Distance Detection Mask

Qinxinrui Zhu 3168585

Concept

This work is a mask combined by CPX and HC-SR04 ultrasonic distance detector. This mask’s shape is inspired by the doctor’s kit invented by Charles de Lorme, a French doctor in the century, to prevent the transmission of the Black Death. The shape of the mask looks like a bird’s beak. At the time of the Black Death epidemic, doctors would fill the brim with spices and herbs and sprinkle perfume outside to avoid the disease’s spread. I will install a distance detector on this. When two people are too close to the distance sensor will sense the distance is too tight and feed the data to CPX then CPX will respond.

Objective

Because of the current Covid-19 pandemic, everyone has started wearing masks to avoid contracting Covid-19 and spreading it to each other. So I wanted to make a mask with protective properties and at the same time remind people to keep a safe social distance to ensure their safety better, and I also wanted it to serve as some warning. At first, my idea was to install a distance detection device and CPX directly on the ordinary mask, but then the warning effect would be weakened. So I decided to change the shape of the mask to turn it into a beak mask look. The beak mask shape has creepy, so it often appears in some horror games. I hope this mask so that in a particular protective, at the same time his appearance can also play a specific role in warning to remind people that only with an excellent mask to prevent the epidemic to avoid being infected actively. Covid-19 brought people harm will pass as soon as possible, after all, every day with such a mask to bring people only uncomfortable and unattractive. The distance detector will be installed on the outside of the mask. When the distance between two people is lower than the safe distance, CPX will be activated to send sound and light to remind people to maintain a good social distance.

Process

Code：

https://youtu.be/WO1iK9Dizho

Mask ：

Download a plague doctor mask from the website below

https://ninjatoes.blogspot.com/2014/10/papercraft-wearable-plague-doctor-mask.html

Print off the paper model of the plague doctor and cut the paper model out.

Cut the leather according to the shape of the paper mold. And glue the leather on the corresponding shape of the paper mold. Then Cut out two holes on the side of the beak to accommodate the HC-SR04 ultrasonic detector

Connect the CPX and HC-SR04 ultrasonic with wires, alligator clips, and breadboard.

Cut a piece of plastic to fit the frame and glue the plastic to the frame.

Put together the paper mold with leather glued to it according to the steps.

Put the previously connected CPX and HC-SR04 into the mask, and put the two detectors of HC-SR04 out of the small hole that just cut.

Finished.

Final Project Images

Video：

https://youtu.be/VJ_sRFd0Ljo

Circuit Diagram

Materials List

• Circuit Playground Express
• HC-SR04 ultrasonic distance detector
• Breadboard
• Wires
• 10k resistor
• Alligator clips
• Leather
• Glue gun
• Transparent Plastic

Reflections & Next Steps 

At first, I wanted to build the mask directly from leather. Still, I realized that there was no way to make it at my current level and with no experience producing leather goods, so I chose to print off a paper model of the mask and then glue leather on the top to make it look like a natural plague doctor mask. HC-SR04 is a distance detector worth exploring, and it can be combined with many things to produce a different effect. But I found making it that it detects a wide range of angles, and it is also more sensitive and can easily detect things at a set distance. The most obvious disadvantage of this surface is that this distance detector will react as soon as it detects something within that distance. My design concept only wants it to react when it detects people too close to each other. So the next step, I will study what equipment can only detect people (infrared) and then improve this mask. Then I will give up the foundation of paper modeling to learn about leather manufacturing and then use the full leather for mask production.

Resources & Related Works

Ninjatoes. (2014). Papercraft wearable “Plague DOCTOR” MASK. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://ninjatoes.blogspot.com/2014/10/papercraft-wearable-plague-doctor-mask.html

Walters, K. (2017). Distance Measurement with Ultrasound. Retrieved from https://learn.adafruit.com/distance-measurement-ultrasound-hcsr04/connect-the-sensor

Concept

In this Wearable Electronics final open project. I want to make a piece that is closely related to my major, Jewelry. A brooch design had stayed in my mind since the moment I took this course. To keep the design simpler, I chose a flower pattern to incorporate with one of my previous expressive wearable assignments, the Pleasant Shaker. This brooch will be worn on my working apron as the medal shows the completion of this Wearable Electronic Course, my last elective course in OCAD.

Objective

Start from high school, my favourite course is called metal design, a very simple course teaches basic metalworking skills, such as fabricating, soldering, and casting, etc… When it comes to picking a post-graduation institute, I went straight to OCAD because its MAAD program had a branch call Jewelry. The very first class in OCAD was the Intro to Jewelry course. This course teaches the same staff just like what I learned in high school. So that I put more attention around the classroom. The most attractive thing in the class is the brooch pins where our instructors hang on their apron. The brooches are not very shiny but hang like medals from their career. So that I want to make something showing the graduation of this course.

