Ski iPod ControlClint Saylor and Riley Silberman

Skiing down the slope iPod in your pocket Annoying song comes on Feeling of perfection ruined Forced to stop to change the song

Sample Scenario

While participating in winter snow activities, and listening to a portable music player, it can be inconvenient to stop, take off your gloves, and access your device to change the volume or song.

Problem Statement v1.1

Control Everything with the Control GloveThis article is about a nylon glove that fits over your hand that can be used to control literally any kind of electronics device. In this article, it describes how the glove connects to the computer via Bluetooth, but also has the potential ability to connect to an iPod as well. Near the end of the article, it states other various uses for this device, and two of the more dominant ones mentioned are: video game controller and patient rehabilitation in healthcare. The possibilities are endless.

Cited Justification

Control Everything with the Control Glove - Bluetooth wearable glove may replace Wiimotes - Softpedia. (n.d.). Latest News - Softpedia. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from http://news.softpedia.com/news/Control-Everything-with-the-Control-Glove-48167.shtml

A Survey of Glove-based InputWhat this article describes can essentially be called the entire history of glove-based input. It contains uses of gloves as a computer input as far back as the 1980’s. Various uses of these gloves include everything from video games, to personal computers, and even use by NASA. It shows that there have been countless attempts to substitute traditional computer inputs with glove-based technology.

Cited Justification

Sturman, D., & Zeltzer, D. (n.d.). A Survey of Glove-based Input. Ohio State Design Department. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from http://design.osu.edu/carlson/history/PDFs/gloves.pdf

Pros ConsFingers control contacts

Little more than a strap

Palm mounted contacts

Only three optionsNot weatherproof

Patent Application #2003/0626170 – “Same-Hand Control of a Multi-Function Device”

Pros ConsElectrical contacts in fingertips

Only eight fingers

Includes thumb-tips

Hardwired

Includes palm contacts

Not weatherproof

Patent #4,613,139 – “Video Control Gloves”

Pros ConsElectrical contacts in fingertips

Not weatherproof

Includes thumb-tipsInput options on palm and wrist

Patent #6,128,004 – “Virtual Reality Glove”

Pros ConsWeatherproof Buttons can

freeze overWireless User must look

at buttons to operate

Current Products

Reusch iPod Sonic Ski Board GlovesRetail Price: $250.00

This product allows the user to wirelessly control their iPod while skiing or snowboarding. Due to the method of input, however, it is not the most user-friendly product. The buttons on the back of the glove would almost always require the user to look at their hands in order to use with accuracy.

Pros ConsWeatherproof Small size of

joystickWireless Joystick placing

on gloveJoystick can freeze over

Current Products

Kombi iRip GlovesRetail Price: $150.00

This product allows the user to wirelessly control their iPod while skiing or snowboarding. Due to the method of input, however, it is not the most user-friendly product. The small size and placement of the joystick make it awkward to use, and it can also freeze over easily.

Must Have/Nice to haveMust Haves Nice to Have• Weatherproof/ Waterproof •Cost competitive

• Insulating •Wireless• An input method with which ice and snow cannot interfere

•Small power source

• No visual contact required •Easy connectivity to device

• Works well regardless of size •User friendly control

• No accidental triggers

Proposed Solution #1

Power supply/components to connect to device

When different combinations of electrical contacts are triggered various actions are carried out on the device. Ex. Play, next song, volume ext…

Proposed Solution #2Electrical contacts on the handle of the ski pole would be used to control the device. Different combinations of contacts between the ski pole handle and the glove would control the music device.

Proposed Solution #3Electrical contacts accessible from the outside of a jacket would be placed on an easy access point on a ski jacket. The contacts on the jacket would be triggered by a glove with electrical contacts in the finger tips.

Decision Matrix

Customer Requirements Design Solution Feature Weatherproof/

Waterproof All electronic components and insulation material completely

inclosed in a gore-tex material.

Insulting Insulating material must be able to keep the hands of the user warm and comfortable using materials such as tricot, wool, pile, etc.

Input method that ice and snow cannot interfere with

No buttons No joysticks Use electrical contacts in various parts of the design to complete

circuits

No visual contact necessary

No buttons No joysticks Different hand positions to control device

Cost Competitive Design solution that costs the consumer less than other products in the market

Wireless Allow for wireless connectivity to device through options such as bluetooth

Small power source Small battery size within the glove to reduce potential discomfort Design electronic components to use limited amounts of power to

increase battery life

Easy connectivity to device

Plug and play to device Ensure software compatibility

User friendly control Comfortable to use on the go Weather cannot interfere No visual contact necessary

Solution Justification/Product Specifications

Electrical components can not be allowed to freeze

Materials of glove must insulate not only cold but moisture

Not a primary issue due to the protection of the insulation material of the glove itself

Math and Science Concepts(Freezing of Components)

Comfortable insulation to external temperatures -12℉

Any part of the device inside the glove cannot interfere with the insulation materials

Math and Science Concepts(Insulation)

Must run on a small power source Most plausible option: button-cell batteries

(such as those used in watches) Button-cell batteries provide between 1.5

and 3 volts

Math and Science Concepts(Power Consumption)

Thank you for your time Comments? Q & A

Conclusion