rickmans's posterous

Microsoft MultiPoint enables one computer to serve many students simultaneously. Using multiple computer mice that drive uniquely-designed on-screen cursors, Microsoft MultiPoint allows three to 30 students to simultaneously use and learn from educational software on one computer. This not only offers a more affordable solution, it also creates an active, collaborative learning experience that engages each and every student.

MultiPoint can be used in a computer lab with a small group working on a student controlled application. It can also be applied in a classroom with a large number of students participating while a teacher controls the application.

This video shows off an augmented reality system developed for the US marines to help them with field repairs to the LAV-25 A1, a light armoured vehicle.

The operator, who is not a trained mechanic, has no trouble fixing the problem guided by the arrows and messages superimposed onto his field of view by the goggles, which are attached to a standard G1 Android mobile phone strapped to his wrist. He uses the phone’s touchscreen to advance the programme. 3D representations of the correct tool to use and how they should be handled are included.

This cute, little Japanese robot is like a kid after too much candy, but somehow it's got better balance than most of us after a long day of writing posts. Check out how it lands gracefully after some high jumps.

The light sensor sends data to an Arduino, which is waiting for a spike in the data. The Arduino runs the sensor data through some averaging filters, and sets a threshold for on and off. The iPhone touch screen isn’t like most PDAs. It uses a capacitive touch screen. I had some conductive foam laying around, its usually used for shipping sensitive electronics. If I used something non conductive, like a plastic pen, the foam would do nothing to the screen. My solution to this was to put thin copper wires into the foam (I also used these wires to attach the foam to the servos)… Add all of the above together into a modified Pelican case, with a lot of hot glue (non glittery) and you have a robot that will gladly beat all your difficult songs, sit back and sip some fine tea.

A handy guide for gadget enthusiasts. But be honest with yourself, you're probably going to buy the thing anyway. It's so shiny!