Week 6: Group Proposal

Introduction: 

‘The Visualla’ (the walking canvas) is technologically savvy equipped with moods when temperature changes. With various designs in place, we aim to brighten up your day rain or shine.

Temperaments: 

Our umbrella reacts accordingly to the temperature of the weather so users can use it whenever and wherever. Apart from shielding rain, it will come in handy when the sun rays get too tough.

Thermochromic pigment

• Activation temperatures : -15C ~ 70C
• Heat resistant: Max anti-temperature can go up to 280 degree

Mobile App:

Choose presets or “moods” beforehand so users don’t have to meddle with their phones upon using the umbrella.

DIY own designs on top of presets/moods

weather prediction: app connected to The Weather Channel

“moods”

Easy accessibility:

Users can simply switch on the activation button at the handle of the umbrella or the app on their phones upon downloading it.

Layout Examples

Ref: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed0TwULyl6o

Materials Needed

• Thermochromic pigment: changing color by its activation temperature (eg. mood rings)
• Hydrochromic Screen Printing Ink: white when dry and clear when wet, once the hydrochromic ink dries it goes white again  - to hide messages, colours and text. (for DIY)
• Motion sensor

Reference:

PILEUS - The Internet Umbrella

Image Ref: http://www.coin-operated.com/2010/05/04/umbrella-net-2004/

Main Functions:

Photo-sharing and 3D Map Navigation

Umbrellas > Connected via Bluetooth > Miniature PCs > Public Performance Art How does the umbrella work?

Encompasses of:

large screen on the top surface

a built-in camera

a motion sensor

digital compass

GPS

connected to a major web service: Flickr API

user can take photo with a camera on the umbrella, and pictures are uploaded to Flickr in two minutes with context tags via a wireless Internet connection

+

watch photo-streams downloaded from Flickr with simple operation of wrist snapping

shows a 3D bird view around the user. User can walk-through a city comparing the 3D views and real sights, and the map is always updated by GPS and a digital compass

*provides social local-navigations and real-time in-place communications