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Month: February 2025

Arduino Testing

The testing for Ultrasonic sensor, Temperature and Humidity sensor and Arduino PIR Motion Sensor.

Li Lyu and Can Huang borrowed some sensors from the book it centre and conducted a series of tests based on the existing sensors. In addition, we summarized the list of required materials by analyzing the existing technologies of the project:

1. Ultrasonic sensor test
Tester: Can Huang, Li Lyu
Test time: 2/3
Test materials: Ultrasonic sensors
Test results: In this test, we successfully connected the ultrasonic sensor to the UNO board and uploaded the code through Arduino software. After inspection, the code runs smoothly, and the serial monitor successfully displays data changes, indicating that the sensor can work normally and feed back the measurement data in real time. The test results show that there are no obvious problems in hardware connection, code writing and data reading, and the feasibility of the system is preliminarily verified.

2. Temperature and Humidity sensor
Tester: Lu Li, Huang Can
Test time: 2/6
Test materials: Temperature and Humidity sensor，10K resistor, Uno board, bread board
Test result: In this test, DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor is connected to Arduino UNO board, and VCC(5V) and SIG(2) are connected in series through 10kΩ pull-up resistor.
1. The initial code could not run because the DHT11 sensor library was not installed. The problem was resolved after installation.


2. After the code is uploaded, it is found that an additional pull resistor is needed to ensure that the data is read successfully, and the code runs normally after the addition.


3. The serial monitor successfully obtained data, but only detected distance data, and the temperature data did not change.

For future improvements, we need to further examine the code and sensor connections to ensure that the temperature data is read correctly.
And check the possible hardware or software problems to ensure the smooth completion of the experiment.

3. Arduino PIR Motion Sensor
Tester: Li Lyu, Can Huang
Test time: 2/6
Test material: Arduino PIR Motion Sensor, uno board
Test results:
In this test, we use the Arduino HC-SR501 PIR Sensor to connect with the Arduino UNO board and upload the code. When the code runs successfully, the serial monitor can normally detect data changes, and the HC-SR501 sensor can identify data changes when people move, and the function is basically normal, but in some cases, the sensor is not sensitive enough, and there is a delay or failure to detect in time.
Further adjustment of sensor parameters or the environment is required to improve the detection sensitivity.

Some inspirations for installation(s)

For the whole project’s post-installation art presentation, based on some of Xinyi’s ideas, I also have some different output IDEAS:

1. Installation Art
📌 Reference Direction: Immersive Projection + Light and Shadow Interaction
Objective: To create an interactive space around the theme of ‘Breathing’, enhancing the experience through light, shadow, projection and sound.
Technology: Projection Mapping, LED light and shadow, dynamic structure.
Interactive projection wall, the rhythm of breathing affects the fluctuation of the screen.

Dynamic structure controlled by air flow
The audience enters the installation and feels the ‘breathing’ of light and shadow.

Immersive interactive installation with projection mapping and dynamic light changes. The viewer’s breath affects the flow of light and shadow on the walls and floor, while the hanging structure of the installation oscillates slightly in response to the air flow. The experience is meditative and immersive, perfect for the theme of ‘breathing’.

 

🔹 2. Breath Data Visualization
📌 Reference direction: real-time particle flow / shape generation
Goal: Transform sensor data into visual images with TouchDesigner / Processing, real-time change

Techniques: particle animation, parameter-driven morphology transformation

Dynamic particle animation driven by respiration data, which can be generated with TouchDesigner or Processing. Particles expand and contract in response to the rhythm of breathing, creating a flowing wave pattern that enhances the viewer’s perception of their own breathing.

 

🔹 3. Audio Feedback
📌 Reference direction: immersive audio experience + data-driven sound design
Objective:
Influence sound parameters such as pitch, reverb, filtering, spatial sound effects through breathing rhythm
Real-time audio synthesis using Ableton Live / Reaper / Max MSP

A futuristic sound visualisation representing breath-driven audio feedback. Flowing waveforms create variations based on breathing rhythms, enhancing immersion and combining with Max MSP, Ableton Live or other sound synthesis tools for dynamic sound effects.

