Goal:#
Think of a final project idea and sketch it.
Result:#
For my final project, I wanted to make something I will use even after class is over. I don't want to make something that's just going to sit around my house. Since I like to cook a lot and often cook for friends and family, I thought of a way to create a next-level dining experience.
I am very much inspired by TeamLab Borderless' En Tea House (click through to video).
My idea is to make a portable pop-up projector table. The table will also have a small infrared camera and embedded computer vision to track the plates and cups that are on the table. I will write a program that uses the position and size of the dishware to project down images that relate to themes of each course I serve. For example, I could make it look like a soup is overflowing the bowl. Or I can make ingredients come onto the plate. Or I could make it so that every time you pick up your cup, a message is shown underneath. I will refine my ideas over the course of the semester.
I started by thinking about the general size and shape of this table, and how I could make it portable. I drew inspiration from portable and foldable breakfast nooks, foldable stools, and this PVC cabana project I found online (their site has since been taken down).
I looked up how to make a cheap projector and came across this great project by MickMake. I made sure the parts I needed were in the $10s of dollars range and ordered some so I can get to setting them up and testing ASAP. I hope I didn't misunderstand and can get reimbursed.
I also will make a fabric covering for the structure once it's set up, because I imagine my projector won't bee super powerful so making the environment darker will be helpful.
After talking to a friend, he gave me the tip to use an infrared camera because of potential interference from the projector's light. This made me think that I could also use retroreflective tape to make the plates more individually identifiable. Maybe then I could use the presence of certain plates for "orchestrating" the projector show.
Credits#
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