Medien Wiki - User contributions [en]

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-20T10:02:16Z

Fiene:

='''<big>The Verdant Symphony</big>'''=
<blockquote>
This project fuses nature, technology, and music into a unique blend. Six plants, equipped with gas sensors, guide motors that pluck guitar strings, each producing an individual tone. The result is a living symphony, where the natural signals of plants shape a new fusion of nature, sound and the digital world.[[File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg|center|thumb|954x954px]]</blockquote>

==Brainstorming and concept development==
[[File:Seminar.jpg|thumb|438x438px]]
Inspired by some exemplary works presented during the first two seminar sessions, Hanna quickly came up with the idea of having plants play the guitar together. I was immediately fascinated by this idea and very grateful that Hanna wanted to collaborate with me. Together, we developed the concept further week by week. I documented and organized this thought process and the resulting ideas on a Miro board:

[https://miro.com/welcomeonboard/RXp4WGw5Y0lxU0VpK0RRUHF3QWMyYmIvUmlLYlA1cXkxcTJ4UVBDM1BLT2s3dDB6VnovR2dpN1hEd2pYWG9PeUpZZU1PV3RsVERIWUJFOGtkcUhPem1TVHBsNVJPZlA3RXozeC9NbVR5QVlmMHhOMUxLd3VXOHY4d1dOK3NVOXVyVmtkMG5hNDA3dVlncnBvRVB2ZXBnPT0hdjE=?share_link_id=117672028285 Miro Board]

Initially, the plan was for two plants to interact and control the guitar. Later, we considered having a guitar and a computer-generated voice play music together, but we eventually abandoned this idea.
In the end, we settled on the concept of six plants, each playing a single guitar string, controlled by the gas emissions of the respective plant.
This idea was then presented during the midterm presentation. Hanna had created an initial version of the code, while I had already started working on the structural implementation of a mount for the motors and had designed a construction plan for it.

(written by Fiene)

==Technical implementation==
[[File:Seminar 2.jpg|left|thumb|396x396px]]

===Embedded systems development ===

During our project, we used Visual Studio Code and Arduino to program and control motors based on sensor data. Our first challenge was to determine how the motor should move. We aimed to ensure that the motors moved only once per activation, producing a single tone. To achieve this, we created an initial test code to establish how to instruct the motor to move right when it was on the left and vice versa.

Next, we needed to develop a pattern to simulate incoming sensor data. The second test code introduced random numbers to help us determine a trigger value for the motors. This was combined with our previous motor movement code to create a preliminary response system.

We then worked on enabling two motors to move independently. To accomplish this, we implemented two different random numbers so that each motor would move at different trigger values. Adjustments were made to delay times to introduce a more natural, randomized effect.

To acquire real sensor data, we opted for an MQ-2 gas sensor, which detects combustible gases. We initially attempted to retrieve analog output values from one sensor. Since the raw sensor data wasn’t as representative as we needed, we decided to convert the readings into ppm (parts per million) for more meaningful analysis.

The next step was to replace our previously used random numbers with actual gas concentration values measured by the sensor. We then expanded the system to incorporate six sensors and six motors, which required multiple iterations to perfect. A major challenge was implementing all sensor values, motors, and their corresponding variables into a function that allowed each sensor-motor pair to operate independently. We replaced the general delay time in the loop with millis() to enhance performance and flexibility.
[[File:SG90 9g Micro Servo.jpg|thumb|273x273px]]
After measuring the gas concentrations produced by plants over time, we made several adjustments to optimize the installation. Each motor was assigned an individual trigger value based on the gas readings from its respective sensor. Since sensor readings were taken at short intervals and did not fluctuate significantly, motors would have been triggered too frequently, leading to excessive noise. To mitigate this, we introduced individual delay times for each motor before they could be triggered again. To create a more natural and less predictable sound pattern, we introduced a "random factor." This factor was recalculated with each sensor reading and multiplied by the motor’s delay time, ensuring a more varied and pleasant auditory experience.

Debugging print commands were added to the code to help monitor sensor functionality when connected to a computer. These were primarily for troubleshooting and not necessary for the final public installation. Although the code could have been optimized for brevity, we chose to keep it more detailed to maintain a clear overview of all sensors, motors, and timing adjustments. In the end, our system successfully produced tones in a random frequency, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

=== Technology ===

* ESP32
* mq-2 sensor for combustible gas
* SG90 9g Micro Servo
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Bread board.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 2.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 3.jpg
File:Mq-2 sensor for combustible gas .jpg
</gallery>

=== Code ===

===== For the platformio.ini: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
lib_deps = roboticsbrno/ServoESP32@1.0.3
monitor_speed = 9600

</syntaxhighlight>

===== Fort he main.cpp: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
#include <Arduino.h>
// include the servo library
#include <Servo.h>

// timing
unsigned long currentTime = 0;

unsigned long lastTimeA = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeB = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeC = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeD = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeE = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeF = 0;

const int baseServoDelayTimeA = 17300;
const int baseServoDelayTimeB = 11020;
const int baseServoDelayTimeC = 15400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeD = 12800;
const int baseServoDelayTimeE = 8400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeF = 6300;

float randMultiplier = 1.0;

long randNumber;

//sensors
const float sensorTriggerValueA = 700;
const float sensorTriggerValueB = 520;
const float sensorTriggerValueC = 650;
const float sensorTriggerValueD = 880;
const float sensorTriggerValueE = 950;
const float sensorTriggerValueF = 1100;

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

const int sensorA = 36;
const int sensorB = 39;
const int sensorC = 34;
const int sensorD = 35;
const int sensorE = 32;
const int sensorF = 33;

float gasValueSensorA = getSensorValuePpm (sensorA);
float gasValueSensorB = getSensorValuePpm (sensorB);
float gasValueSensorC = getSensorValuePpm (sensorC);
float gasValueSensorD = getSensorValuePpm (sensorD);
float gasValueSensorE = getSensorValuePpm (sensorE);
float gasValueSensorF = getSensorValuePpm (sensorF);

//servos
const int servoPinA = 19;
const int servoPinB = 18;
const int servoPinC = 05;
const int servoPinD = 17;
const int servoPinE = 16;
const int servoPinF = 04;

Servo servoA;
Servo servoB;
Servo servoC;
Servo servoD;
Servo servoE;
Servo servoF;

boolean isLeftA;
boolean isLeftB;
boolean isLeftC;
boolean isLeftD;
boolean isLeftE;
boolean isLeftF;

//function declarations
void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue);

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

void setup() {
analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db);
Serial.begin(9600);

servoA.attach(servoPinA);
servoA.write(30);
isLeftA = true;

servoB.attach(servoPinB);
servoB.write(30);
isLeftB = true;

servoC.attach(servoPinC);
servoC.write(30);
isLeftC = true;

servoD.attach(servoPinD);
servoD.write(30);
isLeftD = true;

servoE.attach(servoPinE);
servoE.write(30);
isLeftE = true;

servoF.attach(servoPinF);
servoF.write(30);
isLeftF = true;
}

void loop() {
currentTime = millis();

playSound(lastTimeA, sensorA, servoA, gasValueSensorA, isLeftA, baseServoDelayTimeA, sensorTriggerValueA);
playSound(lastTimeB, sensorB, servoB, gasValueSensorB, isLeftB, baseServoDelayTimeB, sensorTriggerValueB);
playSound(lastTimeC, sensorC, servoC, gasValueSensorC, isLeftC, baseServoDelayTimeC, sensorTriggerValueC);
playSound(lastTimeD, sensorD, servoD, gasValueSensorD, isLeftD, baseServoDelayTimeD, sensorTriggerValueD);
playSound(lastTimeE, sensorE, servoE, gasValueSensorE, isLeftE, baseServoDelayTimeE, sensorTriggerValueE);
playSound(lastTimeF, sensorF, servoF, gasValueSensorF, isLeftF, baseServoDelayTimeF, sensorTriggerValueF);
}

//functions

void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue){

//generate multiplier and adjust delaytime
randMultiplier = 0.7 + (random(0, 341) / 100.0);
int adjustedDelayTime = baseServoDelayTime * randMultiplier;

if (currentTime - lastTime >= adjustedDelayTime){
// check if timing works
Serial.print("Random delayTime");
Serial.println(adjustedDelayTime);
Serial.println("Triggering sensor reaading");
gasValueSensor = getSensorValuePpm(sensorPin);
// check sensor value
Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
Serial.println(gasValueSensor);

if (gasValueSensor > sensorTriggerValue){
Serial.println("Triggering servo");
// move servo to play sound
if (isLeft == true){
servo.write(0);
isLeft = false;
Serial.println("right");
}
else{
servo.write(30);
isLeft = true;
Serial.println("left");
}
Serial.println("Servo moved. Last Time updated.");
}
// update lastTime
lastTime = currentTime;
}
}

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin) {
float voltage = analogRead(sensorPin) * (5.0 / 1023.0);
float RS_air = 10.0;
float RL = 2.0;
float ratio = RL / RS_air;
float RS = ((5.0 / voltage) - 1.0) * RL;
float ppm = 1000.0 * pow((RS / RS_air), ratio);
return ppm;
}

</syntaxhighlight>(written by Hanna)

==Manual construction ==
[[File:Construction plan for the motor mount.jpg|thumb|340x340px]]
I was responsible for the structural and mechanical implementation of the project since my strengths lie far more in this area than in writing computer code. Additionally, unlike Hanna, I have the necessary resources at home to craft.

