Phys-Digi-Phys In Class Exercise

Overview

Pulling in data, manipulating that data with a series of algorithms or interactions, and then translating that modified data into a different medium is at the heart of what we are going after in this class. This mini-exercise will be our first attempt at experimenting with this type of data-flow.
For this exercise, you will need to build and program a simple system that pulls in information about the physical world from a sensor using Arduino, analyzes or modifies that information in Processing, and outputs that information in a physical way, either through light, motion, or sound.

Groups of Two.

Requirements

  1. Include one or more physical sensors.
  2. Modify or analyze the data coming in from that sensor.
  3. Manipulate the data from the sensor interactively (via keyboard, mouse, audio, etc).
  4. Output that data in a new medium (LED, piezo buzzer, motor, servo, etc.).
  5. Document your experiment and post a video to the blog. Include both partners and a simple hand drawing of how it works.

Intro to Arduino

Each Group Collect

  • Digital Multimeter
  • Variable Voltage Power Supply
  • Bana Plug Leads
  • Resistors
  • DC Motor

What is Electricity?

A general understanding of electricity and the rules that determine how it flows and how it can be controlled are crucial to quickly prototyping your designs. These resources cover the fundamentals of working with electricity.

Water analogy from Sparkfun

Voltage = Pressure in system

 

Current (Amperage) = Amount of Flow

 

 

Resistance = Resistance to Flow

V = I * R (voltage = current * resistance)

I = V / R (current = voltage / resistance)

Solve for LED / Resistor Combo

We know the ideal forward voltage (Vf) and current (I) of the LED.

Target Vf = 3.3v

Target I = 20mA (0.02A)

V = I * R

R = (Vs – Vf) / I

Exercise 1: Learn the Digital Multimeter (DMM)

Sparkfun: How to Use a Multimeter

  1. Set up a simple circuit on a breadboard with an LED, a resistor, and the variable voltage power supply:
    1. Anode (+) [because Node.js is positive/great]
    2. Cathode (-) [because cats are negative/terrible]
  2. Set the power supply to 5V
  3. Use the the DMM to measure voltage at different points of the circuit
  4. Notice the amount of current being used by the power supply
  5. Insert the DMM into the circuit and measure the amount of current (see if it matches what the power supply says)
  6. What happens if you change the resistor?
  7. Add a switch or button
  8. Draw the [circuit diagram](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-read-a-schematic) on the table

 

What is Arduino?

From: Instructables

A simple microcontroller and software combo developed to help designers, artists and non-engineers rapidly prototype with electronics.

Some things to remember:

  1. Analog Pins are for reading only (0v – 5v)
  2. analogRead(pinNumber) returns an integer value between 0 – 1023
  3. Digital Pins can be INPUT or OUTPUT
    1. digital pins can supply a low-current (100mA) 5v supply in output mode:  digitalWrite(pin, HIGH/LOW);
    2. digital pins can read the state of that pin, as either HIGH or LOW (5v or 0v): digitalRead(pin);
  4. You can run the arduino WITHOUT the USB cable attached (only a 5v-24v barrel jack)
    1. You can also power from the Vin and GND pins.

 

Exercise 2: Set up Arduino & Blink

  1. Download the Arduino IDE
  2. Follow the Getting Started guide for the Arduino UNO (word for word!)
  3. Run the Blink! example sketch
    1. Open Examples > Basics > Blink
    2. Plug your Arduino into the computer
    3. Choose your board: Tools>Board
    4. Choose the correct port: Tools>Port
    5. Click the check icon (verify)
    6. If no errors, upload to the arduino

Exercise 3: Reading Data & Graphing it

  1. Upload the Standard Firmata to your Arduino (check out File>Examples>Firmata>StandardFirmata)
  2. Make sure you have the Arduino(Firmata) library (you can download this from the Sketch>Import Library>Add Library… menu)
  3. In Processing and copy/paste this code:

  1. Find a sensor (Potentiometers are a good one)
  2. Attach it to the Analog pins of your Arduino (You may need to find a diagram/datasheet/instructions on the internet)
  3. Run the Processing sketch!

 

Project 0: Mini Design Exercise

Client: Google
Location: Bakery Square 2.0 Bridge, 6425 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Due: Thursday 8/31

Overview:

Google currently leases several floors in two adjacent buildings on either side of Penn Avenue. These two buildings are connected by an enclosed pedestrian bridge on the 5th floor. Google is requesting proposals for a reactive, experiential installation to be integrated into the bridge.

Requirements:

  • Create a joyous experience for those passing through.
  • Integrate Google technologies or data
  • Allow for “passive” interaction
  • Give employees a break from work if they want it.
  • Don’t be obtrusive for those in a hurry.
  • The installation must be experienced from both inside the bridge and outside on the street below.

Site Images:
Overhead

Night_01

Night_02

Night_03

Deliverables:

  • Low fidelity sketch of concept
  • Interaction diagram (show us how people/data/environment influence the installation, and how the installation influences people)
  • 1 minute pitch
    • pretend the class is the client, pitch this concept to us in VERY BRIEF terms.

Welcome to RSMA Fall 2017

Welcome to the Fall 2017 installment of Reactive Spaces and Media Architecture. The goal of this course is to develop a visual and conceptual vocabulary and authority around placing dynamic media in space. We’ll accomplish this task through a series of group and individual projects, precedent research, readings and discussions, and group critiques of our work and the work of others.

Along they way, be prepared to learn new skills such as working with micro processors, integrating with commercial lighting systems, accessing APIs, basic electronics, and programming languages like Processing or node.js.

You won’t need any programming or electronics experience to succeed in the class. However, if you’ve never written code or blinked an LED, you may have to put in some extra time learning the new skills on your own.

 

What To Expect?

Examples :
Simon Heijdens, Shade
Ethan Rose, Elements
Refik Anadol, Virtual Depictions
Ned Kahn, Articulated Cloud
Sosolimited, Criss-Cross Signal Spire
Studio Roosegaarde, Windlicht

What We’re Doing


Traditional Method (Triggers + Timelines)


Our Method (Realtime Data Processing)

What Have Students Done Before?

Tangible Lightwall from ULRStudio on Vimeo.

Ghost Pier from Heidi Yang on Vimeo.

Mutable Landscape from Leah Wulfman on Vimeo.

Audio Window from Nickie Cheung on Vimeo.