Hardware
nD::node as installed in homunculus.agora.
homunculus.agora uses a custom designed microcontroller platform, called the nD::node [1], to control its behaviour. An ongoing research project, the nD::node is a low-cost, Arduino-based hardware platform [2] developed to facilitate the creation of scalable, component-based media art works at architectonic scale. The nD::node forms a networkable system capable of handling hundreds of nodes that can be spread over large distances providing control (via LED’s and actuators) while receiving real-time sensor data from the local environment. The result is a high-resolution bidirectional feedback system that can be embedded in the material systems of architectonic objects. The inspiration for the development of the nD::node stems from the problem that currently there are no low cost, ready-made, off-the-shelf solutions for the deployment of large networks of micro-controllers that can communicate with each other and/or with a central computer system bi-directionally. Systems that do exist are generally high cost, proprietary, and complicated to use, and as such, they are out of the grasp of most media artists and architectural researchers. To this end, the nD::node is being developed as a low-cost, readily deployable, open-source solution. nD::nodes bridge the divide between the virtual and physical by providing a ready to use platform for sensing and actuation that can be used in conjunction a wide rage of projects that require these technologies. nD::nodes could be integrated in every aspect of the Interactive Digital Environments facility, including the walls [3], ceiling, floor [4], and in stand alone objects in the space. Results from this work could be equally applied to large scale installations and related projects that require large arrays of localized sensing and control, such as those found in the fields of architecture, media arts, exhibition development, and related creative industries.
Four predecessors to the nD::node, (from left to right) protonode (2009), YUNode1 (2011),
YUnode2 (2011), and Qyunode as used in Quasar2 and Quasar3 (2012).
nD::nodes are developed to be a modular with the intention that the modules can be used to adapt to different projects easily. In previous projects modularity happed at the level of design and once manufactured the modules were populated on a single circuit board, such as with the QYUnode used in Quasar 2 and 3. However, in homunculus.agora this approach was not feasible due to the small space constraints of the piece and the larger circuit needed. So, it was decided to move some of the modules (such as sound, light, sensing) off board resulting in the system pictured above. Moving to this multi-board modularity has other advantages as it allows for different nD::nodes to have different arrangements of modules in the same system, and it allows for rapid prototyping of future projects due to the reconfiguration of existing modules, and its easy interfacing to new modules and prototype circuits.
nD::node (2013) in 3D printed enclosure for homuculus.agora (top-left), nD::node without enclosure (top-right),
nD::node in waterproof enclosure (bottom).
The result is a system that is, topologically, very similar to the system developed by Robert Gorbet and Philip Beesley for the Hylozoic Series and related projects [5]. However, there are major differences in the communications system and the logic and organization of the boards, which I will not elaborate on here. However, it is noteworthy to acknowledge that 1) the nD::node is compatible with the Hylozoic system as it was integrated into the Hylozoic system for the purposes of a performance given at DEAF 2012 [6]; 2) there has been a sharing of ideas of the design of the boards and the technical details; and 3) while the two projects have developed independently (even before I ever met Beesley) there was clearly an influence of the Hylozoic Soil system on the design of nD::node having read their publications and analyzed their work.
[1] http://ndstudiolab.com/projects/ndnode[2] http://www.arduino.cc
[3] see InteractiveWall
[4] see protoDeck
[5] Gorbet, Robert and Philip Beesley. 2007. “Arduino at Work, the hylozoic soil control system” In Mobile Nation, edited by Martha Ladly and Philip Beesley, Waterloo, ON Canada: Riverside Architectural Press.
[6] Beesley, Hosale, Macy, et.al.