Ok Arduino

Workshop at Matn-Emrooz Gallery under the exclusive supervision of Helioripple


Mentors: Amin Bahrami, Mobasher Nekouei, Iman Mousavi

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Ok-Arduino was the first Arduino workshop in Isfahan and the springboard of resting Cicada and Heteroduino plugins. This workshop was held in the ultimate days of 2014 in a delightful place in the ‘Matn gallery’ in Isfahan, under the supervision of Helioripple by Amin Bahrami. The workshop’s objective was to invite architecture undergraduates to design and make interactive interfaces between humans and the space. They implemented images, videos, sounds, sensors, and actuators to represent digital art with the implementation of Arduino. Most participants were bachelor students and had little knowledge of electronics and computation. The workshop began with teaching grasshopper as an interface to Rhino (the primer platform most students had implemented), and the format was tweaked by Helioripple ( Amin Bahrami and Mobasher Nekouei).

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Arduino is an interface tool for creating a sort of computer-like device, which not only senses our surrounding physical space but makes changes to that. In other words, this tool is a physical computing platform provided by a simple microcontroller board. Also, it is a developing field for programmers to customize their tools via a developing feature name IDE. Creating interactive objects, Arduino can receive input data from several sensors and send controlling commands to lights, motors, pumps, switches, and other physical actuators. Accessing this Arduino makes this device popular for artists and architects worldwide; having no expected knowledge of robotics and electronics makes them able to not only discover their surrounding world differently but also come up with some inventions in responsive and interactive fields or customize their design tools.

To enhance using Arduino for architects, Helioripple-Studio created Heteroduino, an interface plugin for grasshopper, to simplify the implementation of this device and similar microcontrollers effectively via Rhino and Grasshopper, some of the best design platform software, which has been tried to bring the most capability to communicate to Arduino. This workshop will be provided by the latest beta release, with special features being underdeveloped depending on the projects. Under the supervision of the Helioripple team, the Heteroduino workshop will focus on digital logic accessing analog space and architectural intervention in surrounding space using microcontrollers. Along with these criteria, after being familiar with devices, students will design their prototypes using Heteroduino as an interface between grasshopper and Arduino.

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The Projects:

Bat (Midi Table)

Imagine that the song sync’s itself to your movement instead of syncing your movements with the song while dancing on the stage or the bottles on the plate that can arrange the music in the party just by moving them. Things like this that alter our perception of our surrounding environment could be pretty interesting. But orientation toward making architecture into different fields through the use of new soft wares and hard wares and the help of other fields of knowledge such as computer, robotics, electronics, and mechanics can be as a tool to make new creative architectural spaces with new potentials for new needs is the main reason for this event to occur. The primary idea for this project was to interact with the space by the user and the imagination that today the human has the possibility of changing and ruling the space that he is surrounded by just with the improvement of new technology. The challenge is the interaction of people and the music in the space in a way that just by being in a specific place, the device can get the information from the environment, such as distance from the sensors, Direction, and the pace of movement, then apply this information and numbers to specific qualities of a tone. The distance detector sensors and Arduino processor as an information receptor using grasshopper and other related software were used as the primary software. According to the coverage of the sensors, a triangular platform was preferred with three sensors in the corners. For Such a device, in addition to having a complete understanding of any movement within it. It can also release instantaneous location, traveled distance, and movement direction. This device impacts the music according to the sensor numbers. Each sensor works as an independent controller responsible for specific modifications in the effects, tone, tempo, etc. For us, the challenge was to use all three sensors simultaneously without letting their conflict with each other. As a solution, programming modification was necessary to delay sending and receiving data to have the sensors working respectively and not facing each other. The next step, or the main challenge, was the synchronization of the statics from the process to the music sound. However, the grasshopper was not compatible with this task, so a system was designed to create communication among them through the implementation of various software.

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Woods (Controller Glove)

We have always had and still have many problems controlling computer environments, and the need for an intermediary tool that can modify and modify data analogously is strongly felt. One of the issues that have always been in the human mind is the need for the ability to control analog inputs and outputs in computer environments, especially software environments, by means of a tool in the real world. Fortunately, this need has been met by a variety of tools in the world today, one of which is Arduino hardware. Arduino hardware plays an important role as an intermediary between real and virtual worlds. It provides us with a wide range of possibilities, including using a variety of sensors (sensors) and creating a bridge between analog inputs and analog or digital outputs. Rhinoceros software can establish this connection effectively through plug-ins, Grasshopper and Firefly. In this workshop, we tried to connect effectively to the software environment by using analog data and bending sensors.

