Interactive Tree
Pictures from the ITP Winter show - 2005
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
Title: Interactive Tree
By: Max Weng, Gilad Lotan
Concept:
We strive to create an environment where the virtual and physical realities merge. This task will be done using the organic shape and feel of a tree. We will construct a 'pixelated' 3D version of a tree using small cubes and plastic-etched leaves. In our piece, we represent the physical tree using the virtual building blocks of pixels while we represent the virtual using a patch that takes visuals from a camera, and projects a transformed image onto the tree. This image will allow a viewer to interact with the tree through his/her virtual projected image. This visual experience is possible only from one specific location, where the viewer is able to notice the shape of the tree, as well as be projected onto the scene. From all other positions the image of the tree will not be comprehended. We chose a tree because of the significance it has in different cultures around the world. We relate to trees in many ways, usually when celebrating holidays, and we both think it is an object that every person in the world can somehow connect to.
Description:
The Interactive Tree will be ultimately placed in the corner of the ITP lobby, with a white background behind the tree. The viewer will be able to view the tree from one designated spot in the lobby. From all other positions, the image of a tree will not be seen. When the visitors come to the ITP show, they will only see boxes hanging over the space without knowing what it is. After they keep walking and come to a specified place, which could be somewhere in front of the hall way, they'll realize that all those boxes take the shape of a tree. This way we would be able to give people something that exceeds their expectations.
The tree consists of paper boxes and plastic leaves. We carefully designed the tree which will consist of 50 paper boxes in a 30x40x50 inch volume space, hung from the ceiling. In addition, we etched leaves out of polycarbonate with intricate geometric detail derived from the maple leaf structure. We expect these physical leaves, along with the projected virtual leaves, to make an illusion of this blend between the real and the virtual.
What is the intent for your project? Creating a unique space which will interact with a viewer only at a specific position. We are interested in building this object because it can only be grasped from a specific point of view. This creates a mystery in the eyes of the viewers, who strive to comprehend the shape of the complete image. It would also be great to work on adding something organic like a tree to the current ITP space which could possibly stay on the floor, and give a warm feel on the floor.
Keywords:
Interactive space, lifesize pixels,
Projection with unconventional screens,
Spacial Transformation,
Illusive space, Organic Space
Who is the audience for your project? Any viewer in the show or any ITP-er on the floor.
Describe the starting point for someone experiencing your project? Random hanging boxes will be seen from far away, seducing viewers to come close and to check them out. When reaching a certain position close by, the tree will start interacting with the viewer according to the input received through the camera. Once the viewer understands the logic, the back and forth input-output cycle will take place.
Resources for this project?
1. Paper boxes as the basic building blocks (pixels) for the structure of the tree. They will be hung from the ceiling using fish wire. Optimal sizes are - 4x4x4 and 6x6x6 boxes.
2. Polycarbonate sheets to make the etched leaf structures which will also be hung from the ceiling.
3. Wood / Mesh / Plexiglass - To put on the ceiling as a base to hang from
4. Camera, Computer and Projector. A patch will be written in C and run with the camera video images through the computer and into the projector.