The Skinform Project // UTS

film 05

2008-09-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

here is the info section of the dvd - please leave comments

film 04

2008-09-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

here is the interview section of the dvd -
please leave comments asap.. going to print dvd monday -

film o3

2008-09-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

hey guys - here is a sneak preview of the dvd - this will be in the interaction section

spines?

2008-08-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/designplaygrounds/2438924691/

2008-07-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

2008-07-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Uniformly acellerate

2008-07-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

check this out???working??? 1 motor left to be solved

ABOUT MOTORS

2008-07-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hi so i had a look at the MAX msp script, turns out changing the speed changed the speed on all the motors on the side of 17th foot... With the new regulator so Voila, video proof>

I have also taken the liberty of making a something of a tutorial into controlling the motors using max msp. (theoretical) so that changes can be made by all of us...

Progress Update

2008-07-14T03:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update, Jess, Cathy, James, Erik E and myself worked on the motor/bracing.

After alot of fiddling, all bracing has been placed on and motors needed a little be a manipulating to fit on.

The pieces have not been fixed just incase we need to change motors.

Motors 19, 20 have been mucking up and may need replacing.

The new regulator "pulsing" for some reason too.

This little flower

2008-06-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

is being exhibited in the london festival of ARCHITECTURE London

a direct reference for us

http://www.lfa2008.org/event.php?id=817&name=Fresh+Flower

Schedule Update

2008-06-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

2008-06-30T03:17:00.000-07:00

UPDATE

2008-06-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

here is a schedule - email me if you want to add anything - or change anything - or cant meet your deadlines, so we can reallocate them...

we need everyone on next monday 7.7.08 6pm please - for mass production

16/6/08

2008-06-24T02:55:00.000-07:00

Test conducted on this day was to increase the thickness of both the rack and pinion, to give a wider grip area between the two while giving it less chance to slide out of each other, even if the motor is not fully parallel to the rack. This was done by gluing two racks and 2 pinions together.
Test though, was unsuccessful due to what seemed like Phidget board problems. We believe this was due to the board being on all night, and will try again the next chance we get.

Yesterday

2008-06-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

I've collated the time lapse footage shot yesterday, so you can all relive the day that was..

Enjoy!

engadget

2008-06-08T18:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/06/skinform-project-sees-shape-shifting-structure-get-its-wiggle-on/

Allright so

2008-06-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

So what, the arches are filled the feet are ready the patches are half finished and joanne is coming tomorrow. I just woke up and i figured out that the solution is quite simple.

my diagrams are trying to show what i will attempt to formulate in words.

the load or weight is landing on the motors not allowing them to modify the positions of the arches. the motors where never meant to push against a force just slightly alter its position allowing for the snapping. the loads should really be passed down vertically and the motors only adjusting the positions. this can be easily archived by fixing the last triangle inward base somehow (easy to test with flat cardboard) - there might be the need to ad a kink into one triangle to allow the motor to adjust horizontal position.

See you tomorrow, in 8 hours. if you see this now give me a call and we can discuss... I'm super excited.

Photos of the phisical model

2008-06-07T17:00:00.001-07:00

Photomontage Exterior view

2008-06-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

Photomontage internal view

2008-06-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

Photomontage view from balcony

2008-06-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

2008-06-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

2008-06-05T17:52:00.001-07:00

About rain

2008-06-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

Its looking like its gonna rain, one option could be to cover it partly in some way. And so if someone wishes he or she has the possibility of experiencing it under cover. :)

Weather forecast

2008-06-05T16:11:00.001-07:00

Time-Space diagram

2008-06-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

film 02

2008-06-05T04:43:00.000-07:00

the first "prototype" laser cut foot assembled.

2008-06-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

and here it is with a light and temporary power for the light...

mesh on prototype

2008-06-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

photos taken by the lovely ciara. "like a tiger!"

Lighting effect sample

2008-06-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Zoning Systems & Pre-Max patches

2008-06-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

Above is zoning divison of the interface kit phidget's 8x8x8 proposed

for all illustrations below, yellow represents light control patches with 20 sec delay after it switch on.... (on/of) and blue represents motor control patch

Zone 1 & Zone 3 type patch circuit system

Zone 2 patch for a single circuit system phidget interface 8x8x8 type A (1x refer to networking system above)

Zone 2 patch for a single circuit system phidget interface 8x8x8 Type B (2x refer to networking system above)

Input output

2008-06-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

ERIK can you check that this is all correct?

