Idea - User Auto Fan

The User Auto Fan (UAF) stems from the previous idea, in that it will interact with the user without the need for their awareness or participation. This artefact could be a fun exhibition piece or even be a consumer product in homes.


Sketches and description of UAF.

The simplest way the UAF would track heat and position would be with using PIR sensors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_infrared_sensor, http://www.gadgetshack.com/motionsensor.html). PIR sensors are commonly used in security systems that detect movement or human presence, and by using the inputs of the two sensors, an Arduino would be able to calculate position.

The most aparrent problems that would be encountered in this idea is how to detect the hottest objects amongst hot objects, and cool down only humans and no other hot objects (such as radiators). These problems may not be able to be overcome by using the Arduino and PIR sensors alone, however the idea would likeley be able to be prototyped to a very advanced stage.

PIR sensors and servo motors can be found on high-street shops such as Maplin:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=26922&doy=search&C=SO&U=Strat15

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=9944&doy=search&C=SO&U=Strat15


I think that the UAF would be an exciting and user-rewarding idea to persue, and so that, coupled with the fact that it will run using the flexible Arduino technology, make it a strong possibility for development.

Idea - Sleep Seeker

The Sleep Seeker (SS) would be an exhibition piece that would 'force' interaction with the user, even if they do not wish it. This idea would be a fun and unusual piece, that 'users' would get interacted by, rather than interact with.


Sketches of the proposed idea.

The SS would 'seek' out people that showed signs of tiredness (by using face recognition from the cameras) and try to force them to sleep on the bed.

This idea would be able to be prototyped on a small scale, however actual implementation and development would exceed the scope and time-scale of this assignment. Tracking 'tiredness' would be a very hard characteristic to trace, and perhaps would not be a viable option for this implementation. Instead, the SS could track heat and try to 'warm up' people in the room that were coldest. This would be a much easier method and the final artefact would be just as effective.

If heat were to be tracked then the object that interacted with the user could possibly be changed to something more relevant, such as a coat on a coat-stand that would try and get cold users to put it on (to warm them up). This would involve a lot of thermal imaging analysis, and positioning data, so it would seem this idea is still too ambitious for the assignment.

This idea, however, could be scaled down, into a less modularised, stationary object.

Alternate Thinking

For this project I think it would be useful to see how standard function of an artefact can be used for different purposes.



As you can see the creator (Johnny Chung Lee) has thought "outside the box" by taking technology that performs one function, and putting it in the context of another. As he mentions in the video, he was inspired by something from the real world (looking through a window), and so I think real household objects are an area of great development potential in my project.

RFID

A technology that has been widely encouraged amongst developers, is Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID is a technology that allows an 'individual identification' system to be incorporated into practically anything.


www.tfl.gov.uk
London's Oyster Cards use RFID

As aforementioned RFID is encouraged by developers, and has been the 'hot topic' for many developer discussions and workshops. Here is a video of some RFID implementations being shown at 2008's Takeaway festival...



This technology is cheap, and could easily be implemented into household objects. RFID technology is also available on the Arduino, so implementation would be a familiar practice and be extremely flexible.

Arduino

An area of hardware development I am interested in is the Arduino. The Arduino is a piece of programmable hardware that interacts seamlessly with electronic sensors and outputs, and so is the perfect platform to develop experimental implementations.


Diagram of an Arduino board.

The small size of the Arduino also makes it a great option for inclusion in actual projects, to make a complete package that doesn't need assembly.

Here are some examples of basic Arduino implementation in different hardware...

Interacting with a Nintendo DS...


Interacting with Flash on a PC...


A self contained "robot" that loops simple movement...


A "wearable" example of human gesture imitation...



These examples show that Arduino is likely to be adaptable enough to be able to be implemented into any possible artefact that I develop.

Mobile Media

In the past few years mobile phones have become an alternative for almost every electronic communication and entertainment device, with modern models incorporating everything from e-mail to video and music playback.



Above is a demonstration of one of the latest developments for the popular Apple iPhone... RJDJ. RJDJ is just one of many new programs that have come out of a huge developer movement, that has come about due to manufacturers releasing Software Development Kits (SDKs) for their phones, allowing developers to write applications to utilise the phone's hardware.

Mobile phones are an interesting medium for developers to explore. It is an area that is most notable for including more and more features and technology, while at the same time getting smaller and smaller. Mobiles have also become a huge accessory of everyday life. However, although they play a large role in our life, they are not yet a 'part' of everyone's life, as much as a bed or a car may be.

Initial Thoughts

This module requires a huge amount of inspiration and aspiration. These are concepts that I am personally not used to, and am quite nervous about. The module has such a huge spectrum of possibilities that it is somewhat overwhelming thinking about any sort of definite outcome or product.

However, I am thinking a good way to start coming up with ideas is to apply what is shown in lectures to everyday life. Places for consideration include:

• Household objects
• Everyday activities such as commuting to work
• Non-active activities, such as sleeping

I think focusing initial plans on these areas would provide plans for a successful and possibly a 'shocking' outcome.