Final Post

My idea is for a machine that would teach basketball players how to properly shoot free throws. It would be able to adjust height depending on the height of the user. Once activating, it would shoot a perfect free throw each time, demonstrating the correct method of shooting one to people who don’t shoot them well.


Summary

To review, my initial idea was to create a machine that would instruct any player of any basketball level how to properly shoot free throws. The machine would be able to adjust the height to whatever height the user was and also, the process would be able to be slowed down. The machine would be able to shoot a free throw perfectly any time from any height. Thus, it would prove to be a effective tool for all basketball players, especially those professionals who can't seem to master the art of the foul shot. 

How The Idea Has Evolved

For starters, I don't believe this machine can solely teach free throws. While it is certainly a very important facet of basketball games, only having it teach free throws limits the machine's possible capacity to help players in every area of the game. Additionally, when studying my competitors, I realized the main ones would be basketball shooting camps run by coaches, which stress every shot when instructing.  Because of the machine's high technological capabilities, it will be expensive and therefore, I won't be able to compete if I limit the machine to merely free throws. Thus, I must expand its capabilities. 

Another way the idea has changed is the operating system it will use. Before we were lectured about the various operating systems that one may use, I didn't really give it much thought. After we had to write a post on operating systems, I had to give serious thought as to whether I wanted a regular operating system or a command-based system. I decided that the machine would need a command-based system, like Linux, in order to make its operation most user-friendly and prudent for quick and efficient use. With this, a manual would also be included when the machine was purchased to list any commands needed to operate it. 

In addition, however, I later reasoned that it would be irritating for the user to have to adjust the machine's functions every few seconds, especially if they were extremely focussed in that particular moment. This led me to believe that a voice-command software function should be added so that if the user wanted to adjust something, this could be done as quickly as could possibly be. Because of this, the machine would require internet access the same way SIRI does to recognize commands. Thus, it would also need a firewall that would prevent it from attaining any computer viruses necessary.


Outline of What is Needed

First, I would need a computer programmer to advise me what pieces of machinery to purchase for the main body of the machine. I would need a command-based operating system and a cryptographer to program the machine and teach me the commands. I would then need to set up a social media presence on many outlets and professionals to try it out to give it an endorsement. I would need to get in contact with their agents in order to gain their participation. I would also need to start an account at a place such as dropbox.com in order to enable cloud computing amongst those working on it. I highly doubt I can attain all of these rather expensive things, but it is nice to dream!

Cryptography, Malware, and Security Post

My idea is for a machine that would teach basketball players how to properly shoot free throws. It would be able to adjust height depending on the height of the user. Once activating, it would shoot a perfect free throw each time, demonstrating the correct method of shooting one to people who don’t shoot them well.

In order to work correctly, the machine will need its cryptography to function properly and the correct instructions must be given to it whenever any function is accessed by the user. Without proper cryptography, the machine has no chance of working even remotely correctly, due to the complexity of codes that will be needed. Because of this, I would likely hire a cryptographer in order to properly encode the machine for production. The cryptographer can also teach me the system of cryptography and ensure that the specific commands for the machine are able to be understood correctly.

Because of the high complexity of the machine, use of the internet may be needed in order for it to function at its highest level of performance. Programs such as SIRI require internet access in order to follow through with commands and I believe that the machine would need something similar, especially if I was to include a voice command option. Therefore, the machine will need to be made in order to have internet capabilities. However, this also makes security an issue for the machine.

Access to the internet means hacking and infecting the machine is easily possible. Doing this will mean security will be essential if the machine is to continue to function properly 24/7. Therefore, a firewall program will be required for the machine in addition to its many other required applications. Also, an anti-spyware program should also be put in so that any viruses can be identified and immediately dealt with. These measures will ensure that the machine is in good care  from any potential harm from outside sources. 

Operating System Post

My idea is for a machine that would teach basketball players how to properly shoot free throws. It would be able to adjust height depending on the height of the user. Once activating, it would shoot a perfect free throw each time, demonstrating the correct method of shooting one to people who don’t shoot them well.

A good operating system for this machine is positively essential. If the OS is not up to par, the machine will not run well at all. This will lead to business suffering and the machine not being very marketable at all. The operating machine must be able to complete the many functions of the machine while still being easy to use and effectively quick in its execution of the machine's core functions. 

My plan would be to use an operating system that is or is similar to Linux. The reason I have picked this kind of system is for a number of reasons. One is because since the machine will not have a mouse and rely on commands in order to operate it, a command-based system such as Linux would be beneficial. Secondly, although it can be more complicated to use on a regular computer, I feel that the use of commands on the machine would ensure easy use and operation for any user, even with remedial computer knowledge.

Because operating systems such as Linux can be at times extremely complicated to use, an operating manual will need to be included with the machine. This manual will explain all of the commands of the machine and how to use them to effectively practice free throws. While the paper cost of the manual will be large, it is necessary. Although Linux is a complicated system to select for the machine, I feel that it appropriately fits the function of the machine. 

Photoshop and Cloud Computing Post

My idea is for a machine that would teach basketball players how to properly shoot free throws. It would be able to adjust height depending on the height of the user. Once activating, it would shoot a perfect free throw each time, demonstrating the correct method of shooting one to people who don’t shoot them well.

One thing that can help in the marketing of the machine is having a website with appealing graphics. Photoshop is a piece of software that can assist in this process. Various effects can be used to produce pictures and graphics that can make the website bright, colorful, inviting, and more likely to attract perspective customers. I would use it to create both retro and flashy looking photos of free throws in order to provide variety and flavor to the website. This will be sure to generate more traffic and get the word of the machine around more effectively.

