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imPulse
<< 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. |
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.
SUPPORTING MEDIA
Video of imPulse visualization that was built in Processing can be watched here.
User demo video is here.
INTERACTION
The imPulse units can be placed on a table, stand, or
podium for use, but they are best suited for resting in
the lap of the user. When a device is powered on, its
lights fade in and out with a default pulse, inviting
potential interaction. An outline of hands on the surface
of the object identifies the space where users should
place their hands to engage the device. Once people
place both of their hands on the specified location, the
unit’s light panel stays on, telling the user that their
touch has been recognized. Within a calibration period
that lasts from one to seven seconds, the unit starts
responding to the heartbeat of its user’s pulse. This
response is implemented using an internal motor in
addition to an LED panel, all synchronized to the
heartbeat.
The top of the imPulse object is made with silicone, so
it has a flexible surface which yields to hand pressure in
a soft, satisfying manner. Two vibrating motors are
affixed to the surface of each unit to provide haptic
feedback about the rate of users’ heartbeats. One of
the motors vibrates with the local user’s pulse and the
other motor beats when the device’s radio receives a
pulse signal from a remote user of an imPulse unit.
Meanwhile, a remote user would enjoy a mirrored
experience: one motor in sync with her own heartbeat,
and the other in time with the partnered imPulse unit’s
pulse.
When the hands are taken off the unit, it goes back to
its’ original state, until the next pair of hands are
placed on the unit. The imPulse units are completely
wireless, each containing a rechargeable battery.
When more than one imPulse units are used within a
detectable range, they automatically connect and share
data. The different user’s heartbeats are passed across
this wireless network, allowing each of the users to feel
the other’s heartbeats on their personal units. An
intricate connection is instantly formed, consisting of
the different rhythms of all the user’s heartbeats within
this spontaneous network. We have currently built two
modules, but more can be easily added to the network.
TECHNOLOGY
The imPulse units are implemented using a variety of
technical components, including: PIC microcontroller,
motors, LED’s, Polar® heartbeat sensors and
Maxstream®’s Xbee radios. The imPulse modules are
programmed to connect wirelessly using Radio
Frequency, over a wireless mesh network. Therefore,
when a unit comes into the proximity of another, they
automatically discover each other and make a
connection. This is implemented using the Zigbee radio
protocol. Specifically, we are using MaxStream®’s
XBee radio chips. The distance between communication
modules can reach up to 100 meters.
In order to receive and analyze the pulse readings, we
inserted a Polar® heartbeat sensor chip within our
circuit. This chip needs to connect to four different
conductive leads, which must come in contact with the
user’s hands. When setup properly, the chips pass
along electronic pulses according to the user’s
heartbeat. This data is fed to a PIC microcontroller
which controls the behavior of the motors and LED
panels based on readings from the pulse sensor.
FABRICATION
The surface skin of the imPulse unit is made from cast
silicone rubber. During the casting process, the silicone
material is poured onto non-sticky acrylic that has a
lasercut paperboard design glued to its surface. This
paperboard is lasercut to resemble an outline of hands.
The relief of this hand outline leaves a recessed line in
the flat surface of the silicone so that, when it is affixed
to the object’s frame, it will show the user where to
place his or her hands.
The frame of the imPulse module was also prototyped
using a laser cutting printer to make precise custom
shapes out of wood. Using wood rather than plastic
gives the imPulse object an organic quality that we felt
was important to the notion of intimacy.
FUTURE USE SCENARIOS
We see a variety of different user scenarios for imPulse.
It is a unique way for people to connect with each other
in public and private spaces. It could also serve as an
interesting controller interface for more ambient display
systems.
In July, the imPulse units were presented at the Sony
Wonder Labs museum in New York City. A steady
stream of visitors from area day camps interacted with
the units at the museum. Both teenagers and adults
were obviously astounded as they were constantly
asking, “Is that really our heartbeats?” It was evident
from the feedback that we got there that the
interaction was simple yet evocative. People seemed
most excited about how interaction with imPulse makes
the internal “data” of their bodies tangible in an
external format for other people to experience.
Beyond displaying it in tech or science museums, we
also imagine imPulse could be useful in therapeutic
scenarios for people suffering from anxiety or
depression. It might also simply be used as a tool for
augmenting communal meditation techniques. Many
users have commented on the soothing experience that
interaction with the device brings as well as the feeling
of togetherness that it provides.
We believe that we have experienced so far We see
this a very possible controller for a display in a
museum, which will then be manipulated according to
its’ user’s heartbeat.
In such a museum context, the data flowing between
the units can be easily set to control audio output from
speakers and visuals coming from a screen or
projector. Another idea we have been working on is a
public display, which aggregates the pulse data from all
the different people who interact with it.