API for the World is a sensor and web application that turns anything with a power cord into a networked object. At the flip of a switch you can send a message to twitter, facebook, foursquare, or any other service you define. We did this to fill the gap between old technology and the “smart” devices we see today.

Imagine if your grandmother could use her bedside lamp to communicate with loved ones. When she goes to bed, she flip off her bedside lamp and we get a message to twitter, and can be rest-assured that she’s alright.

We’ve included the ability to define new devices, behaviors, and message through an online dashboard. You can also add new servi
ces with which the application can communicate.

The application uses a current sensor (to tell if the device is drawing power) to send a wireless message to the application, which then pushes a message according to the scenario you’ve defined. For you geeks out there, the sensor measure induction and sends a POST request to a Rails app via an XBee module. The web app then uses the Twitter API to post a message.

We can imagine this app going in a bunch of different directions. You could use it to check into Foursquare or update facebook that you had toast for breakfast. In the scenario with grandma’s lamp, perhaps the lamp could order itself lightbulbs according to when the lightbulb is projected to fail.

We’re working on sensor documentation of the project and an instructable, as well as open sourcing the code. Thanks to TechCrunch and the ITP team for an awesome hack day.

The Team:

• Karla Calderon
• Cameron Cundiff
• Michael Zick Doherty
• Chika Iijima
• Rune Madsen
• Sofy Yuditskaya
• Shahar Zaks

Some people questioned the value of the exercise in changing habits. I argued that awareness influences people’s decisions over time. I don’t expect people to take shorter showers after using the project, but perhaps the next toilet they buy will be low-flow.

The project has gotten some visibility online. Swyyne humorously points out the contradiction between the project’s message and my bottled water, since it has negative environmental impacts.

Swynne also cites my mention of the possibility of home implementation. The project as it stands is more suited for a public display/kiosk setting, but home hardware is an extension of the idea that is feasible. An area for future exploration.

Thanks to my Nobu Nakaguchi, my partner on the project, and Robert Carlsen for his assistance.

Description
A project that measures a person’s interaction with a simulated daily home water use scenario to recommend ways to reduce water waste.

References

US Geological Survey Daily use estimates

Low Impact Living

Code Sample

class Meter extends Display {

//float level;
float drained;
float drainedLerp;
float maxDrained;
float initDrained;
float h;
float w;
float xloc;
float yloc;
float amount;
float time;
float lastDrained;

Meter() {
//default level
//level = 100;
//initDrained = 20;
drained = 0;
drainedLerp = 0;
maxDrained = 130;
h = 260;
w = 150;
xloc = 60;
yloc = 100;
amount = 0;
time = 0;
}

void update(float _amt) {
amount = _amt;
drained += amount;
lastDrained = drained;
if(lastDrained > gallonsUsed) {
gallonsUsed = lastDrained;
}
}

void update(float rate, Timer inputTimer) {
time = inputTimer.secondsMapped;
drained = ((rate/60) * time);
lastDrained = drained;
if(lastDrained > gallonsUsed) {
gallonsUsed = lastDrained;
}
}

void drawMeter() {
shape(waterTower, xloc, yloc);
//    gallonsLeft.setText(Integer.toString(int(150 – gallonsUsed)));
//    gallonsLeft.setPosition(xloc, yloc);
//    gallonsLeft.setFont(h3, h3Size, LEFT);
//    gallonsLeft.show();
//    gallonsLeft.display();
}

void drawLevel() {
fill(159, 201, 235);
rect(xloc, yloc, w, h);
fill(255);
if(drainedLerp <  100){
rect(xloc, yloc + 80, w, 5 + drainedLerp);
}
else {
rect(xloc, yloc + 80, w, 100);
}
//interpolate draining
drainedLerp = lerp(drainedLerp, gallonsUsed, 0.05);
}

void display() {
//draw meter
drawLevel();
drawMeter();
}

float getDrainedValue() {
return gallonsUsed;
}

void reset() {
drained = 0;
lastDrained = 0;
gallonsUsed = 0;
}
}

Demonstration

Details
A series of physical inputs that correspond to different household water hardware to visualize associated rates of consumption. For example, a toilet flush can consume up to 7 gallons of water. We will show this through a toilet lever attached to a switch that will increment values in a Processing sketch, that in turn will be represented visually.

Recommendations are based on a comparison between water use in the simulation and data on average daily domestic water use. We will offer ways to mitigate excess use based on industry research, and give an option to send the results via email.

