Directly after our contact sessions, our group set out to reinvent our approach. Initially, due to the feedback we received about our original idea, we thought It may be better to take a completely different approach altogether. After a few hours we decided against that. Instead we took the approach of cramming the feedback we received into the concept, thus expanding it into what we have now.
Here I have included a summary of how the new version of the Intellbox works (this will make more sense if you read last weeks post). I will expand on these points later in the post.
- The process is sparked off by a letter of sorts being dropped through the mail slot of the box.
- This drop triggers the infra-red sensors.
- The sensors then initiate the transmission of a signal (possibly blue tooth based, yet to decide on specifics)
- The signal is received by an “ambient lamp” unit within the user’s house.
- The lamp turns on.
- In order to turn off the lamp, the mail must be collected, thus clearing the IR sensor.
The Intellbox is still going to be solar powered. The rechargeable lithium (or equivalent) battery idea will be used in conjunction with the solar panels in order to power the unit. The lamp will also be battery powered. Apart from the initial charging of the batteries in the box itself, and the occasional replacement of the lamp batteries or other components, this unit can be said to be sustainable. In terms of the technology used, the components can be easily scavenged from existing units, the solar panel(s) being the only likely exception to this.
A new list of components:
- Mailbox (hand built to custom specifications)
- IR sensor
- Reflective surface (mirror or foil etc)
- Blue tooth chip and receiver (or Arduino)
- L.E.D (for lamp construction, various colours)
- Material for lamp shade/cover (undecided at present)
- Rechargeable lithium batteries
- Solar panel(s)
- Copper wires and other basic circuitry needs
Functionality:
This section expands on the summary above.
Firstly, the lithium battery is charged by hooking it up directly to the mains electricity or the solar panels on the Intellbox. Once the system is operational, the IR sensor will pick up on any mail that is dropped through the box’s slot. This is due to the sensor being unable to detect light from the reflective surface as the mail will block it out. The Iintellbox will then transmit a signal via blue tooth or arduino to the receiver located within the L.E.D lamp within the user’s house.
This lamp is to be constructed with a series of different coloured L.E.D circles on a hardwood/plate base. These L.E.D rings are connected to the receiver and will light once the IR sensor is tripped. A decorative cover (chosen from a range by the user) sits over base. The light will shine through the cover, creating an ambient pattern dependant on the style of the cover chosen. The lamp will only turn off once the mail is removed from the Intellbox and the IR can once again detect the light reflection for the reflective surface. Alternatively the lamp will turn off if the batteries run out.
The lamp, in terms of the prototype, will be a small, wireless unit, thus making it easy to carry to different locations around the house so that detection of the mail is more noticeable.
How the Intellbox Ties in with the Studio Themes:
The themes, as explored in earlier posts, are those of sustainability and physical computing. The original version of the Intellbox had very little interaction associated with it and as a result did not satisfy the physical computing aspect of the theme. However, with the additions made to the design, both aspects of the theme can be said to be satisfied.
Sustainability:
This theme is picked up in a few ways. Firstly, the fact that many of the components can be scavenged from existing items of technology makes this unit rather environmentally friendly. For example, if blue tooth is used in construction; the chips/receivers can easily be obtained through the recycling of old mobile phones. The wires required for the circuitry could be easily obtained form old devices such as televisions, radios and lighting, whereas the material for the construction of the box and lamp can also come from recycled sources. Ok, there is a lot of potential recycling of components.
Secondly, the circuits within the unit (both the sensors and the lamp) are run on rechargeable batteries that can be charged via the solar panels on the roof of the box itself. This makes the unit close to being self sufficient in terms of its power source.
With both of these things in mind, it can be said that the complete unit easily satisfies the theme of sustainability.
Interactivity:
As mentioned earlier, I was at cross purposes to what this theme meant in context with the studio program. Originally I perceived interactivity as operating the item in question directly. However, after talking about the meaning in class, I have learned that a different approach can be derived from the theme. Interactivity can be said to also exist indirectly through provocation of feelings, thoughts and actions in a person. These feelings, thoughts or actions can then lead to more interactivity, either physical or indirect. And so it goes on. So with this in mind, it can be said that interactivity is alive and well within this new design.
Let me elaborate…
Apart from the obvious (but limited) interactivity between the postman and the letterbox via the mail drop and the initial set up of the circuits (installing the batteries etc) it can be said that forms of indirect interactivity exist. The lamp forms the basis of these claims. When the lamp does light due to the sensor being obscured by mail, a number of thoughts or feelings may be invoked within the user once they notice. Feelings of excitement, pain, love etc could be played upon, which in turn will lead to an action. Depending on how the user feels, they may simply stare at the lamp or collect the mail straight away. Either way, the interactivity between the user and the lamp is apparent.
This is also backed up by the physical interaction of collecting the mail from the box.
With all this said, the two themes of interactivity and sustainability seem rightly justified within the design concept.
Expansion:
There is plenty of room for expansion within the Intellbox idea. One idea that has been discussed on a series of occasions is the inclusion of an RFID system for identifying mail. Each source of mail (ie: junk, bank statements, bills etc) would contain a different coded tag. A tag reader within the box will pick up on this and a separate signal, depending on the tag, will be sent to the lamp. As mentioned earlier, different couloured L.E.D rings are used for the lamp. These come into play now as depending on the type of tag detected, different colours will light up.
This is all for now. I will add some sketches shortly.
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