A key aspect of this machine will be cloud computing, as having a central location from which to operate and merchandise will not be able to be afforded until the machine has been a success on the open market. As a result, those working on it will need to be able to work from many different places, whether they are off trying to sell or at home and need to update content on the machine on the fly. Travel all around the country will be required in order to market the device effectively. Thus, it is paramount that information on the machine can be accessed wherever anyone working on it goes.

Therefore, multiple ways of cloud computing will need to put in place for the machine. Google Docs could be a start, as it as an effective way to bundle many important pieces of information together in an easy to access place. However, I would primarily like to use dropbox.com as the method for cloud computing. When one sets up an account, they can put files into the dropbox folder on their computer and it instantly transports onto the internet account of the user as well. This well, the files can be accessed easily, changed, if needed, quickly and efficiently, and accessed from a variety of locations.

Blogger Review

Blog's URL: http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/
Blogger's URL: http://www.sbnation.com/users/J.A.%20Sherman/activity?community_id=203

The blog I am reviewing is entitled "Welcome to Loud City." It's main writer is J.A. Sherman, who describes himself as "a decades old NBA junkie thoroughly enjoying the blogging experience. The URL for his profile is the following: http://www.sbnation.com/users/J.A.%20Sherman/activity?community_id=203

The blog is a professional blog for fans of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. As such, it contains various content regarding the team and its members, including Sherman's recounting of games and post game reactions, videos of press conferences, etc., and quotes regarding the team from the team or someone else, perhaps another team. Its posts are organized chronologically, as most blogs are. It also provides links within its posts to access the full content provided, especially if only a few quotes are taken from a certain interview or an original report is needed to confirm what Sherman posts to the blog.

I believe that Sherman's blogging style is extremely effective and very viewer friendly. He provides a wide range of content for a viewer to go through and makes the site interactive through its use of polls, comments, etc. His use of various forms of posts, whether its a video, a gamecast, or a post game analysis really gives a fan or just a casual viewer such as me a wide range of content to go through and enjoy. I particularly enjoy the way he takes quotes away from press conferences that he believes the viewer will enjoy, while providing the link in case the reader wants to see more. This ensures the blog remains easy to read and that people will not get bored and look at something else.

Competitive Analysis

My idea is for a machine that would teach basketball players how to properly shoot free throws. It would be able to adjust height depending on the height of the user. Once activating, it would shoot a perfect free throw each time, demonstrating the correct method of shooting one to people who don’t shoot them well.

http://dickbshootingcamp.com/free_throw_practice.php
This is a basketball camp in Indiana that places a particular emphasis on shooting. They stress quickness, accuracy, and distance in shooting from all areas from free throws to three pointers. In addition to their camp, they provide online tips on practicing free throws and other shots of basketball. They are thorough, in depth, and offer good advice to young and perspective shooters. The camp and my machine are similar in that they both provide hands on instruction step-by-step on how to shoot proper free throws. The biggest difference is that the machine has computerized instruction while the camp is instructed by people. Also, the camp works on all kinds of shots, while mine is targeted towards free throws.

http://www.basketballshootinginstruction.com/free-throw.htm
This is the website of free throw teacher Gary Boren. He has been hired by multiple college coaches and the most recent NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, if you look through his website, in order to improve their free throw shooting. He holds the philosophy that missing free throws is not because of a mental disadvantage, but bad form, etc. His approach and my machine are similar in the way that they break down shooting free throws, which is step, by step instruction in form. The only difference lies in the human vs. machine instruction.

I believe the fact that my project is a machine and thus will be programmed to display as close to perfect form as there is gives my machine an advantage over human competitors. Another is that my machine, once it enters circulation, will be a far cheaper option than hiring a coach or camps for multiple lessons. However, after analyzing the camp in Indiana, I feel that perhaps I should expand my machine to cover all shots from all court distances. This will make it a more useful machine and make it even more marketable. I will consider this as I continue the machine's development. 

Hardware Post

My idea is for a machine that would teach basketball players how to properly shoot free throws. It would be able to adjust height depending on the height of the user. Once activating, it would shoot a perfect free throw each time, demonstrating the correct method of shooting one to people who don’t shoot them well.

Essentially, being a robot with a specified function, this machine is a computer. So, what hardware is chosen for its building will be essential to its functionality. I feel that the machine will need a good power supply unit. The reason is that with a machine that has so many options as to preference in its function, it is essential that none of its components fail, which could happen if the power supply unit fails. Also, good power supply units can contain circuitry that prevent damage to the other components of the computer. It will also provide a more stable power distribution, which will act as another precaution to ensure the machine does not overheat.

Obviously, a quality processor is also important for this particular machine. The machine's processor must be able to function quickly and correctly, in order to ensure an efficient and satisfying product. An Intel processor will likely be needed, as they tend to be of high quality. The speed of the machine is positively crucial to its success on the market because those using the machine cannot afford to wait so long for it to be ready to function, nor will they purchase it if they need to. Therefore, a good processor is critical to how many machines will be able to be sold.

A final element that the free throw machine is in dire need of is a good and well-functioning hard drive. The reason is because one of the options users will have with the machine is to save their preferences as to height of the machine and speed at which it shoots. A good hard drive will be able to accompany the complexity of these settings saved to memory. It would ensure a speedy access to the previous settings by the user as opposed to having to set them every single time, which, of course, maximizes effectiveness of the machine.