INTRODUCTION

Sights & Sounds is a modular interactive exhibit system for presenting information in a game-like format. Sights & Sounds consists of up to sixteen individual graphics (photos, illustrations, etc.) and corresponding sound segments (narrations, descriptions, or sound effects). The Sights & Sounds hardware can be mounted in a table top unit or in an existing exhibit structure.

Solid State electronics control the operation and reproduction of sounds for Sights & Sounds. The sound segments are recorded and programmed onto EPROM type memory chips. Since there are no moving parts, the problems of broken mechanisms and munched audio tapes is eliminated, thus providing reliable and consistent operation for many years.

BASIC MODES OF OPERATION -

Two modes of operation are possible: Q&A (Question and Answer) or Sequenced.

Q&A Mode

In the Q&A mode, Sights & Sounds will wait for the Start button (or any other) to be pressed, at which time a spoken introduction is played explaining its operation. Following the introduction, an audio description of one of the items depicted in the graphics is played and the visitor is challenged to press the button under the correct graphic. If the correct button is pressed, a positive reinforcement sound is played and the next description is presented. If the incorrect button is pressed a "zap" sound is played and the button under the correct graphic is lit. The sequence continues until all eight descriptions are presented. Then the visitor is rewarded with a short tune if all correct answers were given and then they are thanked for their participation.

Sequence Mode

In SEQUENCE mode Sights & Sounds also waits for a button to be pressed. Following the introduction, the button under the first graphic lights up and information regarding that graphic is presented. Sights & Sounds sequences through all graphics and ends with a conclusion.

SETUP OPTIONS

Sights & Sounds has several setup options in each mode. These options are usually selected during the setup of the unit and do not change while the unit is in service.

In the Q&A mode, one can choose from two methods of attracting attention and two methods of indicating the correct answer. To indicate that Sights & Sounds is operational and to attract attention, the light in the Start/Repeat pushbutton blinks. With the chaser option set, the lamps in the pushbuttons light in sequence, rotating clockwise. The other option selects between using one sound segment as a conclusion or as a positive reinforcement for a correct answer. If Sights & Sound is set to have a recorded conclusion, then a pinball machine-type sound is played for each correct answer. Otherwise, a recorded message (such as: "Very Good") will be played for each correct answer.

In SEQUENCE mode, the setup options include selecting an introduction and conclusion or none at all. The other setup option is whether to sequence through messages after the introduction or to simply play the message that corresponds to each button when pressed. With the sequence function disabled, a visitor can press the Start/Repeat button which will introduce and/or explain the use of the unit and allow the visitor to select only the information of interest.

HOUSING UNIT

Sights & Sounds is available with a standard housing, a custom built housing or none at all.

The option of no housing is for use in existing structures or exhibits. In this case, INNOVA would provide all the components and connectors ready for installation. Installation service is also available, as is custom fabrication and installation in a housing to meet your requirements.

The standard housing unit is intended to be quite flexible. The unit can be mounted on a wall or used as a portable table top unit. The unit is composed of two major components: the main housing, which holds all of the control electronics and an acrylic cover, on which are mounted the pushbuttons and which is place over the graphic panel and attached to the main housing (see figure 1).

Once the unit is assembled, the graphics are sandwiched between the main housing and the acrylic cover. The unit can be updated or changed completely by replacing the graphic panel and reprogramming the sound segment EPROMs.

CASE STUDY: SIGHTS & SOUNDS GAME

A community outreach program is designed to attract local schools to schedule field trips to the zoo.

A portable table top unit taken into classrooms features photos of the zoo's most popular animals. In random sequence, each animal introduces itself in its own language. An announcer then describes the animal, its history and its habitat.

Schoolchildren are invited to guess which animal is being described by pressing one of eight illuminated push buttons. A correct guess rewards the child with a celebratory tune; an incorrect guess results in a funny buzzer as the lamp under the correct answer lights.

Input: Nine illuminated push buttons — one start/repeat button and eight to make selections. A Keypad Interface decodes the input from the pushbutton switches.

Process: SIGNAL-INNOVA's Sights & Sounds controller starts the narration when the start button is pressed; randomly selects an animal's message; checks for correct input (button pressed) and responds accordingly. The Lamp Interface conditions the electronic signals to the lamps.

Output: The FlashAudio repeater plays the recorded sound effects and narration at the direction of the controller. Pushbutton lamps are illuminated to indicate the correct answer.