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| report:soa [2026/03/25 15:19] – [2.1 Introduction] team5 | report:soa [2026/04/20 18:03] (current) – [2.3.1 Loneliness in public spaces] epsatisep | ||
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| ==== 2.1 Introduction ==== | ==== 2.1 Introduction ==== | ||
| - | This chapter presents the background research | + | This chapter presents the background research |
| - **Interactive urban light installations: | - **Interactive urban light installations: | ||
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| - **Research: | - **Research: | ||
| - **Comparative analysis:** A structured overview of the products, installations, | - **Comparative analysis:** A structured overview of the products, installations, | ||
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| ==== 2.2 Products ==== | ==== 2.2 Products ==== | ||
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| === 2.2.1 Interactive urban light installations === | === 2.2.1 Interactive urban light installations === | ||
| - | Kinetic particles is an interactive art installation that connects human physical movement with digital projections [(kinetic-particles)]. By using cameras and deep learning technology, the system tracks the body movements of performers and audience members in real-time. This tracking data is then used to control words and letters that are projected onto the walls of the room. When people move, their gestures (like the speed of their wrists) act like a force that pushes the projected text around, turning the words into moving particles. The project is designed to be an immersive experience where multiple people can explore the connection between their physical actions and the digital environment, | + | Kinetic particles is an interactive art installation that connects human physical movement with digital projections [(kinetic_particles)]. By using cameras and deep learning technology, the system tracks the body movements of performers and audience members in real-time, as illustrated in Figure {{ref> |
| This article is highly relevant to our research because both projects use technology to create a shared, physical experience rather than isolating people. In the " | This article is highly relevant to our research because both projects use technology to create a shared, physical experience rather than isolating people. In the " | ||
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| <figure fig: | <figure fig: | ||
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| === 2.2.2 Community stories === | === 2.2.2 Community stories === | ||
| - | Keitai Trail | + | This article describes the project Keitai Trail in which researchers used mobile phones to collect and link personal stories from people in public spaces [(numa2009keitai)]. During an art festival, |
| - | + | ||
| - | This article describes the project Keitai Trail in which researchers used mobile phones to collect and link personal stories from people in public spaces [(numa2009keitai)]. During an art festival, participants recorded short videos based on a specific question-and-answer game. Each person answered a question from a previous participant, | + | |
| This research is relevant to our project because it demonstrates how technology can be used to collect stories from strangers and connect them in a shared environment. Similar to our concept with QR codes and voice memos in the underground, | This research is relevant to our project because it demonstrates how technology can be used to collect stories from strangers and connect them in a shared environment. Similar to our concept with QR codes and voice memos in the underground, | ||
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| === 2.2.3 Participatory Public Art === | === 2.2.3 Participatory Public Art === | ||
| - | This article outlines the evolution of materials used in public art and how new technologies have led to interactive and participatory installations [(publicartinstallations2014)]. The authors categorize art forms into static, dynamic, interactive, | + | This article outlines the evolution of materials used in public art and how new technologies have led to interactive and participatory installations [(publicartinstallations2014)]. The authors categorize art forms into static, dynamic, interactive, |
| - | This article is relevant to Connect because it provides a theoretical framework for participatory public art. The examples demonstrate that combining a physical environment with a digital, co-creative layer can foster social interaction between strangers in a shared space. This supports the argument that Connect' | + | This article is relevant to Connect because it provides a theoretical framework for participatory public art. The examples demonstrate that combining a physical environment with a digital, co-creative layer can foster social interaction between strangers in a shared space. This supports the argument that Connect' |
| <WRAP centeralign> | <WRAP centeralign> | ||
| <figure fig: | <figure fig: | ||
| {{ : | {{ : | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| </ | </ | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| + | While these installations demonstrate how interactive systems can foster shared experiences, | ||
