Cybernetic Computer Interface

StarWars was THE SciFi movie of my childhood and still one of my favorites. StarWars universe represents a great source of inspiration from starships to robots, weapons, armors, clothes and various gadgets.

The source of inspiration for my project is "Borg Construct Aj^6" device, used by Lobot in Cloud City - StarWars - Episode 5 - Empire Strikes Back.

Besides the Lobot from original Star Wars series, AJ^6 device was used by other characters from extended Star Wars universe.

The "official" description of Borg Construct Aj^6 :

The Aj^6 was a sophisticated cyborg construct that allowed a being to become a cybernetic computer interface liaison able to mentally control computer systems.

The device was implanted against the skull, and sent nanothreads into the brain to form a link between the biocomputer unit and the cyborg. The Aj^6's cyborg computer was known to noticeably improve the intelligence of the wearer, enhancing logic and reasoning capabilities. The cyborg could also analyze data at roughly twenty times the speed of a non-cyborg computer operator.

The Aj^6's internal computer stored vast amounts of data, though additional information could be accrued with the use of knowledge cartridges. These devices plugged into ports on the back of the Borg Construct, and held data on virtually any subject. This allowed cyborgs to load and process data as and when needed.

Despite the advantages of a Borg Construct, the Aj^6 came under criticism since it was seen to limit a wearer's personality, and almost literally turned them into walking machines.

This resulted in a lack of face-to-face communication between a cyborg and other sentients, since their attentions were often turned to central computers.

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Borg_Construct_Aj%5E6

I believe this device is a good model of a SciFi device which can be turned into a real world tool.

Used components description:

At the core of AJ^6-RW will be a RaspberryPi_2 unit. In order to connect RPi2 with user and surrounding environment the following components will be used:

- RaspberryPi camera - for taking pictures and video recording

- PiFace Control & Display - for system settings and information and as main user input/control panel

- SHIM RTC - real time clock

- WIPI - wireless LAN connectivity

- USB sound card + microphone - for audio output and voice commands input

- high power LED controlled by RPi2 GPIO + FET for directional light

- RGB LED strip - for visual signaling and ambient lighting

- Stereo headphones - for audio menus and music

- Roving Networks RN-52 Bluetooth audio module - for wireless smartphone audio connectivity

- Pololu Adjustable 4-12V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V50ALV - provide 5V/5A for RPi and peripherals

- motion sensor

- possible use of  Microstack GPS for navigation/position

- Li-Ion or Li-Po batteries for power

- USB Card Reader

- USB Hub and/or USB extension cords to bring RPi USB port outside the case

- charger

Depending on the connection requirements with RaspberryPi, additional boards might be used for extended functionality.

Functional description:

The skull implants and brain connected nanothreads will be left aside for now , but in order to allow user to communicate with the device, RaspberryPi run Python and shell scripts for reading PiFaceCAD buttons and launch commands and scripts according with user actions. Menu navigation will be aided by PiFaceCAD display and acoustic through headphones, hence commands could be launched without the need of the display.

PiFaceCAD panel can be folded from its default position so that the display can be seen and operated by user when needed.

A microphone will be used for speech recognition and vocal commands.

The audio sub-system will be used for audio feedback from applications, internet radio, media player - used for music/audio files, document reader, sensors readings, battery status, etc.

Headphones are also used by RN-52 Bluetooth audio module for smartphone connection, in order to listen at music streams and talking to the phone.

The original Aj^6 device was conceived to use "knowledge cartridges" to offer various data to it's wearer. My implementation will use a card reader and USB extension cords/USB hub to bring RaspberryPi's USB ports to the front of the case. Besides USB memory sticks, these ports can be also used for other USB connected devices.

On the outside of AJ^6-RW case, a RGB LED strip will be fitted for signaling purposes or provide ambient lighting. An high power LED is placed on the front left of the device to provide a directional light when is required or to improve RPi camera image quality in low light. This LED is controlled by RPi GPIO and a FET.

For example when biking it can be used to signal when brake or change direction. At camping can be used as ambient light and the front High power LED as directional light.

On the back of AJ^6-RW case, is placed the charging connector, RaspberryPi LAN port and a motion sensor so no one can sneak behind you unnoticed .

By default, the RaspberryPi's WiFi connection will be configured in normal host mode so it will use a wireless access point for remote connection, internet access, etc.

If needed, and allow other WiFi enabled devices to connect to it.

Alternative, a second RaspberryPi can be configured as access point and turned on only when needed in order to save power.

An Apache or Lighttpd web server will give access to AJ^6-RW camera, sensors, lights and battery status.

For power a number of Li-Ion/Li-Po cells will be used along with a Step-Up Voltage Regulator capable to provide 5V at about 5A. The number of cells will be determined to offer a right balance between weight and autonomy, but it is possible to be modified by user to favor one or other.

From a 5V USB connector, AJ^6 can supply power to charge a smartphone or other small electronic device.

AJ^6-RW can be used as a hub for other wearable components, like lights, sensors, motors, servos, etc.

Attached are few pictures of original device and the way it was used in the movie and a number of views of an approximate sketch of the device, in the way I imagine it.

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