Project Team Members
Calvin Smith
Project Description
Previous work has demonstrated the feasibility of a wearable, light-based, dynamic music visualizer, but the presentation left much to be desired. This project will focus on the integration of this currently-existing tech into a hat in as seamless a manner as possible. This raises a few challenges:
- Where do we fit the electronics?
- How do we feed in audio?
To answer these problems, this project attempts to solve the wearables’ hard vs. soft dichotomy in two primary ways. Firstly, we’ll integrate as much of the electronics as possible in the most rigid parts of the hat (in this case, near the hardware such as the strap and brim). Secondly, we’ll offload some of the electronics responsible for the spectrum analysis towards the source of the audio, where wireless communication can establish a link between computational and visual elements.
The goal is to end up with: 1) a hat with seamlessly-integrated electronics that reacts to a user-provided audio signal; and 2) a summary of methods that can be used in future applications for the integration of technology and clothing.
Sketch/Concept Art
Inspiration (links)
Materials and Costs
- Miscellaneous fabric and hat hardware (~$20)
- Wireless transceiver ($6×2)
- SMD LEDs (~$5)
- Copper film, PVC sheeting, etching chemicals (~$15)
- Miscellaneous electronic components (free)
Timeline (in weeks):
- Order parts and draw up firm plans
- Experiment with PCB etching and wireless transceivers
- Electronic assembly, including PCB manufacturing
- Hat construction
- Hat construction, pt. 2
- Hat construction, pt. 3
- …
Fallback Plans
- Ignore PCB manufacturing plans, or simplify to non-flexible
- Modify pre-existing hat instead of making one from scratch