Paja

RFID Demo movie

You can use Parallax RFID reader module to identify object from a large set by hiding RFID card inside it. Basically reader has two signal pins, one out and one in. First is used to enable/disable reading, second is used for reading the card identification number.

RFID Connection schematics

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This is not a very meaningful interaction, but I was playing with different in- and outputs and transferring information from one source to another.
I connected a 7-digit display to Arduino and made it display random numbers from 1 to 9.
Then I added the slidelong-touchsensor in order to create the random numbers.
Additionally I connected a potentiometer, which determines the speed of the display. You need a resistor for the display, otherwise it gets to hot.

Creating the numbers:
In your code have to define which LED goes to which input. I gave each LED a number from one to seven and created an array, which contains the binary codes of each number I want to display (see photo). For example number 1 is LED 1 off, LED 2 on, LED 3 on, LED 4, LED 5, LED 6, LED 7 off (in binary: 0110000). More info in the code.

Analog input:
The slidelong-touchsensor gives number from 0 on one side to 1024 on the other side, depending how you connect 5V and GND.
The potentiometer gives as well numbers from 0 to 1024.

Arduino Code rtf-file

Video Number display

http://www.dreamfabric.com/sms/

Datasheet available from http://www.datasheetarchive.com/search.php?q=LTP587HR

(LTP587HR datasheet pdf)

warning, will get hot. (needs resistor)
using arduino 5V the electricity is not enough? lights get dim.

other pins go LED to (-), the pin 9(sheet pin numbers are not correct?) goes to (+), on same side of pin 1 hole but on the other end. each pin will light one part of digit.

(jukka)

Our first working test setup visualised electromagnetic induction by changing the intensity of a LED. We routed the +5V power through a potentiometer into a wire coil and from there the to the analog input pin of the Arduino NG. The changes in the magnetic field inside and around the coil(like when waving a magnet near the coil) induce small voltages in the coil which show up in the readout of the analog pin.

Minimum and maximum voltage values and the difference between these are computed for 100ms intervals. The difference is used as a measure of the amount of voltage fluctuation and translated into the intensity of the LED.

Induction video

Source code

— Jan & Miska

overall view: arduino, chip and wires on breadboard, touch sensor and program on background.

Touch sensor is component of many (tangible) interfaces and uses. with proper chip it will send binaric on-off (touched-intact) data or can be utilised as on-off switch. in “touch mode” the binaric value is 0 when touched, and otherwise 1. In on off mode touching will change 0 to 1 and 1 to 0. So, it works just like light switch.

Controller chip on breadboard. Black wire goes to sensor.

Touch component reacts from ~1 cm distance, no touching is required. It can be placed behind thin walls to react on press, or even under mouse matt:

Here the touch sensor will react if the mouse reaches the corner. Touch sensor merged with other components can create funny and interactive tangible toys and interfaces. E.g. vibrating component and touch sensor in rabbits ears could make ears wobble if one touches them. Component of creative use!

Experiments of Joonas Kiviharju and Jukka Liukkonen.

You can use Air v1.1 blow sensor to measure blowing with mouth, balloon etc. Registers inhale and exhale as well.

Demo movie of blow sensor and potentiometer in use

Schematic illustration

Pure Data patch for reading blow sensor and potentiometer

More info from manufacturers page

Kalle Mäntsälä & Tuomo Tarkiainen

You can use RGB LED to make different colors of light.

video

Schematic Plan

PBasic Code

not available

where to buy

Note
There is another RGB LED but this is not available any component shop in Helsinki but in theory this LED can make full color.
RGB LED 5mm 4pin

You can use some color separation filters and light sensors to sensor different colors.

video

Schematic Plan

PBasic Code

TSL230 Light to Frequency Convert Datasheet

where to buy

This filter transmit only infrared.

video

I haven’t found any datasheets.

where to buy

Note
Remember infrared is invisible for your eyes so even if you look at the world through the filter, it shows only “Black”. You have to see it through a camera. Some cameras has the safety filter which cuts the infrared. In this case, your infrared filter won’t work. I found iSight and Nokia 6330 camera work well at least!
You need to chose one filter from several types of the infrared filters. It depends on which nano meter of infrared you want to transmit. Infrared LED generally emit 940nm light so the filter which transmits 940nm at maximum could be the most useful infrared filter.

If you embed a solar panel in your project, user don’t need to charge your interaction project at all. I made some experimental demo with solar panel.

video 1
video 2

not available yet

I haven’t found any datasheet about this component

where to buy

Note
Once I had a broken solar panel, I tried if its still make any power supply. It actually worked. movie shows that even half piece of solar panel is working.

You can use some color separation filters and light sensors to sensor different colors.

TSL230 Light to Frequency Convert Datasheet

where to buy

SM v2 touch sensor demo.

if you touch it a lot, LED can be brighter…

video

Schematic Plan

PBasic Code

QT113 Datasheet

Note

This sensor turns on when a metal get close to the sensor. This sensor can be used for not only detecting metal but also finding RPM of gear wheels.

video

Schematic Plan

PBasic Code

Hall-Effect Sensor Datasheet

where to buy

Note
you have to attach a magnet behind the sensor to enable it to work. It will give different result wether you put S-N or N-S.

This touch sensor can be used in many ways.

video 1
video 2

Schematic Plan

QT113 touch sensor Datasheet

where to buy

Note

This sensor is very simple and tiny. It turns on while it is detecting vibrations. You might also use it as a touch sensor. It get a trigger when somebody touch it and release it.

video

Schematic Plan

PBasic Code

Piezo Film Vibration Sensor Datasheet (ZIP file)

where to buy

Note

If you want to embed a sensor in your cloth, this FlexiForce sensor could be very useful. It is very light, thin and flexible like a plastic sheet.

video

schematic plan

PBasic Code

FlexiForce Datasheet (ZIP file)

where to buy

Note

I recommend to use Bluetooth devices to controll wireless devices. Bluetooth is very complicated device but ready Bluetooth modules are easy to use. For example, you can control a Bluetooth wireless device with your mobile phone or computer.

where to buy

Manual including PBasic Codes

Datasheet

Another Bluetooth Module

XPort is network device you can access from internet. It is as small as your thumb but it has webpages and some controll pins for other devices. For example, you can controll motors, lights and speakers via XPort.

where to buy

TV Remote controller use a infrared LED to send commands but anything hot glows infrared which means a infrared detect any thing hot. However, the infrared sensor for the TV remote controller only detects if the infrared flash with 38KHz.

This feature can be used in a object detection. Put both a infrared LED and infrared Sensor next each other. When the object come over the sensor, it reflect infrared light from the LED and the sensor detects the infrared light.

schematic plan

PBasic Code

where to buy