For the final version of my project, I plan to expand on the scope of
my prototype while altering the type of input used. My original plan
was to have the garment react to my body by using a heart rate monitor
to activate the bristling function of the exact-o blades, but after
hearing all of your feedback I’ve decided to use proximity sensors
instead. I feel this drives home the idea of the garment as a demand for
personal space, as well as making it more interactive and less based
trying to define an emotional response by a physical one.

I’ve
ordered a cheapo leather-like jacket from a sketchy website that will
hopefully arrive as promised. I wanted to do a full garment rather than
the shoulder pads I used for the prototype so I could have a good
surface to incorporate the components into. I considered a vest, but
thought a jacket would give me more room for exact-o blades on the
shoulders, as well as more surface area. I also looked specifically for a
collared jacket so I can try to hide the servos under the collar.

I’m going to increase the amount of exact-o blades both for aesthetics and
to up the intimidation factor. I still have to figure out how exactly I
want to configure multiple rows, but I’m planning to replace the
electrical tape from the prototype with tabs of (faux) leather.

FEEDBACK QUESTIONS:
1. Did my prototype evoke a feeling of fear and if so, was it of me or for me, or both I guess?

2. I’m considering including another element with a heart rate monitor controlling LEDs. They might change color according to heart rate or flash with every beat. Do you think this would add to the project or does it seem unnecessary?

3. Should I try to hide all the components on the inside of the jacket, or would it not bother you to have some bits be visible?
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[EDITED TO ADD:]

1) Initial Tasks

A) create a new circuit to control the servos based on proximity rather than light
B) redesign the exact-o mechanism so that everything but the blades will be hidden within the jacket
C) figure out a portable power source (whoops)
D) decide on the best placement for various components on or in the jacket (servos will be on the outside, but hidden by collar; need to figure out how best to place the circuit and Arduino board as well as the proximity sensors)

2) Budget List

-Ultrasonic Module Hc-Sr04 Distance Measuring Transducer Sensor for Arduino #00478889 (2)
: $3.95 each from miniinthebox.com – $21.59 including expedited shipping
-jacket from Tilly’s via amazon.com : $17.57 – $21.57 including shipping
-power supply : TBA
-other various resistors/wires/etc : TBA (but should all be available in Arduino kit or lab so $00.00)
-black crochet thread, Joann : $3.81(including tax)

current budget total =  $46.97

3) Sample Code

(Newping library)

#include <NewPing.h>

#define TRIGGER_PIN  12  // Arduino pin tied to trigger pin on the ultrasonic sensor.
#define ECHO_PIN     11  // Arduino pin tied to echo pin on the ultrasonic sensor.
#define MAX_DISTANCE 200 // Maximum distance we want to ping for (in centimeters). Maximum sensor distance is rated at 400-500cm.

NewPing sonar(TRIGGER_PIN, ECHO_PIN, MAX_DISTANCE); // NewPing setup of pins and maximum distance.

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Open serial monitor at 115200 baud to see ping results.
}

void loop() {
  delay(50);                      // Wait 50ms between pings (about 20 pings/sec). 29ms should be the shortest delay between pings.
  unsigned int uS = sonar.ping(); // Send ping, get ping time in microseconds (uS).
  Serial.print(“Ping: “);
  Serial.print(uS / US_ROUNDTRIP_CM); // Convert ping time to distance in cm and print result (0 = outside set distance range)
  Serial.println(“cm”);