Technical Group Update

2008-06-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Box design complete - just waiting on laser cutting quotes/times.

All electronics, lighting, cabling ordered.

Final fan design has been sent to Spray Booth Services Aus. Fans will be ready by friday.

Max patch will be started today and working with interaction group.

Today we will be working on making all sensors and rewiring motor cabling.

animation showing the space transforming

2008-06-03T15:43:00.001-07:00

animation transforming as a person walks through

3D max file

2008-06-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, Erik E,

Could you send me your 3D max file, so that I could work on the perspective montages,

thanks

new animation (simple)

2008-06-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

Working with the specific animations here is a test piece...

Quotes anyone? Quotes?

2008-06-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

Anyone has any on the point quotes they would like to submit to potentially be included in the press release?

Describing in resume about the project, general ideas or comments could really be anything, but should be reasonably serious.

your own words... give yours in the comments before 11am Wed.

Thanks!

Example below//

"Skinform is not about novel ideas or showcasing interactivity in the form of the classical art installation. Its conception was based on how interactive technologies will be integrated into architecture. Interactivity is the system behind Skinform but tweaked away from its usual meaning, its about an invisible system that adapts to the individual for a pre-defined purpose – in this instance maintaining comfort and adapting privacy for its inhabitants."

Material Department update

2008-06-02T23:56:00.000-07:00

Guess what we finally FINISHED sewing all 15 structures with hooks oh yeah!!!!!!!!!

alternative images

2008-06-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Plan

2008-06-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Something weird has landed

2008-06-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

proposed flyer

2008-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

check it out!

TECHNICAL: Footing Design

2008-06-01T07:40:00.001-07:00

The following is the proposed footing design that was worked on today. It was discussed that the mechanisms inside will be exposed, and the whole footing to be that of a more simple and less obtrusive design.

First image shows a plan view (top), and how the 'rack and pinion' setup works in 'pushing' the second triangular module back and forth. This will create the snapping effect wanted in this project.

Second image is a perspective of the feet looking from inside the module. Notice how you can see the fan and transformer at the inside base of the feet. The yellow part is the frame created to make a pivoting point between the first and second triangular module. And also to create a railing system for the 'rack' to slide up and down on (this will be shown below)

Perspective of the feet looking from outside the module. Notice how you can see the 'rack and pinion' setup, as well as brackets to hold up the motor (magenta).

Close up view of the 'rack and pinion' setup, and how the rack is held up by the rails (yellow), which in turn are connected to the brackets (purple) which hold up the motor (red). A working model will be completed tomorrow evening.

Rough Lighting Effect!

2008-06-01T04:21:00.001-07:00

I just finished the lighting in 3d-software. Final picture is trying to show illumination of consecutive arches. I am worry about the sound and the phidget to relay switch on and off , we must build the housing for each of the relays but i don't know if it will lower sound enough.

Material Department

2008-06-01T04:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody just to let you know where we are up to in production and what we did for today Sunday 1 June. All 15 black structures with ribs has been sewn and completed today YAY!!!!!! Jess and myself has started adding hooks onto the structures and it is taking A LONG LONG TIME!!!!! We managed to finish one each and half way onto the other one ... took us approx 4hrs to finish adding hooks to one structure ... one was done by sewing machine the other by thread and needle!!!!!

Message for Sarah
Sarah just to let you know I have taken 6 structures home with me tonight and will continue to add hooks tomorrow night and continue on Tuesday at home until finish ... you will see me Tuesday arvo with 6 COMPLETE STRUCTURES WITH HOOKS!!!! The 2 completed ones are folded nicely and placed in completed box so there are 7 more left for you and the material department team members to work on. Good luck and happy sewing!!!!

Fan Testing

2008-06-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

Placement of Air Pipe relocated which very slightly increased the pressure. Funnelling the air flow didn't increase any pressure.

Light Sensors

2008-06-01T01:51:00.000-07:00

Tested the smaller Light Dependant Resistor didn't work well in dim light conditions(night). The larger LDR is more sensitive and works at night conditions however has a longer tube which will be incorporated in the footing.

Servo Controller

2008-06-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

Just got a reply from the supplier of Robot-oz. We can get this express posted, This board can control 32 motors and work with maxmsp

Networking System

2008-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

This networking system illustration for electrical and interface diagram in rigid form

2008-05-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Light Dependent Resistor connected to a resistor to detect movements.
It detects change in light approximately 600-1000mm away in a directional sense.

