spatial media – final
May 15th, 2009 admin
The goal of this project is to create a passive information display that dynamically adapts to the users level of attention. The information shown on the display is represented in 3 distinct states representative of the users position from the display surface. It is assumed that when the user is in close proximity to the display surface, they will be interested in a detailed representation, where a more subtle view is desired when the user is away from the display screen.
The content selected for this display was chosen due to the frequency in which one generally surveys this data and is comprised of the following information sources: email, sms messages, in-bound phone calls, relevant news feeds. These varied sources of information are aquired through an application written for the android platform that automatically connects the users internet enabled phone to the target data network when possible. This allows for the user to deposit their phone anywhere within wireless range, and still be able to remain aware of the various forms of communication and information flowing towards them.
The ideal location for this of display is a semi-private space such as a home or personal office. It is thought that one should have direct access to this type of information when desired, yet it should remain hidden when not appropriate to be shown.
Programatically, the detail level of the display is mediated by a camera tracking system that searches for the face of a given user. The camera searching for the face is positioned such that a face is only recognized when the users is actually looking towards the display. This detection system allows for 2 levels of user analysis: 1. is the user looking for information (based on their gaze towards the display), 2. at what distance is the user looking from (based on the size of the users face). The distance of the users face is smoothed through an averaging routine, allowing for gradual and more realistic state changes in an attempt to prevent sudden or abrupt shifts in visual states.
It should be noted that the information displayed is not intended to replace the computer as a means of interacting with these forms of digital content, but have been designed to allow for a more harmonious co-existance with the ever increasing emphasis and importance on this type of information awareness.
The most subtle level of detail (’detail level 1′) is the default state of the data representation, and can be seen in figure 1. This state is triggered when the users is either not looking at the display, or is simply beyond a threshold distance relevant to the space in which the display is installed. In this state, the data is visualized by the a thin solid colored bar which vibrates in relation to the amount of data accumulating in the users various data streams. The goal of this visualization is to provide a subtle representation of the data waiting for the user, allowing one to have an awareness of valuable data without providing a significant distraction.
‘Detail level 2′ allows the user to obtain a slightly deeper level of understanding their data pool through a catagorical representation of the various types of waiting data. Each stream of data is color coded (as defined by the user), while the size of the catagorical representation is determined by the amount of data associated with that particular category. An example representation of this state can be seen in figure 2.
‘Detail level 3′ assumes the user is now in a state where they can benefit from seeing a higher level of detail. The categories that were described in the previous state in their abstracted geometric representations are now seen in a grid like system allowing for a through understanding their personalized information streams.
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urban parking assist
April 2nd, 2009 admin
One of the most significant challenges associated with driving into urban environments is the ability to find a parking space. One can circle busy city blocks for lengthy periods of time while disrupting the traffic flow in pursuit of a space that meets the needs of their individual vehicle.
This proposed system hopes to aid in the parking process by both marking open spaces and providing the driver with an accurate measurement of the actual size of the space. Furthermore, the embedded sidewalk sensors will be able to gauge the size of the vehicle as it makes its initial approach towards the parking space, leaving no chance to the equation. If the car will not fit, the driver will be notified preventing any unnecessary traffic blockages.
Sensors embedded within the sidewalk simply detect the presence of a vehicle. Gaps where no cars are detected are measured by the system. Each sensor is mated with embedded laser projection system that allows for a highly focused, day visible, and unobtrusive projection that is visible in all conditions (System has not been tested in Canada due to excessive snow accumulation).
An interested driver will now simply have to scan the street for a green demarcation. At a glance the driver will know if any spaces on the street are even open, preventing the need to delay traffic on that particular street as they would slowly search for a potential space. If a space was found by the driver, they would see a measurement of the space as they approached the parking spot. Stopping directly in front of the space will trigger a verification system that measures the car that wishes to park in the given spot. If the car is of a suitable size, the projection will remain green. Otherwise the projection system will mark the space in red, providing a clear indication that the space is not suitable for the vehicle in question.
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wearable mobile interface – first conceptual sketches
February 11th, 2009 admin
here are the first few sketches illustrating the wearable component of my thesis project. the light blue band in the sketches represent the internal magnetic lock that will allow the device to hold itself on the inside edge of a long sleeve.
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passive control surface
February 5th, 2009 admin
Challenged to produce a ’spatial media’ design concept for the living room, I undertook the challenge of extended the limitations of passive control surfaces. Specifically I am referring to the static nature of most projectable surfaces. Although flat surfaces such as floors, table tops, and walls allow for the creation of compelling reactive interfaces, they are generally static. It is difficult to shift the location of a projected table top interface once it has been positioned and calibrated in respect to the projector.
The design I am proposing allows for the intended projection surface to move in three dimensions within the defined projection volume. The projection surface itself will be marked with an asymmetrical pattern of directional reflective markers that will respond to the infra red light emit form the multi-camera tracking system. The location and orientation of the projection surface is then understood by the projection system which automatically selects a subset of the projection array and modifies the output from each projector to account for the orientation of the surface. The end result is a surface that can be projected upon regardless of its orientation or location within a defined volume.
The image set below demonstrates how this system could be used to create a form of universal remote control for a digital system within the house. As the surface could be any flat and rigid surface, there are no limitations in regards to what could serve as the projection surface. Furthermore, there is no limit to the density of information one could have projected onto the surface. In the example images, one could imagine a music lover enjoying the benefit of a detailed spectral analysis of the music they are listening to.
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visual inventory for the spontaneous chef
January 29th, 2009 admin
The process of preparing food extends beyond the physical space of the kitchen and reaches into the various markets and retail outlets where ingredients and supplies are purchased. The ingredients themselves dictate the scope of the final preparation. This conceptual design is based upon the needs of a chef that enjoys a spontaneous process in regards to the preparation of food. This design will also cater to those interested in monitoring their dietary habits.
Please note, this interface assumes that a grocery inventory system is in place. As a user returns to their residence with the purchased groceries, the items would be either scanned by a bar-code reader or manually entered into a inventory database.
Any large flat surface (vertical or horizontal) can be used to host the primary interface of this design. As the user enters the kitchen, they simply have to press the button labeled ‘begin’ to reveal a categorical view of the available ingredients within the kitchen. The touch interface allows the user to expand and ‘drill down’ into the various categories allowing for an initial high level perspective of all the ingredients available and their respective quantities. When satisfied with the available ingredients, the user simply has to click on a given item (one click will select one unit, multiple clicks will select multiple units) and the interface will automatically shift the ingredient into the ’selected ingredients’ field while simultaneously deducting the ingredient from the household inventory. When the user has finished planning the meal, they select ‘complete’ which calculates the overall calories of the selected ingredients as well as the overall cost for that given meal. The set of ingredients is then associated with a unique ID allowing for a form of meal tracking, or simply the formation of spontaneous recipes to be archived for future convenience. The visual queue presented by the list of selected items ensures that no ingredients are over-looked by the spontaneous cook.
The associated image set illustrates the process of planning an evening meal.
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