A relatively straightforward gif created using Processing. Each individual dot oscillates sinusoidally along a fixed radial path. Adjacent dots have different oscillation frequencies, which results in interesting patterns. This follows the mathematics of the pendulum wave phenomenon, which is explained very well in this paper. The difference here is that the pendula have been arranged in a circle, rather than a straight line. As a bonus, staring at the centre of the image induces an illusion effect, where some of the dots appear to have dark centres.
Overview Pentagraphic Illumination is comprised of a set of translucent tubes containing programmable LED strips. The tubes are connected to form a “closed-loop scissor mechanism” (CLSM). An example of a CLSM is illustrated in Fig. 1 which shows a six-sided CLSM at three levels of extension. The structure is supported at the bottom by six pistons connected to a cylinder which allows the entire structure to be actuated from its centre.
A cube was constructed with regular mirrors forming three adjacent faces, while the opposite faces were 50⁄50 mirrors. Blue electro-luminescent wire was placed inside as an illumination source. The result is a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic infinity mirror effect. Since the faces are made from acrylic, pressing on them only makes the effect better.
Exhibited at La Grosse Lanterne and Upfest, this installation was a collaboration with the Provides. collective. It is a 9x9 grid of mirrors, 50⁄50 mirrors, and LED infinity mirrors. The infinity mirrors are fascinating in their own right, but the entire structure is arranged in an arc so that multiple reflections are generated as light reflects from different faces of the grid. Think infinity mirrors inside an infinity mirror. Moreover, the 50⁄50 mirrors allow an outside observer to enjoy a kaleidoscopic effect when standing outside of it.
What happens when you look at a plasma globe through a kaleidoscope? Magic. The tactile response of the plasma globe adds a unique flavour of interactivity. Using a tapered-mirror design for the kaleidoscope produces enchanting 3D effects, which take it to an entirely new level.
A relatively straightforward gif created using Processing. Each individual dot oscillates sinusoidally along a fixed radial path. Adjacent dots have different oscillation frequencies, which results in interesting patterns. This follows the mathematics of the “pendulum wave” phenomenon, which is explained very well in this paper. The difference here is that the pendula have been arranged in a circle, rather than a straight line. As a bonus, staring at the centre of the image induces an illusion effect, where some of the dots appear to have dark centres.
Soundcastle was exhibited at the Ottawa Maker Faire. Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. For one spectacular weekend, Aberdeen Pavilion in Ottawa’s historic fairgrounds will be transformed into a model Maker City, a showcase of human ingenuity and imagination to entertain, inform and inspire.