Topic 7

Exercise 7.1
http://www.touchscreens.com/intro-anatomy.html
Touch screens allow the users to operate a device by touching icons on the screen. For example, the iPod touch screen has a touch responsive surface that has an electrical current passing through it. When a bare finger/stylus touches the screen the electric current alters and the location of the touch is determined.
Advantages of touch screen mobile devices to other devices
Finger/stylus offer precise manipulation of objects on screen.
The touch screen is easy to clean and has less mechanical parts that may break down.
No keyboard required. The touch screen is better than a keyboard particularly in a high use area like a mall. Touch screens are available to search for store information.
Touch screens on mobile phones does away with the keypad which leaves more room to increase screen size for visibility. It also allows improved visual effects especially for internet use and games.



Exercise 7.2
http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?172

Touch screens are used for people who have difficulties using a keyboard and mouse due to physical or cognitive disabilities. If the touch screen can not be used or is broken, voice recognition can be used or a similar stylus device such as a mouthstick. The touch screen is not useful for the blind because it lacks brail.

http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/athome_course_ict

People that suffer dyslexia have reading and writing problems and computers with appropriate software can help.
• Better spell checking and automatic correction ... without cost
• Effective options for presenting text on the computer screen
• Word prediction and word banks, Planning tools and mind mapping
• Scanning and optical character recognition
• The computer reading text back – Text to Speech
• Voice recognition... potential and reality, current systems, criteria for choice

http://www.smartthinking.ukideas.com/Asmarthomeguide.html

Smart homes are homes designed for disabled people or the elderly. The homes have inexpensive devices installed to do simple tasks such as turning on a light via a remote control. The technology can also be used to monitor the occupant’s activities and provide alerts during emergencies.
These technologies allow for a more comfortable and independent lifestyle

Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT)
Assistive Technology that ranges from wheelchairs through to whole house systems. Basically any supportive technology that is electronic can come into this category, although recently the term is being used to mean electronic devices that support disabled people. http://www.smartthinking.ukideas.com/Asmarthomeguide.html
Iris Recognition
In a similar manner to fingerprints our eyes have a unique and identifiable pattern. Iris recognition systems use cameras to view and analyse the patterns of the iris with a much higher level of certainty than can be applied to say a fingerprint. This is currently being trailed for cashpoint dispensers and other security features. http://www.smartthinking.ukideas.com/Asmarthomeguide.html
Personal Data Assistants (PDA)
A small computer with limited, although extending, functionality. PDAs were developed as a sort of electronic filofax, combining diary, address book, notebook and alarm clock together. More recent PDAs have featured links to personal computers handwriting recognition and e-mail, cameras, MP3 players and fax facilities. The use of PDAs can be developed for people with memory problems and other cognitive impairments. PDAs are increasingly becoming more complex and are able to use IR Bluetooth connectivity as well as an adapted Windows interface. http://www.smartthinking.ukideas.com/Asmarthomeguide.html