DT Controls
DT Controls is a new technique for instrumenting physical controls in multi-user systems. It can detect which controls each user is actuating at any given time. Therefore, the behavior of the system can depend on the identity of the user activating any control. Examples of per-user behavior differences include restricting access for some users, and control of different devices from a single physical control. In addition, the usage state information can be used to generate a very detailed audit journal.
Background & Objective: DT Controls works by placing a uniquely identifiable signal near the surface of each control. Each user has a separate receiver on or near their person. When a user approaches a control, the signal is capacitively coupled through the user to that user's receiver. By examining the received signal, the system can determine which controls that user is currently near. DT Controls is very inexpensive and can be added to almost any kind of physical control, including push buttons, knobs, switches, dials, and touch screens.
Technical Discussion: Applications under consideration include:
(1) Automobile controls - For User Safety: By using DT Controls, Navigation system functions may be safely enabled for the passenger while the vehicle is in motion. For Cost reduction: DT Controls may be used to reduce the overall number of controls in a vehicle, and to provide per-user access control.
(2) Airplane cockpits and Train controls - DT Controls will add user information to black box journal. User-based access control can enforce use protocols. Touch duration data can be useful for black box and for control panel design and user training/evaluation.
(3) Control Rooms - User-based access control can assign different permissions to workers and supervisors, or to different members of a team based on their role. Per-user actuation and touch duration data can provide detailed use journal for safety as well as for control panel design and user training/evaluation.
Contact: Bret Harsham
| Technical Reports: | |
| DT Controls: Adding Identity to Physical Interfaces | |
Technology Area: Multimedia
Modification Date: November 1, 2007
