Monday, September 30, 2013

Progress Code

Basic code thus far:

/*Sensors and Electronic Arts
Group Project: Oulianor Timothee and Evan Trumbull
*/
#include <AF_Wave.h> //Wave Sheild Library
#include <dac.h>
#include <fat16.h>
#include <fat16_config.h>
#include <partition.h>
#include <partition_config.h>
#include <sd-reader_config.h>
#include <sd_raw.h>
#include <sd_raw_config.h>
#include <util.h>
#include <wave.h>

#include <Maxbotix.h> //Ultrasonic Range Finder Library
#include <RxSoftwareSerial.h>
// End Libraries

int lowSensor = 0;
int rngFinder;
int mic;
int temp;
int trigger = 0; //start assuming no motion detected

int s1Pin = 2; // Change these to match the pins
int s2Pin = 11; // the sensors are connected to
int s3Pin = 12; //s1range, s2mic, and s3temp

int close = 50;
int loud = 100;
float warm = 98.6 //98.6 degrees is avg body temp

//unsigned long start, stop, time;
void setup(){
}
void loop()
{
  analogRead(s1Pin);
  delay(10);
   rngFinder = analogRead(s1Pin);
   analogRead(s2Pin);
  delay(10);
   mic = analogRead(s2Pin);
   analogRead(s3Pin);
  delay(10);
   temp = analogRead(s3Pin);

   if(triggered == 0) // Neither sensor has been triggered
   {
      if(rngFinder < close) // Person is close
      {
         lowSensor = 1; // Record triggering sensor
         triggered = 1;     // Record the fact that a sensor was triggered
      }

      if(mic > loud) // Person is loud 
      {
         lowSensor = 2;
         rngState = 1;
      }
      if(temp > warm) // Person is hot
      {
         lowSensor = 1; // Record triggering sensor
         triggered = 1;     // Record the fact that a sensor was triggered
      }
   }
   else // one of the sensors was triggered
   {
      if(rngFinder < close && lowSensor == 2)
      {
         //stop = millis(); // Record end time
         triggered = 0;     // Set up to wait for the next person
         //time = stop - start; // Compute the duration
         /* if(time < fast) // They were really moving... */
         { 
            // play the file here
         }

Servo Motors


DC Motors


UltraSonic Range Finder





Piezos






Hello World + Math



project 28






stepper motion!

Its spins!

Stepper Motor- Ch.10 Project 28

It vibrates. Woooooo.

Project 28: Basic Stepper Motor








Motor Knob Example




Stepper One Revolution Example


Stepper One Step at a Time Example



Stepper Control Example









Affordance is a quality of an object that informs the user of its potential actions or purpose.
Many issues come to mind, however as long as they are use to help decipher a purpose or discover a new purpose in an object. Anther flaw is that our senses deceive us and with out further investigation we are left ignorant.

A solid connection would be a symbiotic relationship between two animals. One animal can find a purpose in the other animals body/environment and take advantage of that affordance.

A niche is a micro-environment that a small group or individuals fit into where they can thrive the most. Habitat is an environment that many groups can share and is not tailed specifically for any one group. Creative problem solving is my (Evan) niche field of study. Ollie's niche is the art environment.

Napkin: Brown wrap that appears to be some thing to wrap hot food in. Possibly to be consumed.

Door: metallic posts and small hole for inserting other objects. Thick and heavy and mounted to the wall. Seems to be good for trapping objects in a room.

water fountain: round base, big round buttons, hole to rain, spout that sprays water, curved covering of spout. It appears that one should attach their face to the object and hit the button to fill them selves with water.

Unicycle: The object has one wheel and a seat. Every thing that we use to ride on has at least 2 wheels. Even though it only has one where it is actually drive able and can have more agility and can be balanced in a wider range of speeds.

Affordances are by nature perceived, even though they are intrinsic of the object. Therefore everyone can find different affordances in the same object.

We are creating the affordances in the object(s) for the views to find. This relates to metaphor in that we insert specific elements or colors to help define an existing idea that the viewer is familiar with. 

Affordances Q&A

1. An affordance is a method of physical interaction with an object that allows an individual to use said object. A complication of a "possibility" is the way in which it is interpreted per individual, meaning one "possibility" could actually have many possibilities, leading to confusion in a general consensus. Examples of this could could be color interpretation by multiple different cultures. An affordance could also be modified, changing its original "possibility" for others.

2. Affordances may get outdated because evolution has eliminated the need for such a possibility, or the meaning of the possibility might change altogether. That being said, evolution and affordances are equally and directly influential indefinitely upon each other, affecting the way we see affordances and the way they're created.

3. Habitat is the physical place one resides, whereas a niche is a role in that habitat. An example of an habitat would be a school and a niche is a teacher. Our niches are that of students.

