Paja

This is very interesting sound visualization.

Ruben’s Tube (wikipedia)

Maywa DenkiOfficial site

Edelweiss Series Video

Maywa DenkiOfficial site

Tsukuba Series Video

Tenori-on by Toshio Iwai and Yamaha

Tenori-on UK official site

Arduino + Max/MSP by Marius Schebella
Maxuino

Arduino + PureData by Hans Steiner
Pduino

Examples from Youtube

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

Arduino
Description: open-source physical computing platform
http://arduino.berlios.de/

BASIC Stamp Microcontroller, Parallax, Inc
Description: Microcontrollers, Sensors. Media Lab’s favorate shop
http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/kits/starter_kits.asp

Macromedia Director with Serial Xtra
Description:
http://www.macromedia.com/software/director/

Macromedia Flash with Teleo
Description:
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/

Phidgets Inc.
Description: controlling diveices via USB
http://www.phidgets.com/

Processing with Arduino
Description:
http://processing.org/

Serial Xtra
Description:
http://www.physicalbits.com/

Teleo
Description: controlling devices with Macromedia Flash
http://www.makingthings.com/

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