Idea Development:

...still bouncing ideas around in our group, we decided that we don't necessarily need to focus on getting the drivers attention, but could use traffic lights in another way to trigger our sensor. When traffic lights are red, the 'walk' sign is displayed. We could us the light from this signal to trigger our sensor, and in turn project an image onto the zebra crossing. I like this idea as it has more potential with what we can achieve.

The beginnings of an idea...

As I have mentioned this module now requires us to make a project that uses an Arduino board as well as low tech actuators and senors to interact with people in the area. As we had already been focusing on light as a factor last term, this definitely seemed to be the right route to take the project.

We were aiming to use traffic lights as the trigger for the sensor, but as we heard many of the students in other groups were also planning to use them, so we came up with car headlights. If we could pinpoint a spot where car headlights hit every time they passed on their journey along a road, we could place our sensor there.

We then started bouncing more ideas around and came up with how we were going to interact with the drivers of the cars. If we used the sensor to turn on a projector once it was exposed to light, we could project an image on another wall to attract drivers attention as they pass by. The nice thing about this is that it would be triggered by the drivers lights, so it would only be on as long as they passed by. The fact that theres nothing, then suddenly an image appears, and once they pass by its gone again should be enough to get their attention.

As good as this sounded to us, we then realised as effective as it may be, may not be so wise to attempt to attract the drivers attention from the road on purpose...so we decided maybe a good idea to find a spot where the headlights hit while the car was stationary, this way the car driver or any of the surrounding would not be in danger. We also decided we were more likely to catch their attention as they wouldn't be so focused on the road, giving our projection more of a chance to be seen.

Another good example:

Now that I have been researching all the different uses the Arduino board and sensors has, my Youtube account has been flooded with suggested videos that are of a related subject. Below is video that was suggested and shows exactly the kind of hacking this module has been introducing us to.

With all the different possible hacks there is very little that cant be achieved. I also found this particular video useful as we as a group have decided to continue focusing on light as a varying factor. This video uses a light sensor to trigger a switch, which is exactly the kind of hack we want to use. The ideas we came up with will be posted soon.

Arduino Boards With Sensors:

Not only can Arduino deal with simple programming to control its outputs, but it can also have sensors attached and allow inputs to control how the board behaves. (briefly talked about in precious post)

For example, If a infra red sensor was attached to the board, and the board was programmed so that once the infra red detects an object in its path, the board could control something it is connected to to change.

A good demonstration of this example is an Arduino board hooked up to a remote control car, only the cars steering is controlled by the board and the board changes direction depending on the infra red sensor. So, if the infra red detects an object in the cars way, the arduino board changes direction, but if all is clear the car will continue to travel until the sensor detects otherwise.

Arduino Boards:

This module has now taken a leap into a new way of interacting with our audience in the Stonehouse area. By using low tech sensors and actuators connected to an Arduino board, there are many different ways we can develop a project that can interact with people by changes in the environment.

An Arduino board is a printed circuit board with a processor that works along side arduino programming to manipulate its analogue/digital outputs/inputs.

Arduino boards require simple scripting from Arduino software to be programmed to control the behaviour of its pins. The Arduino programming can also be used along side Processing to produce interesting projects.

To look up this example, check out physicalpixel.com

Below is a video that shows a few examples of some low tech sensors and actuators. A sensor picks up a change in its surroundings therefore reacts as a response. By combining all of these the potential for interaction with passers by is enormous. I have now used the Arduino board as well as currently learning processing in IDAT 102, with this and the research I have now done there are many ideas me and my group have to play with.

Low tech sensors and actuators:

Lowtech Sensors and Actuators from Adam Somlai-Fischer on Vimeo.

More Augmented Reality:

Other examples for this technology as I previously mentioned is in entertainment.

Below are a couple of videos that give good examples of where and how it can be used to enhance the enjoyment and visual quality of a game:

I really like the example above as not only does it work along side the game, but it also improves the game play. By showing the angles the shots must take, this will help teach the user and improve their skill once the augmented reality is taken away.

And this final example is my favourite. This is because it makes the game play much more real. By taking a real environment and placing graphic images into the scene with augmented reality also make the game play much more physical. The user must move which makes the game much more interactive. It also provides much more potential to turn the game into a game that can b more enjoyed as well improve the fitness of users.

Augmented Reality:

Augmented Reality (AR) is a real time mixed reality technology that uses computer generated imagery in live video streams to enhance the real world environment. This media has many applications that can effect the users in many different ways.

A commonly seen example of augmented reality is the lines that are visible on live television during sports to display where certain marks are on the pitch, in American football for example, or the lanes of a swimming pool.

Examples of these are shown below:

Other uses can be more interactive, for example education, gaming and entertainment can now be greatly improved through the use of augmented reality.

below is a video I found on Youtube that demonstrates how children can use this technology to further educate themselves in many subjects.

BMW Example:

Below is a video that shows another use of this technology. It no longer requires professionals to be able to carry out complex tasks in any field as each job can be programmed once, which will allow anyone to follow the instructions being shown.