Art 511: Sensor Based Events / Physical Computing/ Electronics Syllabus

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Hands-on studio course to introduce students to techniques and aesthetics of creating experimental art/media events and installations based on technologies of electronics, sensors and control of devices. In both the art and research worlds dissatisfaction is growing with the limitations of the mouse and keyboard as computer interfaces. New technologies enable sensing of motion, location, and gesture... Similarly new paradigms of ubiquitous computing are exploring the possibilities of activated spaces in which objects are endowed with intelligence, communication, and responsiveness. This course will survey previous artistic work that investigates these conceptual spaces Familiarity with computing, interactive media, Director, and electronics will be useful but not required.

The course will use the Arduino microcontroller board both as a self contained microcontroller (a mini computer capable of running interactive events)  and as an interface board for computers.  The Arduino is an open source, cross platform,  inexpensive hardware platform being supported around the world by artists and others interested in experimental media and interfaces.  (http://www.arduino.cc/).  Each student will be given an arduino board and prototyping kit to use during the semester so they will be able to work at home.   Consent of Instructor required.  No background in electronics required.

Course Objectives

• Students will be able to articulate theoretical perspectives relevant to cultural experimentation with embodiment, physical computing, ubiquitous computing, tangible interfaces, motion detection, gesture recognition, activated objects and alternative interfaces.
• Students will be able to identify, desribe and analyze work of artists working with these experimental interfaces.
• Students will be able to design art events that explore use of sensors.
• Students will be able to design art events that explore object activation and control.
• Students will be able to locate, comprehend, and articulate art implications of university and think0tank based technological research in related fields
• Students will be able to articulate a personal aesthetic about uses of these techniologies in their own works.

• Students will understand the basic theoretical principles of analog and digital electronics.
  
• Students will be able to read and understand electronics catalogs.
  
• Stidemts will be able to design and build simple circuits using components such as transistors, resistors, capcitors, relays, leds, photocells, pressure sensors, position sensors, small motors, etc.
• Students will learn how to take apart common household devices and toys and hack into them to include them in art compositions.
• Students will learn how read data sheets on electronic components.
  
• Students will learn how to program the arduino board using its native Wiring language to build self contained ineractive devices that don't require a host computer.
  
• Students will leaqrn how to use the Arduino board in conjunction with a host computer to integrate sensing, activated objects and media events.
• Students will learn how to program events on the computer using an authoring language such as Director.
  
• Students will learn how to use the web (in conjunction with the controller board) to remotely sense and control events.
• Students will be aware of saftey issues in working with electronics and learn safe practices.
  

Office Hours:

Course Requirements:

• Regular Attendance at class (no more than 3 absences)
• Active Participation
• Completion of Lab Exercises with skill and engagement
• Mastery of Basic Concepts of Electronics, Circuits, Sensors, Microcontrollers
  
• Mastery of Basic Arduino Programing (Wiring Language)
• Mastery of programming computer to interact with sensors
  
• Independently Designed Art Projects Using Skills and Concepts Related to Computers

(**Note**  In CIA classes as much is learned from study and critical reflection on other's work as is learned from completion of one's own work.  This course places highest priority  on being present at class presentations of student work. Unexcused absence will not be accepted.  Even if you have not finished an assignment,, you must attend so you can see others work.  There is no way to make up the critique and analysis of seeing student work.)

Texts

• Required Text:  Physical Computing: Sensing and Controlling the Physical World with Computers. - Dan O'Sullivan, Tom Igoe  (Course Technology Publishers, 2004)
• Recommended Text:  Information Arts: Intersections of Art, Science & Technology.  Stephen Wilson  (MIT Press, 2002)

Class Fee, Experimentor Kit, and Care of Shared Supplies

There is a class lab fee of $40.  Each student will be loaned a CIA Experimentor's Kit which will allow experimentation with the topics of the course without reliance on the class lab environment.  There is over $130 worth of equipment and supplies in the kit.  Each student will be required to return the kit (minus the use of expendables) in good condition at the end of the semester.  If the student loses or breaks equipment, they will be expectred to buy replacement parts.  Proof of lab fee payment will be required in order to obtain the kit.  Once the class is over a certain number of these kits will be made available for student check out if a monitoring system can be developed. The experimentor kit's main equipment (that must be returned) includes:  Arduino board, USB cable, solderless breadboard, variable power supply, needle nose plier, wire stripper, alligator clips,  multimeter, and plastic carrying case.  It also includes an expendable packet of componets (resistors, leds, transistors, hookup wire, photocells, relay, etc)

In addition the class will offer access to additional shared tools and components.  These supplies can easily be lost and mistreated.  All students will be expected to help maintain the viability of these supplies - for example, cleaning up after lab sessions, putting things back in their place, systematically labeling things thought to be malfunctioning.

Most students will develop projects that will require purchase of additional supplies.  Plan on spending $20-50 for specialized supplies during the semester.

Grading

The class will be taught in accordance with mastery approach.  All students will be expected to learn the basic competencies of the course.  Students  will be expected to put in whatever time and effort that is required to learn those basic skills.  A student who is not meeting those requiements will be urged to drop the course.  An A will require extra effort over and beyond the requirements of the course (that is, an extra project and reading extra course related materials.)

Probation, Diabilities

Health & Safety

• Keep dry, wipe hands, avoid spills, don't work in wet environments - liquids make for much lower resistance.  Wet skin conducts much easier than dry and increases shock danger.
• Avoid contact with soldering irons; they get very hot and burns are possible.  Avoid molten solder.  Avoid putting soldering irons down in areas where they can melt wires etc.
• Conventional solder contains lead.  Work in well ventilated spaces.  Avoid direct inhalation of solder fumes.
• Wire cutters and strippers can also cut skin.  Exposed wires are sharp and can cut. Use pliers to manipulate wires if  possible.
• In this course no one should work on 110v circuits unless cleared by professor.  When working on authorized projects, avoid direct contact with 110v sources, watch for frayed wires, disconnected grounds, inadvertent contacts between 110 and low voltages systems - eg wires touching.  If working with 110, turn off power while constructing circuits, inspect for open wires.  Work with one hand if possible putting the other in pocket ( thus avoiding circuit path to ground).  Wear shoes.  Take off metal jewelry.   If someone does get shocked, turn off power supply immediately if possible.  Don't touch person directly, try to use insulating material (such as broom handle or rubber material) when moving them to safety.

• Low voltage components are easily damaged by high voltages.  Even static electricity can damage components (such as rubbing your hair).  Ground your body by touching metal chasis or pipes before working.  Try to avoid touching metal leads and pads.   Store components in static free bags.  Use a grounding wristband if possible.
• Components can be damaged by excessive voltages.  Read specification sheets to determine voltage limits. Start out with lower voltages and work up.  Test sources with multimeter.
• Components can be damaged by reversed polarities.  Make sure you understand what the component is designed for.  Test the circuit to check polarities.  Learn how to use the power supplies.
• Computer components are especially vulnerable.  Be very careful about what voltages you expose the Arduino to.

• http://www.reprise.com/host/circuits/voltage_safety.asp  (Dangerous voltages)
  
• http://www.reprise.com/host/circuits/substance_safety.asp  (Dangerous Substances )
• home electrical safety guidelines
  

rev 2/16/09