Process

Take the case out from the Pleasant Shaker assignment.

It reserved the opening for the power cord on the bottom.

Create the repeat pattern for the lid.

Reangle the patterns and place into the right height.

Make two branch to place the brooch pin back.

Print it out with clear resin and remove the sprues.

Glue the pins with super glue.

Final Image

Not activate

Activate

Part List

• CPX
• Power cable
• Power Bank
• Pin Back
• LCD 3D Printer
• Transparent Resin

Code

https://makecode.com/_EeA94J1E823X

Reflection and Next step

For the power cord, I tried to remove the protective rubber layer on the type-c cord. But it makes the connection weaker to work with. Unfortunately, the power cord breaks when I tried to insert it into the case. In the future, I will try to show some of the electronics rather than put them all in the case. If the design in the proper way some of the electronic units can be more attractive than the outer case. To simplify the design in the future work will be considered more like only make a frame to hold the electronic units like gemstones. Even though the CPX is a powerful unit to work with, I will still try to incorporate more other electronic units in the future. After working through this course, I had learned a lot about how the electronic unit can be incorporated in the form of jewelry. I started building the basic knowledge around wearable electronics and will keep developing it with jewelry in the future.

Reference

Blaine, E. (2020, September 17). New Guide: Glowing Wire Wrap Necklace Tutorial – Programmable with USB Charging. Adafruit Industries – Makers, Hackers, Artists, Designers and Engineers! https://blog.adafruit.com/2020/09/17/new-guide-glowing-wire-wrap-necklace-tutorial-programmable-with-usb-charging/

DIGF 2016 Open Project- Khushi Jetley : The Summertime Purse

Concept

Summer is a fun time of the year. A day out at the beach or the amusement park can be a lot of fun. However dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburns are few of many problems that individuals can face during the hot summer days. The summertime purse not only acts as a vessel to carry your essentials whilst you enjoy but also will act as a reminder to take care of yourself.

Objective

Summertime Purse will act as a means of self care during a busy day. Oftentimes when we are out with other people, amid having fun, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. Hence, this bag will act as a reminder of taking a sip of water, or putting on sunscreen, or trying to cool down.

The bag is equipped with a temperature sensor, that makes the flowers light up if the temperature is more than 10 degrees Celsuis. When the individuals open the bag the lights on the butterflies and the flowers start blinking, reminding the uses to take a break and put their needs first.

Process

• Putting the bag together
  • The bag was put together using pattern I found online. (The link is posted below if anyone wants to try).
  • The pattern was simple to follow and very thorough.
  •  
• Circuit
  • The circuit was constructed on a fusible fleece interfacing using conductive thread, conductive fabric and copper tape.
  • The insulation for some intersecting parts was done with tape.
  •  
• Code
  • 

Final Project Images

https://youtu.be/iB9ElTvxqYE

Parts List

• Exterior fabric:
  • 1/2 yard fabric (quilt weight or home decor/can- vas)
  • scraps of vinyl for tassel and side connectors
• Lining fabric:
  • 1/2 yard quilt weight cotton
  • Interfacing:
  • 1/2 yard fusible fleece
  • 2 yards fusible woven interfacing
• Notions and supplies:
  • (1) 1” rectangle slide
  • (2) 1” swivel clips
  • (2) 1” D-ring or triangle rings
  • (1) 1/2” D-ring (for tassel)
  • (1) 18mm magnetic snap
• Circuit
  • Copper Tape
  • Conductive Thread
  • Conductive Fabric
  • (11) Red/Orange LEDs
  • (5)Blue LEDs
  • (16) 220 ohms Resistors

Circuit Diagram

Reflections & Next Steps

This project was a really good learning experience. I had no experience with sewing, so this was my first big sewing project. It was very informative as well as frustrating at times.

My project was different from my proposal as I proposed to create a responsive scheme of LEDs that was dependent on the analog input from the sensor. However, the final project was a bit simpler, as it only took a singular output to create the behaviors of the LEDs. In future, I would refine the wiring of the circuit, to make the product more efficient. I would also like to use a better temperature sensor, to make the product more interactive.  I intend to make the bag functional all year round, with more room for the analog input. I would also like to create timed-based specific patches that reminds the user for specific things. With more practice I would also like to make the bag more polished and well-built.

