Boolean?

This was a quick introduction into the world of physical computing. We were given a keyboard and asked to come up with an interaction linked to an interface using the USB keyboard chip. Basic soldering and prototyping skills (both physical and digital) were applied.

See also the Quattro project

Concept

The idea behind the prototype is to change the boolean nature of keyboard inputs to a variable based behavior. Sliding your hand across the copper plate will replicate the effect of moving your hand gently over sprites of grass. Additionally, for fun and education, a tactile game and a love meter are available as shown below.

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Prototype

The left side of the prototype is a tube filled with water attached to a copper plate on the bottom that is connected to the keyboard matrix. The right side is a copper plate divided in five parts, each of them mapped to the keyboard matrix. The circuit is closed by putting the left hand in the water and sliding across the copper plate with the right hand, thus sending a key input to the computer.

More electronic prototyping