Team Members
Nobu Nakaguchi
Cameron Cundiff

Classes
ICM
Physical Computing

Equipment
42″ flat screen display (Processing Visualization)
Mac Mini with Keyboard/Mouse (processing platform)
Computer speakers (audio feedback)
Network connection (email sending)

Space Requirements
4′ x 4′ footprint, 6′ tall with display

BETA

A water tally that takes in mouse x position as a value for number of jugs. This is a visualization work in progress that will be attached to physical inputs through arduino.
Slowly move your mouse across the stage to tally up the gallons.

//How much water do you use? Code by Cameron Cundiff and Nobu Nakaguchi

import controlP5.*;
import processing.serial.*;

class Jug {
PShape s;
float x,y,w,h;

Jug(PShape s_, float x_, float y_) {
s = s_;
x = x_;
y = y_;
w = 15;
h = 20;
}

void display() {
shape(s, x, y, w,h);

}
}
Serial myPort;

ControlP5 controlP5;
int myColorBackground = color(112,112,112); //gray
String textValue = “”;
Textfield myTextfield;
String tempSearchValue;

Jug jug;
int gallons;
float tallyX;
float tallyY;
PShape icon;
ArrayList tally;

PShape pipe;
PShape shower;
PShape washer;
PShape dish;
PShape faucet;
PShape toilet;

void setup() {
size(600,400);

tally = new ArrayList();
icon = loadShape(“jug.svg”);
washer = loadShape(“washer.svg”);
toilet = loadShape(“toilet.svg”);
faucet = loadShape(“faucet.svg”);
dish = loadShape(“dish.svg”);
pipe = loadShape(“pipe.svg”);
shower = loadShape(“shower.svg”);
gallons = 0;
tallyX = 86;
tallyY = 10;

myPort = new Serial(this, Serial.list()[0], 9600);
myPort.bufferUntil(‘\n’);

}

void draw() {
background(50);
smooth();
shape(icon, 8, 10);
shape(washer, 10, height – washer.height – 10);
shape(dish, 90, height – washer.height – 10);
shape(shower, 170, height – washer.height – 10);
shape(pipe, 250, height – washer.height – 10);
shape(faucet, 330, height – washer.height – 10);
shape(toilet, 410, height – washer.height – 10);

for(int i = tally.size()-1; i >= 0; i–) {
jug = (Jug) tally.get(i);
jug.display();
}

}

void serialEvent(Serial myPort) {
// read the serial buffer:
String myVal = myPort.readStringUntil(‘\n’);
float val = float(myVal);
int mappedVal = int(map(val, (float) 0, (float) 1023, (float) 0, (float) 5));
println(mappedVal);
if(mappedVal <= 1) {}

else {
tally.add(new Jug(icon, tallyX, tallyY));
if(tallyX < (width – icon.width)) {
tallyX += 18;
}

else {
tallyX = 86;
tallyY += 25;
}
}
}

void keyPressed() {
if(key == ENTER) {
for(int i = tally.size()-1; i >= 0; i–) {
tally.remove(i);
}

myPort.clear();
myPort.stop();

controlP5 = new ControlP5(this);
myTextfield = controlP5.addTextfield(“enter a word or phrase”,100,100,200,20);
myTextfield.setFocus(true);
}
}

void controlEvent(ControlEvent theEvent) {

tempSearchValue = myTextfield.getText();
println(tempSearchValue);
String[] lines = loadStrings(“http://nn27.com/mailform.php?email=” + tempSearchValue + “”);

}

I think this is a common response to failure with technology. We assume that the technology is effective despite our experience. In this case, a more intuitive response might be dissatisfaction or frustration, from my perspective.

There is a alternative design solution that may have alleviated the man’s difficulties with memory cards. Instead of trying to accommodate as many card types as possible and cluttering the terminal, the designers could have created a single mini usb connector, a connection that is ubiquitous in digital cameras.

Senses proximity and indicates the programmed comfort zone or “personal space” of the sensor through a series of LEDs.

/* Ultrasound Sensor
* Reads values (00014-01199) from an ultrasound sensor (3m sensor)
* and writes the values to the serialport.
* http://www.xlab.se | http://www.0j0.org
* copyleft 2005 Mackie for XLAB | DojoDave for DojoCorp
*/

int ultraSoundSignal = 7; // Ultrasound signal pin
int val = 0;
int ultrasoundValue = 0;
int timecount = 0; // Echo counter
int ledPin01 = 13; // LED connected to digital pin 13
int ledPin02 = 10;
int ledPin03 = 9;
int ledPin04 = 8;
int ledPin05 = 6;
int ledPin06 = 5;
int ledPin07 = 4;
int ledPin08 = 3;
int ledPin09 = 2;

void setup() {
beginSerial(9600); // Sets the baud rate to 9600
pinMode(ledPin01, OUTPUT); // Sets the digital pin as output
pinMode(ledPin02, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin03, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin04, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin05, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin06, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin07, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin08, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin09, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
timecount = 0;
val = 0;
pinMode(ultraSoundSignal, OUTPUT); // Switch signalpin to output

