Physical-virtual project research + p5.js->arduino Serial Labs10–30–2023
I found this lab to be quite easy after familiarizing myself with serial communication from previous class lectures and labs relating to connecting Arduino to serial communication. After uploading the Arduino code and uploading the p5js code and opening the port, I was able to get the LED to dim as I dragged the mouse up and down the screen. I found it really satisfying being able to change something physical such as an LED light with the virtual world. For the second p5js example, I wasn’t able to change the brightness with key presses 0-9. I’m not sure what the issue might have been as I was still able to turn the LED on and off using the keys H and L. I think it will be really cool to test out how the virtual world can effect the physical world and vise versa. Could be a good opportunity to create something more installation based work rather than something practical.
Two projects that I found especially interesting that appear to bridge a gap between the physical and virtual world are the projects Antivanity Mirror by Neil Mendoza and Passifolia. For the project, Antivanity Mirror, while the interaction and virtual reaction seem to be quite simple, I found the end result to be quite clever. The mirror in this art piece is actually a two way mirror with a webcam attached and hidden behind it. According to the blog page, when faces are detected by the mirror, the positions are sent over from serial to a microcontroller which moves the mirror so that a face is no longer visible. I do like projects that appear to have some comical use or display irony in their creation-the idea of a mirror that purposely deflects your reflection is quite ironic. Again, while a simple execution, I found the concept to be very strong. As for the other project I was interested in, Passifolia I was very impressed with the scale of this project. The entire space is made up of vertical light beams which change based on if the user touches them. The space is able to be manipulated, not just resulting in visual changes to the set up, but also resulting in the introduction of the sounds of nature as a melody and perhaps touch? The blog post detailing the project mentions being able to feel the warmth of the light. The piece is made up of sensor system, ultra-directional speaker, and modules comprised of an automated light. It took both hardware and software to create this piece. Overall, this piece looks beautiful and I wonder how you would go about project where projection is heavily utilizded. What program/programs would you need to use? what equipment would you need?