Purpose:
To create silent space in a loud world. Specifically for this project, I want to create a refuge on the ITP floor where students and faculty can re-center themselves in a comfortable and private environment. This project is the continuation of the first Meditation Chamber which Dan Albritton and I made last year. This version will no longer use FSR (force sensors) to sense movement and will instead focus on sensing heartbeat as the assistive technoogy to aid concentration and the overall experience.
Criterias:
I want the chamber to be: Helpful, soothing, comfortable, private, safe, quiet, sound proof, attractive, inviting, inspiring (for new ideas), portable, self sustainable, upcycleable.
Physical makeup of Chamber:
The chamber consists of:
1) Inflated white bubble, which acts as the inner membrane.
2) Cardboard platform, which the inflated chamber sits atop. The circular platform will be surrounded with rope light controlled by the users' heartbeat.
3) Outer icosahedron shell made from thrown out cardboard. This will be lined with clear plastic water cups to redirect noise away from the chamber.
4) Wireless Mudra Orb with embedded heartbeat sensor.
(outer shell will not be finished for Winter Show)
Electronics:
2) Xbee radios for wireless communication between Mudra piece and computer.
3) Audio speakers for basic playback (meditative music, chanting, instructions, etc).
4) Deep base speaker inbedded into the base to vibrate/ message the user.
5) Computer with camera for before & after pictures and data logging. There will be a database for users to keep track of their meditation sessions with information on: time (how long they sit for) and the various sensor readings.
6) Motion tracking camera to sense how still the user sits.
Videos&Pictures:
