So on the way to the theater tonight I had an idea for how I would setup the way to access the different functions/modes of my Sonic. I realized that even if I do find a way to install an OLED in the central core of the Sonic, it would probably be annoying to have to extend the Sonic every time I wanted to look at the OLED to change modes.

Oh bugger, movie is starting... :)

Good movie. Now, I figured that instead of pressing the button at the bottom of the Sonic to cycle through the different modes. I'd use its motion sensing ability so that each of the 13 gestures you perform lets you access different functions/modes. That means I would be able to have 13 different functions for my Sonic. If I need more modes then I would setup it up so that you can also double gesture to access 10 more modes for a total of 23 modes! Bonus, this would allow for 10 more control commands. To me, using gestures to access the different modes sounds better than having to push the button, for example, 19 times to access the 19th Sonic Screwdriver function.

This would make the button at the base of the Sonic obsolete, but I figured that I would configure it so that it will enter/exit the various modes, lock/unlock the Sonic, and something else that I can't remember at the moment... oh right, power on/off and something else.

So the menu system for my Sonic would work something like this:

1. To select a function/mode use one of the following gestures: push, pull, flick up, flick down, flick left, flick right, tap top, tap left, tap right, tap bottom, rotate clockwise, rotate counter clockwise, and push button. Double gestures are twice the previously listed, except for rotates, and push button.

2. Use two short button presses to enter a selected function/mode or exit the mode you are currently.

3. Use any of the gestures in step one to utilize the control commands for the mode your are in.

Other commands:

Three Short Button Presses: Lock or unlock the Sonic for security and to prevent any accidental gestures being registered while you're carrying your Sonic in your coat pocket.

One Long Button Press: Power on/off.

After writing this up, I was just thinking about the double gestures for commands idea again, and I'm not sure if the double push, pull, and flicks could be easily implemented with the original accelerometer in the Sonic. I've been trying to do some research, but haven't seen anything specifically for double flick, push and pull gestures yet. However, I am patient and the the night is young, so maybe I'll figure it out or find something.