We also have a larger LDR which probably needs a bigger resistor because we are getting too much voltage and no dection.

SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY IN THE COURTYARD

2008-05-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

MESH VOTE PLEASE ALL COMMENT - BY MONDAY 9AM

2008-05-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

FOLLOWING IS A OPTION OF TWO 'SYSTEMS' WE NEED
EVERYBODIES FEEDBACK ON IN
THE FORM OF A VOTE BEFORE WE CAN PROCEED.

PLEASE VOTE IN THE COMMENTS
SECTION OF THIS BLOG - BEFORE 9AM
MONDAY MORNING.

THE OPTIONS ARE -

'3D MESH' VIA ON SITE WEAVING

'INFILL FABRIC' PRE-MADE

PLEASE ALSO SPECIFY PREFERENCE FOR
BLACK OR WHITE...

PLEASE NOTE THAT WHICH EVER SYSTEM
HAS THE MOST VOTES
WIILL BE FURTHER RE-FINED... +
BE THE SYSTEM WE USE FOR THE MESH.

animation - fan open close

2008-05-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

in courtyard - more to come

footing re design concept

2008-05-31T05:04:00.001-07:00

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/photos/htc-touch-diamond-all-gussied-up-and-official-2/791076/
so Adrian came by, said our foot looked like a toilet, laughed and then walked away. (Actually he said it looked chunky). So Phil, me and Franz are going to be busy redesigning it.. concept image

TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT IS BUSY!!

2008-05-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

THIS IS AN ULTRA BUSY WEEK FOR THE TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT. PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF ABOVE SHUFFLE OF DEPARTMENT - AS
CONCLUDED IN A SKINFORM MEETING TONIGHT - PLEASE TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ITEMS + MAKE SURE YOU DELIVER ON TIME ...

Interaction Diagram

2008-05-31T01:35:00.000-07:00

anim

2008-05-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

I would suggest that you watch this video a couple of times, its showing all the configurations and the effect of the open and closing of the fanning and the lower and higher bloating simultaneously...

Ground form

2008-05-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Photos of the working model

2008-05-30T17:25:00.001-07:00

TECHNICAL: Push and Pull system model

2008-05-30T05:22:00.001-07:00

These photos show the actual Push and Pull system built, as described earlier in TECHNICAL: Proposed Push and Pull system . This systems flaw is that there are too many moving parts, too many cut grooves on the 'arm' when cutting them up, and the amount of space it would take up in the footing. Proper 'arm' measurements were not taken into account, as why the upper 'arm' could not hold its positioned angle when the device was rotating. The model did produce the desired 'push and pull' movement wanted, and was a success in that department, but the above points mentioned overpowered it's advantages.

A new simpler system has been designed by using strings and the wind-up module (see TECHNICAL: Wind-Up Module ) to achieve the same effect. Further details on this will appear tomorrow.

MODULE HEIGHT

2008-05-30T04:34:00.000-07:00

We managed to create a height of 1.9m with base distance of 2.0m without pushing or pulling the triangular modules, any further and the 'natural' height of the module will decrease. This photo shows this example, with Harry measuring approximately 1.85m.

Second photo has the bases approximately 2.3m apart. But with the right side of the base pushed forward. A clear example of how we want the modules to interact with users, when they're in a different position other than directly centre of the 2 bases.

2008-05-30T01:40:00.001-07:00

MEETINGS FOR TOMORROW

2008-05-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

MATERIAL, TECHNICAL + CONCEPTUAL
UPDATE SAT MORN 10 AM - BE THERE

SKYPE MEETING WITH JO 4PM SATURDAY -
DONT MISS IT....

assignment 3 breakdown

2008-05-30T01:24:00.000-07:00

module-test-prototype-webbing......

2008-05-30T01:12:00.000-07:00

How are these look???comment???

Base Construction model

2008-05-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Base construction documentation......

^....^

schedule of works

2008-05-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Webbing idea#2 little hairs

2008-05-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

2008-05-29T18:34:00.001-07:00

another idea for the webbing. the corset.

TECHNICAL: Proposed Push and Pull system

2008-05-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

The servo motor, arms and pivoting points will be hidden due to them being concealed in the proposed footing (see post titled "After testing different motion we feel it is b... " )

TECHNICAL: Wind-Up Module

2008-05-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Purpose of this was to be able to tug down the second triangular module using string. A video of this in action has been recorded and should be posted shortly.

mesh skin

2008-05-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is from outside the studios on level 5. It's very interesting and stretchy too. This one was made from thin cardboard/ paper and was pretty strong and didn't rip.

