Sensor Workshop (Dated Dec. 22, 2007)

Sensor Workshop (Dated Dec. 22, 2007)
Lecture given by Nicolas Marechal (Interactive & Moving Image Sen. Tech.)

• Suggested reading list:

1. Rapid Prototyping of Applications on the mobile platform. – Mobile Python, Juergen Scheible, Ville Tuulos. [Publisher: Wiley]

2. Physical computing. Sensing and controlling the physical world with computers. (Dan O’sullivan and Tom Lgae. [Publisher: Thomson/Course Technology]

3. Making things talk. Practical Methods for Connection Physical Objects. [Publisher: O’Reilly]

4. Processing. Aprogramming Handbook for visual Designers and Artists.- Reas and Fry (Casey Reas and Bez Fry)

• Interactive Technologies
  Physical computing with a computer (flash, illustrator…)
  Using sensors
  Motion capture
  Physical computing without a computer
  Using actuators
  Serial communication

1. Using a computer + Interactive software
Processing --> free
--> beta version CV. 135…
--> Open GL. Library (3d rendering)
--> Flash CS3 (￡90) à version 8/ action script 3 / excellent for animation, easily interface with the web, database (xml)

Max/ Msp/ Jitter (￡230) --> version 5 is coming
--> visual program lang.
--> realtime video and fx (with core video)
--> open GL. (fast video/ 3d rendering)
--> motion capture
--> excellent for ardio (MSP)
--> works with rewire (arduio remote control)
--> can be networked for sharing tasks
--> arge community of users
--> conclusions: little web compatibility

Pure Data (free) --> similar to Max/ Msp/ Jitter
VVV. Isadora (from free to￡130) à visual programming

2. Using a computer + Interactive software + hardware
Interface-Z (easy but expensive) --> Midi protocol (low, max)
--> 5v sensors
--> Analog input are 7-bit (128) or 12-bit (95)
--> Ready made sensors (with good connector)
--> Smooth and noiseless
--> No serial communication
--> RFID., Motor control and relays are optional
--> conclusions: midi is not the fastest
--> proprietary sensors
--> most expensive (80~100 EUR)

Make controller (in the middle)
--> USB (max 5m) or Ethermet connection (max 100m)
--> 3.3 or 5v sensors
--> OSC (open sound control) or XML protocol (via UPD)
--> Analog input are translated in 10-bit (1024 values)
--> Any sensors available on the market
--> Excellent connectors
--> Several motor library
--> Web server
--> Paralled and serial communication

Arduino (a bit more different but cheap) – via fermata
--> USB (max 5m)
--> 3.3 or 5v sensors
--> XML protocol (via TCP/ IP)
--> Analog input are translated in 10-bit (1024 values)
--> Any sensors are available on the market
--> optional wireless (zigbee)
--> cheap (￡42) with the workshop kit
--> sensitive to noise and no data smoothing
--> large community, knowledge base
--> conclusions: cheap connectors
--> lack of moderation on the website
--> 8k of memory
--> Wireless via XBee

Examples:
--> City room (2007) by Nicolas Marechal
--> www.silent-city.net
--> Book: the poetic of space

3. Sensors
The physics of sensors
Analog or digital
Motion capture


[Examples] :
- round, flat, thin + connector
- belt + connector
- mat
- the sensor wrapped in textile/ clothes + connector

Force Sensor Resistor = FSR --> measure touch, force, pressure

Sound wave:
- condenser microphone
- microphone
- contact microphone (piezze)
- ultrasonic telemeter

Electromagnetic spectrum

Light (visible waves): Light Dependent Resister (LDR)
- directive LDR (interface-Z)
- camera or webcam
- Ultra directive LDR ( interface-Z)

Infra-red waves
- non-linear response
- more sensitive when close
- distance measuring sensor

Passive Infra-Red = PIR
Electromagnetic Wave: Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
- round RFID (interface-Z)
- square (interface-Z)

4. Types of Sensors
Digital = on / off ( ex.: Switch)
Analog = variable voltage (0~1024) in 10 bits (ex. : Potential meter)
PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) (ex.: accelerometer)

5. Eyes web.
http://musart.dist.unique
Cv.jit
http://house.propose.it.co.uk (Reconfigurable House)
www.tinker.it