Hinemosu 30

Computer Display for The Utsuroi Lab

Hinemosu 30 displays letters and patterns by twisting five white elastic bands with thirty actuators to represent the passage of time. The computer software that controls the device generates dynamic images that evoke textile patterns, ocean waves, mountain storms, and falling snow, as well as the date and time. The mechanical sounds produced by the actuators are reminiscent of the sounds of water and wind in nature. The creativity and novelty of this device lies in the fact that it displays computer-generated information using line-like objects rather than dot-like objects.

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Hinemosu 30 by Yuichiro Katsumoto

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Computer Display by Yuichiro Katsumoto

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Yuichiro Katsumoto Hinemosu 30

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Yuichiro Katsumoto Computer Display

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Unique Properties

Hinemosu 30 is a computer display that shows the time and date by twisting five white elastic bands. The five thick lines are controlled by thirty actuators and display a dizzying kinetic typography and motion graphics. The moving image generated by the computer software connected to the device evoke textile patterns, ocean waves, mountain storms, and falling snow. The mechanical sounds produced by the actuators are reminiscent of the sounds of water and wind in nature.

Tags

Kinetic Typography, Motion Graphics, Visualization, Physicalization, Elastic Band, Rubber, Clock

Production Technology

Components: Elastic Bands, Servo Motors, Micro Controllers, Aluminum Flame, Acrylic Board, MacBook Air.

Design Challenge

The creativity and novelty of this device lies in the fact that it displays computer-generated information using line-like and particularly strip-like objects rather than dot-like or brick-like objects. In comparison to discrete objects, the control of linear objects is more difficult to express delicately because of mutual interference in mechanics. These limitations were overcome in terms of hardware and software in this project through circular prototyping. In this work, five white elastic bands are arranged horizontally in a black picture frame. Each band is 250 mm long, 40 mm wide, and 1 mm thick. Six white plastic guides are attached to the band horizontally at 42 mm intervals. These guides are used to tilt the band and are linked to servo motors mounted on the back of the picture frame. The servo motor can twist the band in a range of approximately -60 to 90 degrees, although there are slight individual differences. When the servo motor is at 0 degrees, the apparent width of the elastic band is thickest, and at 90 degrees, it is thinnest. This work uses thirty servo motors, all of which are controlled by a software running on Mac. This software was developed using Cycling '74 Max and generates motion graphics and kinetic typography, calculates the numerical values to control the thirty actuators individually. And it sends the data to the micro controller in Hinemosu 30 via USB Cable.

Project Duration

This project started in the fall of 2022 and partially finished in the summer of 2023.

Operation Flow

Automatic operation by software.

Research

This project had been explored kinetic typography by manipulating slender objects such as springs and strings with robot arms. Beyond such practices, the current focus is on flat liner object such as strips, ribbons, and tape with two sides of widely varying widths. Those lines change in apparent thickness depending on the viewpoint. For example, if the ribbon is tilted 90 degrees, the line will appear or disappear. If it is twisted from both ends, the line weight changes continuously like a sine wave. Lines drawn by humans with a brush or calligraphy pen also have continuous changes in line weight. Inspired by this similarity, Hinemosu 30 was designed.

Inspiration

The human life is often likened to a line. The line is never straight. It bends, twists, thickens, and thins. The lines are similar to lines drawn by humans for writing. Modern computers output data using points (pixels). Conversely, this designer believes that lines are the source of our life and creativity and wants to let the computer control linear objects. The fruition of this intention, Hinemosu 30 displays letters and patterns by twisting five white elastic bands with thirty actuators to represent the passage of time.

Image Credits

Yuichiro Katsumoto

Project Overview

Hinemosu 30 Computer Display has been a Platinum winner in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.

Platinum Recognition

Yuichiro Katsumoto was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Hinemosu 30 Computer Display.

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