Reference: UTS Student(outside level 5 Architecture Studios)

Lighting Controller:Products/BM7002 Open Collector outputs

2008-05-29T03:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.bluemelon.org/index.php/products/bm7002_open_collector_outputs

Mesh skin

2008-05-29T01:16:00.001-07:00

Hand Knitted strip-very stretchy!!! Initially OPAQUE

Stretched out-SEMI TRANSPARENT.

With thicker knitting sticks these holes can be much larger, making it more transparent if needed.

Technical Group Tasks

2008-05-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Perry / James - Lighting & Sensors
- technical side /maxmsp (work with Rob on effect/concept)
- Research Phidget/resistors to dim lights
- Fixing - Heat - Placement
- Research Photovoltaic Sensor from jaycar

Franz / Harry - Motors
- Test Strenght, locations, fixing in base.
- Test movement of Arches to desired effect

Philip/ Erik B - Base design
- Refine Shape and dimensions
- Work with concept group on aesthetics
- Locations of all objects
- Materials / cost
- Waterproofing
- Air flow and Fans

film o1

2008-05-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

could everybody that has taken any film
footage on their own cameras
over the last couple of weeks please save as dv format +
hand over to me on friday.

generally I will leave my video camera on the book
shelf in jo's office. if you want to film anything -
please sign your name on the sheet there + grab it -
shoot away. I will then download every night that days footage.

remember to keep shooting to approx 1 minute snaps -
as otherwise it takes ages to download + please only
shoot interesting stuff - always with aesthetics in mind....

then sign your name off when you return it -
this way I can see who has it at anyone time...

if there is any ideas etc re: film documentary
please feel free to express
these to myself or rob, at any time

tarantino - here we come!

curious mesh ?

2008-05-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

3D mesh with nodules for eXpansion / contraction

2008-05-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

3D MESH ?

2008-05-28T07:06:00.001-07:00

Preliminary Schedule of stuff done by Friday

2008-05-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

We should have a finished schedule of what we want to archive, so that we can present to the other teams and develop it or change it according to discussions.

Well developed lighting concept with diagrams -Rob

Membrane prototype and furniture consideration - Ciara

Animated diagram input-output - Me

Physical model with webbing - showing overall idea cabling and - Channa

Japan-UTS Live Video Chat screen shots

2008-05-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight we held a live studio update between japan and UTS. For me, it has been very exciting watching the progress through these constrained channels of digital exchange. It becomes more important to communicate openly and consistently, and especially to summarise ideas in a way that is succinct and convincing. Images therefore work well, short movies documenting the processes are even better. Some screen shots from our meeting below:

Live demonstration of the new PC fans that Sam has kindly been manufacturing for us. Mechanical movements of the ribs simulated by Phil's arms ;)

Erik E and Erik B demonstrating how the ribs will be fixed together to both constrain and enable specific movements between adjacent ribs.

Erik E explaining the template for building the bases on each rib which will host the fans, embedded lighting, and all wiring to sensors and the processor.

Jason telling us that everything is great. Thanks!

Perry and James explaining the frame holding the PC fans for ribs. Thank you Phil and Sam for the excellent work!

MATERIAL UPDATE 03

2008-05-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

Im soooo happy to announce the materials team have made the 15 arches!!

woooo hoooo - well done everyone !! it was a great effort + we found we have the
re-incarnate of Gianni Versace in our group!! :)

We shall continue with 'ribbing' + 'seaming' tomorrow - ready to begin with
full scale experimentations on friday + saturday....

After most of you had left this evening, we discussed that the materials team
(in conjunction with ciara) can experiment with the design of the infill mesh tomorrow.

Attached is a diagram illustrating thoughts so far...

ie. mesh needs to be expandable - have memory - also transform from
opaque to translucent....

so bring your thoughts / inspirations along tomorrow night to have a group designing session
for possible mesh options...

AIR AND GRACES

2008-05-28T03:06:00.001-07:00

Studio Update

2008-05-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Excellent work and great blog posts to all who have posted! The mesh looks fantastic, the material team is doing wonders! Great work also by the Technical guys, documenting the various motor tests, lighting systems and the 3D model.

It's fantastic to see you're all working hard, so keep up the excellent work and make sure you all continue talking to each other.