| ==== 2.3 Research ==== | ==== 2.3 Research ==== | ||
| === 2.3.1 Loneliness in public spaces === | === 2.3.1 Loneliness in public spaces === | ||
| - | A central motivation behind Connect is the observation that people in dense urban environments such as metro carriages, often feel more disconnected from those around them, not less. This paradox is supported by the research article “Lonely in a crowd”[(hammoud2021)], who investigated the real-time relationship between loneliness and the social environment, | + | A central motivation behind Connect is the observation that people in dense urban environments such as metro carriages, often feel more disconnected from those around them, not less. This paradox is supported by the research article “Lonely in a crowd” [(Hammoud2021)], who investigated the real-time relationship between loneliness and the social environment, |
| - | The study found that perceived overcrowding was positively associated with loneliness (OR: 1.39), meaning that being surrounded by many people did not reduce feelings of isolation, it increased them. In contrast, perceived social inclusivity, | + | The study found that perceived overcrowding was positively associated with loneliness (OR: 1.39), meaning that being surrounded by many people did not reduce feelings of isolation, it increased them. In contrast, perceived social inclusivity, |
| - | The findings from this study highlights the problem we want to solve with our project. They suggest that placing people in proximity to one another is not enough to create a sense of belonging, what matters is whether people feel acknowledged and included by those around them [(hammoud2021)]. We aspire to address this by creating a shared experience that makes the presence of fellow passengers visible and meaningful, without requiring explicit social interaction. Rather than demanding conversation or eye contact, it uses light as a medium to signal to passengers that they are part of a collective moment.\\ | + | The findings from this study highlights the problem we want to solve with our project. They suggest that placing people in proximity to one another is not enough to create a sense of belonging, what matters is whether people feel acknowledged and included by those around them [(Hammoud2021)]. We aspire to address this by creating a shared experience that makes the presence of fellow passengers visible and meaningful, without requiring explicit social interaction. Rather than demanding conversation or eye contact, it uses light as a medium to signal to passengers that they are part of a collective moment. |
| It should be noted that the study has limitations. The sample was self-selected and the main participants was educated, middle-aged, | It should be noted that the study has limitations. The sample was self-selected and the main participants was educated, middle-aged, | ||
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| === 2.3.2 Microcontroller === | === 2.3.2 Microcontroller === | ||
| - | The decision to use a microcontroller from the ESP32 family is supported by a | + | The decision to use a microcontroller from the ESP32 family is supported by a comparative analysis of microcontroller platforms for IoT and embedded systems [(maier2017)]. The study evaluates the ESP32 against comparable boards and concludes that its combination of low cost, low power consumption, |
| - | comparative analysis of microcontroller platforms for IoT and embedded systems | + | |
| - | [(maier2017)]. The study evaluates the ESP32 against comparable boards and concludes | + | |
| - | that its combination of low cost, low power consumption, | + | |
| - | the Arduino development environment makes it well suited for sensor-driven | + | |
| - | embedded applications. | + | |
| - | In Connect, the system is distributed across two types of nodes: sensor nodes embedded in each handrail pole, and a central ceiling node that drives the LED strip. Each node handles one task: either reading pressure input from the velostat sensor, or sending colour signals to the LED strip. A single-core microcontroller is sufficient for this, as no parallel processing is required at the node level. The ESP32 microcontroller can handle multiple tasks simultaneously[(maier2017)], | + | In Connect, the system is distributed across two types of nodes: sensor nodes embedded in each handrail pole, and a central ceiling node that drives the LED strip. Each node handles one task: either reading pressure input from the velostat sensor, or sending colour signals to the LED strip. A single-core microcontroller is sufficient for this, as no parallel processing is required at the node level. The ESP32 microcontroller can handle multiple tasks simultaneously [(maier2017)], |
| The Arduino-compatible development environment shared across the ESP32 family is a practical advantage for our multidisciplinary student team, as it is «beginner-friendly» and have several libraries for both sensor input and LED control [(maier2017)]. | The Arduino-compatible development environment shared across the ESP32 family is a practical advantage for our multidisciplinary student team, as it is «beginner-friendly» and have several libraries for both sensor input and LED control [(maier2017)]. | ||