We needed a mount that would allow the servo motors to hover above the guitar strings so they could pluck them individually. The servo motors had to be positioned at a certain distance from each other to avoid interfering with one another when striking the strings. We had already identified this issue through a cardboard prototype. Since guitar picks were to be attached to the motors, increasing the radius of the strike, it made sense to always leave two strings between those being played.[[File:Soldering.jpg|thumb|315x315px|left]]

I decided to attach two motors to one bar. The construction sketch can be seen here:

Since I couldn’t guarantee millimeter-precise construction, and factors like the surface, variations in the way the picks were attached, or different motor models could create height differences, it was necessary to allow for fine adjustments to the height of the mount. For this, I used special adjustment screws that allow the height of the mounting beams to be individually adjusted on both sides. Unlike regular screws, these have two types of threads: the upper thread remains fixed in the wood, while the lower thread can be screwed in and out like a standard screw. This enables precise millimeter-level height adjustments to fit the conditions.

Additionally, the sensors had to be connected to the breadboard. To do this, I soldered cables—each consisting of three wires—of sufficient length to each of the six sensors. I then soldered a connector to each wire to facilitate easy attachment to the breadboard.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Prototype mady of cardboard.jpg
File:Workbench.jpg
File:Soldering 2.jpg
File:Sensor with soldered cable.jpg
</gallery>

== The Plants ==
*Hyacinth
*Euphorbia
*Fern
*Begonia
*Peperomia
*Alocasia

=='''Exhibition'''==
[[File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg|left|thumb|375x375px]]

===Concept===
The idea was to place the guitar on a table, with a clothing rack positioned behind it, from which the six plants would hang. These included a hyacinth and an alocasia in bags, a fern and a pepper plant in small greenhouses, as well as a begonia and a moldy euphorbia in screw-top jars.

The cables and the breadboard were intentionally installed with minimal cable management, keeping them clearly visible to emphasize the DIY aesthetic.

The lighting needed to be bright enough to provide sufficient light for the plants without being too harsh. Hanna brought her grow lights, which perfectly illuminated the exhibition niche where our work was displayed.

We chose the niche as our exhibition space because it allowed us to maintain a necessary distance from other sound-based projects. Additionally, this setup ensured that the work could only be viewed from the front, preventing visitors from accidentally bumping into it and disturbing any components.

===Preparations and setup===
Hanna and I met in Weimar on the Saturday before the exhibition to attach the picks to the motors and test the interaction of all components. This allowed us to check the overall functionality of both the code and the construction. Fortunately, everything worked as intended, with only a few minor tasks remaining.
[[File:Preparations and setup 3.jpg|thumb|356x356px]]
Our plan was to hang the plants from a clothing rack. However, since two of the plants were potted in jars, suspending them proved to be a challenge. To solve this, I crafted wooden discs with holes through which we could thread wire, ensuring that the jars could be securely hung. Hanna also made some minor adjustments to our code.

On the Thursday before the exhibition, we finalized our setup. We darkened the window, adjusted the lighting, secured all components to the table to prevent any shifting during the exhibition, connected the sensors and motors, plugged in the power supply, set the timers, and fine-tuned the height of the mounting structure to ensure that each pick could strike its string and produce a pleasant sound.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Preparations and setup 1.jpg
File:Preparations and setup.jpg
File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg
</gallery>

===Winterwerkschau===
The Winterwerkschau was a great success for our project. Contrary to our initial concerns, the adhesive held up perfectly, keeping the picks securely attached to the motors for both days of the exhibition. As a result, all the strings could be continuously played without any issues.

When Hanna and I took our turn overseeing the exhibition, we were met with an incredible amount of interest and enthusiasm. Visitors were fascinated by our work, showering us with questions and curiosity. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that filled us with pride and reinforced our excitement about what we had created.

All the hard work had truly paid off, and seeing our project resonate with others made the effort even more worthwhile.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 2.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 3.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 4.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 5.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 6.jpg
File:Hanna and Fiene next to their work.jpg
</gallery>

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-20T10:01:14Z

Fiene:

='''<big>The Verdant Symphony</big>'''=
<blockquote>
This project fuses nature, technology, and music into a unique blend. Six plants, equipped with gas sensors, guide motors that pluck guitar strings, each producing an individual tone. The result is a living symphony, where the natural signals of plants shape a new fusion of nature, sound and the digital world.[[File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg|center|thumb|954x954px]]</blockquote>

==Brainstorming and concept development==
[[File:Seminar.jpg|thumb|438x438px]]
Inspired by some exemplary works presented during the first two seminar sessions, Hanna quickly came up with the idea of having plants play the guitar together. I was immediately fascinated by this idea and very grateful that Hanna wanted to collaborate with me. Together, we developed the concept further week by week. I documented and organized this thought process and the resulting ideas on a Miro board:

[https://miro.com/welcomeonboard/RXp4WGw5Y0lxU0VpK0RRUHF3QWMyYmIvUmlLYlA1cXkxcTJ4UVBDM1BLT2s3dDB6VnovR2dpN1hEd2pYWG9PeUpZZU1PV3RsVERIWUJFOGtkcUhPem1TVHBsNVJPZlA3RXozeC9NbVR5QVlmMHhOMUxLd3VXOHY4d1dOK3NVOXVyVmtkMG5hNDA3dVlncnBvRVB2ZXBnPT0hdjE=?share_link_id=117672028285 Miro Board]

Initially, the plan was for two plants to interact and control the guitar. Later, we considered having a guitar and a computer-generated voice play music together, but we eventually abandoned this idea.
In the end, we settled on the concept of six plants, each playing a single guitar string, controlled by the gas emissions of the respective plant.
This idea was then presented during the midterm presentation. Hanna had created an initial version of the code, while I had already started working on the structural implementation of a mount for the motors and had designed a construction plan for it.

(written by Fiene)

==Technical implementation==
[[File:Seminar 2.jpg|left|thumb|396x396px]]

===Embedded systems development ===

During our project, we used Visual Studio Code and Arduino to program and control motors based on sensor data. Our first challenge was to determine how the motor should move. We aimed to ensure that the motors moved only once per activation, producing a single tone. To achieve this, we created an initial test code to establish how to instruct the motor to move right when it was on the left and vice versa.

Next, we needed to develop a pattern to simulate incoming sensor data. The second test code introduced random numbers to help us determine a trigger value for the motors. This was combined with our previous motor movement code to create a preliminary response system.

We then worked on enabling two motors to move independently. To accomplish this, we implemented two different random numbers so that each motor would move at different trigger values. Adjustments were made to delay times to introduce a more natural, randomized effect.

To acquire real sensor data, we opted for an MQ-2 gas sensor, which detects combustible gases. We initially attempted to retrieve analog output values from one sensor. Since the raw sensor data wasn’t as representative as we needed, we decided to convert the readings into ppm (parts per million) for more meaningful analysis.

The next step was to replace our previously used random numbers with actual gas concentration values measured by the sensor. We then expanded the system to incorporate six sensors and six motors, which required multiple iterations to perfect. A major challenge was implementing all sensor values, motors, and their corresponding variables into a function that allowed each sensor-motor pair to operate independently. We replaced the general delay time in the loop with millis() to enhance performance and flexibility.
[[File:SG90 9g Micro Servo.jpg|thumb|273x273px]]
After measuring the gas concentrations produced by plants over time, we made several adjustments to optimize the installation. Each motor was assigned an individual trigger value based on the gas readings from its respective sensor. Since sensor readings were taken at short intervals and did not fluctuate significantly, motors would have been triggered too frequently, leading to excessive noise. To mitigate this, we introduced individual delay times for each motor before they could be triggered again. To create a more natural and less predictable sound pattern, we introduced a "random factor." This factor was recalculated with each sensor reading and multiplied by the motor’s delay time, ensuring a more varied and pleasant auditory experience.

