This is my final prototype, which will be showing part of the interactions in my concept. I prototyped using processing with arduino to simulate the tuning of colours through the sliding action. I hacked an optical mouse and used it to track movements along the X-axis. Using processing, I was able to translate the the position of the mouse cursor, into values that were able to change the RGB LEDs accordingly.
I’ve also fitted a mini speaker within the lamp to have sounds playing from within the lamp, and the sliding movements of the lamp will also trigger a fast-forward in the audio clip. This is to simulate the tuning of the sound recordings when you tune the colours.
This is a video of my prototype at the graduation exhibition. It is showing the tuning of colours thru the sliding movement of the lamp.
The freqLight switches on via a simple downward push on the top. freqLight senses the action and lights up gradually. It will shine the colour pattern that was recorded the previous night. This colour pattern is referred to as the Sleep Symphony. (more…)
DREAMfreq! is an interactive lighting system that consists of an ambient lamp, which I called the freqLight, and a sensing pillow. The pillow will have embedded sensors to sense the user’s head movement. Every movement made by the user will trigger an accumulated increment in the hue values of the freqLight, transforming the colours.
DREAMfreq! is a concept ambient lighting system that monitors an individual’s sleeping behaviours. It senses the user’s movement while sleeping and translates them into soothing colours that light up the space. With this layer of information, the user is able to have a rough understanding of what has been happening while he was unconscious. It could help the user on taking decisions of his sleep time, changing the mattress for a better sleep, or lowering the temperature of the room because it is warmer in the summer.
Another aspect of the concept is based on the fact that everyone dreams while they are asleep. (more…)
Now, I’m starting to prototype according to what I’m designing. Putting parts of my previous prototypes together for the final design. This prototype triggers the LEDs via IR sensors, and then uses the potentiometer to tune the colours. I’ve also added a homemade lamp reflector to test the effects of the light bouncing off the wall. I’m considering using the wall as a reflector to increase the lighted surface area.
First attempt in using arduino to control dc motor. I experimented with IR distance sensor to trigger the motor. and then using a potentiometer to change the hue of the RGB LEDs and also changing the rotating direction of the motor. I added the 2 flaps of tape to the dc motor to show the change in direction.
Created a capacitive touch sensor out of a piece of soft fabric. I programmed it to gradually increase the hue values of the RGB LEDs upon contact of the hand.
This is my final prototype, which will be showing part of the interactions in my concept. I prototyped using processing with arduino to simulate the tuning of colours through the sliding action. I hacked an optical mouse and used it to track movements along the X-axis. Using processing, I was able to translate the the position of the mouse cursor, into values that were able to change the RGB LEDs accordingly.
The freqLight switches on via a simple downward push on the top. freqLight senses the action and lights up gradually. It will shine the colour pattern that was recorded the previous night. This colour pattern is referred to as the Sleep Symphony. 
