It’s not the model that doesn’t fit, it’s the controller! The role of cognitive skills in understanding the links between natural mapping, performance, and enjoyment of console video games

This study examines differences in performance, frustration, and game ratings of individuals playing first person shooter video games using two different controllers (motion controller and a traditional, pushbutton controller) in a within-subjects, randomized order design. Structural equation modeling was used to demonstrate that cognitive skills such as mental rotation ability and eye/hand coordination predicted performance for both controllers, but the motion control was significantly more frustrating. Moreover, increased performance was only related to game ratings for the traditional controller input. We interpret these data as evidence that, contrary to the assumption that motion controlled interfaces are more naturally mapped than traditional push-button controllers, the traditional controller was more naturally mapped as an interface for gameplay

Microprocessor control and networking for the amps breadboard

Future space missions will require more sophisticated power systems, implying higher costs and more extensive crew and ground support involvement. To decrease this human involvement, as well as to protect and most efficiently utilize this important resource, NASA has undertaken major efforts to promote progress in the design and development of autonomously managed power systems. Two areas being actively pursued are autonomous power system (APS) breadboards and knowledge-based expert system (KBES) applications. The former are viewed as a requirement for the timely development of the latter. Not only will they serve as final testbeds for the various KBES applications, but will play a major role in the knowledge engineering phase of their development. The current power system breadboard designs are of a distributed microprocessor nature. The distributed nature, plus the need to connect various external computer capabilities (i.e., conventional host computers and symbolic processors), places major emphasis on effective networking. The communications and networking technologies for the first power system breadboard/test facility are described

How TRAF-NETSIM Works.

This paper describes how TRAF-NETSIM works in detail. It is a review of the TRAF-NETSIM micro-simulation model, for use in the research topic "The Development of Queueing Simulation Procedures for Traffic in Bangkok". TRAF-NETSIM is a computer program for modelling of traffic in urban networks. It is written in the FORTRAN 77 computer language. It uses bit-manipulation mechanisms for "packing" and "unpacking" data and a program overlay structure to reduce the computer memory requirements of the program. The model is based on a fixed time, and discrete event simulation approach. The periodic scan method is used in the model with a time interval of one second. In the model, up to 16 different vehicle types with 4 different vehicle categories (car, carpool, bus and truck) can be identified. Also, the driver's behaviour (passive, normal, aggressive), pedestrians' movement, parking and blocking (eg a broken-down car) can be simulated. Moreover, it has the capability to simulate the effects of traffic control ranging from a simple stop sign controlled junction to a dynamic/real time control system. The effects of spillbacks can be simulated in detail. The estimation of fuel consumption and vehicle emissions are optional simulations. Car following and lane changing models are incorporated into TRAF-NETSIM. The outputs can be shown in US standard units, Metric units, or both

Distributed expert systems for ground and space applications

Presented here is the Spacecraft Command Language (SCL) concept of the unification of ground and space operations using a distributed approach. SCL is a hybrid software environment borrowing from expert system technology, fifth generation language development, and multitasking operating system environments. Examples of potential uses for the system and current distributed applications of SCL are given

TechNews digests: Jan - Mar 2010

TechNews is a technology, news and analysis service aimed at anyone in the education sector keen to stay informed about technology developments, trends and issues. TechNews focuses on emerging technologies and other technology news. TechNews service : digests september 2004 till May 2010 Analysis pieces and News combined publish every 2 to 3 month

Intelligent Adaptive Motion Control for Ground Wheeled Vehicles

In this paper a new intelligent adaptive control is applied to solve a problem of motion control of ground vehicles with two independent wheels actuated by a differential drive. The major objective of this work is to obtain a motion control system by using a new fuzzy inference mechanism where the Lyapunov’s stability can be assured. In particular the parameters of the kinematical control law are obtained using an intelligent Fuzzy mechanism, where the properties of the Fuzzy maps have been established to have the stability above. Due to the nonlinear map of the intelligent fuzzy inference mechanism (i.e. fuzzy rules and value of the rule), the parameters above are not constant, but, time after time, based on empirical fuzzy rules, they are updated in function of the values of the tracking errors. Since the fuzzy maps are adjusted based on the control performances, the parameters updating assures a robustness and fast convergence of the tracking errors. Also, since the vehicle dynamics and kinematics can be completely unknown, a dynamical and kinematical adaptive control is added. The proposed fuzzy controller has been implemented for a real nonholonomic electrical vehicle. Therefore system robustness and stability performance are verified through simulations and experimental studies

TechNews digests: Autumn 2004

TechNews is a technology, news and analysis service aimed at anyone in the education sector keen to stay informed about technology developments, trends and issues. TechNews focuses on emerging technologies and other technology news. TechNews service : digests september 2004 till May 2010 Analysis pieces and News combined publish every 2 to 3 month

"A serious business with plenty to play for: The PC, console and mobile gaming sector"

Not only the gamescom fair in Cologne and the games convention fair in Leipzig have recently shown that the often ridiculed games industry (PC, console and mobile gaming) has long since matured into a serious economic sector on a par with the film industry. Since the days of TV games the gaming sector has been one of the fastest-growing areas of the media business. The process of change within the sector continues apace, driven by technical, societal and economic factors. This change is focused on the distribution channels, the revenue models, the development processes and the target demographics.IT, games, economics, demographics