References

FREE The Sweet Pea Saddle Bag – PDF Sewing Pattern

https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-made-easy-on-circuit-playground-express/temperature

The Piano Wrist 

Concept

This project’s concept is revolved around the idea of creating music wherever someone may be. They could create simple chords and beats with the help of this wearable. This wearable could also be used as a buzzer or as a tool for games played with one’s family.

Objective

I have always had times when I am out with my family and I get an idea for a potential artwork or project that I could create in the future which most of the time I resign to typing out in the notes app on my phone. With this understanding of how I felt about getting one’s creativity flowing and unable to start that project when you get the idea I came up with a tool to hopefully help musicians and anyone who writes music to try out their ideas if they get them in locations where an instrument is not available. With the piano wrist, my objective is to create a tool that is easy to use, comfortable to wear and is easily accessible whenever someone is struck with inspiration.

Interactions

Project Interaction: The original idea I had was to use digital switches using a glove, each finger would control a different note played when touched with conductive fabric, after some research and thorough understanding of concepts learned in class it was decided to use capacitive touch sensors to activate the sound and lights, this is so everything could be kept in one place and it would be easy for the user to make music with this product.

Input: Capacitive touch sensors, Button B and the onboard Switch.

Output: Sound and Light.

Circuit Diagram

Process

Designs

After some contemplation, I went with design 1 for my final product, and in order to make it comfortable, I decided to have the “watch” face removable by a button attached to the wristband.

Creation

I began creating my wearable by testing the capacitive touch sensors on the CPX with a basic set up of my code.

Used the embroidery hoop to stretch fabric and make it easier to sew the CPX to the cotton and conductive thread paths. I had attached the CPX to the by sewing only through the pins that would not be used for the capacitive touch sensors.  I had to use every pin for the capacitive touch sensors and didn’t want to risk the circuit stop working if I had sewn it through.

After sewing the first line of conductive thread I decided to use the conductive thread instead of conductive fabric as the actual “buttons” as adding the conductive fabric circles wouldn’t have looked too nice against the blue of the fabric and I wanted to sew in the letters beside the sensors.

Final Code

Final Project

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/_sngiB9XdoA

Final Circuit Diagram

List of Parts/Materials Used

• CPX
• Conductive Thread
• Cardboard
• Metal Button
• Spandex
• Cotton fabric

• Embroidery Hoop
• Embroidery Thread
• Sewing Needles
• Super Glue

Reflection & Next Step

Overall I am very happy with how my Open Project turned out as it does what I planned and I really enjoyed creating my model. If I were to remake this project then I would probably make the watch head smaller or try the other design as it would make the end product less bulky. A part of this project that I’m really happy with is the code. Programming the CPX to have a more exciting output than just the sound was something I enjoyed.

Resources & Related Works

“Portable Capacitive Touch Piano” (07. 2019)  Retrieved from

https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/sridhar-rajagopal/portable-capacitive-touch-piano-2c38e9

Concept:

   What I make is a glove that can emit light and sound. I put CPX on the wrist of the glove so that it won’t affect my normal hand movements (such as holding something). There are two unconnected spans of conductive lines at the bottom of the glove. When the two parts are disconnected, CPX will emit light. When I put on my bracelet, the two spans of conductive lines will be linked, and the light goes out completely until the circuit is disconnected again. Secondly, I also added an audio output. When the D7 button on CPX is turned on, the music will ring out. Because the bracelet will be tightly worn on the hand, there is no need to worry about the light trigger will be particularly sensitive. The connection between the two circuits will not be easily disconnected.

Objective:

  My idea of making this pair of night light gloves is very simple. It was completely stimulated by the long winter in Canada. I used to live in Mississauga, and at night the lights on the street were dim. It was even a power failure that occurred one winter in the whole street due to a blizzard. I can actually turn on the flashlight in my mobile phone, but it’s really cold to hold my mobile phone in my hand all the time (even if I take gloves, but to unlock my mobile phone, I still have to take off my gloves). Secondly, my mobile phone is often frozen to the point of turning it off. So I want to make a glove that can be used for lighting, simultaneously keeping my hands warm. Besides, there is also a very important reason, that is, I am deeply influenced by some movies and animation. I think that emitting lighting from hands is a very cool thing, and having a sense of future technology. Of course, I always try to add more functions to my product. The purpose of adding audio is to improve the safety of people walking alone at night. When I write the code, I try to make the music longer and the volume higher. Once someone is in danger, turn on the switch immediately. The sudden sound may make the other person shake his mind. You can take the opportunity to escape. If you are lucky, you can also attract other people to help you. Of course, this is only a rare case. The trigger of “lighting” and “alarm” functions are two completely different switches, so don’t worry that you will walk on the street and suddenly CPX will give an alarm to scare other people.