| + | |||
| === 2.3.3 Velostat sheet === | === 2.3.3 Velostat sheet === | ||
| The decision to use velostat sheets for touch detection in the handrails of Connect is grounded in established research on flexible piezoresistive materials. Velostat is a polyethylene-carbon composite material that changes its electrical resistance in response to applied pressure. When compressed, the resistance decreases, producing a measurable electrical signal [(polym12122905)] | The decision to use velostat sheets for touch detection in the handrails of Connect is grounded in established research on flexible piezoresistive materials. Velostat is a polyethylene-carbon composite material that changes its electrical resistance in response to applied pressure. When compressed, the resistance decreases, producing a measurable electrical signal [(polym12122905)] | ||
| - | Dzedzickis et al. evaluated the mechanical and electrical characteristics of velostat as a tactile sensor material, testing it under static, long-term, and cyclic load conditions.\\ The results confirm that velostat produces consistent, repeatable signals across multiple loading cycles, and that it can be implemented using a simple electrode pair[(polym12122905)]. These properties make it well suited for Connect, where the sensor must reliably detect the pressure of a passenger gripping a handrail and produce a signal the ESP32 can read.\\ | + | Dzedzickis et al. evaluated the mechanical and electrical characteristics of velostat as a tactile sensor material, testing it under static, long-term, and cyclic load conditions. |
| + | |||
| + | The results confirm that velostat produces consistent, repeatable signals across multiple loading cycles, and that it can be implemented using a simple electrode pair [(polym12122905)]. These properties make it well suited for Connect, where the sensor must reliably detect the pressure of a passenger gripping a handrail and produce a signal the ESP32 can read. | ||
| A practical advantage of velostat for this application is its flexibility. The material is thin and can conform to curved surfaces such as a handrail without requiring rigid mounting. One limitation noted in the research is that velostat' | A practical advantage of velostat for this application is its flexibility. The material is thin and can conform to curved surfaces such as a handrail without requiring rigid mounting. One limitation noted in the research is that velostat' | ||
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| === 2.3.4 CAN Bus and MCP2551 transceiver === | === 2.3.4 CAN Bus and MCP2551 transceiver === | ||
| - | Connect uses a distributed node architecture: | + | Connect uses a distributed node architecture: |
| - | CAN (Controller Area Network) is a serial communication protocol originally developed for automotive applications, | + | CAN (Controller Area Network) is a serial communication protocol originally developed for automotive applications, |
| - | The MCP2551 is a high-speed CAN transceiver developed by Microchip Technology that implements the physical layer of the ISO 11898 standard [(MCP2551)]. It acts as the interface between the microcontroller' | + | The MCP2551 is a high-speed CAN transceiver developed by Microchip Technology that implements the physical layer of the ISO 11898 standard [(MCP2551)]. It acts as the interface between the microcontroller' |
| === 2.3.5 WS2812B addressable LED strip === | === 2.3.5 WS2812B addressable LED strip === | ||
| The WS2812B is an individually addressable RGB LED component that integrates the control circuit and the RGB emitter into a single 5050-format package [(WORLDSEMI_WS2812B)]. Each unit contains a built-in driver IC that receives colour data, applies it to its own output, and passes the remaining data to the next unit in the chain via a single data line. This daisy-chain architecture | The WS2812B is an individually addressable RGB LED component that integrates the control circuit and the RGB emitter into a single 5050-format package [(WORLDSEMI_WS2812B)]. Each unit contains a built-in driver IC that receives colour data, applies it to its own output, and passes the remaining data to the next unit in the chain via a single data line. This daisy-chain architecture | ||
| - | means the entire ceiling strip can be controlled from one digital output pin on the microcontroller[(WORLDSEMI_WS2812B)]. | + | means the entire ceiling strip can be controlled from one digital output pin on the microcontroller [(WORLDSEMI_WS2812B)]. |
| - | Individual addressability is essential for Connect' | + | Individual addressability is essential for Connect' |
| The strip is compatible with the FastLED library available in the Arduino development environment, | The strip is compatible with the FastLED library available in the Arduino development environment, | ||
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| + | Connect consists of multiple distributed sensor nodes embedded in handrails, each detecting passenger interaction through velostat sensors. These nodes communicate via a CAN bus network to a central controller located in the ceiling, which drives an addressable LED strip to visualise collective interaction. | ||