Debugging print commands were added to the code to help monitor sensor functionality when connected to a computer. These were primarily for troubleshooting and not necessary for the final public installation. Although the code could have been optimized for brevity, we chose to keep it more detailed to maintain a clear overview of all sensors, motors, and timing adjustments. In the end, our system successfully produced tones in a random frequency, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

=== Technology ===

* ESP32
* mq-2 sensor for combustible gas
* SG90 9g Micro Servo
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Bread board.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 2.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 3.jpg
File:Mq-2 sensor for combustible gas .jpg
</gallery>

=== Code ===

===== For the platformio.ini: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
lib_deps = roboticsbrno/ServoESP32@1.0.3
monitor_speed = 9600

</syntaxhighlight>

===== Fort he main.cpp: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
#include <Arduino.h>
// include the servo library
#include <Servo.h>

// timing
unsigned long currentTime = 0;

unsigned long lastTimeA = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeB = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeC = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeD = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeE = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeF = 0;

const int baseServoDelayTimeA = 17300;
const int baseServoDelayTimeB = 11020;
const int baseServoDelayTimeC = 15400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeD = 12800;
const int baseServoDelayTimeE = 8400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeF = 6300;

float randMultiplier = 1.0;

long randNumber;

//sensors
const float sensorTriggerValueA = 700;
const float sensorTriggerValueB = 520;
const float sensorTriggerValueC = 650;
const float sensorTriggerValueD = 880;
const float sensorTriggerValueE = 950;
const float sensorTriggerValueF = 1100;

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

const int sensorA = 36;
const int sensorB = 39;
const int sensorC = 34;
const int sensorD = 35;
const int sensorE = 32;
const int sensorF = 33;

float gasValueSensorA = getSensorValuePpm (sensorA);
float gasValueSensorB = getSensorValuePpm (sensorB);
float gasValueSensorC = getSensorValuePpm (sensorC);
float gasValueSensorD = getSensorValuePpm (sensorD);
float gasValueSensorE = getSensorValuePpm (sensorE);
float gasValueSensorF = getSensorValuePpm (sensorF);

//servos
const int servoPinA = 19;
const int servoPinB = 18;
const int servoPinC = 05;
const int servoPinD = 17;
const int servoPinE = 16;
const int servoPinF = 04;

Servo servoA;
Servo servoB;
Servo servoC;
Servo servoD;
Servo servoE;
Servo servoF;

boolean isLeftA;
boolean isLeftB;
boolean isLeftC;
boolean isLeftD;
boolean isLeftE;
boolean isLeftF;

//function declarations
void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue);

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

void setup() {
analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db);
Serial.begin(9600);

servoA.attach(servoPinA);
servoA.write(30);
isLeftA = true;

servoB.attach(servoPinB);
servoB.write(30);
isLeftB = true;

servoC.attach(servoPinC);
servoC.write(30);
isLeftC = true;

servoD.attach(servoPinD);
servoD.write(30);
isLeftD = true;

servoE.attach(servoPinE);
servoE.write(30);
isLeftE = true;

servoF.attach(servoPinF);
servoF.write(30);
isLeftF = true;
}

void loop() {
currentTime = millis();

playSound(lastTimeA, sensorA, servoA, gasValueSensorA, isLeftA, baseServoDelayTimeA, sensorTriggerValueA);
playSound(lastTimeB, sensorB, servoB, gasValueSensorB, isLeftB, baseServoDelayTimeB, sensorTriggerValueB);
playSound(lastTimeC, sensorC, servoC, gasValueSensorC, isLeftC, baseServoDelayTimeC, sensorTriggerValueC);
playSound(lastTimeD, sensorD, servoD, gasValueSensorD, isLeftD, baseServoDelayTimeD, sensorTriggerValueD);
playSound(lastTimeE, sensorE, servoE, gasValueSensorE, isLeftE, baseServoDelayTimeE, sensorTriggerValueE);
playSound(lastTimeF, sensorF, servoF, gasValueSensorF, isLeftF, baseServoDelayTimeF, sensorTriggerValueF);
}

//functions

void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue){

//generate multiplier and adjust delaytime
randMultiplier = 0.7 + (random(0, 341) / 100.0);
int adjustedDelayTime = baseServoDelayTime * randMultiplier;

if (currentTime - lastTime >= adjustedDelayTime){
// check if timing works
Serial.print("Random delayTime");
Serial.println(adjustedDelayTime);
Serial.println("Triggering sensor reaading");
gasValueSensor = getSensorValuePpm(sensorPin);
// check sensor value
Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
Serial.println(gasValueSensor);

if (gasValueSensor > sensorTriggerValue){
Serial.println("Triggering servo");
// move servo to play sound
if (isLeft == true){
servo.write(0);
isLeft = false;
Serial.println("right");
}
else{
servo.write(30);
isLeft = true;
Serial.println("left");
}
Serial.println("Servo moved. Last Time updated.");
}
// update lastTime
lastTime = currentTime;
}
}

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin) {
float voltage = analogRead(sensorPin) * (5.0 / 1023.0);
float RS_air = 10.0;
float RL = 2.0;
float ratio = RL / RS_air;
float RS = ((5.0 / voltage) - 1.0) * RL;
float ppm = 1000.0 * pow((RS / RS_air), ratio);
return ppm;
}

</syntaxhighlight>(written by Hanna)

==Manual construction ==
[[File:Construction plan for the motor mount.jpg|thumb|337x337px]]
I was responsible for the structural and mechanical implementation of the project since my strengths lie far more in this area than in writing computer code. Additionally, unlike Hanna, I have the necessary resources at home to craft.

We needed a mount that would allow the servo motors to hover above the guitar strings so they could pluck them individually. The servo motors had to be positioned at a certain distance from each other to avoid interfering with one another when striking the strings. We had already identified this issue through a cardboard prototype. Since guitar picks were to be attached to the motors, increasing the radius of the strike, it made sense to always leave two strings between those being played.

I decided to attach two motors to one bar. The construction sketch can be seen here:[[File:Soldering.jpg|thumb|309x309px|left]]Since I couldn’t guarantee millimeter-precise construction, and factors like the surface, variations in the way the picks were attached, or different motor models could create height differences, it was necessary to allow for fine adjustments to the height of the mount. For this, I used special adjustment screws that allow the height of the mounting beams to be individually adjusted on both sides. Unlike regular screws, these have two types of threads: the upper thread remains fixed in the wood, while the lower thread can be screwed in and out like a standard screw. This enables precise millimeter-level height adjustments to fit the conditions.

Additionally, the sensors had to be connected to the breadboard. To do this, I soldered cables—each consisting of three wires—of sufficient length to each of the six sensors. I then soldered a connector to each wire to facilitate easy attachment to the breadboard.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Prototype mady of cardboard.jpg
File:Workbench.jpg
File:Soldering 2.jpg
File:Sensor with soldered cable.jpg
</gallery>

== The Plants ==
*Hyacinth
*Euphorbia
*Fern
*Begonia
*Peperomia
*Alocasia

=='''Exhibition'''==
[[File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg|left|thumb|375x375px]]

===Concept===
The idea was to place the guitar on a table, with a clothing rack positioned behind it, from which the six plants would hang. These included a hyacinth and an alocasia in bags, a fern and a pepper plant in small greenhouses, as well as a begonia and a moldy euphorbia in screw-top jars.

The cables and the breadboard were intentionally installed with minimal cable management, keeping them clearly visible to emphasize the DIY aesthetic.

The lighting needed to be bright enough to provide sufficient light for the plants without being too harsh. Hanna brought her grow lights, which perfectly illuminated the exhibition niche where our work was displayed.

We chose the niche as our exhibition space because it allowed us to maintain a necessary distance from other sound-based projects. Additionally, this setup ensured that the work could only be viewed from the front, preventing visitors from accidentally bumping into it and disturbing any components.

===Preparations and setup===
Hanna and I met in Weimar on the Saturday before the exhibition to attach the picks to the motors and test the interaction of all components. This allowed us to check the overall functionality of both the code and the construction. Fortunately, everything worked as intended, with only a few minor tasks remaining.
[[File:Preparations and setup 3.jpg|thumb|356x356px]]
Our plan was to hang the plants from a clothing rack. However, since two of the plants were potted in jars, suspending them proved to be a challenge. To solve this, I crafted wooden discs with holes through which we could thread wire, ensuring that the jars could be securely hung. Hanna also made some minor adjustments to our code.

On the Thursday before the exhibition, we finalized our setup. We darkened the window, adjusted the lighting, secured all components to the table to prevent any shifting during the exhibition, connected the sensors and motors, plugged in the power supply, set the timers, and fine-tuned the height of the mounting structure to ensure that each pick could strike its string and produce a pleasant sound.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Preparations and setup 1.jpg
File:Preparations and setup.jpg
File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg
</gallery>

===Winterwerkschau===
The Winterwerkschau was a great success for our project. Contrary to our initial concerns, the adhesive held up perfectly, keeping the picks securely attached to the motors for both days of the exhibition. As a result, all the strings could be continuously played without any issues.

When Hanna and I took our turn overseeing the exhibition, we were met with an incredible amount of interest and enthusiasm. Visitors were fascinated by our work, showering us with questions and curiosity. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that filled us with pride and reinforced our excitement about what we had created.

All the hard work had truly paid off, and seeing our project resonate with others made the effort even more worthwhile.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 2.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 3.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 4.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 5.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 6.jpg
File:Hanna and Fiene next to their work.jpg
</gallery>

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-20T09:58:37Z

Fiene:

='''<big>The Verdant Symphony</big>'''=
<blockquote>
This project fuses nature, technology, and music into a unique blend. Six plants, equipped with gas sensors, guide motors that pluck guitar strings, each producing an individual tone. The result is a living symphony, where the natural signals of plants shape a new fusion of nature, sound and the digital world.[[File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg|center|thumb|954x954px]]</blockquote>

==Brainstorming and concept development==
[[File:Seminar.jpg|thumb|438x438px]]
Inspired by some exemplary works presented during the first two seminar sessions, Hanna quickly came up with the idea of having plants play the guitar together. I was immediately fascinated by this idea and very grateful that Hanna wanted to collaborate with me. Together, we developed the concept further week by week. I documented and organized this thought process and the resulting ideas on a Miro board:

[https://miro.com/welcomeonboard/RXp4WGw5Y0lxU0VpK0RRUHF3QWMyYmIvUmlLYlA1cXkxcTJ4UVBDM1BLT2s3dDB6VnovR2dpN1hEd2pYWG9PeUpZZU1PV3RsVERIWUJFOGtkcUhPem1TVHBsNVJPZlA3RXozeC9NbVR5QVlmMHhOMUxLd3VXOHY4d1dOK3NVOXVyVmtkMG5hNDA3dVlncnBvRVB2ZXBnPT0hdjE=?share_link_id=117672028285 Miro Board]

Initially, the plan was for two plants to interact and control the guitar. Later, we considered having a guitar and a computer-generated voice play music together, but we eventually abandoned this idea.
In the end, we settled on the concept of six plants, each playing a single guitar string, controlled by the gas emissions of the respective plant.
This idea was then presented during the midterm presentation. Hanna had created an initial version of the code, while I had already started working on the structural implementation of a mount for the motors and had designed a construction plan for it.

