Life@ITP

Observation Project 2

Due to time constraints and the complexity of working on a device with large dimensions that requires a lot of mechanical force to move, our team decided on slightly altering the project. We simplified things by scaling our project down to a more manageable, much smaller size. Instead of one large umbrella, we are going to build a table-top installation utilizing the same concepts found in the original umbrella project. This installation will contain a matrix of 6x3 “miniature umbrellas” mimicing the proposed movement of our larger umbrella idea. These individual “miniature umbrellas” will collapse via solenoids and rotate 360 degrees with the help of a 1.5-3v AC motor. So, by this time you’re asking where’s the interactivity? Where’s the input? Glad you asked. This matrix of “mini umbrellas” will receive continous analog input from weather sensors (wind direction, wind speed & air temperature) placed outside a window or on the roof of the ITP building. A windvane will rotate a 360 degree pot, which will give us wind velocity (speed & direction). This information will be relayed to our Microcontroller which will be programmed to move our matrix of “mini umbrellas” against the direction of the wind. Solenoids will react with a tilting motion and motors will spin each umbrella causing our matrix to sway like tall grass on a gusty day. An optional thermistor will also capture temperature readings and control multi-color LED’s attached to these “mini umbrellas” and change color according to outside temperature. The code on the PIC Microcontroller will also include a small degree of randomness to give each unit in our matrix a slightly unique, more natural motion.

Here is a new diagram illustrating the windvane and the bio-mechanical matrix of mini umbrellas:

Windvane connected to Potentiometer. Scissor-type joint pushed up and down by solenoid. Experimental wind sensor design (not going to be implemented).

Well we also divided what each person in the group would be in charge of.