Given the fundamental and vital role of the hand in controlling the environment for humans, we decided to design and build a smart glove (Smart Glove) to create easier and more effective control in the software environment. We implemented the idea so that due to the ability of flexures sensors to send continuous analog data, we can make a more realistic control possible. In this way, we embedded the bending sensors under the fingers on the glove, and as the fingers bend, they begin to send this data. Due to the limited time of the workshop, we decided to simplify the idea and thus implement the design with only three fingers. The output will be such that by bending each of the three fingers, one of the functions of twist, bending, and changing one of the dimensions of the volume (width, length, height) will be analog and continuous. One of the major advantages of this project is the possibility of its extensive development in various dimensions and environments according to the functions we need. The ability to receive output both digitally and analogy allows, in addition, to control in software environments, we have the ability to control different quantities and spatial qualities according to our needs and desires in the environment. These control features can include control of the opening or closing of the shutters, control of artificial ambient light, control of the heating or cooling system, and the like. It is also possible to define different codes by different hand movements, which points to the remarkable potential of this design in terms of development. A large number of functions can be controlled along with a smart glove.

Pangolin (Reactive Wall)

This concern has been challenged in the forthcoming project to achieve a reliable result using tools such as. The definition of the problem began with the assumption that the lip motion sensor could be used as a tool with relative accuracy and, of course, very accessible. Therefore, the problem was raised how a level can be completely controlled in all directions with the help of a lip motion sensor, and the set can be realigned. The information obtained from the lip motion sensor is entered into the Grace Hopper environment with the help of the Firefly plugin to be used in the next steps. We also assumed that each cypress only rotates between 0-180, so it only seemed logical, but it was very challenging to achieve a basically simple physical structure that could be controlled with certain values. After proposing different options and considering the facilities and the lack of complexity of the tools used, a bend was considered for each of the servos attached to the two ends of the thread to create wrinkles in the panel by moving the cypress. At this stage, the project went beyond solving technical problems and entered the field of information management and its application to the physical set. With the help of Grace Hopper controller software, the gyroscope sensor obtains the angle that the surface makes with the Z-axis on the four sides of the surface. Also, this angle can be used to change the settings. For this purpose, we used Arduino hardware to activate the service by placing the service on the surface. When the fingers are in front of each service, the lip motion sensor analyzes the fingers, and the Arduino executes a command by an algorithm in Grace. Hopper defined, starts moving.

Mule (Balance Machine)

In the interactive design of information management, it seems very important how to take advantage of all kinds of information, so in the forthcoming project, this concern has been challenged to use inaccurate tools such as aquarium air pumps. Gain trust. The definition of the problem began with the assumption that the types of sensors available in smartphones could be used as a tool with relative accuracy and, of course, very accessibility. Therefore, the problem was raised how a level can be completely aligned and controlled in all directions with the help of a gyroscope sensor in the mobile phone, and also by applying another force, the set can be able to level itself again. The information obtained from the gyroscope sensor with the help of Grace Hopper controller software that can be installed on smartphones with the Android operating system - is entered into the Grace Hopper environment to be used in the next steps to level the surface. We also had in mind the mathematical assumption that only one page passes through three points in space, so it only made sense to have only moving points but reach three moving points. Basically, a simple physical structure that can be controlled with Having certain amounts was very challenging after considering the various options and, of course, taking into account the possibilities and considering the lack of complexity of the tools used, three similar sets of balloons, for each of which a pump for inflating and an electronic discharge valve were considered. At this stage, the project went beyond solving technical problems and entered the field of information management and its application to the physical set. With the help of Hopper controller software, the gyroscope sensor obtains the angle that the surface makes with the Z-axis on the four sides of the surface. Also, this angle can be used to change the settings. For this purpose, we used Arduino hardware to activate pumps and electronic valves so that by placing the mobile phone on the surface and of course in proportion to the three points, if the surface is out of alignment, the Arduino will execute the command by an algorithm. Defined in Grace Hopper, it keeps the pump on one side and the drain valve on the other until the surface eventually returns to level.

Galileo Machine(Day-Light Simulator)

Galileo Machine tries to simulate the effect of sunlight on earth and how the sun causes shadow and diffuse areas by its photons. By how this project works, we will simulate the natural sunlight during different times along the days, different seasons, different months, and diverse latitudes worldwide. The above story can be seen physically and much more sensible and visible. By choosing the specific latitude, day of the year, and the particular time during the day as inputs in the “Diva” plugin we will get the angle between the sunshine and the earth. Then we can calculate and decompose this angle into two separate planar and vertical angles.

The gear works by the planar angle, and the belt works vertically. These two components work together and make up a single angle upon the earth, which can precisely simulate the sun’s position and its effect, which causes shadow and diffuse areas. Stepper motors control the gear and the belt. Also, the Stepper motors are controlled by the Arduino hardware, which controls the number of steps Stepper motors work with. A LED lamp simulates the sunlight during times from sunrise to sunset. A PWM signal controller from Arduino controls the maximum and minimum amount of light during different day hours. At this time, after the simulation of sunlight from sunrise to sunset, the system will be reset manually, and the LED lamp will move to the first point it started. But in the project’s development process, a potentiometer will be used for the movement of both vectors, which can analyze and find its own location and then intend to get back to its start point when the sunlight simulation is over.