(written by Fiene)

==Technical implementation==
[[File:Seminar 2.jpg|left|thumb|396x396px]]

===Embedded systems development ===

During our project, we used Visual Studio Code and Arduino to program and control motors based on sensor data. Our first challenge was to determine how the motor should move. We aimed to ensure that the motors moved only once per activation, producing a single tone. To achieve this, we created an initial test code to establish how to instruct the motor to move right when it was on the left and vice versa.

Next, we needed to develop a pattern to simulate incoming sensor data. The second test code introduced random numbers to help us determine a trigger value for the motors. This was combined with our previous motor movement code to create a preliminary response system.

We then worked on enabling two motors to move independently. To accomplish this, we implemented two different random numbers so that each motor would move at different trigger values. Adjustments were made to delay times to introduce a more natural, randomized effect.

To acquire real sensor data, we opted for an MQ-2 gas sensor, which detects combustible gases. We initially attempted to retrieve analog output values from one sensor. Since the raw sensor data wasn’t as representative as we needed, we decided to convert the readings into ppm (parts per million) for more meaningful analysis.

The next step was to replace our previously used random numbers with actual gas concentration values measured by the sensor. We then expanded the system to incorporate six sensors and six motors, which required multiple iterations to perfect. A major challenge was implementing all sensor values, motors, and their corresponding variables into a function that allowed each sensor-motor pair to operate independently. We replaced the general delay time in the loop with millis() to enhance performance and flexibility.
[[File:SG90 9g Micro Servo.jpg|thumb|273x273px]]
After measuring the gas concentrations produced by plants over time, we made several adjustments to optimize the installation. Each motor was assigned an individual trigger value based on the gas readings from its respective sensor. Since sensor readings were taken at short intervals and did not fluctuate significantly, motors would have been triggered too frequently, leading to excessive noise. To mitigate this, we introduced individual delay times for each motor before they could be triggered again. To create a more natural and less predictable sound pattern, we introduced a "random factor." This factor was recalculated with each sensor reading and multiplied by the motor’s delay time, ensuring a more varied and pleasant auditory experience.

Debugging print commands were added to the code to help monitor sensor functionality when connected to a computer. These were primarily for troubleshooting and not necessary for the final public installation. Although the code could have been optimized for brevity, we chose to keep it more detailed to maintain a clear overview of all sensors, motors, and timing adjustments. In the end, our system successfully produced tones in a random frequency, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

=== Technology ===

* ESP32
* mq-2 sensor for combustible gas
* SG90 9g Micro Servo
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Bread board.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 2.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 3.jpg
File:Mq-2 sensor for combustible gas .jpg
</gallery>

=== Code ===

===== For the platformio.ini: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
lib_deps = roboticsbrno/ServoESP32@1.0.3
monitor_speed = 9600

</syntaxhighlight>

===== Fort he main.cpp: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
#include <Arduino.h>
// include the servo library
#include <Servo.h>

// timing
unsigned long currentTime = 0;

unsigned long lastTimeA = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeB = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeC = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeD = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeE = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeF = 0;

const int baseServoDelayTimeA = 17300;
const int baseServoDelayTimeB = 11020;
const int baseServoDelayTimeC = 15400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeD = 12800;
const int baseServoDelayTimeE = 8400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeF = 6300;

float randMultiplier = 1.0;

long randNumber;

//sensors
const float sensorTriggerValueA = 700;
const float sensorTriggerValueB = 520;
const float sensorTriggerValueC = 650;
const float sensorTriggerValueD = 880;
const float sensorTriggerValueE = 950;
const float sensorTriggerValueF = 1100;

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

const int sensorA = 36;
const int sensorB = 39;
const int sensorC = 34;
const int sensorD = 35;
const int sensorE = 32;
const int sensorF = 33;

float gasValueSensorA = getSensorValuePpm (sensorA);
float gasValueSensorB = getSensorValuePpm (sensorB);
float gasValueSensorC = getSensorValuePpm (sensorC);
float gasValueSensorD = getSensorValuePpm (sensorD);
float gasValueSensorE = getSensorValuePpm (sensorE);
float gasValueSensorF = getSensorValuePpm (sensorF);

//servos
const int servoPinA = 19;
const int servoPinB = 18;
const int servoPinC = 05;
const int servoPinD = 17;
const int servoPinE = 16;
const int servoPinF = 04;

Servo servoA;
Servo servoB;
Servo servoC;
Servo servoD;
Servo servoE;
Servo servoF;

boolean isLeftA;
boolean isLeftB;
boolean isLeftC;
boolean isLeftD;
boolean isLeftE;
boolean isLeftF;

//function declarations
void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue);

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

void setup() {
analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db);
Serial.begin(9600);

servoA.attach(servoPinA);
servoA.write(30);
isLeftA = true;

servoB.attach(servoPinB);
servoB.write(30);
isLeftB = true;

servoC.attach(servoPinC);
servoC.write(30);
isLeftC = true;

servoD.attach(servoPinD);
servoD.write(30);
isLeftD = true;

servoE.attach(servoPinE);
servoE.write(30);
isLeftE = true;

servoF.attach(servoPinF);
servoF.write(30);
isLeftF = true;
}

void loop() {
currentTime = millis();

playSound(lastTimeA, sensorA, servoA, gasValueSensorA, isLeftA, baseServoDelayTimeA, sensorTriggerValueA);
playSound(lastTimeB, sensorB, servoB, gasValueSensorB, isLeftB, baseServoDelayTimeB, sensorTriggerValueB);
playSound(lastTimeC, sensorC, servoC, gasValueSensorC, isLeftC, baseServoDelayTimeC, sensorTriggerValueC);
playSound(lastTimeD, sensorD, servoD, gasValueSensorD, isLeftD, baseServoDelayTimeD, sensorTriggerValueD);
playSound(lastTimeE, sensorE, servoE, gasValueSensorE, isLeftE, baseServoDelayTimeE, sensorTriggerValueE);
playSound(lastTimeF, sensorF, servoF, gasValueSensorF, isLeftF, baseServoDelayTimeF, sensorTriggerValueF);
}

//functions

void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue){

//generate multiplier and adjust delaytime
randMultiplier = 0.7 + (random(0, 341) / 100.0);
int adjustedDelayTime = baseServoDelayTime * randMultiplier;

if (currentTime - lastTime >= adjustedDelayTime){
// check if timing works
Serial.print("Random delayTime");
Serial.println(adjustedDelayTime);
Serial.println("Triggering sensor reaading");
gasValueSensor = getSensorValuePpm(sensorPin);
// check sensor value
Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
Serial.println(gasValueSensor);

if (gasValueSensor > sensorTriggerValue){
Serial.println("Triggering servo");
// move servo to play sound
if (isLeft == true){
servo.write(0);
isLeft = false;
Serial.println("right");
}
else{
servo.write(30);
isLeft = true;
Serial.println("left");
}
Serial.println("Servo moved. Last Time updated.");
}
// update lastTime
lastTime = currentTime;
}
}

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin) {
float voltage = analogRead(sensorPin) * (5.0 / 1023.0);
float RS_air = 10.0;
float RL = 2.0;
float ratio = RL / RS_air;
float RS = ((5.0 / voltage) - 1.0) * RL;
float ppm = 1000.0 * pow((RS / RS_air), ratio);
return ppm;
}

</syntaxhighlight>(written by Hanna)

==Manual construction ==
[[File:Construction plan for the motor mount.jpg|thumb|337x337px]]
I was responsible for the structural and mechanical implementation of the project since my strengths lie far more in this area than in writing computer code. Additionally, unlike Hanna, I have the necessary resources at home to craft.

We needed a mount that would allow the servo motors to hover above the guitar strings so they could pluck them individually. The servo motors had to be positioned at a certain distance from each other to avoid interfering with one another when striking the strings. We had already identified this issue through a cardboard prototype. Since guitar picks were to be attached to the motors, increasing the radius of the strike, it made sense to always leave two strings between those being played.

I decided to attach two motors to one bar. The construction sketch can be seen here:[[File:Soldering.jpg|thumb|309x309px|left]]Since I couldn’t guarantee millimeter-precise construction, and factors like the surface, variations in the way the picks were attached, or different motor models could create height differences, it was necessary to allow for fine adjustments to the height of the mount. For this, I used special adjustment screws that allow the height of the mounting beams to be individually adjusted on both sides. Unlike regular screws, these have two types of threads: the upper thread remains fixed in the wood, while the lower thread can be screwed in and out like a standard screw. This enables precise millimeter-level height adjustments to fit the conditions.

