadController fan, Robert.... I like your ideas. Your idea of a separate display ties up with an ancient unfinshed project of mine to have a separate computer with input and output boxes driving a games console.

Head tracking sounds great for games console control - which could offer a lot of potential. Presently - there's the DreamGamer for consoles - but this is a very simple device really - with four digital tilt switches - and nothing externally indicating when you are in the "dead-zone" (i.e. - you're not activating up, down, left or right - you're doing nothing). http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/1/AGS/AGS-head.htm

Here's a mix of your ideas and mine.....

A standard laptop computer.
A blue-tooth output box (for sending gaming signals out to your PS3 / Xbox 360 / Wii / Future Console)
A variety of optional interfaces including:
  A Multi-point tracking head-tracker.
  Wii-mote style movement sensors.
  Standard JoyPad and Joystick controllers (i.e. compatibility with many switch interfaces, arcade sticks, split controllers, one-handed controllers and so on)
  Standard Mouse recognised controllers (i.e. compatibility with track-balls, standard head-trackers - and maybe even interactive white boards)
  Standard Keyboard (for an enabler to have access to any extra controls the main-gamer can't cope with).

The key component would be the software - which would analyse your movements according to certain user-defined profiles - then kick out the blue-tooth signals to your game console. I could imagine certain games being made playable with far less buttons in this way - I could imagine certain difficult repetitions / held-button requirements or complicated combinations being made more accessible - I could imagine the problem of games having no facility to remap controls becoming a problem of the past - I could imagine this not having to cost the earth...

So can you run with this on the list? What would make this better - what features would be needed in the software?

Barrie
www.OneSwitch.org.uk
www.igda.org/accessibility

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Robert Florio 
  To: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List' 
  Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 3:48 PM
  Subject: Re: [games_access] Fw: Single-Handed Access Game Controller is Here

  "Of course things like linking are involuntary, getting an inch, and I and movement can be subjective to staying in one place. " Robert Florio

  Sorry what I meant to say is "things like blinking are involuntary, getting an inch, and eye movement can be subjective to staying in one place."  Robert Florio :-)

  I think the uses of at least just one sip and puff straw would be required.  That way rapidfire movement can be accessed much quicker with much more reward from direct input and output.  Otherwise shaking your head around and give a headache.  :-)

  Robert

  www.RobertFlorio.com  

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  From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Robert Florio
  Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 10:44 AM
  To: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List'
  Subject: Re: [games_access] Fw: Single-Handed Access Game Controller is Here

  Good question Barrie about a hands free controller.  The quad controller is great but if you notice it's very saliva infective germ spreading problematic.  I actually think that eye tracking technology combined with some sort of head position device could work better.

  I think developing technology around the eye Toy or other toys that pickup body movement should be used to place directly in front of the face but not to block the vision of the television to pick up on the facial movements to control everything needed to play games.  Of course things like linking are involuntary, getting an inch, and I and movement can be subjective to staying in one place.  But the movement of the head definitely could be used with subtle adjustments available for each user to push the buttons, visually on the screen possibly like a little corner monitor showing where your head movement is in relation to the buttons that need to be pushed.

  But then again that would probably have to be embedded directly in each videogame which is not going to happen most likely.  Perhaps a little monitor on a separate device are not monitored at all but something telling the user that their head is near the right sweats or something that they have pressed the rights switch needs to happen.  But the user cannot keep looking down away from the screen on a separate device to make sure their head is hitting the right thing.  To solve this problem and I device like glasses could come over one eyeball letting the user know that all of their heads-up displays needed would be right there visually.

  Pretty cool?  Maybe.  Hey don't steal that idea I want to be there when it gets made.LOL :-)

   Robert

  www.RobertFlorio.com  

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  From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Barrie Ellis
  Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 4:54 PM
  To: IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List
  Subject: Re: [games_access] Fw: Single-Handed Access Game Controller is Here

  I think eDimensional will be likely to create another accessible controller if this one is a success. I really hope it is - even though it will hit sales of my HORI Super Robot Wars Controller.

  A number of people have said that it looks a bit awkward - but I think it's not going to be as big as it looks - not when you consider this prototype photo. As with all alternative controllers - it would still be lovely if game developers bothered to allow gamers to redefine their controls.

  What have you in mind to improve things with a hands free controller? Be a good topic to discuss on this list perhaps?

  Barrie

  www.OneSwitch.org.uk

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Robert Florio 

    To: 'IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List' 

    Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 3:43 PM

    Subject: Re: [games_access] Fw: Single-Handed Access Game Controller is Here

    Remarkable.  Does that company have any ambition for creating a controller for People who can't use their hands?  Is there any way I could help them design one?  Looks like they are the people to go to.

    Has this been game tested?  Looking at it it looks a little cumbersome like thinking something more like a holding your hand almost like a aircraft cockpit controller would be more easier for the hand.  I hope it gets good reviews.

    Robert

    arthit73 at cablespeed.com

    www.RobertFlorio.com  

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    From: games_access-bounces at igda.org [mailto:games_access-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Barrie Ellis
    Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2008 2:19 AM
    To: IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List
    Subject: [games_access] Fw: Single-Handed Access Game Controller is Here

    Forwarding....

    If there are problems with display, please click the following link or paste into a browser:
    http://www.WriteSendTrack.com/news/m/4140/BFB9B4/s/467434/0FD77F/ It's finally here! 

    It is with great pleasure that I am writing you to announce the official launch of the single-handed Access Controller for the Playstation platform. Born from the great mind of renowned modder and product engineer Ben Heckendorn (AKA BenHeck), this project has been in the making for nearly a year. During that time, I've had the honor of reading each one of the hundreds upon hundreds of emails we've received from enthusiastic gamers such as yourself. Your stories have inspired us and brought to light the importance of what became a mission for eDimensional; give gamers with physical limitations the opportunity to fully enjoy and experience gaming. You've demonstrated how gaming is not just entertainment, but an important part of life that includes interacting with friends and family along with a sense of true self-achievement.  

    It's been a long process from concept to production and for that, we appreciate your patience. As is typically the case with new products, no matter how much time and effort we spend, it can't get done as quickly as we would like. 

    I was recently using our prototype on my PS3 and I have to say, it is an amazing product. More importantly, one of the proudest and most rewarding experiences I have had at eDimensional was hearing from Ben (who recently showed the device at the Gamers with Disabilities Conference) about an injured soldier who was instantly able to use his artificial hand to move the modules around and get his game on. 

    Enough introduction, I know you want details. Some key features:

      a.. Compatible with PS2, PS3 and PC - We are working on an separate XBOX version, but cannot say if/when it will be available. 
      b.. Wireless 
      c.. Price is $129.95 
      d.. Modular - you can rearrange each control module to any of the 6 slot positions for various gaming styles 
      e.. Pre-order now for delivery in approximately 8-10 weeks 
      f.. Limited initial quantity available so please reserve yours before the first run sells out 
      g.. Worldwide shipping from the USA. We will also stock units in our UK distribution center for customers located in the EU as we do with all of our products. 
    Full details and photos are on our website here.

    A portion of all proceeds and reserved units will benefit Children's Hospital and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

    The controller has already been featured in publications like Popular Science, Wired and many others. However we need you to help spread the word. If you know anyone else who can benefit from this product, please send them to our website or forward this email. 

    We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you.

    Best Wishes,

    Michael Epstein

    President/CEO

    eDimensional, Inc.

    http://www.eDimensional.com/

    eDimensional.com
    411 7th St
    West Palm Beach, FL 33401 US 

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