For the final version of my project, I plan to expand on the scope of
my prototype while altering the type of input used. My original plan
was to have the garment react to my body by using a heart rate monitor
to activate the bristling function of the exact-o blades, but after
hearing all of your feedback I’ve decided to use proximity sensors
instead. I feel this drives home the idea of the garment as a demand for
personal space, as well as making it more interactive and less based
trying to define an emotional response by a physical one.
I’ve
ordered a cheapo leather-like jacket from a sketchy website that will
hopefully arrive as promised. I wanted to do a full garment rather than
the shoulder pads I used for the prototype so I could have a good
surface to incorporate the components into. I considered a vest, but
thought a jacket would give me more room for exact-o blades on the
shoulders, as well as more surface area. I also looked specifically for a
collared jacket so I can try to hide the servos under the collar.
I’m going to increase the amount of exact-o blades both for aesthetics and
to up the intimidation factor. I still have to figure out how exactly I
want to configure multiple rows, but I’m planning to replace the
electrical tape from the prototype with tabs of (faux) leather.
FEEDBACK QUESTIONS:
1. Did my prototype evoke a feeling of fear and if so, was it of me or for me, or both I guess?
2. I’m considering including another element with a heart rate monitor controlling LEDs. They might change color according to heart rate or flash with every beat. Do you think this would add to the project or does it seem unnecessary?
3. Should I try to hide all the components on the inside of the jacket, or would it not bother you to have some bits be visible?
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[EDITED TO ADD:]
1) Initial Tasks
A) create a new circuit to control the servos based on proximity rather than light
B) redesign the exact-o mechanism so that everything but the blades will be hidden within the jacket
C) figure out a portable power source (whoops)
D) decide on the best placement for various components on or in the jacket (servos will be on the outside, but hidden by collar; need to figure out how best to place the circuit and Arduino board as well as the proximity sensors)
2) Budget List
-Ultrasonic Module Hc-Sr04 Distance Measuring Transducer Sensor for Arduino #00478889 (2)
: $3.95 each from miniinthebox.com – $21.59 including expedited shipping
-jacket from Tilly’s via amazon.com : $17.57 – $21.57 including shipping
-power supply : TBA
-other various resistors/wires/etc : TBA (but should all be available in Arduino kit or lab so $00.00)
-black crochet thread, Joann : $3.81(including tax)
current budget total = $46.97
3) Sample Code
(Newping library)
#include <NewPing.h>
#define TRIGGER_PIN 12 // Arduino pin tied to trigger pin on the ultrasonic sensor.
#define ECHO_PIN 11 // Arduino pin tied to echo pin on the ultrasonic sensor.
#define MAX_DISTANCE 200 // Maximum distance we want to ping for (in centimeters). Maximum sensor distance is rated at 400-500cm.
NewPing sonar(TRIGGER_PIN, ECHO_PIN, MAX_DISTANCE); // NewPing setup of pins and maximum distance.
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200); // Open serial monitor at 115200 baud to see ping results.
}
void loop() {
delay(50); // Wait 50ms between pings (about 20 pings/sec). 29ms should be the shortest delay between pings.
unsigned int uS = sonar.ping(); // Send ping, get ping time in microseconds (uS).
Serial.print(“Ping: “);
Serial.print(uS / US_ROUNDTRIP_CM); // Convert ping time to distance in cm and print result (0 = outside set distance range)
Serial.println(“cm”);
1. The fact that the blades were really close to your face caused me to worry about not only you, but who ever is wearing it. That being said if the blades were placed else where, were they would not harm the person wearing the jacket, then this would not be an issue. As soon as I saw the blades go up I was taken by surprise. It is easy to see how someone would take a step back when confronted with someone wearing this jacket. Should be interesting to see what happens in a crowded 'L' train.
2. This reminds me of how animals use different color patterns to warn other animal. This to me will add more depth to the project, but I feel that your main focus should be on the blades. Even though it does add more to the project, it might be a distraction from the blades.
Another issue to think about is that the lights might do the opposite and attract people to the jacket instead of making them fearful, people tend to like shiny pretty lights.
3. This depends in what you want the project to show. Do you want someone to be unaware of the dangerous jacket, or do you want someone to see the jacket and know that it is not an ordinary piece of clothing. In either case the way people will respond to the jacket might be different. If someone sees you with the jacket, and the jacket has motors and wires visible, a person might already be intimidated without seeing the blades go up.
1) it made me afraid/worried for YOU. Having those blades close to main arteries in your neck was really unsettling. One trip, one slip, or even turning your neck too much.. You're in the hospital. I would avoid the neck area.
2) i like the idea a lot. It demands attention while sending an intuitive message. I'd avoid the heart rate monitor if it takes to long and just find a way to activate it along with the blades.
3) hiding components will add to the surprise factor i think. But if it's too difficult, it won't be so bad to see some.
1. it scares me because of the colors you used fir the drawing, also it makes me afraid for someone who is waring the jacket, but I would actually love to have one just like this.
2. i love this idea but at the same time you have to aware of when and from what does your heart rise?
3.the components don't bother me, but if you have an opportunity to do so, i say do it.