Additionally, the sensors had to be connected to the breadboard. To do this, I soldered cables—each consisting of three wires—of sufficient length to each of the six sensors. I then soldered a connector to each wire to facilitate easy attachment to the breadboard.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Prototype mady of cardboard.jpg
File:Workbench.jpg
File:Soldering 2.jpg
File:Sensor with soldered cable.jpg
</gallery>

== The Plants ==
*Hyacinth
*Euphorbia
*Fern
*Begonia
*Peperomia
*Alocasia

=='''Exhibition'''==
[[File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg|left|thumb|375x375px]]

===Concept===
The idea was to place the guitar on a table, with a clothing rack positioned behind it, from which the six plants would hang. These included a hyacinth and an alocasia in bags, a fern and a pepper plant in small greenhouses, as well as a begonia and a moldy euphorbia in screw-top jars.

The cables and the breadboard were intentionally installed with minimal cable management, keeping them clearly visible to emphasize the DIY aesthetic.

The lighting needed to be bright enough to provide sufficient light for the plants without being too harsh. Hanna brought her grow lights, which perfectly illuminated the exhibition niche where our work was displayed.

We chose the niche as our exhibition space because it allowed us to maintain a necessary distance from other sound-based projects. Additionally, this setup ensured that the work could only be viewed from the front, preventing visitors from accidentally bumping into it and disturbing any components.

===Preparations and setup===
Hanna and I met in Weimar on the Saturday before the exhibition to attach the picks to the motors and test the interaction of all components. This allowed us to check the overall functionality of both the code and the construction. Fortunately, everything worked as intended, with only a few minor tasks remaining.
[[File:Preparations and setup 3.jpg|thumb|356x356px]]
Our plan was to hang the plants from a clothing rack. However, since two of the plants were potted in jars, suspending them proved to be a challenge. To solve this, I crafted wooden discs with holes through which we could thread wire, ensuring that the jars could be securely hung. Hanna also made some minor adjustments to our code.

On the Thursday before the exhibition, we finalized our setup. We darkened the window, adjusted the lighting, secured all components to the table to prevent any shifting during the exhibition, connected the sensors and motors, plugged in the power supply, set the timers, and fine-tuned the height of the mounting structure to ensure that each pick could strike its string and produce a pleasant sound.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Preparations and setup 1.jpg
File:Preparations and setup.jpg
File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg
</gallery>

===Winterwerkschau===
The Winterwerkschau was a great success for our project. Contrary to our initial concerns, the adhesive held up perfectly, keeping the picks securely attached to the motors for both days of the exhibition. As a result, all the strings could be continuously played without any issues.<gallery mode="packed">
File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 2.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 3.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 4.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 5.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 6.jpg
File:Hanna and Fiene next to their work.jpg
</gallery>When Hanna and I took our turn overseeing the exhibition, we were met with an incredible amount of interest and enthusiasm. Visitors were fascinated by our work, showering us with questions and curiosity. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that filled us with pride and reinforced our excitement about what we had created.

All the hard work had truly paid off, and seeing our project resonate with others made the effort even more worthwhile.

(written by Fiene)

File:Construction plan for the motor mount.jpg

2025-02-20T09:56:01Z

Fiene:

In order to not get confused when building the motor mount, i made a sketch.

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-20T09:49:57Z

Fiene:

='''<big>The Verdant Symphony</big>'''=
<blockquote>
This project fuses nature, technology, and music into a unique blend. Six plants, equipped with gas sensors, guide motors that pluck guitar strings, each producing an individual tone. The result is a living symphony, where the natural signals of plants shape a new fusion of nature, sound and the digital world.[[File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg|center|thumb|954x954px]]</blockquote>

==Brainstorming and concept development==
[[File:Seminar.jpg|thumb|438x438px]]
Inspired by some exemplary works presented during the first two seminar sessions, Hanna quickly came up with the idea of having plants play the guitar together. I was immediately fascinated by this idea and very grateful that Hanna wanted to collaborate with me. Together, we developed the concept further week by week. I documented and organized this thought process and the resulting ideas on a Miro board:

[https://miro.com/welcomeonboard/RXp4WGw5Y0lxU0VpK0RRUHF3QWMyYmIvUmlLYlA1cXkxcTJ4UVBDM1BLT2s3dDB6VnovR2dpN1hEd2pYWG9PeUpZZU1PV3RsVERIWUJFOGtkcUhPem1TVHBsNVJPZlA3RXozeC9NbVR5QVlmMHhOMUxLd3VXOHY4d1dOK3NVOXVyVmtkMG5hNDA3dVlncnBvRVB2ZXBnPT0hdjE=?share_link_id=117672028285 Miro Board]

Initially, the plan was for two plants to interact and control the guitar. Later, we considered having a guitar and a computer-generated voice play music together, but we eventually abandoned this idea.
In the end, we settled on the concept of six plants, each playing a single guitar string, controlled by the gas emissions of the respective plant.
This idea was then presented during the midterm presentation. Hanna had created an initial version of the code, while I had already started working on the structural implementation of a mount for the motors and had designed a construction plan for it.

(written by Fiene)

==Technical implementation==
[[File:Seminar 2.jpg|left|thumb|396x396px]]

===Embedded systems development ===

During our project, we used Visual Studio Code and Arduino to program and control motors based on sensor data. Our first challenge was to determine how the motor should move. We aimed to ensure that the motors moved only once per activation, producing a single tone. To achieve this, we created an initial test code to establish how to instruct the motor to move right when it was on the left and vice versa.

Next, we needed to develop a pattern to simulate incoming sensor data. The second test code introduced random numbers to help us determine a trigger value for the motors. This was combined with our previous motor movement code to create a preliminary response system.

We then worked on enabling two motors to move independently. To accomplish this, we implemented two different random numbers so that each motor would move at different trigger values. Adjustments were made to delay times to introduce a more natural, randomized effect.

To acquire real sensor data, we opted for an MQ-2 gas sensor, which detects combustible gases. We initially attempted to retrieve analog output values from one sensor. Since the raw sensor data wasn’t as representative as we needed, we decided to convert the readings into ppm (parts per million) for more meaningful analysis.

The next step was to replace our previously used random numbers with actual gas concentration values measured by the sensor. We then expanded the system to incorporate six sensors and six motors, which required multiple iterations to perfect. A major challenge was implementing all sensor values, motors, and their corresponding variables into a function that allowed each sensor-motor pair to operate independently. We replaced the general delay time in the loop with millis() to enhance performance and flexibility.
[[File:SG90 9g Micro Servo.jpg|thumb|273x273px]]
After measuring the gas concentrations produced by plants over time, we made several adjustments to optimize the installation. Each motor was assigned an individual trigger value based on the gas readings from its respective sensor. Since sensor readings were taken at short intervals and did not fluctuate significantly, motors would have been triggered too frequently, leading to excessive noise. To mitigate this, we introduced individual delay times for each motor before they could be triggered again. To create a more natural and less predictable sound pattern, we introduced a "random factor." This factor was recalculated with each sensor reading and multiplied by the motor’s delay time, ensuring a more varied and pleasant auditory experience.

Debugging print commands were added to the code to help monitor sensor functionality when connected to a computer. These were primarily for troubleshooting and not necessary for the final public installation. Although the code could have been optimized for brevity, we chose to keep it more detailed to maintain a clear overview of all sensors, motors, and timing adjustments. In the end, our system successfully produced tones in a random frequency, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

=== Technology ===

* ESP32
* mq-2 sensor for combustible gas
* SG90 9g Micro Servo
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Bread board.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 2.jpg
File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 3.jpg
File:Mq-2 sensor for combustible gas .jpg
</gallery>

=== Code ===

===== For the platformio.ini: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
lib_deps = roboticsbrno/ServoESP32@1.0.3
monitor_speed = 9600

</syntaxhighlight>

===== Fort he main.cpp: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
#include <Arduino.h>
// include the servo library
#include <Servo.h>

// timing
unsigned long currentTime = 0;

unsigned long lastTimeA = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeB = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeC = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeD = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeE = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeF = 0;

const int baseServoDelayTimeA = 17300;
const int baseServoDelayTimeB = 11020;
const int baseServoDelayTimeC = 15400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeD = 12800;
const int baseServoDelayTimeE = 8400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeF = 6300;

float randMultiplier = 1.0;

long randNumber;

//sensors
const float sensorTriggerValueA = 700;
const float sensorTriggerValueB = 520;
const float sensorTriggerValueC = 650;
const float sensorTriggerValueD = 880;
const float sensorTriggerValueE = 950;
const float sensorTriggerValueF = 1100;

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

const int sensorA = 36;
const int sensorB = 39;
const int sensorC = 34;
const int sensorD = 35;
const int sensorE = 32;
const int sensorF = 33;

float gasValueSensorA = getSensorValuePpm (sensorA);
float gasValueSensorB = getSensorValuePpm (sensorB);
float gasValueSensorC = getSensorValuePpm (sensorC);
float gasValueSensorD = getSensorValuePpm (sensorD);
float gasValueSensorE = getSensorValuePpm (sensorE);
float gasValueSensorF = getSensorValuePpm (sensorF);

//servos
const int servoPinA = 19;
const int servoPinB = 18;
const int servoPinC = 05;
const int servoPinD = 17;
const int servoPinE = 16;
const int servoPinF = 04;

Servo servoA;
Servo servoB;
Servo servoC;
Servo servoD;
Servo servoE;
Servo servoF;

boolean isLeftA;
boolean isLeftB;
boolean isLeftC;
boolean isLeftD;
boolean isLeftE;
boolean isLeftF;