 

🔹 4. Sensor-Based Interaction (SBI)
📌 Reference direction: Arduino + micro-sensors
Target:
Collect user’s respiration data using pressure sensor / airflow sensor.
Data input to Arduino and visualization through TouchDesigner / Processing.

 

🔹 Arduino Sensor Interaction Reference
Airflow Sensor (Flow Sensor):
Honeywell AWM720P1: Ideal for detecting changes in respiratory airflow and can be used for medical research or art interaction projects.
Reference: Honeywell Air Flow Sensor Datasheet

Pressure Sensor:
MPX5010DP: Can be used to detect changes in respiratory pressure, converted to an electrical signal and input to an Arduino for data processing.
Tutorial: Reading Pressure Sensor Data with Arduino
Arduino code example (read airflow sensor data and output to serial port):

int sensorPin = A0; // sensor connected to analogue input A0
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // sensor is connected to analogue input A0.
Serial.println(sensorValue); // output the data to the serial port monitor
delay(100); } void loop()
}

📌 Description:
This code is used to read data from the sensor and display the changed value on the serial monitor.
In combination with TouchDesigner / Processing, this data can be used to drive visualisation content.

Some advice for group

After looking at previous students’ work, I think we can learn a few things:
  • vlog record Introducing members (learning experience background/position/usual process record)
  • context Background meaning of the project (present the project concept/inspiration/impact in the film)
  • process echoing the theme (retaining the experience of the practical process / facing difficulties and challenges)
  • experimental video (documenting the interaction between the audience and the installation)
Project Outline Draft

Team members:

Inspiration/project idea:

Key words:

References/Case study/Mood board:

maybe from different parts

How to develop/method:

 Timeline/weekly schedule:

 Division of labor in the group:

Possible problems /challenges still need to be thought about:

References (web/article/image…):

 

Summary:
  • Synchronize progress on output schedule (TD/MAX/ARDUNIO)
  • Add the post of vlog maker to record the progress of the team members and the process of project production.
  • Modularize the content to be submitted in submission1 and divide the work amongst the team members so that the collective wisdom of the team is reflected in the proposal.

These suggestions and basic ideas will be taken into account in the group discussion to determine whether they should be adopted or improved. 

 

4th Meeting: Workshop & Feedback from Philly 04-02-2025

  1. Group Progress Report
    • Presented the current progress of the group, including data collection, interaction design, and installation structure.
    • Discussed the application of different sensors (temperature, volume, PPG, etc.) in data visualization.
  2. Arduino Workshop
    • Philly conducted sensor testing and successfully connected Arduino with Touch Designer.
    • Successfully tested the light sensor and potentiometer, confirming smooth data transmission to Touch Designer.
    • Discussed ways to optimize data filtering and smoothing to reduce fluctuations and interference.
  3. Submission 1 Arrangement
    • Submission Deadline: February 12
    • Submission Content:
      • Group Proposal: Jointly written by team members.
      • Individual Blog Updates: Each member must submit independent records of experiments, research progress, etc.
    • Requirements:
      • The proposal must include interaction logic, visual design, sound design, and installation plans.
      • The individual blog content should document the experimental process and technical explorations to ensure grading standards are met.
  4. Visual Direction & Installation Concepts
  5. Philly’s Feedback
    • Sensor Data Processing:
      • Temperature sensor may require a higher precision device or an added resistor to optimize readings.
      • Audio data could be combined with microphone data to enhance the interactive experience.
    • Interaction Method Suggestions:
      • Use a handheld microphone + sensor instead of a mask to avoid hygiene concerns.
      • Place sensors close to the user’s mouth to improve breathing detection accuracy.
    • Installation Space Selection:
      • Consider using ECA spaces or the Futures Institute for installation. Some ECA rooms are enclosed, making them suitable for an immersive experience.
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