ADI ITP

Nature of Code FINAL – iTree

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 05:35:36 +0000

iTree is my final project in the Nature of Code class taught by Dan Shiffman.
The idea behind this project was to question our contemporary disconnection with our surroundings and natural environment;
as we are focused in our little mobile’s screen.

Using the iPhone’s small screen, the user can control the growth and seasonal changes of a projected natural looking tree.
Here is a video showing the iTree application in action:

The control is based on the Touch OSC application
which allows the iPhone to communicate with a Processing sketch
playing with a recursive function.
Currently I am using simple sliders to control the tree’s growth/expansion and seasonal colors change.
However, eventually I am hoping to create a more pictorial application.
In this future application users will tilt the iPhone as if watering the tree.
And based on the accelerometer input the projected tree will transform.

Here is a simulation I made of the iPhone screen:

Nature of Code – iTree

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:47:05 +0000

As I am dealing with growth in my thesis project…
I decided to approach this also in my final in Nature of Code.
With iTree, I propose using small and big screens as a way to experience our disconnection with our transforming natural surrounding.
Using the iPhone’s small screen, the user can control the growth and season of a real size tree which is projected on a large screen.
Two basic “Mac Sliders” controllers:
vertical: the tree expands in a natural mode
horizontal: the tree changes colors according to the changing seasons…….

I am using Touch OSC to communicate with a Processing sketch playing with a recursive function.

Here is just the first test, based on an example by Daniel Shiffman:

Romance Lighting Sensor

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:04:34 +0000

I worked with Liangjie on the “Romantic Lighting Sensor” Lab for Sociable Objects Workshop. The basic challenge was to learn how to use XBee without Arduino as a remote sensing module.
We used paired Xbee Radios: A local Radio in API mode and a Remote Sensor Radio with a photo resistor (light sensor).

At first, we had some problem at the receiver side. It was pretty clear that the transmitter is working fine since while we were using just the xbee explorer board as receiver we could directly see the data coming from the serial channel. However we couldn’t get the code to work.
We ended up using a processing sketch to print out serial data from arduino.
Also, we learned that the resistor used to augment sensor output value to fit xbee’s 3.3v requirement has to be carefully handled, otherwise you do not use the full range of the sensor output.

Here are the documentation videos:
Xbee API Mode – simple remote xbee sensor

XBee API with feedback

Nature of Code: Midterm

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:48:17 +0000

For my midterm project in Nature Of Code, I wish to create a small interactive game that will include a physics simulation of a slingshot releasing elastic energy, which is transferred to a motion energy of stones. In addition, the game will include a simulation of bubble-like targets and there collision/explosion as the they are hit but the fly stone.
The interaction with the digital slingshot model would be via a physical slingshot. I built a simple sling shot that consists a rubber band – stretch sensor – attached to a Y shape wood. Users would physically distort the rubber band to control the simulated slingshot on the screen.
The elastic energy generated by the “shooter” stretching the rubber would be determined by the serial analog values from the stretch sensor and stored in the elastic digital band as the stone is drawn back. After the slingshot is released, the stored elastic energy is transferred to the stone as kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of the stone is related to both its mass and speed (KE=1/2 m v2). As a result, light stones shot from a slingshot will move faster. I should also note to myself that the greater the kinetic energy the greater the damage to the hit target…

I decided that the content of the game would be environmentally friendly, rather then a violent slingshot fight! The challenge would be to Fight CO2 emissions bubbles!!
This small game aims to educate players through a physical and playful interaction about the need to reduce greenhouse gas emission. The users would interact with the sling-shot to remove CO2 emission icons from the virtual sky.
This is a screen-shot of my very very first slingshot game simulation.
Also, my the processing sketch could be downloaded here

And finally, I have found a nice physics demonstration of the slingshot that could be a helpful resource in the simulation process (a live interactive demonstration is available here)

Sociable objects: Doorbell Project

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:33:29 +0000

The assignment was to create a doorbell by means of ZigBee communication, using XBees, Arduino, a buzzer, and a switch. We explored ways to enhance the interaction by adding a feedback round-trip. In the first iteration we just added a function that we allow the visitor to know that the buzzer has rung by LED light on output. In the second iteration we add an additional nap mode. This doorbell works only for insistent visitors, who will push the switch 5 times in sequence…..

Finally, we create an advanced “doorbell” with practical interaction. Given the growing threats of computers thefts, we decided to create an alert application for computer users at ITP. The ‘doorbell” turned into an alarm set. On one hand of the network there is the Force sensor, which is placed under a computer, once the computer is lifted (an attempt to steal it), it will buzz on the other end – a wireless buzzer box.

Nature of Code: Perlin Noise Snake

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:25:27 +0000

In this assignment of simulating a real-world “natural” motion, I choose to focus on the locomotion of a water snake.
As the snake moves it creates a series of curves. Starting at the neck, a snake contracts its muscles,
thrusting its body from side to side, in an S-shape movement.
This motion propels the snake forward because each contraction pushes against the water.
Here is a video of a sea snake in action:

Trying to recreate the natural movement with squares,
I created and array of squares (for loop) with a wavy offset using by Perlin Noise.
Squarely Wavy

My second version used the same behavior. However, in-order to create a more organic movement,
I changed the squares into ellipses and added a watery environment.
Please allow me to introduce the The Wavy Snake