//function declarations
void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue);

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

void setup() {
analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db);
Serial.begin(9600);

servoA.attach(servoPinA);
servoA.write(30);
isLeftA = true;

servoB.attach(servoPinB);
servoB.write(30);
isLeftB = true;

servoC.attach(servoPinC);
servoC.write(30);
isLeftC = true;

servoD.attach(servoPinD);
servoD.write(30);
isLeftD = true;

servoE.attach(servoPinE);
servoE.write(30);
isLeftE = true;

servoF.attach(servoPinF);
servoF.write(30);
isLeftF = true;
}

void loop() {
currentTime = millis();

playSound(lastTimeA, sensorA, servoA, gasValueSensorA, isLeftA, baseServoDelayTimeA, sensorTriggerValueA);
playSound(lastTimeB, sensorB, servoB, gasValueSensorB, isLeftB, baseServoDelayTimeB, sensorTriggerValueB);
playSound(lastTimeC, sensorC, servoC, gasValueSensorC, isLeftC, baseServoDelayTimeC, sensorTriggerValueC);
playSound(lastTimeD, sensorD, servoD, gasValueSensorD, isLeftD, baseServoDelayTimeD, sensorTriggerValueD);
playSound(lastTimeE, sensorE, servoE, gasValueSensorE, isLeftE, baseServoDelayTimeE, sensorTriggerValueE);
playSound(lastTimeF, sensorF, servoF, gasValueSensorF, isLeftF, baseServoDelayTimeF, sensorTriggerValueF);
}

//functions

void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue){

//generate multiplier and adjust delaytime
randMultiplier = 0.7 + (random(0, 341) / 100.0);
int adjustedDelayTime = baseServoDelayTime * randMultiplier;

if (currentTime - lastTime >= adjustedDelayTime){
// check if timing works
Serial.print("Random delayTime");
Serial.println(adjustedDelayTime);
Serial.println("Triggering sensor reaading");
gasValueSensor = getSensorValuePpm(sensorPin);
// check sensor value
Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
Serial.println(gasValueSensor);

if (gasValueSensor > sensorTriggerValue){
Serial.println("Triggering servo");
// move servo to play sound
if (isLeft == true){
servo.write(0);
isLeft = false;
Serial.println("right");
}
else{
servo.write(30);
isLeft = true;
Serial.println("left");
}
Serial.println("Servo moved. Last Time updated.");
}
// update lastTime
lastTime = currentTime;
}
}

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin) {
float voltage = analogRead(sensorPin) * (5.0 / 1023.0);
float RS_air = 10.0;
float RL = 2.0;
float ratio = RL / RS_air;
float RS = ((5.0 / voltage) - 1.0) * RL;
float ppm = 1000.0 * pow((RS / RS_air), ratio);
return ppm;
}

</syntaxhighlight>(written by Hanna)

==Manual construction ==
[[File:Soldering.jpg|thumb|344x344px]]
I was responsible for the structural and mechanical implementation of the project since my strengths lie far more in this area than in writing computer code. Additionally, unlike Hanna, I have the necessary resources at home to craft.

We needed a mount that would allow the servo motors to hover above the guitar strings so they could pluck them individually. The servo motors had to be positioned at a certain distance from each other to avoid interfering with one another when striking the strings. We had already identified this issue through a cardboard prototype. Since guitar picks were to be attached to the motors, increasing the radius of the strike, it made sense to always leave two strings between those being played.

I decided to attach two motors to one bar. The construction sketch can be seen here:

Since I couldn’t guarantee millimeter-precise construction, and factors like the surface, variations in the way the picks were attached, or different motor models could create height differences, it was necessary to allow for fine adjustments to the height of the mount. For this, I used special adjustment screws that allow the height of the mounting beams to be individually adjusted on both sides. Unlike regular screws, these have two types of threads: the upper thread remains fixed in the wood, while the lower thread can be screwed in and out like a standard screw. This enables precise millimeter-level height adjustments to fit the conditions.

Additionally, the sensors had to be connected to the breadboard. To do this, I soldered cables—each consisting of three wires—of sufficient length to each of the six sensors. I then soldered a connector to each wire to facilitate easy attachment to the breadboard.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Prototype mady of cardboard.jpg
File:Workbench.jpg
File:Soldering 2.jpg
File:Sensor with soldered cable.jpg
</gallery>

== The Plants ==
*Hyacinth
*Euphorbia
*Fern
*Begonia
*Peperomia
*Alocasia

=='''Exhibition'''==
[[File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg|left|thumb|375x375px]]

===Concept===
The idea was to place the guitar on a table, with a clothing rack positioned behind it, from which the six plants would hang. These included a hyacinth and an alocasia in bags, a fern and a pepper plant in small greenhouses, as well as a begonia and a moldy euphorbia in screw-top jars.

The cables and the breadboard were intentionally installed with minimal cable management, keeping them clearly visible to emphasize the DIY aesthetic.

The lighting needed to be bright enough to provide sufficient light for the plants without being too harsh. Hanna brought her grow lights, which perfectly illuminated the exhibition niche where our work was displayed.

We chose the niche as our exhibition space because it allowed us to maintain a necessary distance from other sound-based projects. Additionally, this setup ensured that the work could only be viewed from the front, preventing visitors from accidentally bumping into it and disturbing any components.

===Preparations and setup===
Hanna and I met in Weimar on the Saturday before the exhibition to attach the picks to the motors and test the interaction of all components. This allowed us to check the overall functionality of both the code and the construction. Fortunately, everything worked as intended, with only a few minor tasks remaining.
[[File:Preparations and setup 3.jpg|thumb|356x356px]]
Our plan was to hang the plants from a clothing rack. However, since two of the plants were potted in jars, suspending them proved to be a challenge. To solve this, I crafted wooden discs with holes through which we could thread wire, ensuring that the jars could be securely hung. Hanna also made some minor adjustments to our code.

On the Thursday before the exhibition, we finalized our setup. We darkened the window, adjusted the lighting, secured all components to the table to prevent any shifting during the exhibition, connected the sensors and motors, plugged in the power supply, set the timers, and fine-tuned the height of the mounting structure to ensure that each pick could strike its string and produce a pleasant sound.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Preparations and setup 1.jpg
File:Preparations and setup.jpg
File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg
</gallery>

===Winterwerkschau===
The Winterwerkschau was a great success for our project. Contrary to our initial concerns, the adhesive held up perfectly, keeping the picks securely attached to the motors for both days of the exhibition. As a result, all the strings could be continuously played without any issues.<gallery mode="packed">
File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 2.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 3.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 4.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 5.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 6.jpg
File:Hanna and Fiene next to their work.jpg
</gallery>When Hanna and I took our turn overseeing the exhibition, we were met with an incredible amount of interest and enthusiasm. Visitors were fascinated by our work, showering us with questions and curiosity. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that filled us with pride and reinforced our excitement about what we had created.

All the hard work had truly paid off, and seeing our project resonate with others made the effort even more worthwhile.

(written by Fiene)

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-20T09:47:33Z

Fiene:

='''<big>The Verdant Symphony</big>'''=
<blockquote>
This project fuses nature, technology, and music into a unique blend. Six plants, equipped with gas sensors, guide motors that pluck guitar strings, each producing an individual tone. The result is a living symphony, where the natural signals of plants shape a new fusion of nature, sound and the digital world.[[File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg|center|thumb|954x954px]]</blockquote>

==Brainstorming and concept development==
[[File:Seminar.jpg|thumb|438x438px]]
Inspired by some exemplary works presented during the first two seminar sessions, Hanna quickly came up with the idea of having plants play the guitar together. I was immediately fascinated by this idea and very grateful that Hanna wanted to collaborate with me. Together, we developed the concept further week by week. I documented and organized this thought process and the resulting ideas on a Miro board:

[https://miro.com/welcomeonboard/RXp4WGw5Y0lxU0VpK0RRUHF3QWMyYmIvUmlLYlA1cXkxcTJ4UVBDM1BLT2s3dDB6VnovR2dpN1hEd2pYWG9PeUpZZU1PV3RsVERIWUJFOGtkcUhPem1TVHBsNVJPZlA3RXozeC9NbVR5QVlmMHhOMUxLd3VXOHY4d1dOK3NVOXVyVmtkMG5hNDA3dVlncnBvRVB2ZXBnPT0hdjE=?share_link_id=117672028285 Miro Board]

Initially, the plan was for two plants to interact and control the guitar. Later, we considered having a guitar and a computer-generated voice play music together, but we eventually abandoned this idea.
In the end, we settled on the concept of six plants, each playing a single guitar string, controlled by the gas emissions of the respective plant.
This idea was then presented during the midterm presentation. Hanna had created an initial version of the code, while I had already started working on the structural implementation of a mount for the motors and had designed a construction plan for it.

(written by Fiene)

==Technical implementation==
[[File:Seminar 2.jpg|left|thumb|396x396px]]

===Embedded systems development ===

During our project, we used Visual Studio Code and Arduino to program and control motors based on sensor data. Our first challenge was to determine how the motor should move. We aimed to ensure that the motors moved only once per activation, producing a single tone. To achieve this, we created an initial test code to establish how to instruct the motor to move right when it was on the left and vice versa.