Process

<concept drawings>

<Process work>

I forgot to take pictures, so I drew a step diagram.

1. First, sew CPX on the gloves with black cotton thread
2. Connect pin A1 and two resistors with conductive thread and sew a row of lines on the bottom of the glove. Then start at Pin 3.3V and sew to the bottom, leaving a row of lines.
3. Finally, cover the Cpx and resistor with black stockings, leaving the bottom two spans of lines exposed.

Final project image

<Audio output video>https://youtu.be/KYT7EAiJjg8

<Light output video>https://youtu.be/GC374vDwlJo

Parts List

• Gloves
• Conductive thread
• Non-conductive thread
• Two 220 Ohm resistors
• CPX
• Black silk stockings
• Bracelet
• Needles

Circuit Diagram

Reflections & Next Steps

Although “lighting” and “alarm” two functions have been realized in my final work, they can still be improved in some ways. First of all, about the “lighting” function, I set the disconnection circuit to be “on” and the connection circuit to be “off”. However, this seems to be contrary to everyone’s habit. To be honest, I tried to set “disconnect the circuit = turn off the light”, and “connect the circuit = turn on the light”. However, there is a big problem: once the circuit is connected, the light will remain activated. Even if the circuit is disconnected, the light will only flash and will not be completely turned off. I think the most important character of “flashlight” is that it must be able to be completely controlled by people with its “on/off” status, so I finally chose the setting of “disconnection = light on, connection = light off” to ensure practicality. The second problem is that I choose to use black stockings to cover the exposed CPX, but it greatly reduces the brightness of the light. To improve my design, I think I should choose another material with strong penetration to cover CPX. After all, “lighting” is the core concept of my design.

Resources & Related Works

“moov now”.(n.d) Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/design/moov-now-wearable-device-07-23-2015/

Prior. O (n.d) Galvanic Skin Response Workshop.

Pulse jacket. ( 2014, January 17)Retrieved from http://www.grunick.com/pulse-jacket/

Knuckle Lights. (n.d) Retrieved from

https://knucklelights.com/pages/knuckle-lights-one

• Try a medium that softens the light–Water

• DIY Pressure switch

• DIY Capacitive Sensor and Expansion of the pressure switch 

• Mouse pad pressure switch

Journal #1

Try a medium that softens the light–Water

In my first journal post, I want to share the code I learned in the Adafruit tutorial. The name of the tutorial is “night light”, which can make all the light bulbs on the CPX emit strong light. In my previous works, I think the light on the CPX is too bright for human eyes, so in my future works, I prefer to let the light shine through some media to soften the light. The medium I want to try first is water. I would like to explore how different colours of light refracting through the water. I chose six colours in this experiment: red, green, blue, purple, lavender, and light pink.

I found that the light of higher lightness colours (red, green, blue) usually only have the colour of the light itself, while the light of lower lightness colours (light pink, lavender and purple) will reflect their own colour and the colour of the rainbow. Usually, the shape of shadow refracted by water is uncertain. For my design in the future, we can use this kind of changeable shadow to add a gorgeous effect to the work, and the brightness is basically softer than the light bulb on the microcontroller.

Journal #2

DIY Pressure switch

In my second journal, I want to share my experience of making a pressure sensor. You can control the brightness of the light by pressing the pressure sensor with different intensities. The tutorial on the pressure sensor is from the workshop of week 6.

Reflection：Although the method of making this pressure sensor is very simple, I feel very excited about the success of my first attempt. In the later design, I can make pressure sensors into different shapes, and even hide them in clothes.

Here is the link to the code: https://makecode.adafruit.com/23126-16984-73527-63155 (Links to an external site.)

Reference:

Week 6 Variable Resistors Workshop

SocialBodyLab. “How to Make an E-Textile Analog Sensor.” YouTube, YouTube, 29 May 2020,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA37mGEnPes (Links to an external site.)

Journal #3

DIY Capacitive Sensor and Expansion of the pressure switch

In my third journal, I want to share the process of making a capacitive sensor. In CPX, from pin A1 to pin A7 can sense capacitive touch, so I connected pin A1 to a piece of conductive fabric by conductive thread.

First, fix CPX on the non-conductive fabric with cotton thread, then place a piece of conductive cloth near pin A1. Connecting pin A1 and conductive fabric with conductive thread. Touching the conductive wires on the conductive fabric can trigger CPX light animation.