Activity:
1.
    A. Window Glass
          Being a transparent surface, it allows us to see through a solid, otherwise, opaque surface. It also acts as a two way portal for things like light and heat which can be used to brighten the interior of a space and warm it up.
    B. Glasses
          Made up of a series of affordances, the lens, the frame, and the two hooks, we can understand that we look through the transparent lens, the bridge goes over the nose, so the frame and lens fits on the front of our face over our eyes and finally, the two hooks go behind your ears as a way to keep the object on your face without you having to hold it. Glasses can either offer comfort as they shade from the sun or improve vision.

2. Utility is the function of an object and usefulness is how applicable the function of an object is in a certain situation.

3. A false accordance could be a wall painted with a picture of the horizon. It gives the illusion of an expansive space but is physically finite and confined to a certain set of dimensions.

4. There are definitely some affordances that we might not pick up on that could be because affordances might be cultural. Different cultures have different symbology and meaning and ideas and the same thing applies people with handicaps. We adapt, so if my legs don't function and I'm restricted to a wheelchair, a floor is no longer something to walk on. The basic purpose doesn't change, but I adapt it for my own purposes so it can still function for me how I need it to function.


Motors- One and Two Motors- Ch. 5 Project 16


I couldn't get the Potentiometer to work very well, they spun very fast and it was a little frightening.

Affordances Response


Affordance in relation to our project

We thought of affordance in our project especially for the box which the user will breathe into. We thought, "how would one know to put their head into the box?" A solution we found for this would be to be placed on a wall at a height higher than normal that would reflect the head to be placed within the box. Another solution to the breathing box would be to have some sort of chin mold on the box which reinforces the user to put their head into the box. This chin idea reflects the machine used at the eye doctor where the person puts their chin on a chin mold in order to get their eyes tested. 

Response to Affordance Questions

"an action possibility available in the environment to an individual, independent of the individual's ability to perceive this possibility"

How do  you understand this definition/description of affordance? Please put into your own words. What if anything may or may not be problematic about this interpretation of the notion of affordances?

       -We understand this definition as the object itself has a universal view to us but each person can      interpret it in their own way. In addition, it describes the interaction of person to object based on its physical properties and its relationship to the surroundings. We automatically assume that one will interact with an object based on how we would interact with it but in reality culture and society of different people will have an effect on how they use the object.

What might be the connection between affordance and evolution?

      - The connection between the two shows how we have developed certain physical properties with already knowledge embedded within us. The change of the environment over time has caused us to develop our perception of the objects around us. There is a cause and effect between evolution and affordance since the development of society has created a change in the way one interacts with the environment. 

What is the difference between a niche and a habitat? Explain in your own words and give an example of each. What is your niche?

       -The habitat is where a species lives rather than a niche is how a species lives. A niche is based on affordances and the role a species takes on based on its surroundings. A habitat is an overall environment. An example would be a jungle, or FAC. A niche would be a gorilla's interactions with the environment such as its affordance to bananas. Our niche would be this classroom and the computers which is suitable for us as a work environment. 

An affordance cuts the dichotomy of subjective and objective and helps us to understand its inadequacy. The affordances of the environment are facts of the environment, not appearances. But they are not on the other hand, facts at the level of physics concerned with matter and energy and animals left out.

Get into your groups and answer the following questions
Pick three aspects/environmental conditions of this room or the third floor of FAC. Describe each of these aspects as an affordance. What activity is implied by the material? What sorts of sensory input does this  condition/object offer the user? One way of doing this might be able to put yourself in the place of an alien. What about the object or condition compels you to act upon it in a particular way?

        - Vending Machine: There is food behind a glass so one thinks "how do we get the food?" The buttons and slots allow us to physically interact with the machine. The lights stimulate our vision and the buttons stimulate our sense of touch. What is compelling to the vending machine is the food behind the glass and figuring out a way to get the objects from out of the enclosed machine. 

        - Water fountain: There are protruding buttons on the machine as well as a spout. The surface is shiny as well as smooth which makes someone want to come closer to it. Sensory inputs the water has to offer is touch and as an effect of touch enables taste. It makes noise but the noise does not effect the interaction, it is just an internal part of the machine. The height of the water fountain is compelling as well as the arc it creates.
 
        - Cup: A vessel that can hold matter. Activities implied by a cup are drinking, scooping, holding. The shape is made for one to be able to grab and hold their hand around. The size of the cup affects the amount that can be held within. Sensory inputs include touch and taste. The compelling aspect is its portability,shape, and the various uses. 

What do you think is the difference between usefulness and utility with respect to affordances?

        - Utility reflects an object being beneficial, profitable and advantageous to the one interacting with the object while usefulness implies practicality. 

What might be a false affordance? Create a situation other than that of the cat on the glass floor who is afraid to walk because the glass is transparent and there is a drop in floor? Think about how zoos keep animals in w/o cages or slapstick comedy.


Are we aware of all of the affordances of an object or a condition?  Do you think affordances are cultural? Are they different for people with disabilities?

Draw parallels between the idea of affordances and intentionality and art. What is the relationship between metaphor and affordances? I think this might be worth thinking about this.




