Abstract
I wanted to create an organic interactive kinetic installation that represented the changing of the seasons, which was mainly inspired by the temperamental weather we are experiencing. It will be a tree that is mounted on a turntable which will spin at different rates depending on the interaction with the user. It will also have leaves that will change color corresponding with the appropriate response. Lastly, the branches will be connected to a pulley system which will determine their angle. The idea is that there will be four settings or ‘seasons’ that will be represented by the tree. I currently have two running ideas for the user interaction. The first requires a motion sensor that will track the speed at which the user walks past the installation and use this information to determine the corresponding season. The second idea relies on the facial expressions or mood of the user.
Hardware
- Materials for the body of the tree (wire?)
- (Clear) Acrylic for leaves
- RGB LEDs
- High torque motor
- High precision motor
- springs
- PIR Motion sensor or webcam ( depending on direction)
- at least 2 speakers
- micro SD Card and adaptor
Software
- Stores and plays multiple different tracks
- Use open CV for the facial recognition component if necessary
- Controls the RGB LEDs and motors
Order of construction and testing:
- Make a leaf that can turn different colors using RGB LED
- Make turntable with hole in center for wires
- Make the trunk of the tree using wires
- Make body of tree hollow to mount on turntable
- Design housing for the motor that controls branches
- Build branches with corresponding leaves
- Find way to control multiple LEDs with different settings (different variations of colors for each season)
- Figure out how to make the LEDs and motors work at the same time without tangling wires
- Figuring out a way to conceal the strings and wires
- Learn how to play multiple different tracks on the speakers and determine if one is enough or if two is necessary for the full effect
- Learn how to use SD Cards
- Mount PIR and figure out the threshold values
- Learn how to use facial recognition software and webcam (determine if it is worth the extra work)
- Let other people try it out and see what their reaction/ interaction with it is ( can they figure it out or is it not obvious enough)
- Fix everything that doesn’t work
- Repeat!