PHYSICAL FEATURES

TECHNICAL LAYOUT


All devices are essentially similar with the exception of XXX. A micro-controller configured for a stand alone device is at the heart of all of them. XXX uses a Micro-Chip micro-processor for the XXX and an Intel based micro-processor for the XXX and the XXX. All the other manufacturers use Motorola CMOS based micro-processors. Throughout all of these machines, a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) with an analog amplifier is used for the audio signal output. A simple transistor is used for the light signal output. The memory configuration is standard in all applications. Differences are in the use of the free ports for keys and LED displays. The only exception to this standard configuration is XXX, where a serial computer interface is attached to the micro-controller. Regarding this configuration, the XXX has the most potential for growth and expansion. Using the on board serial interface and an inexpensive extension of only one interface circuit (i.e., MAXRS232), the device becomes remarkably versatile by attaching it to a personal computer. (See Personal Programming)

With the exception of the XXX made by XXX and the XXX and XXX made by XXX, all devices have a stabilized 5V power supply. However, the quality of the fabrication shows the most remarkable differences. All the devices made by XXX, XXX, and XXX are professionally made with high technology for mass production; whereas, the products made by XXX are hand assembled and look almost like prototypes to us. While "hand assembled" may be advantageous in some industries, in the technology arena one is more likely to have problems with such devices due to improper soldering and other human error. Hence it can be a considerable disadvantage. However, with a one year complete warranty from XXX, you should be safe.

The exception to all of these mind machines is XXX that takes a very inexpensive approach. The printed circuit board is directly incorporated into the headphones, but does not have a micro-processor. Therefore, it is not a stand alone device. It is fully dependent on and entirely controlled by the audio signals from a CD player running its specially formatted CDs which carry the light pattern and soundtrack information encoded together on the CD tracks. Specially made audio tapes also have the possibility of driving the XXX. (See Personal Programming) Another device where the electronics is entirely incorporated into the headphones is the XXX made by XXX. Unlike the XXX, it contains a Motorola CMOS micro-processor for stand alone operation. Therefore it is not fully dependent on an external source of data to run its light and sound programs. The number of programs (XX) are limited however to the capacity of the memory chip.


UPGRADABILITY


Designs that lend themselves most easily to upgrading the hardware in the future are the larger printed circuit boards of the XXX and the XXX made by XXX. Probably the least upgradable products are the hand made units produced by XXX. For example, the printed circuit board structures are glued into their moulds. To get to the micro-processor of the XXX, the numeric keypad that is made as an overdrive on the main logic board with ten soldering connections, needs to be removed. The overall complexity of multi-level circuit boards and the "hand made" nature leaves very little indication that upgradability was engineered into the design. On a similar note, XXX has never offered any upgrade programs.

With the ease of computer programming a mind machine so self evident, upgrading the XXX to a computer compatible unit becomes an important issue. An RS232 jack would need to be installed and an assembler program written that provides the timing to the pins of the circuit. Alternately, another micro-processor chip which already has this information could be connected. The counterpoint to this seemingly complex and short sighted design is in its compact nature. A great deal of hardware has been put into a relatively small box in comparison to the XXX and the XXX. Being roughly 1/2 the size and almost 1/3 of the weight, it's combined portability and manual programmability remains unmatched.

Copyright 1996 Neuro-Technology Research. All rights are reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.