What is IoT anyways?
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. ~Oracle
When I first learned of IoT I immediately was intrigued. I wanted to learn more about how it could be applied and where it was being used. Fortunately for me my local college, Pasadena City College, was offering a “Physical Computing” class for the first time and I jumped at the opportunity.
In that class I was introduced to Arduino IDE software and built an interactive device that functions as an educational tool to identify the seven energy centers of the body. The design had seven single LEDs and each are individually addressable.
Fast forward to DART 300, Studio at PSU, I then created an app that would merge technology, wellness and art as a way to make wellness more approachable. A fundamental part of that app integrated a light-therapy art piece that serves as a meditative tool.
This is how I did it…
I began with the concept of a lotus flower to pay tribute to the historic Eastern philosophies that depict each energy center or Chakra, as lotuses with varied numbers of petals. I developed a geometric-lotus design for my IoT piece by using the software OmniGeometry, which uses mathematical ratios to create patterns and shapes.
I wanted a seven sided shape, in honor of the seven centers, and worked from there. I then took the flower shape I created and brought it into Illustrator to further refine and manipulate my shape to make it more personal. Then it was off to the laser cutter!
But first, LED-mapping
In order to customize the light pattern arrays, I mapped the signal flow of the electricity by creating a file in Illustrator. I that numbered each LED and intentionally placed them within each petal to assure that the petals would be able to be individually addressable, this way user engagement is boosted through customizable light sequences.
Getting lit
After placing and hot-gluing each LED, the mapping was complete. I needed to defuse the immitted light so that hotspots wouldn’t distract the user from the experience, so after experimenting with multiple types of foam, cardboard turned out to be the best bet! I then cut multiple layers of cardboard out and glued them together to create enough depth to diffuse the lights behind the acrylic.
Attention to detail is key.
Whether it is making sure the signal flow was going in the right direction, gently placing and gluing each acrylic piece, or sanding and staining the wood, my IoT wall art piece required a process that set a slow pace. I then built it’s own custom frame for it to sit snugly within. Easy does it, and steady as she goes has a whole new meaning!
Time for Micro-processors!
Once the bulk of the piece was complete, it was time to program! Using Wi-Fi-enabled microcontrollers, such as the ESP8266, I was able to easily set up my piece to be controlled with my smart phone using WLED, an ultimate DIY RBG software. After soldering a few inputs, I was up and running!
I then went on to customize each petal to create my own light array designs. Check it out!
Original Prototype Concept.
Functioning LED Wall Art
Next up, integrating projection mapping and sound!