Next, we needed to develop a pattern to simulate incoming sensor data. The second test code introduced random numbers to help us determine a trigger value for the motors. This was combined with our previous motor movement code to create a preliminary response system.

We then worked on enabling two motors to move independently. To accomplish this, we implemented two different random numbers so that each motor would move at different trigger values. Adjustments were made to delay times to introduce a more natural, randomized effect.

To acquire real sensor data, we opted for an MQ-2 gas sensor, which detects combustible gases. We initially attempted to retrieve analog output values from one sensor. Since the raw sensor data wasn’t as representative as we needed, we decided to convert the readings into ppm (parts per million) for more meaningful analysis.

The next step was to replace our previously used random numbers with actual gas concentration values measured by the sensor. We then expanded the system to incorporate six sensors and six motors, which required multiple iterations to perfect. A major challenge was implementing all sensor values, motors, and their corresponding variables into a function that allowed each sensor-motor pair to operate independently. We replaced the general delay time in the loop with millis() to enhance performance and flexibility.

After measuring the gas concentrations produced by plants over time, we made several adjustments to optimize the installation. Each motor was assigned an individual trigger value based on the gas readings from its respective sensor. Since sensor readings were taken at short intervals and did not fluctuate significantly, motors would have been triggered too frequently, leading to excessive noise. To mitigate this, we introduced individual delay times for each motor before they could be triggered again. To create a more natural and less predictable sound pattern, we introduced a "random factor." This factor was recalculated with each sensor reading and multiplied by the motor’s delay time, ensuring a more varied and pleasant auditory experience.

Debugging print commands were added to the code to help monitor sensor functionality when connected to a computer. These were primarily for troubleshooting and not necessary for the final public installation. Although the code could have been optimized for brevity, we chose to keep it more detailed to maintain a clear overview of all sensors, motors, and timing adjustments. In the end, our system successfully produced tones in a random frequency, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

=== Technology ===

* ESP32
* mq-2 sensor for combustible gas
* SG90 9g Micro Servo

=== Code ===

===== For the platformio.ini: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
lib_deps = roboticsbrno/ServoESP32@1.0.3
monitor_speed = 9600

</syntaxhighlight>

===== Fort he main.cpp: =====
<syntaxhighlight lang="arduino">
#include <Arduino.h>
// include the servo library
#include <Servo.h>

// timing
unsigned long currentTime = 0;

unsigned long lastTimeA = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeB = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeC = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeD = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeE = 0;
unsigned long lastTimeF = 0;

const int baseServoDelayTimeA = 17300;
const int baseServoDelayTimeB = 11020;
const int baseServoDelayTimeC = 15400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeD = 12800;
const int baseServoDelayTimeE = 8400;
const int baseServoDelayTimeF = 6300;

float randMultiplier = 1.0;

long randNumber;

//sensors
const float sensorTriggerValueA = 700;
const float sensorTriggerValueB = 520;
const float sensorTriggerValueC = 650;
const float sensorTriggerValueD = 880;
const float sensorTriggerValueE = 950;
const float sensorTriggerValueF = 1100;

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

const int sensorA = 36;
const int sensorB = 39;
const int sensorC = 34;
const int sensorD = 35;
const int sensorE = 32;
const int sensorF = 33;

float gasValueSensorA = getSensorValuePpm (sensorA);
float gasValueSensorB = getSensorValuePpm (sensorB);
float gasValueSensorC = getSensorValuePpm (sensorC);
float gasValueSensorD = getSensorValuePpm (sensorD);
float gasValueSensorE = getSensorValuePpm (sensorE);
float gasValueSensorF = getSensorValuePpm (sensorF);

//servos
const int servoPinA = 19;
const int servoPinB = 18;
const int servoPinC = 05;
const int servoPinD = 17;
const int servoPinE = 16;
const int servoPinF = 04;

Servo servoA;
Servo servoB;
Servo servoC;
Servo servoD;
Servo servoE;
Servo servoF;

boolean isLeftA;
boolean isLeftB;
boolean isLeftC;
boolean isLeftD;
boolean isLeftE;
boolean isLeftF;

//function declarations
void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue);

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin);

void setup() {
analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db);
Serial.begin(9600);

servoA.attach(servoPinA);
servoA.write(30);
isLeftA = true;

servoB.attach(servoPinB);
servoB.write(30);
isLeftB = true;

servoC.attach(servoPinC);
servoC.write(30);
isLeftC = true;

servoD.attach(servoPinD);
servoD.write(30);
isLeftD = true;

servoE.attach(servoPinE);
servoE.write(30);
isLeftE = true;

servoF.attach(servoPinF);
servoF.write(30);
isLeftF = true;
}

void loop() {
currentTime = millis();

playSound(lastTimeA, sensorA, servoA, gasValueSensorA, isLeftA, baseServoDelayTimeA, sensorTriggerValueA);
playSound(lastTimeB, sensorB, servoB, gasValueSensorB, isLeftB, baseServoDelayTimeB, sensorTriggerValueB);
playSound(lastTimeC, sensorC, servoC, gasValueSensorC, isLeftC, baseServoDelayTimeC, sensorTriggerValueC);
playSound(lastTimeD, sensorD, servoD, gasValueSensorD, isLeftD, baseServoDelayTimeD, sensorTriggerValueD);
playSound(lastTimeE, sensorE, servoE, gasValueSensorE, isLeftE, baseServoDelayTimeE, sensorTriggerValueE);
playSound(lastTimeF, sensorF, servoF, gasValueSensorF, isLeftF, baseServoDelayTimeF, sensorTriggerValueF);
}

//functions

void playSound(unsigned long &lastTime, int sensorPin, Servo &servo, float &gasValueSensor, boolean &isLeft, int baseServoDelayTime, float sensorTriggerValue){

//generate multiplier and adjust delaytime
randMultiplier = 0.7 + (random(0, 341) / 100.0);
int adjustedDelayTime = baseServoDelayTime * randMultiplier;

if (currentTime - lastTime >= adjustedDelayTime){
// check if timing works
Serial.print("Random delayTime");
Serial.println(adjustedDelayTime);
Serial.println("Triggering sensor reaading");
gasValueSensor = getSensorValuePpm(sensorPin);
// check sensor value
Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
Serial.println(gasValueSensor);

if (gasValueSensor > sensorTriggerValue){
Serial.println("Triggering servo");
// move servo to play sound
if (isLeft == true){
servo.write(0);
isLeft = false;
Serial.println("right");
}
else{
servo.write(30);
isLeft = true;
Serial.println("left");
}
Serial.println("Servo moved. Last Time updated.");
}
// update lastTime
lastTime = currentTime;
}
}

float getSensorValuePpm (int sensorPin) {
float voltage = analogRead(sensorPin) * (5.0 / 1023.0);
float RS_air = 10.0;
float RL = 2.0;
float ratio = RL / RS_air;
float RS = ((5.0 / voltage) - 1.0) * RL;
float ppm = 1000.0 * pow((RS / RS_air), ratio);
return ppm;
}

</syntaxhighlight>(written by Hanna)

==Manual construction ==
[[File:Soldering.jpg|thumb|344x344px]]
I was responsible for the structural and mechanical implementation of the project since my strengths lie far more in this area than in writing computer code. Additionally, unlike Hanna, I have the necessary resources at home to craft.

We needed a mount that would allow the servo motors to hover above the guitar strings so they could pluck them individually. The servo motors had to be positioned at a certain distance from each other to avoid interfering with one another when striking the strings. We had already identified this issue through a cardboard prototype. Since guitar picks were to be attached to the motors, increasing the radius of the strike, it made sense to always leave two strings between those being played.

I decided to attach two motors to one bar. The construction sketch can be seen here:

Since I couldn’t guarantee millimeter-precise construction, and factors like the surface, variations in the way the picks were attached, or different motor models could create height differences, it was necessary to allow for fine adjustments to the height of the mount. For this, I used special adjustment screws that allow the height of the mounting beams to be individually adjusted on both sides. Unlike regular screws, these have two types of threads: the upper thread remains fixed in the wood, while the lower thread can be screwed in and out like a standard screw. This enables precise millimeter-level height adjustments to fit the conditions.

Additionally, the sensors had to be connected to the breadboard. To do this, I soldered cables—each consisting of three wires—of sufficient length to each of the six sensors. I then soldered a connector to each wire to facilitate easy attachment to the breadboard.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Prototype mady of cardboard.jpg
File:Workbench.jpg
File:Soldering 2.jpg
File:Sensor with soldered cable.jpg
</gallery>

== The Plants ==
*Hyacinth
*Euphorbia
*Fern
*Begonia
*Peperomia
*Alocasia

=='''Exhibition'''==
[[File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg|left|thumb|375x375px]]

===Concept===
The idea was to place the guitar on a table, with a clothing rack positioned behind it, from which the six plants would hang. These included a hyacinth and an alocasia in bags, a fern and a pepper plant in small greenhouses, as well as a begonia and a moldy euphorbia in screw-top jars.

The cables and the breadboard were intentionally installed with minimal cable management, keeping them clearly visible to emphasize the DIY aesthetic.

The lighting needed to be bright enough to provide sufficient light for the plants without being too harsh. Hanna brought her grow lights, which perfectly illuminated the exhibition niche where our work was displayed.

