Virtual Reality Input Devices

Some of the coolest developments are in the virtual reality arena. These devices will utilize both 3D
trackers and wearable input devices to correlate your body movements with computer commands.
This will allow computer users to transition from a 2D work environment to a 3D work environment.
These input devices will give computer users a more interactive experience and allow them to work
with more complex programs or gaming environments. One example that ties into a popular video
game is the Wii Power Glove

A CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) is a room in which the walls are giant projection-
screen monitors. Users can move around in a CAVE system with 3D goggles and a glove or
controller wand in order to interact with virtual objects.

Brain-Computer Interface Devices

The most fantastic of all future input devices has to be the brain
wave detection input device. To use this device you will simply have
to think about what you want your computer to do and the computer
will respond accordingly. It will have sensors that will be able to
receive your brain waves and interpret them as a computer
command. Can you imagine, composing a term paper or business
report just by thinking about what you want to write? Already there
are some devices that use EEG and biofeedback technology to
detect brain waves and create brain-computer interfaces.
3D output devices are often called Rapid Prototyping (RP) because of their
ability to create solid prototypes from CAD files. However the term "rapid
prototyping" is already anachronistic. 3D output devices are increasingly
being used for low volume production and mass customization.

RP will transition from "Rapid Prototyping" to "Rapid Production," according to Terry Wohlers, President of
Wohlers Associates, Inc. of Fort Collins, CO (http//www.wohlersassociates.com), publisher of the Wohlers
Report 2000. Wohlers is an analyst who specializes in 3D output technology. There are two basic types of 3D
output devices:

SUBTRACTIVE DEVICES

Subtractive devices start with a block of material and selectively remove or mill the material until only the
prototype or mold is left. The is analogous to the joke about the sculptor who, when asked how he creates such
beautiful works of art, replied, "I start with a block of marble and them remove everything that isn't sculpture."
The most common and lowest-cost subtractive devices are

CNC milling machines. Many cost less than $10,000.

One of the most attractive features of subtractive 3D output devices is their low cost. "Our MDX-3 desktop
device sells for under $5,000," explained Gerald Hiller, Sales Manager for Roland DGA Corporation in Irvine,
CA (http://www.roland-dga.com). "It typically costs $500 to $1000 to have a service bureau make a solid
model from a CAD file, so even if you only use the MX-3 for some of your models, it quickly pays for itself."
He joked that "Sometimes the hardest part of the sale in convincing people that any 3D …
the use of a digital voice output device to facilitate language development in a
child with developmental apraxia of speech: a case study.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The study aimed at describing the language and communication abilities of a child diagnosed with
Developmental Apraxia of Speech (DAS), who used a Macaw Digital voice output device.
METHOD: This case study describes the training of a mother in the use of a Macaw digital voice output device to give
her child with DAS access to higher levels of language functioning. It also provides longitudinal information pertaining
to the child's school progress in the three years following the implementation of the device.
RESULTS: Results indicate that the use of a digital device is useful in facilitating communication and language
development in a young child with DAS. Specific evidence of an increase in the cognitive complexity of questions
directed at the child is provided, as well as an increase in the number of questions directed to the child. Regarding
the child's responses, it was noted that appropriate answers increased, as did the number of communication
modalities and communication attempts. Longitudinal data indicates that the child was able to maintain these positive
impacts.
CONCLUSIONS: Digital voice output devices can be used as a method to facilitate higher cognitive functioning and
has various positive impacts on the functioning of a child with DAS. These devices need to be considered as a tool to
facilitate the development of communication and speech development for this population.