Building on our previous work with Arduino sensors, we’ve decided to switch to an ultrasonic sensor based on the feedback from our recent lecture. For safety reasons, we won’t be creating physical steps for our exhibition. Instead, we’ll utilize a distance sensor to detect audience movement and trigger video swapping.
Figure.1. Screenshots of code
Expanding Our Horizons
Figure.2. Screenshots of the max patch
To collaborate effectively with our sound designer team, we’ve also explored connecting Arduino sensors with MAX/MSP. It’s been exciting to learn something new and understand how serial ports can be displayed in various forms. The key takeaway is that the central concepts remain the same: using the same port and converting data into a format MAX can understand.
Challenge & ChatGPT
During our development process, we encountered a few hiccups. The data we received from the Arduino monitor differed from what appeared in the Processing console. After double-checking the circuit, Arduino code, and port, we turned to ChatGPT for help.
As it turned out, we hadn’t converted the string data to an integer or removed any leading/trailing whitespace. ChatGPT provided a solution that fixed our issue perfectly!
Figure.3. My lovely online tutor
What’s Next?
Our next step is to experiment with the speed() and jump() functions in Processing to explore the possibilities of controlling a single video’s playback speed or direction. Ideally, the video would play faster and faster as the audience approaches the sensor.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue refining our interactive experience!
If you’re reading this in order, please proceed to the next post: ‘Arduino 3rd stage – Connecting to Touchdesigner!’.
Allison Mu
03/16/2023