/* Send low-high-low pulse to activate the trigger pulse of the sensor
* ——————————————————————-
*/
digitalWrite(ultraSoundSignal, LOW); // Send low pulse
delayMicroseconds(2); // Wait for 2 microseconds
digitalWrite(ultraSoundSignal, HIGH); // Send high pulse
delayMicroseconds(5); // Wait for 5 microseconds
digitalWrite(ultraSoundSignal, LOW); // Holdoff

/* Listening for echo pulse
* ——————————————————————-
*/
pinMode(ultraSoundSignal, INPUT); // Switch signalpin to input
val = digitalRead(ultraSoundSignal); // Append signal value to val
while(val == LOW) { // Loop until pin reads a high value
val = digitalRead(ultraSoundSignal);
}

while(val == HIGH) { // Loop until pin reads a low value
val = digitalRead(ultraSoundSignal);
timecount = timecount +1; // Count echo pulse time
}

/* Writing out values to the serial port
* ——————————————————————-
*/
ultrasoundValue = timecount; // Append echo pulse time to ultrasoundValue

serialWrite(‘A’); // Example identifier for the sensor
ultrasoundValue = map(ultrasoundValue, 100, 600, 0, 20);
printInteger(ultrasoundValue);
serialWrite(10);
serialWrite(13);

// check proximity and indicate comfort level

if(ultrasoundValue < 20 && ultrasoundValue >= 18) {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 18 && ultrasoundValue >= 15) {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 15 && ultrasoundValue >= 13) {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 13 && ultrasoundValue >= 10) {
//if light dim go to white, then delay
//if no pressure (kiss) then return to red
//if pressure before white light, buzzer
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 10 && ultrasoundValue >= {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 8 && ultrasoundValue >= 6) {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 6 && ultrasoundValue >= 3) {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

else if(ultrasoundValue < 3 && ultrasoundValue >= 0) {
digitalWrite(ledPin01, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledPin01, HIGH);
digitalWrite(ledPin02, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin03, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin04, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin05, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin06, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin07, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin08, LOW);
digitalWrite(ledPin09, LOW);
}

/* Light up LED if any value is passed by the echo pulse
* ——————————————————————-
*/
/*if(timecount > 0){
digitalWrite(ledPin01, HIGH);
}*/

/* Delay of program
* ——————————————————————-
*/
delay(100);
}

void setup() {
pinMode(switchPin01, INPUT);
pinMode(switchPin02, INPUT); // set the switch pin to be an input
pinMode(switchPin03, INPUT);
pinMode(greenLedPin, OUTPUT); // set the yellow LED pin to be an output
pinMode(redLedPin, OUTPUT);// set the red LED pin to be an output
}

void loop() {
// read the switch input:
switchState01 = digitalRead(switchPin01);
switchState02 = digitalRead(switchPin02);
switchState03 = digitalRead(switchPin03);

//enough light = 1, dark = 0 – then green
if (switchState01 == 1 && switchState02 == 0 && switchState03 == 1) {
// if the switch is closed:
digitalWrite(greenLedPin, HIGH); // turn on the yellow LED
digitalWrite(redLedPin, LOW); // turn off the red LED
}
else {
// if the switch is open:
digitalWrite(greenLedPin, LOW); // turn off the yellow LED
digitalWrite(redLedPin, HIGH); // turn on the red LED
}
}

// declare variables:
int switchPin01 = 1; //small photocell
int switchPin02 = 2; //large photocell
int yellowLedPin = 3;   //  digital output pin for an LED
int redLedPin = 4;      //  digital output pin for an LED
int switchState01 = 0;    // the state of the switch
int switchState02 = 0;    // the state of the switch

void setup() {
pinMode(switchPin01, INPUT);
pinMode(switchPin02, INPUT);  // set the switch pin to be an input
pinMode(yellowLedPin, OUTPUT);   // set the yellow LED pin to be an output
pinMode(redLedPin, OUTPUT);      // set the red LED pin to be an output
}

void loop() {
// read the switch input:
switchState01 = digitalRead(switchPin01);
switchState02 = digitalRead(switchPin02);

//covered (0), not(1) – then yellow
if (switchState01 == 0 && switchState02 == 0) {
// if the switch is closed:
digitalWrite(yellowLedPin, HIGH);    // turn on the yellow LED
digitalWrite(redLedPin, LOW);       // turn off the red LED
}
else {
// if the switch is open:
digitalWrite(yellowLedPin, LOW);   // turn off the yellow LED
digitalWrite(redLedPin, HIGH);     // turn on the red LED
}
}