Sound and Fear

(Week 5)


Human Reaction Towards Sound


The following definition is offered as providing the appropriate level of specificity: Noise sensitivity refers to the internal states (be they physiological, psychological [including attitudinal], or related to life style or activities conducted) of any individual which increase their degree of reactivity to noise in general.

Thus, the following factors could be components of noise sensitivity: Level of physiological reactivity to stimulation generally; hearing acuity; attitudes to noise in general (but not to a specific noise source); beliefs about harmful effects of noise in general; vulnerability caused by stressors other than noise; level of social support and other available coping mechanisms. Within this general definition of noise sensitivity, it may prove useful to distinguish various types of sensitivity: physiological reactivity to noise in general; psychological reactivity; degree of coping; etc. The extent to which these factors are independent will be another matter of empirical investigation. However, in the absence of relevant data, and without being able to specify how inter-related these factors will be (e.g., physiological reactivity may be detected by an individual and so change the psychological factors; or beliefs may create more physiological reactivity), noise sensitivity should not yet be further specified in terms of these contributing factors.


Source: http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=1999;volume=1;issue=3;spage=57;epage=68;aulast=Soames


Fear


Fear is a chain reaction in the brain that starts with a stressful stimulus and ends with the release of chemicals that cause a racing heart, fast breathing and energized muscles, among other things, also known as the fight-or-flight response.


Cases of fear of sounds are usually caused by intense negative experience from the past. 


Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/other-emotions/fear.htm

Sensor Research

(WEEK 5)


Motion Sensor


There are several types of motion sensors such passive infrared sensors (PIR), ultrasonic (active), microwave (active).


Basically motion sensors transform the detection of moving object within the field of view and converts  an electric signal which acts like a switch. Once detected, the switch will stay closed as long as any movement is detected by the sensor.

The motion sensor acts as a switch
Source: http://coopy.sproutlab.com/projects/rain-umbrellas/

How Infrared Technology Works

In general, infrared sensors work by emitting an invisible pulsed light signal. The receiver then looks for the reflected signal back and reacts to changes in the reflection of the signal that indicates a presence in its detection area. There are two types of infrared technology: Diffused and Distance Measuring Infrared.

Diffused Infrared Sensors work by flooding pulsed infrared light over a specific area below the sensor down to floor level. It then uses the reflected infrared as its base of reference. Foreign objects entering the detection area alter the infrared base reference level and trigger activation.

Source: http://www.nabcoentrances.com/about_sensors.cfm

Motion Sensor

Source: http://ulanoff.com/blogs/automation/2009/03/04/diy-project-lighted-staircase/

Building a sound trigger motion sensor trigger

http://antiadvertisingagency.com/wp-content/pdfs/how-to-article.pdf

http://halloweenpropmaster.com/ir_prop_trigger.htm

Sketch

WEEK 5

Location

(WEEK 5 )

We plan to install our sound installation art, 'Sonance' in the female toilet near the Digtal Media studio. Below are the pictures we have taken of the location.

Project Idea Plan B

(WEEK 4)


Due to the time constraint we have for this short trimester, we have concluded that the first idea 'Illuminating Bush', had to be changed into something that was workable and researched with a short period of time.

Hence a new idea was brought up during our consultation with Mr Badrolhisham, Mr Erwin and Mr Lim Kok Yoong. 

Sonance

Theme

Sounds that cause consternation in toilets

.

Aim/Objectives

· To activate fear by sound

· To show the emotion of being in the state of fear

· To show the affection of sound

Target

The installation is intended for anyone ranging from any age, especially MMU students.

Description

Sonance is a sound installation which activates different sounds that would cause the emotion of fear in toilets. Multiple types of sounds that range from whispers, screams and foots steps are activated in different parts of the toilets to evoke the state of being feared in toilets among users. 

By playing sounds that releases the moment of being feared in toilets, users will show how they react to different types of sounds that cause fear.

Research Topic

We are trying to evoke the feeling of fear through sounds in the toilet of MMU.

Problem Identification

We find that toilets in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia could be feared among students because of the discrete location and the infrequently visits of people, making it usually empty and quiet.

Motivation

Due to the problem we have identified, we would like to evoke the affection of being scared through sounds among the user.

Ideation & Concept

To find a way to this matter, we have come up with a simple idea of playing different sounds thorough speakers and sensors that will evoke the feeling of fear.

Multiple sensors will be installed in different areas in the toilet to activate different sounds depending on the location of the user in the toilet.

Review, Analysis and Precedence Studies

This is an interactive sound installation art called 'Umbrellas' by Per Nilsson, Robert Innes and Deniz Olcay. Basically it sense motion when the user walks under the umbrella and plays a raining sound.

http://coopy.sproutlab.com/projects/rain-umbrellas/

Sketch

(WEEK 4)

Mindmaps

(WEEK 4)

Project Proposal

(WEEK 3)

Illuminating Bush

Theme

To make the user feel calm during dark times.

Aim/Objectives

· To provide comfort to the user when walking in the dark

· To illuminate a pathway for the user

· To provide an interactive landscape

Target

The installation is intended for anyone ranging from any age, especially MMU students.

Description

The illuminating bush is a light installation which illuminates with LED when the user walks along the installation. The illuminating bush has motion sensors along the pathway to detect movements and illuminate light through the LED. By providing light in dark pathways, the illuminating bush can provide security in late times and can even motivate people to walk and enjoy the exciting scenery of light installation.

Research Topic

Our group would like to create the feeling of being calm and secure while walking in dark alleys or pathways in MMU.

Problem Identification

As a student in MMU for a couple of years, we have found out that MMU pathways lack of light and are normally dark eventhough there are streetlights around. Unfortunately it may be hard for students who study late at night at the library and have a strong fear of walking alone in the dark.

Motivation

Due to the problem we have identified, we would like to create a more comfortable scenery for students to walk at night in MMU.

Ideation & Concept

To find a solution to this matter, we have come up with a simple light installation using LED to illuminate walking pathways in MMU. The LED installed along the pathways would have motion sensors that would sense students walking, and would illuminate beside them as they walk along the light installation.

Review, Analysis and Precedence Studies

Dune 4.0 is a light installation designed by Daan Roosegaarde from Studio Roosegaarde which has a similar approach to creating a safer environment for pedestrians to walk in dark places. Dune 4.0 is designed to illuminate reacting to sound. As louder it sense sound around the sensor, the brighter the light will illuminate.

http://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/dune/photo/#dune-4-0
http://www.itsliquid.com/dune-4-0.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/studioroosegaarde/2922511198/
http://www.splitfilmfestival.hr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58%3Adaan-roosegaarde--dune-40&catid=50%3Anew-media-2008-&Itemid=128&lang=en

Design Approach

Basically our design is based on Dune 4.0's idea, but instead we will used motion sensor to make the LED illuminate.

Group Members

Muhammad Adib bin Abu Bakar 1081100853
Ahmad Shauqie bin Abdull Aziz 1081103998
Siti Fatin Sherrina binti Shaikh Zainal Abidin 1081106552