Computers for The Rest of You. Final Project Proposal. Fall 2006.

BODY LANDSCAPE

An augmented inmersive environment to promote self awareness of the body presence.

KEYWORDS

Physiological signals, affective computing, inmersion, space, navigation.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Body Landscape in a bio signal interface that establishes a correspondance between the interior body and a virtual landscape. The user will be able to recognize his/her physiological signals represented by abstract element arranged in an inmmersive virtual environment. By focusing on the body signals, the user will be able to relax and reach a meditation state.

SOURCES OF INSPIRATION

"Osmose" by Char Davies http://www.immersence.com/
MIT Media Lab Affective Computing Group projects http://affect.media.mit.edu/
Book "Affective Computing" by Rosalind Picard
Past work http://villarrealstudio.com/
http://www.mackeyworlds.com/g2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=803
My Yoga and Budhism meditation practices
My students work http://pratt.edu/~pmackey/i3d3/

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

Input

Two thermistors (head and finger temperature)
Two piezo sensors (pulse, muscle contraction)
One IR emmiter and receiver (BVP Blood Volume pressure)
Conductive rubber (breath sensor)
Accelerometer (to control user POV)

Interface

Hardware:
Two bluetooth Arduino boards: head and wrist
One Mac Mini

Software:
Macromedia Director (Imaging Lingo and 3D)
Serial Xtra http://www.physicalbits.com/Xtras/Detailed/SerialXtra/Intro.php

Output

ICuiti Video Eyewear http://www.icuiti.com/
http://www.mackeyworlds.com/g2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=803