PHYSICAL COMPUTING

7

The "Personal Sphere" utilizes an ultrasonic proximity sensor in order to visualize an individual's own personal space. Even though the size of this space varies from culture to culture and from individual to individual, the concept of personal space is universal.

Our project is a prototypical device that enables the individual to easily engage and advertise multiple magnitudes of his/her own personal space to any individual who penetrates it. Using a potentiometer, the individual is enabled to define the desired size of their own personal space and through the use of a simple LED display, that individual can visually project the borders of this space. Through the LED signifier, different luminous patterns convey a violation of that sphere.

1

The project has developed with attention to a reaction to bodily expression, ranging from the most subtle to the most indiscreet and how technology can be responsive, the responsiveness serving either as a point of correction or correspondence to the expressions. In this basic demonstration I am designing a sort of remote control via the hands gestures (clenching or relaxing). The clenching gives an impression of stress so I am creating a sort of instrumental therapy for the user. When the crease between the thumb and the pointer finger is sharpened, a flex sensor will send the signal telling a small speaker around the ear to respond with a personally programmed noise, note, voice over, etc. maybe reminiscent to a happy memory. The hope is that a simple request will result in a personal, and on-demand "happy reminder" on the go.

this site has many interesting and inexpensive electronic items:
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/

and light emitting textiles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd99gyE4jCk