Hani-xerciser (temporarily titled) is an interactive toy system that links me and my cat, Hani, so that we can play remotely, when I’m away from home during the daytime. Ever since I adopted Hani five years ago, I’ve always looked for something for him to do while my wife and I are not at home. Trying numerous cat toys for him, I realized one simple fact: Cats easily get bored with toys with no interaction.
This project aims to connect Hani and me when we are physically apart through a game-like interface where both can enjoy.  
The first version that I created in a prior class, Networked Objects, consists of physical object and networking devices that allow me to observe my cat while he is playing at home. I am able to see him through IP Cameras installed on the wall and a simple Php code enables me to send a few key inputs that make a toy move up and down. With Hani-xerciser, my cat  can have fun playing with a physical device, as well as maintain his health by reacting to ‘suddenly moving’ toys when he is alone at home. To me, exploring Hani-xerciser will let me feel less worried about my cat’s being ‘bored’ and gaining more weight from lack of exercise.
My thesis project will be an enhanced version of Hani-xerciser. It will include a more portable, mobile version of the graphic interface. It will be an iPhone application which is important because of the ‘immediacy’ it will provide for users to acquire the ‘viewer’ whenever they need to see their pets and the ‘controller’ when users want to play with their pets.  For example, launching the control panel will show both camera viewer and controller graphic panel side by side.