I also want to share the process of controlling LED with a pressure sensor. In journal 2, I shared the process of using a pressure sensor to control CPX animation, then I attempted to use this sensor to control LED.  When I touch the wire with my hand, the light bulb will light up. Then I connected the sensor, and the light bulb changed its brightness as I pressed it.

Journal #4

Mouse pad pressure switch

In my fourth journal, I want to share the process of making my mouse pad into a pressure sensor. As long as I put the mouse on the mouse pad, the animation will be triggered.

Below are the pictures for the process

here are the circuit diagram and the code

FANXY – Wearable Patron Ghost

Concept

Do you believe in the existence of the soul?

Why are some people afraid of ghosts? Must they be evil?

Do you believe that everyone has a different patron saint?

The inspiration I got from various movies and animations made me want to create a soul with colours. All emotions have colours, even with sounds or smells. Fanxy is a wearable ghost that communicates with the owner, it is a concrete form of soul. It has four states: normal, chill, irritable and excited. It has a peculiar appearance: a regular left eyebrow, an angry right eyebrow, two eyeballs with hollow patterns, a serrated, hollow mouth and a dignified bow tie. It freely floats around the owner’s body, quietly guarding and healing the person. Fanxy helps you visually express emotions or states; it enlivens your life, and it is the most loyal pal of yours.

For its image design, Fanxy’s eyes are made of Tibetan beads, which are conventional crafts with Chinese Tibetan characteristics. The carved patterns on them symbolize nature, such as leaves, vines, etc., and also represent a spiritual pursuit of beauty and harmony. The reason for using that as eyes is to incorporate elements such as religion or gods to make Fanxy more psychic. You can see there is a black border around Fanxy, that is to visualize the ghost more clearly, to make the intangible soul tangible, or to frame the floating soul to make its energy intenser.

Fanxy is a significant iteration of my previous project “Watchghost”; that one is more like a prototype for Fanxy; if you want to know more about it, you could check out the link.

Interaction

The user silently recites an incantation to summon the patron ghost, Fanxy, and trigger its different states, as their inner world is tightly linked.

User wears & powers up Fanxy

Fanxy is awakened, in its pristine state, maintaining a yellow light. If the user is in a normal mood at the moment, without any manipulation, Fanxy will keep the same, quietly guarding the wearer.

User touches Fanxy’s left eyebrow

This point represents the user is chill; by pressing the arc eyebrow, Fanxy is activated the calm mode, emitting faint blue light.

User touches Fanxy’s right eyebrow

Now means the user is getting irritable or so; by pressing the raised eyebrow, Fanxy starts to flicker and remains in red, which is also a warning signal to the outside.

User touches Fanxy’s bow tie

At this point, the user is feeling extremely joyous or so; by pressing the bow tie, Fanxy is triggered a sound effect while becomes colourful.

<Inputs>

Invisible Switch: Capacitive Touch – Pin A1, A3, A6

<Outputs>

A1 – Blue loading animation for 2s and then CPX stays blue light.

A3 – A sound effect accompanies the 5s rainbow light animation, then returns to CPX initial state of yellow.

A6 – Red flashing animation for 2s and then CPX stays red light.

Objective

This project aims to realize the elements that fascinate me in movies and animations while combining them with my personal reminiscence to bring them into daily life.

Personally, I intend to iconify the image of a little ghost. The past assignment was just roughly to sew Fanxy on the sweater, yet I want to make it more portable and apply it to more diverse scenarios. Maybe I am still a person full of childishness. In my childhood, there was a doll that was my closest buddy, accompanying me day in, day out, so that I am a sort of old-school. During the pandemic, sometimes, I feel that I am an isolated island without any signal. As the original intention of healing, I really want to execute the concept to redeem myself. I believe some people would be similar to me, and I hope Fanxy could be stunning to you, heal you a bad day, bring warmness to both you and me.

While receiving a large amount of information every sigle moment, the advancement of AI technology often makes me fantasize about something fancy. Home automation, smart pets, smart toys and some other concepts also make me cannot wait to try them with wearable devices. Also, the current trend in design is paying more and more attention to inclusiveness. I believe that via the combination of tactile, sight, auditory senses, as well as the comprehensive consideration of safety and wearability, not only myself, Fanxy would be suitable for diversified groups including the preschool and special.

Fanxy does mean a lot to me; it is not just expressing certain emotions but a microcosm of mine, which uses the simplest form to achieve the perfect combination of electronics, aesthetics, childishness.

Wearability

Comfort: Fanxy is made of soft skin-friendly materials, with a plush feel, so the user will have an excellent wearing and tactile experience. Besides, it is very safe with no threat when using. Fanxy’s face is undulating – the eyes are three-dimensional, the mouth is hollow, the eyebrows and bow tie are with texture, driving people to touch it. Also, its eyes can be rolled.

