Secret Device for Remote Locations

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In this project, we — Lucas Ochoa, a junior studying design, and Scott Donaldson, a master’s student in computational design — create a piece that simulates the suspense, tension, and psychological stresses of Russian roulette.

While the focal point of the piece is the 3d printed physical form resembling an oversized revolver chamber, we also significantly altered the environment and experience around the object in order to heighten the drama. Rather than introducing and describing the piece in a speech, we distributed a bureaucratic form to all the participants containing a disclaimer as well as possible “dangers” of the piece (both real and fantastical). Printed in Courier New and featuring an unidentifiable, corporate-seeming logo, the pseudo-legalese of the form served to distance our selves from the project — to make it appear the work of some faceless corporation with questionable motives and little to no regard for the actual safety of the participants. The date and time were hand-written in the blanks on the page — even corporations are prone to human error. The form appears below:

After reading the form, participants were asked to wait in a queue outside the room housing the project — the Martha Orringer Conference Room. We were fortunate to have pliable, willing participants for this. Lucas acted as the guard to the room, holding a box containing the marbles which he dispensed to participants before they entered the room.

No cameras were permitted inside the Martha Orringer Conference Room. However, we commissioned the following illustrations to depict what the experience might have been like:

A circuitry diagram may be found at the right.

Although it has been known to induce madness in anyone who views it, the project code is available on GitHub.

Statement of Objectives

As first timers to physical computing, Ari, a sophomore studying Art and Jacqueline, a senior studying architecture and human computer interaction, we both embarked on a project that conveys the action of light, open and closing, and the revealing of a new idea to the public. With that said, we both played with many ideas before arriving to our final concept. Our first steps were to learn how each sensor works, implement the sensors on one breadboard, choreograph the servos with the paper casing, understand the placement of the sensors in alignment to the 3pi, tackle the showcasing of light, choreograph the robot, and showcase the light capsule under the desk in a room.

NARRATIVE

In a city where all those who walk the streets are busily occupied by the bustling cars, grandiose stature of the skyscrapers, and crowds of tourists, endless of activities consume the city occupants. With the constant vibrant lights flashing and etching out the brands GAP, UNIQLO, DISNEY, consumers never tire from the trends of the city. The streets glow ever so brightly. City dwellers often never notice that the sky is dark and empty. As two city girls, Ari and Jacki, we felt that we never had the opportunity to experience the stars in the sky. Often distracted by the fun the city had to offer, we never knew what the sky could look like with the endless light from the stars. We missed out on the classic starry night filled with the bright lit stars. To remedy that remorse, we built a light capsule encapsulating the lights for every childhood dreamer.

Technical Implementation

3 servos, 1 3pi, 1 dc motor, 1 12v step up, 1 LED, 1 Mosfet, 1 9v battery

Results 

Formulate the motion of the servos. Actuate the motors to our specified directions. Implement three motors.

Get the DC Motor cranking.

Get the servos to move with our paper structure while aligning the orientation.

Get the motor on the board and all constructed on the 3pi.

Assemble all the sensors and the fabricated shells to construct our light capsule.

Assemble the servos to the final product and hope for the best when the servos close the structure and expose the skeleton of the light.

Choreograph the light capsule in a motion that strikes the space while gradually opening and closing the treasured light.

technical documentation

Partner Contributions

Ari actively encouraged the use of sensors and elaborately investigated the needs to push and stabilise the electronics used. She used her breadth of knowledge to utilise the sensors necessary.  She pushed the idea of shadows, lights, and love while grasping the real need of the project. She played with the code and tackled the choreography of the capsule. She tested the breadboard and debugged the electronics.

Jacki actively utilised materials that were relevant to the project. She learned the needs of lights and tackled the function of light, understanding how best to portray the lights through the use of mirror, acrylic and paper. She helped synchronise the sensors to the motion of the capsule. She helped tackle the design of and placement of the sensors while positioning all sensors used.

We both actively investigated the concept while integrating the best use of sensors while carefully understanding what the priorities were given the deadline and met regularly to reiterate the light capsule.

Citations of Related work

Otto Piene

Files

Lasercut file (.3dm)