Progress!

Affordances Questions

PART ONE

1.) Define "Affordance:" The qualities of an object with respect to a specific organism and how it perceives the potential use of this object ("what can i use this for and why?)

2.) An organism might evolve in response to the potential affordance of an object. For example, you might argue humans/great apes evolved fingers in order to grasp objects better; thus responding to the physical properties of objects such as sticks and rocks to be used as tools. The affordance of an object could be seen as a motivating force in evolution, better allowing an organism to "take advantage" of its environment.

3.) A habitat is a place in which an organism lives. A niche is a "set of affordances," or the many ways in which an organism could and can USE its environment, not just LIVE in it. My niche is the "modern world" and I am a "modern human," relying on affordances such as buttons on keyboards, the wheel in a car, the keys that open doors, and so and so on.

PART TWO

THREE AFFORDANCES IN THIS ROOM:

The KEYBOARD affords clicking the keys because the keys are easy to press down, but there is not reason it could not potentially be used as a plate, a blunt object for smashing, or the cord on it could be used to tie something up. The keyboard conditions a user to tap the keys because that is the only way in which it can interface the computer screen and create visual reinforcement. In other words, clicking the keys generates reinforcement and will cause a user to keep clicking the keys and not use the keyboard in any other ways. The keyboard does not offer USEFUL affordance of clicking the keys if the computer is OFF, so the way in which one interacts with a keyboard may become different if the computer never goes on.

The MOUSE, which affords dragging and clicking because it is used to interface the computer and fits nicely underneath a human hand, but there is not reason it could not potentially be used as a brush or applicator of some sorts, a flash light, or a nunchuck. The bottom of the mouse is FLAT, and the top is curved, so it makes a sort of logical sense to move it around on the ground with the flat side facing down. However, I can see an alien getting confused by how to use it to make the computer react.

The TABLE, which affords setting objects on top of it because it is a sturdy surface just at the level of the chairs in the room. But there is no reason you couldn't use the table for standing, or for living underneath, or sleeping on top of it, or turning it upside down and roosting on the legs (because thats what a chicken would do).

PART THREE

USEFULNESS describes whether  an object has potential affordances that can provide some kind of positive reinforcement or solve a problem, they offer kind of productive outcome for the user when used in a certain manner. UTILITY describes an affordance that has a specific use and is used for this purpose.

A false affordance can be a "placebo button." For example, in some cities the cross walk buttons are useless and don't actually turn on the crosswalk sign or affect traffic in any way. People feel like the button affords pressing, but it does not.

I don't we are or can be aware of all the affordances of an object. Affordances are clearly cultural and learned perceptions of the enviroment. Everyone will HAVE affordances no matter what culture they are from, but these affordances will always be different depending on that culture and the individual. For example, we know that a TV remote affords pressing buttons and pointing the object at the TV, but someone from a third world country who had never seen a remote and had little exposure to electronics would probably do something completely different with a remote, even if a TV was in the same environment as the remote and the person.

And yes, affordances would be different for the disabled because they have different physical limitations. For example, a person in a wheelchair might not perceive a tall table as a place to set things on, because they cannot reach it. And stairs would certainly offer different affordances to them as well.

Affordances relate very closely to intentionality of art. As artists, we want our art (esp. the interactive art) to afford a very specific reaction. Or, perhaps we don't; either way, artists seek both to control perceived affordances and challenge cultural affordances and change a person's perspective on the world.

Metaphor also relates closely to the idea of affordance. An affordance "represents" a potential use of an object, it seems concrete but it is actually very abstract just like metaphor. Metaphor's are different in different cultures, just like affordances. Just like a handle on a cup stands for "grab and hold," Ravens in western culture are a metaphor for death. But these are not facts and may not be true for another person or another culture. Thus, metaphor and affordance are just both abstract terms to describe different phenomenon.




affordance response/activity

How do  you understand this definition/description of affordance? Please put into your own words. What if anything may or may not be problematic about this interpretation of the notion of affordances?
       -Affordance is similar to what your environment allows for. Depending on the species or needs of the species affordances can either be helpful or harmful. For example if you live somewhere and the shower is terrible! You may not be as motivated to shower on a regular bases...ew

What might be the connection between affordance and evolution?
        -Evolution seems to be directly dependent on affordances.  If you are unable to accomplish or do something as a result of your environment not allowing you the necessary affordances the odds are you are S.O.L. As a result however!! You (as the species) may find another way to meet your needs.

What is the difference between a niche and a habitat? Explain in your own words and give an example of each. What is your niche?
           -Your habitat is related closely to your environment. Your niche is more of what you do. Because the room is filled with computers(<~habitat) this is your favorite place to work on school projects(<~niche). 

