Don't shoot the Messenger

Originally I was calling this system The Messager until I realised that there is NO SUCH WORD!

The Messenger system is something I built that will allow anyone with access the ability to change what is playing on the School or Schools' computers. Sound can be on or off and a custom message is displayed at the bottom. This can be as generic as 'Check out KAISKOOL.com' or something specific like 'Remember, Project X needs to be finished tomorrow!'.

There are a number of modules already built into the system and after I finish the Asteroid curriculum game I will be updating the MESSENGER system further with more modules, the ability to target individual machines and the ability to schedule a days worth of changes. Many of these modules are finished or nearly so. As I said though, the Asteroid game takes priority for the moment.

Changes are made with the HEADMASTER interface and, once sent, the new information, module change and preferences will appear on the screens within 60 seconds.

The controller is very simple and can be accessed online from anywhere

As it stands there are 5 modules installed:

1. BUBBLES - This is interactive and allows the kids to take pics that are kept and float around.
2. CUBES - This is non interactive but provided eye-candy and a hint of games, interactives and curios to come.
3. CLOCKS - Just a big old analogue clock. KA on one side KAIS on the other. Obviously the time is displayed and the background will change according to the time of day.
4. KIDS/LIVING LOGO - A living version of KAIS logo. A large tree and some free-range AI kids. The time of day effects the graphics.
5. KANGS - this is only something to look at but interesting enough. There is also a playable version of this available on the computers.

There are many more modules planned including :

• Robot Football (you just watch it). 
• Fact of the day (something to chew on at lunchtime) - With a nice backdrop.
• Face Facts - another version of the module above but can only be unlocked by a face looking directly at the camera. If no face is detected after 5 minutes then the doors will close onscreen awaiting another face detection. A different fact will appear.
• Karaoke Manga - Interactive, you strike a pose, make a power noise and the computer will transform the image into a manga picture with action word overlaid.
• Question Injection - A simple question is asked but it will be one that is difficult to google and really gets a hold of you. I will provide some samples soon.
• Latest News - Interesting and safe factoids from the days' news with photos.
• Rotator - interactive. Any object can appear in 3D with info. Movement in front of the camera will rotate the onscreen object. Could be a planet, a brain, a robot or just about anything. Facts will change with different orientations.
• Quotes - Famous quotes. As simple as it gets. These can change every hour.
• The Watcher - A large eye, Robot or human head will appear. It will look toward any movement. Like the plastic policeman this can quieten a noisy room. Great for the cafeteria.
• Equaliser - This can be a number of abstract, familiar or even animated character that will react to ambient noise. Great if you're having a party or playing music.
• Holograms/Artistic/Pixels/Hall of Mirrors - the camera display is filtered and displayed. Just for fun.
• Cool Videos of the week. Just as it says, relaxing, arty videos, science related or outer space.
• And much much more!

The modules and some previews of what is to come :