interaction examples interaction examplesAn introduction to LittleBits aimed at small (wearable) sensory action-reaction type of circuits. Goal is to demonstrate some inputs (sensors) and outputs and how they could be combined. Of course, experiment freely by mixing inputs & outputs!
If you are new to LittleBits, watch the intro video below. Or view this presentation.
Check out the links below to get detailed information and examples of usage of the bits.
First, we introduce some possible inputs for an 'interaction game'. Of course the circuits have outputs too, because otherwhise we wouldn't be able to sense what the inputs do.
'Sense' when something comes close, uses infrared light emitted by ir-led. Led will turn on when trigger senses light from an ir source, of for instance, a tv-remote. In this example we use a ir led (o7) to trigger the sensor.
Considerations: in a well-lit room both parts have to be close and aligned. Might work better in dark. 'tune' it with the oscillator (waveform = square).
Left: i7 remote trigger + o1 led
Right: i31 oscillator + o7 ir led
More info: remote-trigger, ir-led
'Sense' when something moves. Of course output can be anything: LED, Buzzer/Speaker, Motor (Move).
Considerations: sensor is very sensitive. Make it less sensitive by placing a tube (made from paper) over it, as in second image.
More info: motion-trigger
'Sense' the amount of light. Output on bargraph (o9) is an example.
Considerations: adjust sensitivty by using the switch (light/dark-mode) and turn the sensitivity-knob with the mini-screwdriver.
More info: light-sensor
Respond to sound. If the volume (dBs) goes over the set limit, output can be triggered. Output in this example (first image) is generating a tone (using an oscillator i31) out of the speaker (o24). To make it more fun, add a sequencer i22: see second image (set knob to 1 - random).
Considerations: adjust sensitivty of sound trigger (dB level) with the mini-screwdriver. Adjust generated tone with tune and pitch knobs and set the waveform to square.
More info: sound-trigger, oscillator, sequencer. Other ways to make sound: MP3 player, lesson "Sound Design with the Synth Kit".
A distance sensor is not avaliable as a standard Littlebits-module but can be easily created by utilizing the Proto and Arduino modules.
Considerations: some basic experience with electronics can be handy.
In the previous section there were already some outputs suggested, but here are a few more. These are chosen because they may influence the inputs from the previous section and therefore are suitable for a action-reaction kind of game.
To make a led blink, simply add an i16 pulse or an i31 oscillator.
Considerations: use the oscillator to tune: select waveform to square or saw, adjust pitch to make it blink faster or slower (frequency).
LittleBits circuits can be made wearable easy by strapping them to clothes. You can for instance use elastic straps, (Velcro) tape and the hook and loop shoes that come with LittleBits. Check out "Wearables To Make With LittleBits" for more examples.
Add a proximity sensor or build your own sensors using the Perf and Proto bits.