My finalized concept is using holographic technology (aka a bunch of iPads and plexiglass) to depict a narrative that describes the issues surrounding deforestation. I plan to use several iPads that would each feature a holographic video of part of a forest. Put together, these videos would form an overarching, connected narrative that would immerse the viewer in a digital forest or data visualization. I’d like to add motion sensors that trigger different videos to play, or at the very least turn on the holograms. I may even have a larger projection on the wall (just a regular flat 2D video), but that would depend on the time frame of the project.
The company Rainforest Connection is the main source of inspiration for this idea. Founded by Topher White, it utilizes Tensorflow, a machine learning framework created by Google, and old cell phones to detect the sounds of chainsaws and alerts the locals of illegal deforestation activities. I stumbled across this site: https://www.google.com/about/stories/rainforest/
The display of the site intrigued me, and while it’s not data visualization, I liked the way they used interactivity and presentation to draw attention to their mission. What’s great is that they even have a contact that people can reach out to for project help and contributions.
I love hiking and I love nature, so I would personally be invested in a project that promotes that. I’ve also always been a storyteller and artist first since I was young, and since coming to college I’ve mostly been focusing on the technology aspect over the artistic despite being an IMM major. I’d like to be able to return to my roots (pun as an afterthought) with this project, as well as practice some 3D modeling/environmental design. It may not be directly impactful, but I think I can make it work.
My initial prototype I’d like to complete by the end of the semester is at least one holographic video complete with a preliminary model. If I can get my hands on a sensor and get it hooked up to the hologram, that would be bonus points. I’d probably do several mockups of the hologram to decide which set up I like best, as well as what style I’d like the video narrative to be in.
With that being said, I’m excited to jump in!
Given the crowd and noise of the senior showcase, I think you might want to isolate your sound design using headphones, probably wireless.
As we discussed, it would be interesting to work with some relevant real-time data from the internet, possibly through the deforestation project you mentioned, or something else: https://toolbox.google.com/datasetsearch
Disadvantage to using iPads… they *might* be in high demand for the show. Advantage to using iPads… we have a decent number of them, especially if they don’t have to be Pros. They not only display information, they can also process information, and send/receive information over the network. You could use something like OSC to keep the iPads in sync and talk to a central server (maybe the same machine that’s reading the proximity sensor data.) Google Arduino OSC, Arduino proximity, Raspberry Pi OSC, Raspberry Pi proximity, etc.
Alternatively, the department has a number of medium-sized flat screen monitors. To go that route, you’d obviously need a central computer that could control video playback on the various screens while responding to data from the proximity sensors. A Raspberry Pi isn’t going to drive five monitors. Maybe it’s more like a central computer somehow sends messages to dedicated video player devices, each one connected to its own monitor. There are devices like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Player-AGPtek-Full-HD-Digital-Drives/dp/B00TOAAHG4
But the ones that allow for any sort of networking are expensive. The video players could be Pis themselves, I suppose, loaded with video files and some sort of playlist manager that will respond to commands over the network.
Stylistically, the animations need to hit people over the head with essential takeaways about deforestation.