Pick three aspects/environmental conditions of this room or the third floor of FAC. Describe each of these aspects as an affordance. What activity is implied by the material? What sorts of sensory input does this  condition/object offer the user? One way of doing this might be able to put yourself in the place of an alien. What about the object or condition compels you to act upon it in a particular way?
               -The way our studio/workplace is setup with a winding desk around the perimeter of the room suggests that's where we sit and work. Another way to look at it would be that because we need the room to sit and work there is a desk which lines the perimeter of the room for us to all have room to sit and work. The placement of each screen in the classrooms dictates where tutorials and videos are shown. This also dictates where we look, the fact that our chairs need to be easily turned if we are not yet facing the screen. That then points to the swivel chairs we have which allow us to quickly view other things around the classroom.

What do you think is the difference between usefulness and utility with respect to affordances?
             -Something can be useful to one person or species but not necessary. Utility is more of a useful because it is necessary.

What might be a false affordance? Create a situation other than that of the cat on the glass floor who is afraid to walk because the glass is transparent and there is a drop in floor.
          - A button labeled as "speed-up" in an elevator. However the button does nothing. It implys that something will happen when in reality it does not.

Are we aware of all of the affordances of an object or a condition?  Do you think affordances are cultural? Are they different for people with disabilities? 
            -No to the first question and yes to the other two. I feel like we will never be aware of all of the affordances of an object or condition. As humans we are constantly curious and are always finding new (sometimes good sometimes bad) uses for our affordances. They are cultural because our culture dictates what is important and more relevant in our lives. They are also definitely different for people with disabilites because things that may not seem necessary for us may be the difference between getting into a building or not (stairs vs ramp).

Draw parallels between the idea of affordances and intentionality and art. What is the relationship between metaphor and affordances?
      -A metaphor has the potential to be funnier than an affordance. "There's nothing funny about usefulness." An affordance is useful or has the potential to be useful, a metaphor is more of an example of how something can be useful.


Affordances

Affordance is, from what I understand, something that the environment offers that we may or may not be able to perceive well enough to put it to use. This interpretation makes it difficult to understand whether affordances are part of the environment itself or brought about by the environment.

The connection between affordance and evolution is that evolution sometimes stems from the result that these affordances have on any living creature, and whether their perception to these affordances will make them advance in any significant way.

Habitat is 'where' the animal lives, whereas niche pertains more to the 'how'. I take this to mean that my habitat could be my apartment, and its affordances would be the physical features that push me to live or move a certain way while inside it.

—GROUP STUFF—

1. Window shades — Are there to keep the sunlight from coming into the room, and they do it regardless of whether we notice them or not, and make us have to work under the the fluorescent lighting of the room, instead of the natural light from outside. The chain on its side gives us the option of removing that barrier and receiving sunlight in addition to the artificial one in the room.
2. Mouse — Is attached to the computer, and its main function is to allow us to navigate the screen more easily. It has buttons and a wheel, so we are conditioned to touching it and clicking the appropriate buttons, and or sliding it over the desktop in a certain way, in order to achieve a certain result.
3. Speakers — Are spread all over the room, and surround us with sounds, which may or may not be pleasant, and towards which we may react in one way or other. They're set up high on the walls and out of our reach, so that we may choose to passively sit back and listen, or move to the command center in the main computer to change the volume.



'Usefulness' is how helpful something is, in that it has one or more uses that you may or may not need.

Whereas 'utility' is whether or not you put those uses to use. To utilize is to take advantage of something's purpose.



A false affordance would be a doorknob on a wall. Because you are giving the mistaken impression that there is an exit/entrance in a place where there isn't. Which can cause mental stress. And trauma. Which can lead to PTSD. And that is very serious. Very.



No, we are most certainly not aware of all the affordances that surround us, because they're circumstantial in most cases. We probably don't think of the uses of a particular object or feature until we have need for them. Yes, affordances are cultural, because someone who has use for a knife in a symbolic or religious way, has one more affordance over a person who uses it only to cut food. Yes, they are different for people with disabilities, because while a disabled person might only have the choice of using a ramp to get into a building, a fully abled person would have the added choice of using the stairs as well.



We shall discuss this last question upon our return

Draw parallels between the idea of affordances and intentionality and art. What is the relationship between metaphor and affordances? I think this might be worth thinking about this.



Affordances || Response to questions

Affordances


"an action possibility available in the environment to an individual, independent of the individual's ability to perceive this possibility"

How do  you understand this definition/description of affordance? Please put into your own words. What if anything may or may not be problematic about this interpretation of the notion of affordances?

So its not based on whether on the individual can use this action in this environment, if is meant for grasping and you dont have fingers it does not change its state, if its meant for climbing and you have the feet and hands for it, it still is independent and meant for climbing regardless of whether or not you have that ability.

What might be the connection between affordance and evolution?

so if the individual cannot grasp, therefore they cannot hold certain foods to eat or climb certain objects or grasp certain environments meaning that they adapt to other features such as digging or crawling and eating foods a different way, developing different habits of living and if there is say a flood, that individual will not survive due to the fact that they cannot grasp and climb up certain environments to help them survive.