| ==== 2.4 Comparative analysis ==== | ==== 2.4 Comparative analysis ==== | ||
| - | Table 1: Products & Installations | + | The sources reviewed in this chapter fall into two groups: installations and products that are relevant to the design of Connect, and research or technical literature that informs the component choices. These are summarised in table {{ref> |
| + | |||
| + | The three installations in {{ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | In {{ref> | ||
| + | <table tab_products-table>< | ||
| ^ Category ^ Technology/ | ^ Category ^ Technology/ | ||
| | Kinetic Particles | Cameras, deep learning, digital projections | Real-time physical movement | Connecting physical movement with a digital environment | Proves that real-time visual feedback pulls people out of their digital bubbles | | | Kinetic Particles | Cameras, deep learning, digital projections | Real-time physical movement | Connecting physical movement with a digital environment | Proves that real-time visual feedback pulls people out of their digital bubbles | | ||
| | Keitai Trail | Mobile phones, large projection screens | Asynchronous (recording Q&A videos) | Collecting and linking personal stories | Supports the use of everyday devices to foster a sense of community | | | Keitai Trail | Mobile phones, large projection screens | Asynchronous (recording Q&A videos) | Collecting and linking personal stories | Supports the use of everyday devices to foster a sense of community | | ||
| | Participatory Installations (Strijp-T-ogether) | Mobile apps, projection mapping, live camera feeds | Real-time and asynchronous digital co-creation | Stimulating social interaction through a shared platform | Provides a theoretical framework for passengers co-creating their metro environment | | | Participatory Installations (Strijp-T-ogether) | Mobile apps, projection mapping, live camera feeds | Real-time and asynchronous digital co-creation | Stimulating social interaction through a shared platform | Provides a theoretical framework for passengers co-creating their metro environment | | ||
| + | </ | ||
| - | Table 2: Research & Technical Literature | + | <table tab_research-table>< |
| ^ Category ^ Method ^ Key Finding ^ Relevance to Connect ^ | ^ Category ^ Method ^ Key Finding ^ Relevance to Connect ^ | ||
| | Hammoud et al. – Lonely in a Crowd | Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment | Overcrowding increases loneliness; perceived inclusivity reduces it | Confirms the problem Connect aims to address | | | Hammoud et al. – Lonely in a Crowd | Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment | Overcrowding increases loneliness; perceived inclusivity reduces it | Confirms the problem Connect aims to address | | ||
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| | Microchip Technology – MCP2551 | Component datasheet | Implements the ISO 11898 physical layer, acting as the interface between microcontroller and CAN bus | Justifies the choice of transceiver for each node in the system | | | Microchip Technology – MCP2551 | Component datasheet | Implements the ISO 11898 physical layer, acting as the interface between microcontroller and CAN bus | Justifies the choice of transceiver for each node in the system | | ||
| | WorldSemi – WS2812B | Component datasheet | Individually addressable RGB LED with integrated driver, controllable via a single data line | Justifies the choice of LED component for producing distinct, blendable colours on the ceiling | | | WorldSemi – WS2812B | Component datasheet | Individually addressable RGB LED with integrated driver, controllable via a single data line | Justifies the choice of LED component for producing distinct, blendable colours on the ceiling | | ||
| + | </ | ||
| ==== 2.5 Summary ==== | ==== 2.5 Summary ==== | ||
| - | This chapter has reviewed existing installations, | + | This chapter has reviewed existing installations, |
| - | The research by Hammoud et al. provides the core theoretical motivation for the project: overcrowding alone does not reduce loneliness | + | literature relevant to Connect. Interactive installations such as Kinetic |
| - | On the technical side, the literature | + | Particles and Strijp-T-ogether demonstrate that real-time visual feedback |
| + | based on physical interaction can effectively create a sense of shared presence | ||
| + | between strangers. Keitai Trail shows that everyday devices can lower the | ||
| + | threshold for participation and foster community through | ||
| + | |||
| + | The research by Hammoud et al. provides the core theoretical motivation for | ||
| + | the project: overcrowding alone does not reduce loneliness, what matters is | ||
| + | whether people feel acknowledged and included. This finding directly informs | ||
| + | the design goal of Connect. | ||
| + | |||
| + | On the technical side, the literature | ||
| + | use of velostat sheets | ||
| + | mini as a low-power | ||
| + | bus as a noise-resistant communication protocol | ||
| + | system, | ||
| + | individually controlled colours across the ceiling strip. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Together, these sources establish both the problem Connect aims to address and | ||
| + | the technical foundation for how it will be built. | ||