Christine Whittaker | NYU ITP Interactivity Fellow

christinewhittaker.com

NYU ITP Fellowship (Physical User Interface)

New York University ITP | Whittaker ITP Alumni

ITP definition

New York University ITP Program:

Working on so many multimedia projects for so many years I wanted to delve into digital technology and learn about new media (digital audio and video programs), micro control and the basics of programming. In 2004 NYU I was awarded a fellowship in NYU ITP Masters Program. I started the fellowship while still an Athena fellow with Mark DiSuvero.

The beauty of micro control is that once the microchip is programmed can be dedicated to that function. Prior to this a microchip is open to any program creating a multitude of possibilities (as far as dedicated functions). These projects are simple examples of interactivity and micro control using a Bx-24 microchip (variously programmed).

As a result of my attending NYU’s ITP program I understand the basics of building digital circuits (better), how to obtain electronics, schematics and develope interactive projects. As well I learned how to combine circuits and software (Dirextor Mx) to create interactive interfaces.

Video Slider (interactive Video Interface)	Description: I built a video controller using Director MX and a BX-24. Once constructed, I could move the video in any direction based on altering the code in Director MX. In Director MX I redefined a sprite to be a movie rather than an object (on the stage). The potentiometer via serial communication gave me the ability to control where the movie moved on the screen (via serial communication) and a programmed BX-24. information & video demo
The video controller circuit.	Demo of the controller moving video.

Video Slider

(interactive Video Interface)

Description:

I built a video controller using Director MX and a BX-24. Once constructed, I could move the video in any direction based on altering the code in Director MX.

In Director MX I redefined a sprite to be a movie rather than an object (on the stage). The potentiometer via serial communication gave me the ability to control where the movie moved on the screen (via serial communication) and a programmed BX-24.

information & video demo

The video controller circuit.

Demo of the controller moving video.

Serial Communication (binary to alphabet)	Description: This was a basic exercise in trying to understand how serial communication works as well as how to access ASCII by limiting a resistor. Normally the range of any resistor runs from 0 to 1024. 1024 was divided to obtain the alphabet. When I interacted with the photo sensor I was able to obtain the range in the alphabet as pictured. information & imagery
Serial Communication (binary to alphabet)		Photo sensor output via ASCII .	Serial communication output.

Interactive Book

Description:

I worked with Yan Yan Pei and Steve Oh on this project.

Etiquette book responds to the viewer as they enter a room (activated by an infrared sensor) and responded by the cover shaking and screaming. When the viewer lifted the book cover there was a strobe flash. All functions of the motor, scream and infrared sensor are micro controlled by the B-X24.

information & imagery

	When approached the book is activated.

Row Column Scanning	Description: I worked with Anne Clark and Yan Yan Pei on this project. Once we built the circuit and figured out the coding (with the gracious help of Josh Nimoy) we started sending patterns across the face of the LCD panel both vertically and horizontally (by adjusting two potentiometers). information & imagery

Row column Demo.

Programming notes.

ADC Output Controlling a servo motor	Description: This is a common servomotor used in small devices. This demonstrates how altering the programming of the BX-24 can alter the degree of rotation as well the direction (clockwise and counter clockwise). I was surprised the amount of torque the servomotor hand and how robust it was compared to a high current motor. My interest in the motor lent itself to Etiquette Book. information & imagery
Servo motor circuit.	Counter clockwise rotation.

ADC Output Controlling a servo motor

Description:

This is a common servomotor used in small devices. This demonstrates how altering the programming of the BX-24 can alter the degree of rotation as well the direction (clockwise and counter clockwise).

I was surprised the amount of torque the servomotor hand and how robust it was compared to a high current motor. My interest in the motor lent itself to Etiquette Book.

information & imagery

Servo motor circuit.

Counter clockwise rotation.

Analogue to digital Conversion (ADC) Input

Description:

Both photo sensor and a potentiometer are analogue resistors. The BX-24 was programmed so that when either turning the potentiometer or covering the photo sensor would increase of amount of bars lit on the LCD panel. As well is displayed an analogue to digital conversion.

information & imagery

A to C conversion circuit.

The LCD panel activated.

Micro controlling with a B-X 24	Description: The BX-24 has 24 pins 3 are dedicated to positive, negative voltage and one to reset. The other 18 pins are active control pins once the BX- 24 is programmed it can perform a host of functions. Most of which are based in simple on/off and time based functions (such as sending a command to pin 5 for .5 sec) resistors as well can enhance that. information & imagery
		Strobe circuit.	Strobe was much faster than pictured.