Week 7 - Rocking from the North to the South

This week was the real deep dive into TouchDesigner as I got really into my project.

I successfully added three different videos both visually and aurally change depending on what direction my phone is facing. This works through my OSC Controller App, and after going into the ceramics critique room, I learned that the wall that I will be projecting on is almost exactly due North. I initially thought this was a good thing, but the data that the compass sends is based on the numerical degree difference from North. It ranged from 0-360, and resets at North. This is an issue because the transition between videos is a fade, but this sudden number shift results in a sudden video change. I combatted this issue by reversing the degrees and my phone will be facing the back of the chair rather than the front. I also added a constant on each end of the Switch so there won't be any video playing when the back of the chair is facing the wall.

Another potential issue I came across is limitations to the amount of inputs that can go into the Switch. I haven't been able to test it quite yet, but it seems that I may have a maximum of 10 inputs, including the constants on both ends. My solution for this is something I was already considering doing, compiling multiple videos in an outside program that will loop for their specific inputs. I am still thinking about how I will be organizing these. I may sort them by topic, time period, mood, etc. I haven't quite decided yet but as I continue to go through old videos, I think my decision will become more clear.

I also took a closer look at the rocking chair that I plan to use. I rocked the chair to see if it would hit the ground when rocking. It didn't hit the ground at all and it took a lot of effort for it to even get close. I also looked under the chair to see if there was a good spot to attach my phone in general. I found a small shelf underneath that should be easy to attach my phone to and prevent it from getting smashed if someone did rock in the chair significantly.