Looking Backwards

Virtual Plant

• Why would someone want this?
  People who do not have the time to water plants. Also gives a house a unique floral display because the plants will be different or alien to what we see normally.
• How is your major involved?
  Animation is within the software. Plants will grow according the parameters set. Models and texture of the software plant. Ending print will be "re-modeled" to be as realistic as possible when printed.
• What other majors would be involved?
  Programmers for the software. Other artists and robotics...? Robotics majors can work on installing the electrical components of the pot and developing a way for the plant itself to change color if possible.
• What more did you develop as you were asked the questions?
  The printed plant may be able to change color depending on how much "water" it has not or has been given. There would be a little health point monitor on the bottom of the pot to show how alive it is. You press a button to water it everyday. But you can also set the plant to not 'need' to be watered. The printed plant would be in normal soil and a real porcelain pot for ultimate realistic quality.

Creature

• Why would someone want this?Probably aimed towards children. They are able to create their own toy creatures and experience as their creations are given habits and sounds.
• How is your major involved?Probably the animation part of the game or the software in which the child can view a model of their creature on the computer with it making sounds.
• What other majors would be involved?Game design, game art and animation, game programming will work on the game aspect. Robotics will develop a way to put the chip inside the piece for the computer to read.
• What more did you develop as you were asked the questions?There will be a game element in which the developed creature can fight its way through an online world. Kids can fight each other or NPCs.

Language Buddy

• Why would someone want this?Multilingual families can be rest assured that their child will learn the languages they need to live in their parent's world. Learning languages is best started when the child is young, because their learning capabilities are so strong at that age. Even if a child doesn't belong to a multi-lingual family, the parents can start them off learning another language and the child will easily breeze by school or college classes. Also this might develop into versions for adults or teenagers.
• How is your major involved?My major is not very involved into this aspect. Models can be created in modeling software before they are made and designed into the physical world.
• What other majors would be involved?This will be BIG on programming and for robotics. Language software will need to be created for the Language Buddy and components put into its body.
• What more did you develop as you were asked the questions?
  Adults and teenagers won't be subjected to  carrying around a plushie (if they don't want to). As progress is shown, later versions for teenagers and adults will be made. These will and can carry advanced or early language programs. Models might be robotic pets or a simple hand held that you take a picture of the item you are looking at. Could be a hat, or a pet that can sit on your shoulder.