00000ctm a22000003a 4500 UP-99796217608822851 Buklod 20090505152112.0 m |o d | ta 090505s xx d r |||| u| (iLib)UPD-00084797215 DENGII eng LG 993.5 2009 E64 C37 Caranguian, Luther Paul D. R. MOBLOCKS tangible user interface (TUI) for mobile robot control as an educational tool for preschoolers Luther Paul D. R. Caranguian, Pablito O. Tolentino Jr. 2009 ix, 117 leaves col. ill. 1 computer laser optical disc (4 3/4 in.) Thesis (B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering)--University of the Philippines, Diliman. The Moblocks project aims to develop an embedded system for mobile robot (mobot) control based on tangible user interface (TUI). TUI is a new research area that aims to provide better systems for human-computer interaction. It has been found that the use of tangible interfaces is ideal for young children. The tangible nature of the system coupled with conventional sound and visual effects offer adequate sensory stimulation that is lacking in traditional computer interfaces. The Moblocks system is composed of a mobot, wooden blocks, a tray and a play area. The blocks represent the instructions to the robot. The tray has slots for four blocks and sensors to detect the sequence of blocks. The instructions are sent to the mobot via a wireless link. Several implementations of the system were developed and compared. Color sensors and the mutual inductance technique were implemented and tested for their effectiveness as block detectors. Stepper motors and DC motors with feedback were implemented and tested for precision. Precision is important because the mobot's movements should match the dimensions of the play area. Radio Frequency (RF) link and Infrared (IR) link were implemented and tested for their reliability for wireless transmission. Moblocks aims to be an effective learning tool for preschoolers by being easy to play, engaging, and fun. Mobile robots. Mobile robots Automatic control. User interfaces (Computer systems) Tangible user interface. Mobot. Tolentino, Pablito O. Jr. FI UP UPD DENG-II LG 993.5 2009 E64 C37 Thesis