Durability: Fanxy is very resistant to dirt and can be locally washed to keep clean. It is also very stable by firmly stitching, and not afraid of friction or exposure.

Usability: As the demonstration, I applied it to four usage scenarios, in fact, that would be more extensive. Fanxy can be worn or decorated around various parts of the body. Moreover, Fanxy fits in most daily scenes or sites, the only thing you need is a portable power bank to wake it up. Meanwhile, based on its interactive features and design elements, it is very easy to manipulate or trigger.

Aesthetics: Everyone thinks of beauty differently. I think Fanxy is beautiful with its own personality. It is what the soul looks like in my mind. Fanxy is an emotional, coloured soul. Its appearance is solid and flexible. Its design is very simple but childlike. To some extent, it is cute and iconic.

Process

<Inspiration>

<Moodboard>

<Sketches>

<Code>

Fanxy - Ivy


Progress V. #1 FANXY - Code Simulator Check

<Construction>

Face almost finished!

Progress V. #2 FANXY - Left Eyebrow Test

Progress V. #3 FANXY - Right Eyebrow Test

Progress V. #4 FANXY - Bow Tie Test

Progress V. #5 FANXY - Double-Check

Progress V. #6 FANXY - Diffusing Test

Progress V. #7 FANXY - Sewing Before Filling

Progress V. #8 FANXY - Filling

Progress V. #9 FANXY - Almost Done

Progress V. #10 FANXY - Result Preview

Final Images

Progress V. #11 FANXY - Final Demo

👻 User Scenario #1 Fanxy Badge

Progress V. #12 FANXY - As Badge

👻 User Scenario #2 Fanxy Hanging

Progress V. #13 FANXY - Hanging Near Pocket

👻 User Scenario #3 Fanxy Pendant

👻 User Scenario #4 Fanxy Crossbody

Progress V. #14 FANXY - As Crossbody Decoration

Parts List

• Circuit Playground Express
• USB (A) to Micro (B) Cable
• Portable Power Bank
• Conductive Thread
• Conductive Fabric
• Normal Thread
• Felt Sheet
• Nylon Fabric
• Normal Fabric (Faber & Cotton)
• Net Fabric
• Polyester Faber
• Cotton Rope
• Metal Beads
• Metal Safety Pins
• Metal Spring Gate O Ring
• Bag Strap
• Others (Sewing Needles, Scissors, Marker, Double-Sided Tape, Binder Clips, Mechanical Pencil, Eraser)

Circuit Diagram

Reflections & Next Steps

My final project is an enhanced version of the previous expressive wearable, which is also the result of a better understanding of wearability. For a perfectionist like me, Fanxy still needs to improve in detail, such as more rigour material choice, much deeper considerations/logic in design, neatness of sewing. But overall, compared to the last assignment, I have improved a lot. For instance, the use of more suitable materials to diffuse lights, a more accessible interactive experience, finer stitches, etc., all being mentioned have made Fanxy more complete while basically reach my preset goal. Actually, I cannot wait to share Fanxy with my friends. I also want to take it back to China and show it to my family. My younger brother will absolutely love it.

The production of Fanxy makes me really proud. It is like my child, from intangible to tangible. I have witnessed its growth, at the same time, I have also grown during this process. Indeed, it is very fulfilling to realize a certain vision in your heart step by step. My concentration and patience have withstood the challenge when building Fanxy. In these few days, I have not stopped thinking or self-reflecting. Through this project, my sewing skills have been trained. More importantly, for me, not only the concepts taught in this course but also the understanding of the wearable field have risen to a higher level. Since when I got started in this field, I was in a panic at first. I felt that I know nothing, and I had to learn a bunch immediately. However, through several practices, I produced content that I want to express, which made me feel confident about the future. I started to trust myself, holding a certain understanding of this field. Thus, I know it, when I see an amazing wearable project again, I will no longer just be envious. Like I will use the theoretical framework I have absorbed to analyze and explore it, then finally internalize it into my insight. Thanks to this class, it makes me no longer resist using needles, programming, and gives me a chance to appreciate various materials, experiencing the meaning of interaction and so on. It always lets me feel the charm of electronic technology with aesthetics, exploring futuristic bodies and clothing. In the next stage, I will apply the skills I mastered this semester to various fields and combine them with complex projects. Via the course, I know that wearable technology is not only thriving in the fashion industry but also inclusive and can even change the world. All the experience in this class has also opened up new ideas for me, whether it is for my thesis year or the research direction for graduate studies. At this moment, I feel I am closer to my goal. Everything is laying the foundation for the future. I will keep exploring and researching, designing projects that can address more complicated issues, and be an expresser with connotations. Currently, I define myself as a raw artist, whereas we will see and you will know.