What is the difference between a niche and a habitat? Explain in your own words and give an example of each. What is your niche?

a niche is a place that has been made before the individuals or inhabitats have found the land, such as mounds, trees and etc and will be there regardless of being used or not, and after they are used and left will still remain. a habitat has not been made by the environment and exists after the individual has settled there, where they make things convenient for them, making them sit-on-able and etc.

An affordance cuts the dichotomy of subjective and objective and helps us to understand its inadequacy. The affordances of the environment are facts of the environment, not appearances. But they are not on the other hand, facts at the level of physics concerned with matter and energy and animals left out.

Get into your groups and answer the following questions
Pick three aspects/environmental conditions of this room or the third floor of FAC. Describe each of these aspects as an affordance. What activity is implied by the material? What sorts of sensory input does this  condition/object offer the user? One way of doing this might be able to put yourself in the place of an alien. What about the object or condition compels you to act upon it in a particular way?

The chord hanging for the window shutter is grasp-able, making one grasp it and then realize it is also pull-able, allowing the individual to pull and in result open the shutter of the window.  The chairs of the room are at knee high and allow it to be sit-on-able and once sat upon it moves, revealing that the object is also move-able around the environment. The mouse is small and compact, making it graspable, and then it is light and move-able, allowing me to pick it up and shuffle it across the surface. 

What do you think is the difference between usefulness and utility with respect to affordances?

to what extent the object can be used is usefulness and to what quality it extends to is the utility aspect.  Usefulness is functional while utility is how satisfying it is to use it.

What might be a false affordance? Create a situation other than that of the cat on the glass floor who is afraid to walk because the glass is transparent and there is a drop in floor? Think about how zoos keep animals in w/o cages or slapstick comedy.

A tall wall that allows the animals to be in a form of ditch or glass surface between audience and animals making it seem like the wall is a barrier or glass. A trench in between the animals and the people at the fence make it to where they dont cross the trench. 

Are we aware of all of the affordances of an object or a condition?  Do you think affordances are cultural? Are they different for people with disabilities?  

We are probably not all aware of the affordance of an object or condition, for we perceive based off what we need at the moment or what we know from experience and may not even go to find out what the affordances of an object is. Affordances are not particularly cultural, for in every culture humans have the same ability of grasping, walking, seeing, lifting and etc which enables them to make objects that utilize these standards. So if one were to go into another culture, a small object would right away infer that it was graspable and able for the individual to pick up if it is not heavy, not knowing what the object is.  A rope on something would indicate it was for climbing or pulling.  I think for people with disabilities it is slightly different, for if they can't grasp or walk or see, they perceive objects differently.

Draw parallels between the idea of affordances and intentionality and art. What is the relationship between metaphor and affordances? I think this might be worth thinking about this.

in art, things are made even though they may be abstract or uncertain, they are made in a way that we as humans recognize to either grasp it, to pull it, to hold it, to touch it, to percieve it, to walk around it, to sit on it, to eat it.  One example is how there was a gallery of cupcakes and a wall next to a table with chairs, and my instinct was to see the surface as to sit on it and to see the food that was eat-able, and a surface of the table to place my hands on it to rest.  It helps us to perceive instinctly what the art wants. 

Affordances


How do  you understand this definition/description of affordance? Please put into your own words. What if anything may or may not be problematic about this interpretation of the notion of affordances?

I interpret this to mean that an object's affordances describe it's function or aspects of it's function through it's form and appearance. These are going to be apparent weather or not every user of this object is able to decipher or see them right away. I think the only real issue is that we are habitually relying of the same form for similar functions over and over again, when there might be a much more efficient option that has yet to be explored yet. 

What might be the connection between affordance and evolution?

As we have evolved, we designed object to fit our body, and be as 'user friendly' as we could, which means that technology and cultural objects have evolved solely for humans.

What is the difference between a niche and a habitat? Explain in your own words and give an example of each. What is your niche?

A habitat is a place where an organism lives. On the other hand, a niche is that organisms role, or function, within that environment. My niche right now is being a human student trying to contribute to humans well-being. 



An affordance cuts the dichotomy of subjective and objective and helps us to understand its inadequacy. The affordances of the environment are facts of the environment, not appearances. But they are not on the other hand, facts at the level of physics concerned with matter and energy and animals left out.

Get into your groups and answer the following questions
Pick three aspects/environmental conditions of this room or the third floor of FAC. Describe each of these aspects as an affordance. What activity is implied by the material? What sorts of sensory input does this  condition/object offer the user? One way of doing this might be able to put yourself in the place of an alien. What about the object or condition compels you to act upon it in a particular way?

Within this class room, there are chairs sitting around a table. I Understand that People are meant to sit there because the chair is shaped perfectly for our legs and back. The table then falls perfectly at a comfortable place for us to use as a work surface. And as a Third object, I notice the door is meant to be opened because of the placement of the handle, as well as it's size and shape. 

What do you think is the difference between usefulness and utility with respect to affordances?

I think that usefulness relates more to an objects function, as in what it helps you do. Whereas Utility relates to the quality of that function. 

