PComp

Light Theremin v 0.1.2 Code

//Brian Putz
//Light Theremin v. 0.1.2
//October 1st, 2010
//Pcomp
//
//Ambient light theremin controlled by light. Use light to fade in and //out specific light in a specified pattern



//Defined Light inputs
int ledPin = 5;
int ledPin2 = 6;
int ledPin3 = 9;

//Define val of sensor
int val = 0;



void setup(){
 
 pinMode(ledPin,OUTPUT);
 
}

void loop(){

//fade light in
  for(int i =0; i<=255; i++){
 
//Value of input from light sensor 
val = analogRead(0);

//Output light w. sensor value being added to the amount of fade
analogWrite(ledPin, i+val); // Blue LED
//delay fade 20 ms
 delay(20);
}
for(int i =0; i<=255; i++){
 
  //Value of input from light sensor
val = analogRead(0); 
//Output light w. sensor value being added to the amount of fade
analogWrite(ledPin2, i+val);//Green LED

//delay fade 20 ms
 delay(20);
}
for(int i =0; i<=255; i++){
 
  //Value of input from light sensor
 val = analogRead(0);
 
 //Output light w. sensor value being added to the amount of fade
  analogWrite(ledPin3, i+val); //Red LED
 
//delay fade 20 ms
 delay(20);
 
}

for(int i =255; i>=255; i--){

  //Value of input from light sensor
  val = analogRead(0);

//Output light w. sensor value being added to the amount of fade
analogWrite(ledPin, i+val); // Blue LED

//Value of input from light sensor 
 delay(20);
}
for(int i =255; i>=255; i--){

  //Value of input from light sensor
  val = analogRead(0);

//Output light w. sensor value being added to the amount of fade
  analogWrite(ledPin2, i+val);//Green LED
 
//delay fade 20 ms
 delay(20);
}
for(int i =255; i>=255; i--){
 
  //Value of input from light sensor
  val = analogRead(0);
 
 //Output light w. sensor value being added to the amount of fade
  analogWrite(ledPin3, i+val); //Red LED
 
//delay fade 20 ms
 delay(20);
 
}

}

Visual Theremin version 0.1.2

Moving forward with the visual theremin I used the wire wrapping technique to try to make my circuit cleaner. After doing that I decided to make it so that based on how much light is going into the light sensor it will change different as it did before. in the first iteration when there was no light the lights would go off, I decided to reverse that. Once the prototype was made I received pretty useful interaction which I plan on using to move this project forward. Most notably moving away from the light sensor. That and also using multiple sensors to create more of a game like atmosphere while using the object.

It became apparent that the light sensor is not the most effective way to give off the idea that the user has control, in essence they truly don’t, they just need to effect the shadows that affect the light sensor. I have ordered some IR sensors and some microphone sensors to use to play with the different types of interaction that will happen. I think this will help make the interaction more meaningful even though it is pulling away from the theremin. I do feel that it will make a more playful interaction by having people yell at this enclosure to create different light patterns.
 

Maker Faire

One project that stuck out to me that required interaction a piece that required users to jump on pads and based on their jumping it fed power into certain objects. You could also read on a monitor how much power you were actually generating based on your jumps.

 

A second project I found to be pretty cool was a sort of analog jukebox. Created with an arduino and various objects that were inside of this wooden box would make specific sounds based on a predetermined pattern. You could however remove and place different types of objects into a metal bowl of sorts to make different noises. This piece stuck out to me because I am interested in physical computing however the user interaction wasn’t as apparent as the jumping power mat because it wasn’t as obvious that that could be done. The creator would explain that you could do it.

 

 

Visual theremin

For this project I have set up a group of ping pong balls to become a playful visual instrument. The idea is to have a user go up to it and play creating a visual orchestra of lights. This would be primarily be used by anyone who is interested in interaction pieces. I try to think of this is a visual theremin as as opposed to an auditory one.

Myself!!!!!

I'm Brian Putz.

During my undergrad I studied Interdisciplinary Arts and Technology. My emphasis was on video work and video installations.

The reason I'm taking PComp is I want to use technologies that are out there to make a more meaningful experience for viewers of my pieces. I think there is a deeper connection that viewers have with a piece when they feel they are in control through their actions whatever they may be.

My favorite toy from when I was a kid were legos