Andrew Cyrus Smith

Using magnets in physical blocks that behave as programming objects

In this paper we describe the implementation of GameBlocks, a novel digital manipulative system for coding simple programme sequences to control a toy robot. A contact-less, magnetic field-based mechanism for transferring information about the blocks is described. The mechanical and electronic system components are described. We position this implementation in relation to prior related work. Problems encountered are given, with suggestions for future work.

Tangible Cubes as Programming Objects

In this paper, we describe early results in the development of an alternative programming method which uses large, three-dimensional acrylic blocks to construct programming sequences. Computer-illiterate children can create a symbolic program to control a humanoid robot toy. We describe the physical design of the blocks, problems encountered, comments made by primary school participants, and make recommendations for further development.

Simple tangible language elements for young children

We propose simple tangible language elements for very young children to use when constructing programmes. The equivalent Turtle Talk instructions are given for comparison. Two examples of the tangible language code are shown to illustrate alternative methods of solving a given challenge.

Handcrafted physical syntax elements for illetterate children: initial concepts

We present two technology-augmented physical materials that illetterate coders can sculpt for use as physical syntax elements in a tangible early-programming learning environment. Two physical coding sequences are given. We conclude with the listing of further work required.

Symbols for children's tangible programming cubes: an explorative study

In this paper we report on an explorative study done with children with the aim of developing symbols for a tangible programming environment that does not incorporate written text. We describe our methodology, provide results obtained and discuss them. We also provide a short overview of prior physical programming research.

Turn me on! Using the “Internet of Things” to turn things on and off

The “Internet of Things” is the paradigm of connecting physical objects (things) with digital intelligence to the Internet. People have been connecting to the Internet for decades. It is only recently that things have been able to connect to the Internet. There are many examples of things posting their status on Twitter and allowing uni-directional access. TurnMeOn is an example of allowing bi-directional access between people and things using Internet protocols. Users can query the status of a light bulb. In addition, users can turn a light bulb on and off.

TRESCIMO: European union and South African Smart City contextual dimensions

Cities increasingly face challenges related to pollution, efficient use of resources (e.g. water, energy) and ensuring a good quality of life for its citizens. Solutions built on existing and emerging technologies such as Cloud computing, Internet of Things, Machine-to-Machine and data analytics can improve on or create services able to address these challenges. These solutions are seen as contributors in creating a Smart City. In Europe Smart Cities have been implemented, while South Africa has only recently started with Smart City initiatives. Current thinking has been to replicate international Smart City instances in South Africa. However, an open question is raised if this is an optimal strategy as differences in context might impact on the delivery of services. This paper extracts and compares contextual differences between Europe and South Africa, and based on those insights analyse whether full European solutions will deliver on the promise of a South African Smart City. Furthermore the question is raised if insights into a South African Smart City can strengthen European initiatives. A need for inter-continental automated testing facilities such as those developed by TRESCIMO is identified through which integrated experiments can be conducted to provide insight and answers.

Visual perception skills testing: preliminary results

Good visual perception skills are important in the effective manipulation of Tangible User Interfaces. This paper reports on the application of a test set we have developed specifically to quantify the visual perception skills of children when matching a physical object to its flat representation on paper. A pilot evaluation, with two groups of children from differing socio-economic backgrounds, was conducted to quantify their ability to make the mental transformation from tangible objects to the drawings that represent those objects. Our test instrument is described. We found a marked difference between the two groups in their ability to make the transformation.

Internet of things technologies in smart cities

A smart city is a developed urban area that excels in the area of economy, governance, people and life through strong human capital, social capital and ICT infrastructure. It is a new approach to managing the complexity of city life, increase efficiency, reduce expenses and improve the quality of life of the citizens. This paper is on potential smart cities applications as applied to the domains of smart transport, smart tourism and recreation, smart health, ambient-assisted living, crime prevention and community safety, governance, monitoring and infrastructure, disaster management, environment management, refuse collection and sewer management, smart homes and smart energy. These smart cities applications support the future vision of cities, which aim at exploiting ICTs, namely internet of things technologies (IoT), for value-added service delivery. Furthermore, the paper presents a technical solution for energy control and comfort in a home for proof of concept of a smart city infrastructure application. The demonstrator described here is on how smart applications can manage energy control and comfort in a room that has a varied number of people and electrical appliances, with each being a source of heat.

Providing disabled persons in developing countries access to computer games through a novel gaming input device

Abstract A novel input device is presented for use with a personal computer by persons with physical disabilities who would otherwise not be able to enjoy computer gaming. This device is simple to manufacture and low in cost. A gaming application was especially designed for this input device, requiring four participants to collaborate to accomplish the set task. We describe the constituent parts of this device and how colour and simple pictures were incorporated into the physical input device.