In the end, I really appreciate Oliva and my peers for making me feel such inspiring in a group full of creativity and ideas. You guys are awesome!

Hope all is well. See you in the future!

Resources & Related Works

Andrulonis, J. (2021, February 22). Amazon, Nordstrom, and Kate Spade Are All Having Incredible Sales This Weekend - Here Are the 25 Best Deals. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from https://people.com/lifestyle/best-weekend-sales-2-april-2021/


Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, August 20). Patron saint. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/patron-saint


Iaconesi, S. (2010). Wearing Emotions: Physical Representation and Visualization of Human Emotions Using Wearable Technologies. 2010 14th International Conference Information Visualisation, 1-7. doi:10.1109/iv.2010.38


Monteiro, V. (2021, January 13). Moflin: AI Hassle-Free Pet That Learns to Love You. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from https://medium.com/swlh/moflin-ai-hassle-free-pet-that-learns-to-love-you-e6ecc6e4f8#:~:text=Moflin is an AI robot pet presented at CES 2021.&text=It can be anxious, excited,app for iOS and Android.


Signoretta, E. (2020, August 21). Wearable Electronic Badge. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from https://www.open-electronics.org/wearable-electronic-badge/


Vega Edge. (2019, March 01). Retrieved April 4, 2021, from http://socialbodylab.com/vega-edge/


VENTUNO ART. (2019, March 20). DIY Felt Monsters: Felt Crafts. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from https://youtu.be/CnzJWdDxMNc

Exploration Journal 1 –

Exploration Journal 2 – Capacitive Touch: Hand Drawn Circuits

Hello Everyone,

While browsing through numerous tutorials and links about capacitive touch, I landed upon this tutorial.  (Links to an external site.)The artist explores capacitive touch using arduino and a hand drawn circuit. Graphite being a good conductor, powers the circuit and the fan begins to move.

For this exploration I decided to use the aforementioned concept with the CPX, and initiate the capacitive touch to light up the CPX. I used a 6B pencil to draw out the shapes. I realized that the lines have to be really thick and in layers, and vertical strokes of the pencil allow for better conductivity. The graphite is a really good substitute for the expensive conductive paint and is a great way to create interactive art on a budget.

Exploration Journal 3 – Thermometer Using CPX

For the third exploration, I wanted to try out the sensors on the Circuit Playground as that is something I would like to use in my final project. CPX is a great tool for trying out various inputs as it comes built-in with many different sensors. I was very intrigued by a few tutorials online revolving around temperature and thermal sensing.

I followed the following tutorial to create a thermometer for my room using the CPX.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFSegDhs46E&ab_channel=CoreElectronics (Links to an external site.)

Result

CODE

Feedback

The thermometer worked very well. My room was very cold at the time of the test hence I received a more analog result. The LEDs on the CPX lit up forming a gradient with shades of blue. As I hovered my finger over the temperature sensor of the Circuit Playground, the heat from my fingers caused the LEDs to light up warmer tones like orange, yellow.

I did a few modifications and the CPX gave me a digital result. When close to the heat the LEDs were red and on moving closer to an open window, the CPX lit up in blue.

Usage

I intend to use this sensor in my final project. I really like the nature of the inputs, as it provides both analog and digital output if coded adequately. Additionally, the temperature sensor can be used with the capacitive touch and can be used to create a well-functioning thermometer for anything.

Exploration Journals 4 – Technique Exploration: Stitching

Last Journal Entry!

I have zero experience with textiles, and stitching. This semester I have really struggled with putting fabrics together and making them into functional objects. So for the final exploration, I decided to explore stitching techniques, which will help me not only in the final project but also in future. I have learned that basic stitching is a important life skill and everyone should know how to do it. Professor Prior directed me to this website:  https://makezine.com/2016/03/22/5-basic-stitches-you-need-know-plus-textile-tips/ (Links to an external site.).

This website presents 5 stitches that are very important and relatively easy to master. The stitches explored Cross-stitch, whip stitch, running stitch, back stitch and ladder stitch.

Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch is typically used in embroidery and embellishments. It can also be used in putting 2 fabrics together, and leave a nice cross pattern to the joint.

I followed this tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1_ijpQizzs (Links to an external site.)

