imPulse is a modular design object that senses pulse and allows users to wirelessly transmit their heartbeat rhythms to companion imPulse units. By synchronizing light and vibrations with users’ personal heartbeats, these devices create intimacy across distance.

Extending the wireless capability of these devices, a computer visualization generates dynamic animations synchronously with heartbeats sensed by the imPulse modules. When one imPulse module is being used, the visualization generates particles that flock around one side of the screen. If both modules are being used, the particles in the visualization gradually flock to the other side of the screen, creating a visual metaphor of the connection that is made. This visualization scales up to the 6 screen resolution of the Most Pixels Ever Processing Library written by Dan Shiffman and Chris Karailla. It can also run in smaller, 1 or 2 screen installations.

Heartbeat is a very personal expression of an individual’s bodily presence. Thus, a device that amplifies a user’s pulse evokes a deep emotional response almost automatically. The imPulse project proposes a technological interface for augmenting intimate or meditative moments between people at a distance by allowing users to share their pulse with one another, simply by placing both hands on an imPulse object.

Exploring the potential for people to share their internal body rhythms, the imPulse devices sense pulse through palm contact and wirelessly transmit heartbeats to companion imPulse units. The device is ergonomically designed to rest in users’ laps, and provides light flashes as well as vibration, presenting feedback about each user’s heart rate. We are eager to see how augmenting the responses of the physical devices with synchronized actions on screen will increase the feeling of connection provided by this interaction.

Two imPulse objects in front of a display with two chairs or stools for users to sit in while resting their palms on the devices. A user sits, puts the imPulse module in their lap, and places their hands on it. After a calibration period of 4-6 seconds, the module begins to flash rings of LEDs and vibrate motors embedded in its silicon surface to the rhythm of that user's heartbeat. Each heartbeat sends a wireless event to a computer running a Processing application. Each received wireless event causes particles to animate about the display. If two people are simulataneously registering their heartbeats on imPulse objects, particles on the display create pathways to the separate ends of the display.

( Ideally, the display would consist of the 6 screens running on Shiffman / Karailla's MPE Processing library. We could also show on a projection screen or single plasma display.)

The imPulse modules are made of laser cut wood and custom-cast translucent rubber. Copper pads in the surface of the rubber provide connectivity to a Polar heartrate sensor. An embedded Xbee radio transmits heartbeat events to companion modules as well as computer visualization servers.