Tim LaSalle's Experiments in Art & Technology: Sensor Pucks

Okay. So. Swift Gear Change. From disco light & sound poles to hockey puck sized (hopefully) sensor boxes. These pucks would sense the audio/sound level of the surrounding area and be placed in a library or other public space. They could then at a certain sound level emit a "SHHHHH" to hush the surrounding peoples. The level would be set determined on what story of the library they are on. The reprimanding tone could also be harsher depending on how far down one is, the further down the more harsh, as it is supposed to be quieter and quieter as you go down. The level would also be adjusted per level.

We were thinking about hiding the pucks as it would be a nice unembarrassing way of telling a group of people to shut up. Impersonal and authoritative. Someone from the outside of the group would not have to tell them to keep it down, because the puck would do it. This would make the area less stressful to those who are actually trying to study.

The thought of hiding it presents a problem of the audio levels being skewed and distorted, so it may be best to keep them in the open. One for each table or something. This also brought up the idea of including a light that got brighter and/or changed color depending on how loud the table was being, so people could know that it knew they were being too loud before it SH'd the group. This could also draw more attention to the group, getting them to hush before the puck told them to.

I figure the code for the library puck should be fairly simple. But we shall see. We will have to set it up so it takes a sample of the sound every couple seconds I figure. I wonder how long it will last on a 9v... hmmm... what kind of power are we going to use........?

But this isn't the only application. Of course it can be used in places that should be quite, but what about places that shouldn't be? Places of social interaction and happening? We could code it so it works oppositely. If the sound level is too low it interjects with an issue or point that can be discussed or a joke or something even. "What's your sign?" hahahha or some other thing. These possibilities can all be explored.