ARG: the SenseBus Project: Technology

Technology
SenseBus Protocol
Basic Stamp
Technology for Interactive Art

SenseBus Protocol

The SenseBus protocol is an implementation of sense::transform::express. The protocol allows the sharing of sense and transform information among a network of peers. Each of the peers on the SenseBus network is an atomic portion of a larger interactive artwork. Peers can supply and consume any combination of sense, transform and express information. The network functions on a regular clock cycle supplied by a central network hub. The network hub is passive and simply supplies a regular clock tick and a physical interconnect between the peers. Once per cycle of the network, each peer is given the opportunity to write a sense or transform packet onto the network. Each SenseBus packet contains a unique peer identifier, and four sub packets. Each sub packet consists of an identifier byte and a value byte. The meaning of the identifier and value bytes lies outside of the network and is predetermined by consensus prior to construction of the network.

Basic Stamp

A Basic Stamp is a tiny embedded computer that is the reference design for the SenseBus network. The BasicStamp is manufactured by Parallax and is a cheap and easy to program solution. It is programmed using a simple Basic language and is capable of controlling motors, communicating over networks, interfacing to sensors, and many other embedded control tasks. The BasicStamp is supported by a large and active user community, which makes it perfect for interactive artists.

Technology for Interactive Art

Interactive art draws on a large body of media. Here is an incomplete list of some of the technologies that may be used in the SenseBus project:

Sense:
photo resistors can be used to sense light and dark,
switches can be used for direct interaction, or more subtly such as in floor pressure switches,
joysticks can let users input subtle choices or can be used as a level detector,
video camera can be used to detect motion or create dislocation,
microphone can record sound or simply measure the noise level in a room,
thermometer measures temperature,
weight scale can differentiate between children and adults,
motion detectors like those used in alarm systems can be used to detect human presence or motion,
pressure sensors can measure a breath or a weight,
magnetic sensors can act as connectionless switches,
and many more...

Transform:
BasicStamp allows collection of sensor readings, computation, network participation, and control of motors and actuators,
Personal Computers can be used in conjunction with the BasicStamp for more complex control or interaction

Express:
electric motors can turn a wheel, pull a chain, hold in place,
solenoids can twist and turn, pull and push,
pneumatics and hydraulics can push and pull heavy loads,
audio and video can record, play back, transmit and reflect,
and much more...