Spider (Drawing-Machine)

The main goal of the “Spider Plotter” project is to create and make graphical forms and shapes by a triangular structure, including two stepper motors and the gravity force, which all play a tensional force role, and this can provide us the geometrical justification of the project. One of the significant characteristics of the project is the possibility to control the stepper motors by using the Firefly” and Grasshopper Plugins in “The Rhino software environment. One of the main goals which were tried to follow during the project is developing and adapting to most kinds of surfaces, dimensions, materials, and diverse forms. Because of this purpose, it has been tried to design and fabricate all of the structures and mechanisms by considering the pointed out goals since, without these developments and adaptations, the domain of the project functions would be limited, and we cannot expect it to be used in diverse positions and situations. First, we started to design and fabricate the plotter’s e common elements, positioned on the top corners of the vertical surface we wanted the plotter to work on.

The function of these elements is to hold stepper motors inside and bear the force of the gravity against the “Pen Holder.” These elements can be placed on top corners by using suction arms, hooking on edges, and hanging on spike objects, and this is why these elements can adapt themselves to different positions. On the next step, designing and fabricating the pen holder element was the other challenge we had to face since adjusting weight division, and the center of forces on the pen holder was a crucial and precise task. Any mistake and mismatch in calculations of this step would fail the whole function of the plotter since the pen will not touch the vertical surface. Also, it was needed to design a mechanism that allows us to change the penned element for other uses of the plotter. The main challenges of the Wall Plotter project were designing and fabrication of the joint elements, pen holder element, adjustment of the distance between ropes and the surface, the place which “Servo Motor” stands (which is in charge of removing pen so that the plotter stops drawing), dimensions of the pen, design of gears that assembles on stepper motors and the exact point which ropes conjunct the joint and pen holder elements inasmuch as all of the above factors played vital roles in the whole function of the plotter.

After solving structural and physical issues, the next challenge we had to encounter was definitions by which the plotter works. The above process had to be done in the Rhino software environment and by using Firefly and Grasshopper plugins. In this step, we had to consider the relations of factors such as the rolling amount of each stepper motor, the rolling angle of each step, the movement and displacement of the ropes in each step, decomposition of force vectors on elements, and the synchronization of physical motions and definitions in software. The “Spider Plotter” is able to draw forms and words on vertical surfaces from glassy window shops and bedroom walls to wide building facades. Also, the Spider Plotter is able to be programmed by diverse manners so that it can draw simple words to complicated forms and shapes. Another significant trait of the plotter is its ability to be carried in a small bag or backpack so that it can be even carried, assembled, and disassembled by a single person in a short time span.

The main goal of the “Spider Plotter” project was to create and make graphical forms and shapes by a triangular structure including two stepper motors and the gravity force, which all play a tensional force role, and this can provide us the geometrical justification of the project. One of the significant characteristics of the project is the possibility to control the stepper motors by using the Firefly” and Grasshopper Plugins in “The Rhino software environment. One of the main goals that were tried to follow during the project is developing and adapting to most kinds of surfaces, dimensions, materials, and diverse forms. Because of this purpose, it has been tried to design and fabricate all of the structures and mechanisms by considering the pointed out goals inasmuch as without these developments and adaptations, the domain of the project functions will be so limited, and we cannot expect it to be used in diverse positions and situations. First, we started to design and fabricate the joint elements of the plotter, which are positioned on the top corners of the vertical surface we want the plotter to work on. The function of these elements is to hold stepper motors inside and also bear the force of the gravity against the “Pen Holder”. These elements can be placed on top corners using suction arms, hooking on edges, and hanging on spike objects, which is why they can adapt themselves to different positions. On the next step, designing and fabricating the pen holder element was the other challenge we had to face since adjusting weight division, and the center of forces on the pen holder was a crucial and precise task. Any mistake and mismatch in calculations of this step would fail the whole function of the plotter since the pen will not touch the vertical surface. Also, it was needed to design a mechanism that allows us to change the penned element for other uses of the plotter. The main challenges of the Wall Plotter project were designing and fabrication of the joint elements, pen holder element, adjustment of the distance between ropes and the surface, the place which “Servo Motor” stands (which is in charge of removing pen so that the plotter stops drawing), dimensions of the pen, design of gears that assembles on stepper motors and the exact point which ropes conjunct the joint and pen holder elements inasmuch as all of the above factors played vital roles in the whole function of the plotter.

After solving structural and physical issues, the next challenge we had to encounter was definitions by which the plotter works. The above process had to be done in the Rhino software environment and by using Firefly and Grasshopper plugins. In this step, we had to consider the relations of factors such as the rolling amount of each stepper motor, the rolling angle of each step, the movement and displacement of the ropes in each step, decomposition of force vectors on elements, and the synchronization of physical motions and definitions in software. The “Spider Plotter” is able to draw forms and words on vertical surfaces, from glassy window shops and bedroom walls to expansive building facades. Also, the Spider Plotter can be programmed in diverse manners to draw simple words to complicated forms and shapes. Another significant trait of the plotter is its ability to be carried in a small bag or backpack so that it can be even carried, assembled, and disassembled by a single person in a short time span.