In case you missed the group email, I've scheduled a studio meeting tonight, 7pm in the room opposite Jo's office, so we can all catch up on what's going on in each group. Jo will be joining us via Skype from Japan, so we'll all hopefully be on the same page.

Keep up the good work & don't forget to share (blog, chat, shout, point, draw etc)!

The factory....

2008-05-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

you want prada?....gucci?
hehe

meshing

2008-05-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

trying out different types of meshing......
the 2nd one was the most successful for time and ease of making it.

How 'Internal Movement' test was conducted - Continued

2008-05-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is the test set-up that we explore for hidden pulling system....
This system may work logically but the motor that control the pulling system seems not enough power to pull it... like franz said earlier this give snap effect.... we tested yesterday but the system of the "red" tool thing didn't atached properly as we used balsa wood for material tester (both for the vertical tool as well)..... and also the result is like what franz mention earlier.....

MATERIAL UPDATE 02

2008-05-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

The material production team is steaming along, with great team work by all...

Due to everyones professional assignment being due yesterday . production was 5.5 modules (arches)
with oooddles of templating + cutting prepared for today.

We are aiming for 6 more today... so hopefully by tonight we will have all bases sewn :)

with ribbing etc to be completed on thursday....

if there are any more sewing machines out there in the ether -

it would be great if people could bring them in over the next couple of days...

3D MODEL!

2008-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

PLAN

How 'Internal Movement' test was conducted

2008-05-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

2008-05-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

After testing different motion we feel it is best to have a pull down motion. String attached to a reel and servo.

Fixing the pivot point is still abit tricky(due to the bulge making it 300 instead of 420) but creating a base which covers the lower ribs makes it easier.

After discussing it with the concept team the foot could cover the lower ribs.

The above image shows foot development and testing.

The final foot design is still in the works but we feel we are getting closer

Internal Movement

2008-05-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

Technical also tested Internal Bending movements to hide strings. Using a internal structure.

This was found to be a difficult due to the fabric round bulge. And the strengh required is alot more than a pull down motion.

Weight

2008-05-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

We tested weight today and found 5Lt of water would be enough(+weight of base and internals).

The Jerry can is fairly cheap($6), Compact and is mobile due to the use of water, however has some leakage issue. With proper sealing and putting it upright in the base it will be safe to use.

Fans

2008-05-27T03:59:00.000-07:00

Tested a computer case fan the other day. It is a farely powerful one for a computer fan. 120mm dia, 41dba and 100CFM. It snapped during testing phase.

Unfortunately it was strong enough. I will be getting more fans from sam tomorrow for more testing. We are looking into one for per base at a reasonable cost. This will make air pressure even in all arches and also no ducting needed from foot to foot.

Mesh/webbing

2008-05-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
we have been discussing the issue about the mesh/webbing. i have started some initial design sketches and as you read this testing prototypes!
different strengths and flexibility of fabrics are being used to see if affects the structure/arches.

The first option from the sketch page goes with the first image of using single strands of elastic and tieing them together with another elastic weaving itself the other way.

The second option has the elastic on a grid order and is tied together with material.

The third option is creating a module that looks like chaos and repeating it again and again with elastics.

Sketch book

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Need Help!!3D bone

2008-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Now I am doing the 3D model for our design scheme, anyone know how to do in 3ds max control the bone ?

Possible outcome?

2008-05-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Based on Channa's diagram...

Skinform Schedule

2008-05-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Things to Do!

2008-05-26T18:08:00.001-07:00

Technical Group (Phil, James, Perry, Erik B, Franz & Harry)
Fans - type of fan, power output, power supply, connection & testing?
Feet - size, weight, finish, fixing?
Motors - fixing type, power supply and strength, wheel/arm, size?
Lighting - type, size, cables required, weight, tubing, brightness, colour, max control?

Material Group (Sarah, Jessica, Adam, Cathy & Flora)
Arches - production, seaming
Webbing - fabric, material, fixing points, testing, colour?
Feet - sock/connection with footing?

Concept Group (Erik E, Robert, Ciara & Channa)
Lighting - interactive concept, input/output design, diagrams/illustrations?
Movement - logic, overall control, concept illustration
Form - plan, foot location, shape deformation diagrams, tested iterations
Model - physical permutations, physical testing of model/final prototype
Layout - cabling, plan, requirements for installation (flower pots moved etc)

Cheers,

Jason

Concept / site analysis?

2008-05-26T18:01:00.000-07:00