The whisper shoes project has come a long way since last week. We experimented with three sensors, placed on different parts of the foot. Using different resistors, we were able to calibrate the sensors for optimum feedback (the most consistent output with a decent range.)
image 01
We obtained a sound chip and began wiring the board, according to the diagram we found on the data sheet. A couple of issues we ran into are listed below: 1. mic was not the correct one for input 2. board was wired according to the way the diagram appeared, not how it was written out (according to numbers, etc)
image 02
Still working toward getting the sound chip to function correctly.
Shoes designed to give feedback, based upon the speed a person is walking. The feedback will vary, creating an awareness of the person's surroundings.
The prototype consists of a sandal-type of model with a button inside the heel (may later be a foot insole, so it can be used in many different kinds of shoes.) The button sends a signal to the chip, telling it how many times it has been pushed within a predefined time period. The chip sends a message to the computer (to be replaced with wireless earpiece in later model) with a message.
video 1
click on movie to start or stop
video 2
=================Tool: Shoe=================
The following is a descriptive list pertaining to project ideas involving the shoe as tool.
1. Assisted Walking- Physical Therapy Shoe • encourage older people who are learning to walk again
• use sensors that vibrate toward the direction the person should be walking
2. Whisper Shoes • shoes detect how fast a person is walking and give feedback based upon the steps (pressure & amount of time between steps)
• device in person's ear will emit message, having to do with the environment (eg. a person is walking very quickly, device speaks," Look at the man in the blue coat." This creates an awareness of the surrounding environment, which might normally be ignored in the hurried pace)
• shoes would be clear to see the electronics inside, allowing others in the outside environment to have a look inside
3. Music of Your Day • shoes take in sound
• readings of recording depend on how fast you're going
4. Damage Monitor • sensor in shoe, measures pressure on certain points (those affects by wearing high heels, for instance)
• monitor on side of show calculates how much tissue damage, depending on the pressure and time it is applied
We are looking at the action of the foot walking or moving. The tool we are looking at is the shoe or some form of protective foot gear.
The footwear acts on the foot of the human body.
The goal of the activity of walking, dancing, etc is to move from one location to another, or to just move (this might include creating beats).
Almost always humans with two functioning legs and feet and upper bodies move by placing one foot in front, in back, to the side or on top of the other---creating a sequential pattern(s).
The rest of the body tends to respond in terms of balance or fancy depending upon whether their feet are running, walking, jumping or otherwise. Often the arms will swing out from side to side either in accordance with or opposite to the pattern of the feet. Likewise, the head often bobs with each step and more pronouncedly on women, hips tend to sway as well. The rest of the body also tends to be responsive/reactive to the level of tension held in the feet and the type of soles on the footwear.
People tend to focus their attention either on where they are headed or need be at their actual feet and the terrain just ahead. Especially on days like these where we have hills of snow and pools of slush to navigate, many eyes, heads, necks and shoulders are focused on the ground in front of themselves.
What physical elements the activity engaging? Footwear is also a way of making a personal statement. Many people look to footwear to see what kind of a person they are, they can indicate socio-economic class, provocativ-ity(?), conservativ-ity(?), etc.
What elements make it painful, difficult or boring? We take walking for granted as an everyday task that we rely upon to get us from point a to point b. In doing so, it is easy for our feet to hurt from overuse or from not having the most physically accomodating footwear.
Physical Characteristics of Footwear protects the sole of the foot, may enclose part or all of the foot
Physical Input to the tool suggest or mirror those characteristics: pressure, contact, conforms to the shape of the foot, stylish, laces, velcro, snaps, ties
Selected Video of Shoe/Foot Observations:
aerial view
bending down
boots
front view
running
jumping
tap dancing
Page 3 of pdf for Week 4 has a good sequential documentation of the foot from Jean-Marc Gautier. http://www.tinkering.net/spatialdesign/
Here's an example of footwear designed for its high-tech support/cushioning, and aesthetic, and (sub)cultural legacy: http://www.nikeair.com
Interactive Technology Master's Program _ New York University
