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outlt – final presentation

May 7th, 2008 admin

project overview

Bearing no dependencies on the power or data infrastructure this project, known as ‘outlet’, is an autonomous device that aims to appropriate both virtual and physical spaces. Comprised of a wind-generator designed for urban deployment mated with a highly efficient portable web-server this device creates virtual ‘islands’ within urban environments. Hosting a public messaging interface, users who engage the system are encouraged to leave their thoughts, opinions, or any other form of written expression on the publicly available message board. The written entries are then vocalized by an internal speaker allowing those individuals in the physical space surrounding the portable server to passively participate in the mediated discussion. The anonymity and transparency of the entire process encourages participants to broadcast their opinions freely in public spaces. The untethered nature of this virtual experience explores the realms of free speech and the temporary autonomous zone.

general interaction diagram

web interface [follow this link to find a working sample of the web interface]

technical overview

The primary technical aspect of this project is comprised of a Gumstix embedded Linux computer. Within this small computer that is mounted on the tail-fin of the wind generator there is a highly efficient BOA web-server. With the use of simple Perl based CGI scripts, the virtual message board is able to exist on such a minimal platform. Using a compact flash based 802.11 b/g wireless adapter the unit is able to be seen as a wireless access point in virtual space.

This project is able to autonomously exist due to the onboard wind generator that converts ambient energy in the form of wind into a stable electric current. A bearing has been installed into the structure of the wind generator allowing for the unit to automatically orient itself allowing for the strongest possible windflow to engage the blades.

Below is a simple breakdown of the power delivery circuit:

* Ambient energy rotates blades of wind-generator. The blades are connected to a 7:1 ratio gearbox that is connected to a small DC motor.

* Low voltage / low current signal created by the generator are passed to the MAXIM 856 integrated circuit (IC). This IC accepts low voltage / low current signals. With the aid of an inductor a 5V / 100 mA signal is output.

* The 5V / 100 mA signal is then accepted by the Maxim 1555 IC that mediates that charging of a 2000 mAh battery. This battery outputs 3.8 volts when fully charged.

* The output from the batter is then passed through the MAXIM 1771 IC which converts the 3.8 V signal incoming from the battery into a 5.0 V signal, satisfying the requirements of the onboard web-server.

* With no wind and at full battery charge the system is able to remain operational for approximately 30 minutes.

Select technical components are displayed in the image gallery below

general image gallery

technical presentation [1/2]

conceptual presentation [2/2]

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tele pong – IR pong controller.

March 9th, 2008 admin

This assignment required the creation of a networked pong controller. The primary goal of this project was to explore the functionality of the ‘lantronix xport’ serial to ethernet module.

My implementation utilized the infrared signals emitted from an old television remote control in order produce the necessary controls required to participate in a class wide networked pong tournament. The pong controller was required to have the following functionality: connect to the pong server, disconnect form the pong server, move left, and move right.

Using a very simple infrared sensor I was able to use the relationship between the intensity of the infrared signal and its distance to the sensor in order to generate bi-directional instructions. By decreasing the distance between the emitter and the sensor the paddle would move to the left once a predetermined threshold was crossed. The same logic was used in the opposite case where once the signal fell below the defined threshold (due to increasing the distance to the sensor) the paddle would receive instructions to move to the right. A momentary switch was also used to connect and disconnect the receiver component from the server. The arduino code that defines the complete functionality of this unit can be found here.

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networked objects a1: pcomp freestyle. [COLOUR BLOCK]

February 18th, 2008 admin

colour block:

This 1 week assignment was used as a tool to gauge our physical computing abilities. The assignment was to create some physical computing object based on the following constraints.

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