data from the okno garden

The idea was to detect bio feedback of plants,
send this data from the garden (over a radio frequency connection)
into okno and transform it into music.

sketch_domes

measuring bio resistance
attaching stretch sensors

working on solar panels
brainstorming
stretch sensor out of conductive fabric

Parts of the project
XBEE
SENSORS
SOUND/STREAMING
SOLARPANELS

notes

CONCEPT
Invent ways to measure subtle activities of plants.
Create interaction with plants.
Experiment with senors (on stems, flowers and leaves).
Observe data and biodynamic responses.
Send data via internal radio network.
Connect domes wirelessely to main room.
Help the plants to create music.

NoisyFriends: Xbees talking

XBEE

Configure Xbee Radios with Xbee Shield via Serial connection (USB)
Give each Xbee an address/name/destination via AT commands
Programm the Arduinos to handle data.

soldering

DIY SENSORS:

Conductive and "natural" materials used for measuring variable resistance:
fabric (stretch fabric)
thread
Ink
Graphite
Metal wool (scrap pats)
foil
wire
plants themselves

soldering DIY sensors



Slow Input: Plants growing and moving, changing absorbation of light, temperature (plant as actor)
kyd and the courgette sensor


Fast Input: drumming, touching, knocking, talking, rubbing, pressing the plants (using plant as interface)


joining forces



PLANTS

We discovered that all OKNO plants are showing highly complex biodynamic response to their environment. We conducted experiments to try and find out how plants react to wind, air pressure, touch, light, movement, sound etc.
They indeed are living creatures with extremely developed senses.
Plan A


MUSIC

The numbers we are getting in from the garden are becoming parameters and generators of our veggie sound. Isjtar is creating the sound out of the 14 analog input streams the plants are sending from the garden.

LilyPad Accelerometer measuring leave position in the wind