neonascent

Approaching rapidly is the 2006 CoFA grad show. My aim is to create a space allows intuative interactivity - without an overstated and distracting use of technology. I am currently working on the design of a structure built from modular (equilateral triangle) IR sensitive lights. These lights will have behaviour embedded in them via PICs (Programmable Intergrated Chips). One of the design considerations is to allow for easy transportation, and operation independant from 240v power. This will allow it to be set up just about anywhere. I have modelled a maquette of the structure using the 3D software Maya:

An idea of the shape.

Here is an idea of the shape and relative size of the structure. (roughly 3 metres high)
The interior is fully lit for illustration; in operation the segments will not all be activated at once.

Acess and Egress via this opening.

“look it is in a field!” The modular nature of the structure allows for easy transportation, and the electronic components can be run from a car battery.

Hollow rods (probably Aluminium, though maybe cheaper plastic tubing) allow very easy setup.

The modular tiles will most probably be velcroed onto the rod frame. Other methods have been considered (for example butterfly bolted onto the rods), but the velcro will give much higher tolerance to joint alignment in quick assembly.

More design shots soon…

Here are the geometric specs of the structure:

Faces: 40 modular triangles (minus the 2 missing for entrance), 4 distended base triangles.
Rods: 5 x 13 = 65 Rods
Convex, 5-rod joins: 6
6-rod joins: 10
Base, 5-rod joins: 5
Base triangle, 5-rod joins: 5

Initial pricing rundown:

Amplified IR receiver: 40 x $3.65
PIC12F629-I/P : 40 x ~$1.30 (from Microchip Direct)
5mm Ultrabright LED: 40 x $2.40

Power consumption rundown:

PIC chip PIC12F629-I/P: 8.5 - 100(1Mhz) mA
5mm Ultrabright LED: 30 - 100(peak) mA