What might be a false affordance? Create a situation other than that of the cat on the glass floor who is afraid to walk because the glass is transparent and there is a drop in floor? Think about how zoos keep animals in w/o cages or slapstick comedy.

I think false affordances Intend to imitate a real affordance, But are really either useless, or completely ineffective. For Instance, At a zoo the animals are kept in their enclosures by something as simple as a trench. Most of the animals have the ability to climb or jump the trench, but they don't because to them it's a clear enough border for them to not even try. 

Are we aware of all of the affordances of an object or a condition?  Do you think affordances are cultural? Are they different for people with disabilities?  

No, I don't think EVERYONE is totally able to see affordances, especially between cultures. There are aspects of different lifestyles that the affordances were made for that other cultures may simply never consider. 
Draw parallels between the idea of affordances and intentionality and art. What is the relationship between metaphor and affordances? I think this might be worth thinking about this.

I think that affordances in art try to relay the artists intention of how the viewer interacts with thier work. For Instance, if an artist want the viewers to wear something, or to touch something, they would use some type of affordance to make it clear. 

Affordances


"an action possibility available in the environment to an individual, independent of the individual's ability to perceive this possibility"

How do  you understand this definition/description of affordance? Please put into your own words. What if anything may or may not be problematic about this interpretation of the notion of affordances?

What might be the connection between affordance and evolution?

What is the difference between a niche and a habitat? Explain in your own words and give an example of each. What is your niche?

An affordance cuts the dichotomy of subjective and objective and helps us to understand its inadequacy. The affordances of the environment are facts of the environment, not appearances. But they are not on the other hand, facts at the level of physics concerned with matter and energy and animals left out.

Get into your groups and answer the following questions
Pick three aspects/environmental conditions of this room or the third floor of FAC. Describe each of these aspects as an affordance. What activity is implied by the material? What sorts of sensory input does this  condition/object offer the user? One way of doing this might be able to put yourself in the place of an alien. What about the object or condition compels you to act upon it in a particular way?

What do you think is the difference between usefulness and utility with respect to affordances?

What might be a false affordance? Create a situation other than that of the cat on the glass floor who is afraid to walk because the glass is transparent and there is a drop in floor? Think about how zoos keep animals in w/o cages or slapstick comedy.

Are we aware of all of the affordances of an object or a condition?  Do you think affordances are cultural? Are they different for people with disabilities? 

Draw parallels between the idea of affordances and intentionality and art. What is the relationship between metaphor and affordances? I think this might be worth thinking about this.

exercises 15,16,25,26



Project 1 Process: Code for LED control


/*
 * Name: tank_control.pde
 * Author: User "sink" at plantedtank.net forums
 * URL: http://bitbucket.org/akl/tank-control
 *
 * This is control code for an aquarium lighting system.  It is intended to be
 * run on an Arduino microcontroller board.  It allows independant
 * high-resolution control of two PWM outputs (normally connected to LED
 * drivers) and complete flexibility with respect to intensity, timing
 * schedules, and sunrise/sunset.
 *
 * This code requires the following libraries: Wire, TimerOne, Time, DS3231RTC.
 * A bundle of the required libraries (except for Wire, which you should
 * already have) is located in the downloads section of the URL above.  You can
 * always find the latest copy of the code at that location.
 */

/*
 * Copyright (c) 2011, User "sink" at plantedtank.net forums
 * All rights reserved.
 *
 * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
 * modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
 *
 * 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice,
 *    this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
 *
 * 2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
 *    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
 *    documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.

 * THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS"
 * AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
 * IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
 * ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE
 * LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
 * CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF
 * SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS
 * INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN
 * CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
 * ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE
 * POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
 */

#include <TimerOne.h>
#include <Time.h>
#include <Wire.h>
//#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <DS3231RTC.h>

/*
 * IMPORTANT:  These *must* be the pins corresponding to the Timer1 timer on
 * the ATmega168/328.  These are digital pins 9 and 10 on the Uno/Duemilanove.
 */
const int kChan0Pin = 9; // Channel 0 Pin
const int kChan1Pin = 10; // Channel 1 Pin

// All times are in seconds since midnight (valid 0 - 86399)
const long kTurnOn = 32400; // time dawn begins - 0900hrs
const long kTurnOff = 75600; // time sunset begins - 2100hrs

/*
 * Light "state" represents the PWM duty cycle for each channel This normally
 * dictates light intensity. It is an array { duty_chan_1, duty_chan_2 }.
 * Possible values for duty cycle are 0 - 1023.
 */
const int kDayState[] = { 600, 400 }; // daytime LED state
const int kNightState[] = { 0, 0 }; // nighttime LED state

/*
 * Duration (in seconds) of fade.  At the moment the only fades are sunrise and
 * sunset but this value will apply to any other fades you came up with
 */
const long kFadeDuration = 1200; // 20 minutes

long ctr;

/* hold state info */
int state_chan1, state_chan2;