Experiment

Whip Stitch    

Whip Stitches are often used to bind 2 fabrics together, hemming edges, and crochet. I referred to the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG86hhrDdzQ (Links to an external site.)

Experiment:

Running Stitch

Running Stitches are typically used in tailoring, and sewing basic seams, and it also may come in handy while doing patchwork. The tutorial I followed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1-B01FB56s (Links to an external site.)

Experiment

Ladder Stitch

Ladder Stitch is also known as invisible stitch and can be used to sew/complete a project with an open seam for stuffing or turning. It is often used in pillows, stuffed toys and/or lined hems. The tutorial I followed was:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqrTtitjdnY (Links to an external site.)

Experimentation:

Back Stitch

Back Stitches are often used in embroidery, typically to outline the sketch. It is also a very strong way to attach 2 fabrics together. The tutorial I referred to is as follows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ_wVC84UmM (Links to an external site.)

Experimentation:

These stitches were very easy and helpful. I hope to use them in my final project and later in life. Overall I think that these techniques are very beginner friendly and are a great way to grasp knowledge and explore materials and textiles.

Makecode: https://makecode.com/_WtXC1yRz6VxY

Open Project- Walking Glow

Concept

The concept is inspired by going to the night market in my city, which is something I had been looking forward to but unfortunately cancelled due to Covid. I, additionally, want to incorporate materials that I wouldn’t use after the semester ends or something that isn’t conventionally used in designs – which would be alligator clips. Since alligator clips are only used for testing results, I thought I would somehow incorporate it into the design while attaching LEDs. 

Objective

I was also inspired by a shirt that were made out of safety pins, a skirt made out of paint swatches, and skirts that glowed. I’m usually a person who enjoys simplistic and practical clothes, but recently, I was driven by the idea of recycling and to be honest, I doubt that I would ever use my alligator clips again so I wanted to use it as part of my design. The inspirations will be attached in the resources cited below.

The objective for this dress is to be seen or found in the night market when it is dark, contributing to the energetic atmosphere. In the night market here in Richmond, BC, we would always have performances ongoing in the background and I created a sound reactive animation for the CPX. It reacts more strongly to louder spikes in noises, which I think works perfectly for an atmosphere that would be constantly loud but has peaks in the volumes due to the concert.

Process (Including ideation drawings, images of the work in progress, and videos of the different steps)

My initial concept had lights in a series and encircled the entire dress, while being diffused by cling wrap but I had some issues.

1. The light in series isn’t as bright as I want it to be and there wasn’t enough alligator clips.
2. The cling wrap, although the effect is nice, it’s wrinkled texture makes it look cheap. Additionally, it becomes very stiff and restricts movement by  clinging onto your skin – Movement should be a priority in the design considering you would be walking around a lot during a night market
3. The belt is on the side and it is a wrap dress, so sewing it all around isn’t reasonable.

So I made some changes. I would make the clips hang and take up half of the dress, similar to goth punk skirts that are asymmetrical.  Additionally, I sewed the conductive thread to extend until where the dress’s built in belt disconnects from the dress. Here is my circuit diagram and how I planned out the circuit:

Final Project Images 

Unclipped – when it is still bright out there’s no need to keep the lights on

Overall dress Circuit

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rvvdAAyA4flhos8UkpAniw54nQ6-Z2nJ/view?usp=sharing

Video Demo of the dress in the dark

Closeup of the two paths that allows you to connect multiple parallel circuits

Parts List

• Conductive thread
• Alligator Clips
• Hookup Wires (I used one wire as a substitute for an alligator clip because I had an odd number of them)
• LED
• CPX

Reflections & Next Steps

I think my favourite part of this circuit was the two long conductive threads across the belt of the dress. This is because the colour is so discreet that it hides within the dress design really well. Additionally, it allows the alligator clips to clip onto them snugly because it is sewn tightly that it doesn’t escape. Also, since I am a beginner at sewing, I felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment that the circuit worked well after it was done. I did have to re sew the line that connected to A2, because it was really unstable – the LEDs sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t so something went wrong in the sewing process. But when I redid it, it was fine. It also made the rest of the process a lot simpler too. Since I designed for the rest of the circuit to be adjustable and detachable, it was really convenient to move and adjust things whenever I wanted to as long as the threads that connected to the pins worked.

What I want to work on for future projects, and personal projects, would be to find a way to incorporate the wire for the CPX discreetly and allow it to be a more conveniently portable design. Additionally, I would want to try a bio feedback design, which can monitor heartbeats and health. I think that would especially be helpful in a night market, when you can monitor if you’re tired or if your blood pressure goes up, etc.

Resources & Related Works (cited in APA)