Interactive mask
contextual background
Throughout history masks have been used for a variety of reasons and purposes. “Masks are one of the oldest accessories in our history. They are objects that cover the face for variety of reasons. They are used for protection, disguise, entertainment or ritual practices and are made from various materials, depending of use. Earliest use of masks was for rituals and ceremonies, and the oldest found mask is from 7000 BC.”
As stated above masks in its earliest time (state) and history have been used for specific rituals of certain cultures in order to convey (a sense of transformation within the user) . Masks also creates what they perceive to be a deep connection with a certain deity with deep and profound religious meanings. The “art of making masks could be older but because of the materials used for making them (leather and wood), they did not survive to this day. Oldest masks were of ritual purpose and could be found in many places of the world. They are generally similar in their overall appearance, but very different in style and way they are made and used.”
Identity
(The act of) wearing a mask actually has a significant power in completely changing a person’s outward appearance (and their aura). In a sense it transforms their identity almost suddenly (instantaneously). In many ways masks are a method to conceal or hide an “individual’s direct identity and is often worm upon the face causing partial or full obscurity.” this instantly changes the feeling and reaction of (towards) that individual, and your attitude towards approaching them changes as well. So putting on a mask not only changes that person but also changes how society (responds to and) reacts towards that person as well.
Not only does it change (alter) the appearance (outward identity) of an individual and those who interact with that person, but by putting on a mask it also emphasizes that person’s personal and cultural identity. The style of the mask is shows that person’s cultural beliefs and his personal beliefs. In this way by putting on that mask that person is hiding themselves but at the same time they are revealing their true character and their cultural preferences. So there is no strict line between hiding and revealing, hiding is a kind of revealing.
Through all researches and analyses above, I have a basic understanding and familiarity with several different kinds of masks, not only from their appearances or the materials they made by, but also the meaning and usage behind each mask and their purposes in each of their cultural contexts and societal functions. What’s more, I found that some previous masks related to ritual reasons, some related to different organisations and some only for fashion which have no specific meaning.
From previous research we can tell that masks are use for hide or change people’s own identities, nowadays, in common celebrations or parties, people would like to wear masks to change themselves to other identities like Superman, White princess or whatever to have fun. However, at the same time, they dancing, laughing, chatting, show their own character by using the most natural ways. My goal is to make both of these two functions visualization as well as add some chinese elements in.
My mask will try to achieve one or both of these effects by using some sort of technology and (along with) the ideologies of the mask. I plan to incorporate Arduino and physical computing to break the barrier in order to create an interactive piece using the mask and connecting it with different elements.
My concept
Design of the mask
My purpose is to make the appearance of the mask to be combine traditional chinese and western culture.
The design idea of mask itself (the face part) comes from Venice masks. by using exaggerate decoration around the eyes, the mask itself looks more attractive and charming, which could content people’s Psychological emotion that even they hide their original face but can also attractive in a party or celebration. For the hairline part of the mask, I combine the typical element of Peiking Opera mask with my mask. I never saw this kind of combination before, however, it seems a good mix with different culture.
Prototype
step1: connecting every parts
Before solder everything, I have to make sure everything is going on well with bread board.
The first step is to connect the circuit and make the pulse sensor work. I used glue to stick the earring and pulse sensor together, putting the trigger of the mask on the earlobe.
After the pulse sensor working, I made the output by using 6 led lights. At first, I only can make them light up with the heart beat together. Afterwards, I set up another 2 variables and gave each one a minimum delay time, my goal is to make them light up one by one instead of light up in the same time.
After it successfully working on the Arduino board, I replaced it with Lilypad by changing the serial port to “Lilipad 328”.
step2: programming and replace the Arduino board
As an crafted mask, it has to be put on the head. So if the wire has to connect with the computer, it will restrict the effect of the mask in sense of the distance can move who wearing the mask. Bluetooth is a good way to solve this problem. By connecting the Bluetooth, processing can data the heart beat wirelessly as well.
While I tried to run the Bluetooth work, I faced with a problem with the battery. I bought the battery of figure 22 first, the six LED light worked well, but the light on the Bluetooth kept blinking because there was not enough voltage to support it. Then I checked the maximum voltage for Lilypad is 6v but I can’t find 6v’s battery in any place. To solving this problem, first I used 4 AA batteries connecting with each other, forming a 6v’s battery, tried to make the bluetooth work and it successfully worked.
Finally, I solved the problem with a 9 volt battery.
step3: running the Bluetooth
Final product