/*
 * fader -- Determine output state for a given time to provide smooth fade from
 * one state to another.
 *     Args:
 *     start_time  -- time (in seconds) of start of fade
 *     start_state -- beginning state
 *     end_state   -- ending state
 *     out         -- array to update with state
 */
void fader(long start_time, const int start_state[], const int end_state[], int out[2]) {

  float per_second_delta_0 = (float) (end_state[0]-start_state[0])/kFadeDuration;
  float per_second_delta_1 = (float) (end_state[1]-start_state[1])/kFadeDuration;

  long elapsed = ctr-start_time;

  out[0] = start_state[0] + per_second_delta_0 * elapsed;
  out[1] = start_state[1] + per_second_delta_1 * elapsed;
}

// return seconds elapsed since midnight
long seconds_since_midnight() {
  time_t t = now();
  long hr = hour(t);
  long min = minute(t);
  long sec = second(t);
  long total = hr * 3600 + min * 60 + sec;
  return total;
}

// set output state
void set_state(const int state[]) {
  if (state[0] >= 0 && state[0] <= 1023) {
    Timer1.setPwmDuty(kChan0Pin, state[0]);
    state_chan1 = state[0]; }
  if (state[1] >= 0 && state[1] <= 1023) {
    Timer1.setPwmDuty(kChan1Pin, state[1]);
    state_chan2 = state[1]; }
}

/*
 * determine_state -- This is where the actual timing logic resides.  We
 * examine ctr (seconds since midnight) and then set output state accordingly.
 * Variable ctr rolls back to 0 at midnight so stages that cross midnight (ie:
 * nighttime) are broken up into two stages.
 */
void determine_state() {
  if ( ctr >= 0 && ctr < kTurnOn ) { // night
      set_state(kNightState);
  } else if ( ctr >= kTurnOn && ctr <= (kTurnOn+kFadeDuration) ) { // sunrise
    int foo[2];
    fader(kTurnOn, kNightState, kDayState, foo);
    set_state(foo);
  } else if ( ctr > (kTurnOn+kFadeDuration) && ctr < kTurnOff ) { // day
    set_state(kDayState);
  } else if ( ctr >= kTurnOff && ctr <= (kTurnOff+kFadeDuration) ) { // sunset
    int foo[2];
    fader(kTurnOff, kDayState, kNightState, foo);
    set_state(foo);
  } else if ( ctr > (kTurnOff+kFadeDuration) && ctr < 86400 ) { // night
    set_state(kNightState);
  }
}

/*
 * Utility function for pretty digital clock time output
 * From example code in Time library -- author unknown
 */
void printDigits(int digits) {
  Serial.print(":");
  if(digits < 10)
    Serial.print('0');
  Serial.print(digits);
}

/*
 * Display time
 * Adapted from example code in Time library -- author unknown
 */
void digitalClockDisplay() {
  Serial.print(hour());
  printDigits(minute());
  printDigits(second());
  Serial.print(" ");
  Serial.print(month());
  Serial.print("/");
  Serial.print(day());
  Serial.print("/");
  Serial.print(year());
  Serial.println();
}

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Max for Arduino Uno
  setSyncProvider(RTC.get);
  Timer1.initialize(6666); // 150Hz PWM
  pinMode(kChan0Pin, OUTPUT);  
  Timer1.pwm(kChan0Pin, 0);
  pinMode(kChan1Pin, OUTPUT);  
  Timer1.pwm(kChan1Pin, 0);
}

void loop () {
  ctr = seconds_since_midnight();
  determine_state();

  if (Serial.available() >= 5) {
    char data[4];
    for (int i=0; i<5; i++) {
      data[i] = Serial.read();
    }

    Serial.flush(); // ensure we never have more than 5 bytes buffered

    if (data[0] == 'A') { // send current time
      time_t longInt = now();
      unsigned char byteArray[4];
             
      // convert from an unsigned long int to a 4-byte array
      byteArray[0] = (int)((longInt >> 24) & 0xFF);
      byteArray[1] = (int)((longInt >> 16) & 0xFF);
      byteArray[2] = (int)((longInt >> 8) & 0XFF);
      byteArray[3] = (int)((longInt & 0XFF));
      // send time
      Serial.print("Z");
      Serial.print(byteArray[0]);
      Serial.print(byteArray[1]);
      Serial.print(byteArray[2]);
      Serial.print(byteArray[3]);
    }
    else if (data[0] == 'B') { // set time
      union u_tag {
        byte b[4];
        unsigned long ulval;
      } u;

      u.b[0] = data[4];
      u.b[1] = data[3];
      u.b[2] = data[2];
      u.b[3] = data[1];

      RTC.set(u.ulval);
      setTime(u.ulval);
      Serial.print("Z0000");
    }
    else {
      Serial.print("X0000");
    }
  }

  delay(250);

/*
  Serial.print("ctr: ");
  Serial.print(ctr); // display counter
  Serial.println();
  Serial.print("channel 1, 2: ");
  Serial.print(state_chan1);
  Serial.print(", ");
  Serial.print(state_chan2);
  Serial.println();
  digitalClockDisplay(); //display time
  Serial.println();
*/
}

Project thoughts

So, we've been looking at different LED lit types of clothing and what we'd like for our defensive/offensive cover to look like, and we've come to the conclusion that the easiest, and most effective thing to do would be to make a cape, or hood. Or poncho, if all else fails, but a cape should really be the easiest option.


