The initial inspiration behind the Coral of Curiosity was crochet's ability to accurately model the hyperbolic form of coral. Throughout this project, crochet has been combined with electrical and mechanical systems to create an interactive coral environment where the crochet comes alive. The eco-system consists of three separate mechanisms which each interact with the user in individual ways, provoking curiosity.
Infrared sensors have been used to detect when a user’s hand is placed over the structure. The input from the IR sensors causes a rotational output via stepper motors which then drive mechanical systems. Differences in the mechanism and the code allow for three unique interactions.
The Installation Consists of Three Concepts:
1. 'The Fingers' - Eight fingers modelled using wooden blocks, springs and strings close when an IR sensor detects a hand over the structure. This is done through strings that are wound and unwound around a shaft which is rotated using a stepper motor.
2. 'The Bop' - Eye hooks are used to attach crochet to cams. When the IR sensors detect a hand over the structure the motor rotates the coral moves in an up/down motion. As the crochet is so light the cam follower was attached to a ring that rotates around the cam following its shape.
3. 'The Wave' - Skewers attached to rings that rotate around cams create a wave-like motion. An IR sensor detects the presence of a user the closer the user is to the sensor, the faster the wave moves.
Project Video
The Three Subsystems
