Flash Update 2

//this sets up the variables

var nBlindpad1:Number = 0;
var nBlindpad2:Number = 0;


blind_mc.onEnterFrame = function() {
if (Key.isDown('LEFT')) {
//if when the left key is pressed attach this sound

sound_play_mc.onPress = function() {
doctor1_sound = new Sound(this);
doctor1_sound.attachSound("doctor1.WAV");
doctor1_sound.start(0, 1);
doctor1_sound.volume = 50;
//also change the following variables by these amount
nBlindpad1 = nBlindpad1 + 5
nBlindpad1 = nBlindpad2 + 5
trace(nBlindpad1)
//check to see if it's reached 5
if(nBlindpad1==5) {
trace("doctor1.WAV")
}
// if the variable has reached 10 or more play doctor2.wav
// and attach this sound
}
else if (nBlindpad1 =>10){
trace("doctor2.WAV =>10")
sound_play_mc.onPress = function() {
doctor2_sound = new Sound(this);
doctor2_sound.attachSound("doctor2.WAV");
doctor2_sound.start(0, 1);
doctor2_sound.volume = 50;

}


blind_mc.onEnterFrame = function() {
if (Key.isDown('UP')) {
//if the up key is pressed attach doctor3.wav
sound_play_mc.onPress = function() {
doctor3_sound = new Sound(this);
doctor3_sound.attachSound("doctor3.WAV");
doctor3_sound.start(0, 1);
doctor3_sound.volume = 50;
//also change the varibles by this much
nBlindpad2 = nBlindpad2 + 3
nBlindpad2 = nBlindpad3 + 3
trace(nBlindpad2)
//check it has reached 5 if it has play sound
if(nBlindpad2==5) {
trace("doctor3.WAV")

}

// if the var equals 8 or more play doctor4.wav
else if (nBlindpad2 =>8){
trace("doctor4.WAV =>8")
sound_play_mc.onPress = function() {
doctor4_sound = new Sound(this);
doctor4_sound.attachSound("doctor4.WAV");
doctor4_sound.start(0, 1);
doctor4_sound.volume = 50;

}
}
}

Flash Update 1

Our first attempt was as follows:

var nBlindnumbers:Number = 0;


blind_mc.onEnterFrame = function() {
if (Key.isDown(86)) {

sound_play_mc.onPress = function() {
doctor1_sound = new Sound(this);
doctor1_sound.attachSound("doctor1.WAV");
doctor1_sound.start(0, 1);
doctor1_sound.volume = 50;

nBlindnumbers = nBlindnumbers + 5
trace(nBlindnumbers)
//check to see if it's reached 5
if(nBlindNumbers==5) {
trace("doctor1.WAV")

}
else if (nBlindnumbers ==10){
trace("doctor2.WAV ==10")
sound_play_mc.onPress = function() {
doctor2_sound = new Sound(this);
doctor2_sound.attachSound("doctor2.WAV");
doctor2_sound.start(0, 1);
doctor2_sound.volume = 50;

}


}

Working with Flash

The main problem that we face in terms of the flash side of the project is that it is going to be extremely complicated to link them all to each other in way which allows for a different outcome to take place if a certain route is followed around the room. For example, if the user goes to pad 1 before pad 2 we want this to change what happens at pad two. The best solution that we can think of to solve this complication is to give each pad its on variable, and also that each pad will alter all of the pads, well the ones that it needs to, for example if pad 1 adds 5 to a variable and pad 2 adds 3 to a variable, if the user goes to pad1 and 2 before going to 3, 3 variable will already be at 8, whereas if the user just goes straight to pad 3 its variable will be at 0. As a result the output will be different to the previous route to the path. It will trigger different sound once the variable is over 5, this will be regardless of how many it is over 5. Through this web of code we can control who the user progresses through the piece and the information that they receive along the way.

Ordering Hospital Supplies

The original plan was to include two beds in the space, as well as other hospital props. e.g. a lighting panel, over bed tables etc. We began to research into prices and contacted several different prop firms. Unfortunately the prices were a lot higher than we had previously anticipated, and once VAT and delivery were added to the costs it began to limit our options.

As a result we limited our plans to just one bed and one screen. We felt that even though we had to sacrifice props the piece could still be effective and if put together well would still be effective.

In the end we decided to use a company called PropHireDeliver, which was relatively close in location and had the equipment that we required at a competitive rate.

Does He Take Sugar

After having interviewed Alan Hills (Middlesex Chairman Blind Association) he gave us a great insight about how and what it feels like to be blind. He suggested that we looked into a BBC radio talk series ' Does He Take Sugar.' This radio series was launched roughly around 1973 where disabled people put views forward and highlighted the real need for everyone to accept that all have the same right to dignity, respect and access.
These were focused on current events, people where interviewed, stories told and poetry read.

The effect of the launch was tremendous. Disabled people felt they had a voice that people listened. Normal people in society realised that they had been causing problems for many and learned to adapt. Things gradually changed.

There was one piece of simple advice from the series affected one listener greatly.
"Make eye contact, if necessary, get on the same level, and do your best to make both of you comfortable. Smile. Talk naturally - assume intelligence lives behind those eyes.
Most people appreciate that you are making an effect, and will respond positively."

As told by some callers many people will happily tell you things if you ask them respectfully, but don't focus entirely on their disability - one caller, Beverley used to say "I am not my disability". They want to talk about politics, sports and all the things you want to talk about.

All in all, the information that we have gathered was very useful for our project especially the listeners and views of people who were on BBC's 'Does He Take Sugar' that was suggested by Alan Hills.

We all need the same services, the same products as everyone else. No-one likes to be ignored, so treat everyone as human beings. Oh, and for goodness' sake, ask them if they take sugar.

From what we have researched on about 'Does He Take Sugar' it has giving us a great insight to what and how disable people feel about society today. The benefits of knowing these information from blind people is so that we have a platform to what our room inside should be like etc.

Wireless Headphones Continued:

Unfortunately we have encountered a problem with the headphones. The wire that runs from the receiver from the laptop is rather short and as a result will not be able to go on the ceiling which may cause problems regarding the clearness of signal.

However, we have tested the headphones within a similar space and the headphones work sufficiently even if the receiver is placed on a wall, as long as it is pointing towards the ceiling.

Wireless Headphones

Sound is very important to the piece. The sound is the sole output from the work, and will determine the success of the piece. Obviously we want the user to be able to move freely around the room, enabling them to explore the piece as they wish. This left us with two options, either we could use speakers and play it into the room or the user could wear headphones. We decided that we would use wireless headphones in the piece. Wireless headphones will enable the user to move freely without trailing wires, which could be hazardous. The headphones would also mean that the sound is very individual to the user. The sound will move with the user, unlike if they were moving around a speaker system. The use of headphones will also prevent users waiting outside the room from overhearing anything and potentially forfeiting the mystery behind what is in the room, and changing the dynamics of the piece.

The receiver that comes with the headphones admits a wireless signal to the headphones transmitting the sound. As we don't know how the user will move around the room we have decided to attach it to the ceiling of the room which should rule out the possibility of losing signal.