Here's one, although we're not getting our hopes up enough to think we'll have that amount of light on our final product. We're ambitious, but to an extent.


This one would be the minimal amount of light. We're aiming for more than this, and hopefully the LED's will not be set up in such a linear, spaced-out formation. But really, this is just to set a limit to how few lights we want there to be on the cape/hood/thing, by the end of it. Definitely more than this, but it gives us something to start with.


Sunday, September 29, 2013

Circuit Bending/Toy Alteration Research

Fire Breathing Pony

Creepy Ass Doll Radio

Ardunio Archive of Toy Hacking

Ya this isn't happening for us but it's cool

Tweet controlled toy with instructions

Nice blog with toy hacks

Research is helping me get a better picture of what I want, but I'm still having a very difficult time working out what our final objects are going to look like. I can sort of envision a toy with some new LED's put into it, or that make strange noises (changing the noise a toy makes is the most common and probably easiest hack) but for out individual case I remain a little confused. It is proving exceptionally difficult to develop both a concept and a visualization for this idea when I know so very little about the tools I am going to use to create it.

I know concept is meant to come first, but this class is basically a beginner's circuits class with an artistic focus. I knew nothing of circuits coming in. I am very glad to be learning about them, and in a sense I wish I had this class sooner to understand the electronic medium better! But the pressure of a creative project using tools that are still very alien to me is really scary. I feel like I am behind yet don't have the knowledge or experience to move forward. I think I am going to sketch detailed images of what I want the "modded" toys for our project to look like, because that's the only thin I can think of to give myself some ground for this project.

Extra Credit - Chapter 9: Project 27 (Joystick Servo Control)





Thursday, September 26, 2013

Scavenger Hunt Make-up Assignment

LET'S GO SEARCHING!


Giant Capacitors x2

Object with Solar Panel 
Solar powered battery charger. It converts solar energy into an electrical energy form that can used by average batteries.


Look at those colorful little Breadboards. I wish ours had color.

OBJECTS WITH SENSORS:
This stupid looking thing picks up the low-powered radio waves sent out by bluetooth devices. It does this via sensors. I assume.


This is a gas-sensor. It can pick up various kinds of gases:  Carbon Monoxide, Methane and LPG.

This tank uses an infrared sensor combined with an infrared remote for control.

This robot uses what I am assuming to be some kind of sonic sensors to navigate the world and avoid obstacles, as advertised.
A fingerprint sensor, which must have some kind of tiny camera/light detection apparatus inside. It sure does look like the same thing doctors use to get blood sample from finger pricks, though.

WIRES:

Paired cable, 24 wire gauge (AWG)

Wow. This wire is for hook-ups. It is also yellow 22 AWG
Wire wrap with 30 AWG

Brown Hook-up wire with 22 AWG. 
Used for repairs and such. 30 AWG
Jumper cables. 24 AWG

Remote Control:
Generic remote control with infrared signal.

Kit for making:

For those times when sure, Hot Topic has spiked dog collars, but not spiked dog collars that LIGHT UP.


Solderable perf board


MOTORS:
Stepper Motor.

Servo Motor:


Tiny motor inside:


DC Motor:

Servo/Futaba:

CAMERAS:
Hardy "spy-on-your-neighbors" camera with infrared and color


Holy shit this camera fits on a quarter
Are you serious Adafruit this is a microscope




 SOUND

Ultrasonic rangefinder produces ultrasonic sounds to calculate space/distance from objects near it. It makes noise, although you can't hear it (a bat should be able to hear it)


A DIY FM radio kit. "Any stereo signal you plug into the FMST-100 transmitter kit will be transmitted to any FM radio tunable from 88 to 108MHz FM. Plug in your CD player, tape deck and have a wireless link to any FM radio, within 150 ft."


Captures and amplifies sound. It looks like it uses the large plastic disk to catch sound, and then records it with the microphone at the base, which is transmitted to the earphones attached to it.


Strobe Light:



Potentiometers: 
Body Diameter: 0.945 Resistance: 10KΩ Watts:1/2 Tolerance:20


Has 10 resistance. 


Resis. Tolerance: ±10% Insulation resistance: (500 VDC) 1,000MΩ min. Absolute minimum resistance: 2Ω max. Contact resistance variation: 2% or 3Ω Temperature range: -55°C to 125°C

SWITCHES:






SPEAKERS:



Project Boxes:




MAGNETS:



COUNTER ("DEVICE THAT COUNTS"):

LCD PANEL: