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Resolution March 21, 1999
This new version of an interactive communication device relies on the notion of conferencing, a video watch in a sort of open symposium with an open access. As you may know today this is a highly sought after idea in movies, 24hr Web cams, and art installations such as Diller and Scofidio. By placing the public in the position of questioners, we create responses from other participants, which then will establish a chain of Q&A communicated through real time video conferencing.
The public will have two types of input in a solely interactive manner. First through their immediate image projecting at the other campus while using the installation; and the other is their text will be presented in a projection form along with their image. This is a sort of open chat forum with emphases on UC issues which the core of it’s communication will be broadcasting and projecting information for others to see and/or interact while it is being transmitted. The installation will engage the participants to collaborate in real time, each time with different contextual result. I’m hoping to promote a sort of open communication through the already existing technology (found technology). Although this set up is designed for two campuses, it can be easily stretched to other UC campuses with excellent results, creating an open forum of communicating students and faculties across the UC system. The process is quite fluid.
The core of the system is a simple to use conferencing software similar to the Java chat applets scattered on the Web. However, here we also have the participant’s image in a rough and life like manner. The textual communication is flawless and the exchanged text will be displayed and sent back and forth in a very fast and efficient way. This is even true if all the UC campuses were participating and communicating at the same time. The image is not as high resolution as the previous proposal; thus, the resources and costs are greatly decreased. However, for the characteristics of this project the quality of the images are ideal, and add to the anomaly in anonymous communication inherent in today’s virtual domain. The result of the communication then is projected onto few large and somewhat transparent frosted glass panels with cut out openings. As the image and scrolling text being projected penetrate layer by layers it fades and compliments the notion of clarity in an electronic communication age. The result can be stunning with its own entity-like presence. This outcome is an aesthetically dynamic art installation with interactive functionality, inviting hence bringing all sort of UC affiliates together.
The operation is simple and does not need an operator. The public will be the operators. Each day for the duration of the installation (for instance one semester period, 5 day per week, 10 am to 8 PM) one individual in each campus turns on the computer, loges in the school network, and turns on the projector, starts the software and sends an initial text and image automatically (will take 15 min). Even a 10-year-old kid can operate this system. There will be no other software on the computers, except the Windows operating system, and the conferencing software which will be loaded on the network, thus it can not be changed or manipulated. The computer and mini cam are the only devices accessible to the public and it will be anchored down as in the library computer labs.
The LCD projector will be installed high up and close to the ceiling. There will be a regular spot lighting aimed at the position of the participants and the computer so their image will be clear and bright. The rest of the room ambient will be dimmer, so the projected contents on the glasses can be fully presented, with dynamics. The 3 glass panels (walls) are very durable and it is securely placed with fasteners to the ground, additionally they are safely beveled (there are no more breakage danger (even less) than a glass door in the building) They can not be moved but the public can move between them. The only connection will be to the Fast Ether net and the closest network router (the same that connects departments’ computers to the UC network) which is available in most buildings and can be brought to the location through simple wiring. One or two graduate students or faculty members will be in charge of turning it on and off during the semester.
The list of materials:
· One LCD projector per campus
· One PC computer per campus (200 MHz, 96 Meg RAM, w/monitor, dual video out put, and Ethernet card)
· One Video Conferencing software per campus
· One conferencing camera per campus (included With software as a kit)
· At least three sheets of 1/2” thick frosted glass per campus, With beveled edges, approximately 8’ height by 13’width.
· Hardware for anchoring the glass panels, projector, and a computer stand.
Budget:
| Costs for two campuses |
Costs for each additional campus |
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| 2 |
LCD Projectors |
$6000-$7000 |
$3500 |
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| 2 |
PC Computer stations |
$2000-$2500 |
$1250 |
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| 2 |
Video conferencing software & camera kit |
$285 |
$145 |
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| 6 |
Sheets of frosted, beveled glass |
$1250 |
$625 |
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| 2 |
Sets of misc. hardware for installation |
$250 |
$125 |
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| 2 |
Glass transportation (?) |
$200 |
$100 |
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| TOTAL (for two campuses) |
$11,485 |
$5742 |
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This budget is the maximum cost of the installation in two campuses. However, some figures such as the installation of an Ethernet hub is not estimated in the total, though if necessary it will not be significant. With approximately $11,500, it is possible to have a full-fledged convocation, and communicative installation, which will serve as long as being used.