We chose the niche as our exhibition space because it allowed us to maintain a necessary distance from other sound-based projects. Additionally, this setup ensured that the work could only be viewed from the front, preventing visitors from accidentally bumping into it and disturbing any components.

===Preparations and setup===
Hanna and I met in Weimar on the Saturday before the exhibition to attach the picks to the motors and test the interaction of all components. This allowed us to check the overall functionality of both the code and the construction. Fortunately, everything worked as intended, with only a few minor tasks remaining.
[[File:Preparations and setup 3.jpg|thumb|356x356px]]
Our plan was to hang the plants from a clothing rack. However, since two of the plants were potted in jars, suspending them proved to be a challenge. To solve this, I crafted wooden discs with holes through which we could thread wire, ensuring that the jars could be securely hung. Hanna also made some minor adjustments to our code.

On the Thursday before the exhibition, we finalized our setup. We darkened the window, adjusted the lighting, secured all components to the table to prevent any shifting during the exhibition, connected the sensors and motors, plugged in the power supply, set the timers, and fine-tuned the height of the mounting structure to ensure that each pick could strike its string and produce a pleasant sound.

(written by Fiene)<gallery mode="packed">
File:Preparations and setup 1.jpg
File:Preparations and setup.jpg
File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg
</gallery>

===Winterwerkschau===
The Winterwerkschau was a great success for our project. Contrary to our initial concerns, the adhesive held up perfectly, keeping the picks securely attached to the motors for both days of the exhibition. As a result, all the strings could be continuously played without any issues.<gallery mode="packed">
File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 2.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 3.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 4.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 5.jpg
File:The Verdant Symphony 6.jpg
File:Hanna and Fiene next to their work.jpg
</gallery>When Hanna and I took our turn overseeing the exhibition, we were met with an incredible amount of interest and enthusiasm. Visitors were fascinated by our work, showering us with questions and curiosity. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that filled us with pride and reinforced our excitement about what we had created.

All the hard work had truly paid off, and seeing our project resonate with others made the effort even more worthwhile.

(written by Fiene)

File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 3.jpg

2025-02-20T09:47:23Z

Fiene:

Testing the servo motors

File:SG90 9g Micro Servo 2.jpg

2025-02-20T09:46:51Z

Fiene:

Testing the servo motors

File:Mq-2 sensor for combustible gas .jpg

2025-02-20T09:45:41Z

Fiene:

Burning in the sensors

File:SG90 9g Micro Servo.jpg

2025-02-20T09:44:59Z

Fiene:

The servo motors

File:Bread board.jpg

2025-02-18T16:32:32Z

Fiene:

This is our bread board

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T16:27:10Z

Fiene:

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T16:24:50Z

Fiene:

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T16:13:22Z

Fiene:

File:Seminar 2.jpg

2025-02-18T15:58:55Z

Fiene:

Hanna testing the sensors

File:Seminar.jpg

2025-02-18T15:57:47Z

Fiene:

Seminar setting

File:Preparations and setup 4.jpg

2025-02-18T15:54:37Z

Fiene:

Working on the exhibition

File:Preparations and setup 3.jpg

2025-02-18T15:53:51Z

Fiene:

Working on the exhibition

File:Preparations and setup.jpg

2025-02-18T15:53:06Z

Fiene:

Working on the exhibition

File:Preparations and setup 1.jpg

2025-02-18T15:52:22Z

Fiene:

Working on the exhibition

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T15:50:37Z

Fiene:

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T15:49:57Z

Fiene:

File:Hanna and Fiene next to their work.jpg

2025-02-18T15:49:39Z

Fiene:

Hanna and Fiene standing in front of their work

File:Hanna and Fiene.jpg

2025-02-18T15:45:06Z

Fiene:

Hanna and Fiene standing in front of the artwork

File:The Verdant Symphony 6.jpg

2025-02-18T15:42:29Z

Fiene:

The artwork in the exhibition space

File:The Verdant Symphony 5.jpg

2025-02-18T15:40:17Z

Fiene:

Guitar and plants

File:The Verdant Symphony 4.jpg

2025-02-18T15:38:07Z

Fiene:

Plants hanging from the clothing rack

File:The Verdant Symphony 3.jpg

2025-02-18T15:36:27Z

Fiene:

Hanna and Fiene talking to visitor about the art work

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T15:27:44Z

Fiene:

File:The Verdant Symphony 2.jpg

2025-02-18T15:25:49Z

Fiene:

Close-up of the motors above the guitar strings

File:The Verdant Symphony 1.jpg

2025-02-18T15:23:23Z

Fiene:

Frontal view of the work at the Winterwerkschau

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T15:19:21Z

Fiene:

File:Workbench.jpg

2025-02-18T15:15:14Z

Fiene:

Craft Work

File:Soldering 2.jpg

2025-02-18T15:09:12Z

Fiene:

Soldering

File:Prototype mady of cardboard.jpg

2025-02-18T15:07:47Z

Fiene:

For the midterm presentation we made a prototype.

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-18T15:05:26Z

Fiene:

File:Soldering.jpg

2025-02-18T15:00:25Z

Fiene:

Fiene soldering

File:Sensor with soldered cable.jpg

2025-02-18T14:56:01Z

Fiene:

To connect the sensor to the bread board, cables had to be soldered to the contacts.

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-17T20:15:49Z

Fiene:

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-17T20:15:10Z

Fiene:

='''<big>The Verdant Symphony</big>'''=
This project fuses nature, technology, and music into a unique blend. Six plants, equipped with gas sensors, guide motors that pluck guitar strings, each producing an individual tone. The result is a living symphony, where the natural signals of plants shape a new fusion of nature, sound and the digital world.

==Brainstorming and concept development==
(Fiene)

Inspired by some exemplary works presented during the first two seminar sessions, Hanna quickly came up with the idea of having plants play the guitar together. I was immediately fascinated by this idea and very grateful that Hanna wanted to collaborate with me. Together, we developed the concept further week by week. I documented and organized this thought process and the resulting ideas on a Miro board:

https://miro.com/welcomeonboard/RXp4WGw5Y0lxU0VpK0RRUHF3QWMyYmIvUmlLYlA1cXkxcTJ4UVBDM1BLT2s3dDB6VnovR2dpN1hEd2pYWG9PeUpZZU1PV3RsVERIWUJFOGtkcUhPem1TVHBsNVJPZlA3RXozeC9NbVR5QVlmMHhOMUxLd3VXOHY4d1dOK3NVOXVyVmtkMG5hNDA3dVlncnBvRVB2ZXBnPT0hdjE=?share_link_id=117672028285

Initially, the plan was for two plants to interact and control the guitar. Later, we considered having a guitar and a computer-generated voice play music together, but we eventually abandoned this idea.
In the end, we settled on the concept of six plants, each playing a single guitar string, controlled by the gas emissions of the respective plant.
This idea was then presented during the midterm presentation. Hanna had created an initial version of the code, while I had already started working on the structural implementation of a mount for the motors and had designed a construction plan for it.

==Technical implementation==
(Hanna)

===Embedded systems development===

===Code===

== Manual construction ==
(Fiene)

I was responsible for the structural and mechanical implementation of the project since my strengths lie far more in this area than in writing computer code. Additionally, unlike Hanna, I have the necessary resources at home to craft.

We needed a mount that would allow the servo motors to hover above the guitar strings so they could pluck them individually. The servo motors had to be positioned at a certain distance from each other to avoid interfering with one another when striking the strings. We had already identified this issue through a cardboard prototype. Since guitar picks were to be attached to the motors, increasing the radius of the strike, it made sense to always leave two strings between those being played.

I decided to attach two motors to one bar. The construction sketch can be seen here:

Since I couldn’t guarantee millimeter-precise construction, and factors like the surface, variations in the way the picks were attached, or different motor models could create height differences, it was necessary to allow for fine adjustments to the height of the mount. For this, I used special adjustment screws that allow the height of the mounting beams to be individually adjusted on both sides. Unlike regular screws, these have two types of threads: the upper thread remains fixed in the wood, while the lower thread can be screwed in and out like a standard screw. This enables precise millimeter-level height adjustments to fit the conditions.

Additionally, the sensors had to be connected to the breadboard. To do this, I soldered cables—each consisting of three wires—of sufficient length to each of the six sensors. I then soldered a connector to each wire to facilitate easy attachment to the breadboard.

==The Plants==

*Hyacinth
*Euphorbia
*Fern
*Begonia
*Peperomia
*Alocasia

=='''Exhibition'''==
(Fiene)

===Concept===
The idea was to place the guitar on a table, with a clothing rack positioned behind it, from which the six plants would hang. These included a hyacinth and an alocasia in bags, a fern and a pepper plant in small greenhouses, as well as a begonia and a moldy euphorbia in screw-top jars.

The cables and the breadboard were intentionally installed with minimal cable management, keeping them clearly visible to emphasize the DIY aesthetic.

The lighting needed to be bright enough to provide sufficient light for the plants without being too harsh. Hanna brought her grow lights, which perfectly illuminated the exhibition niche where our work was displayed.

We chose the niche as our exhibition space because it allowed us to maintain a necessary distance from other sound-based projects. Additionally, this setup ensured that the work could only be viewed from the front, preventing visitors from accidentally bumping into it and disturbing any components.

===Preparations and setup===
Hanna and I met in Weimar on the Saturday before the exhibition to attach the picks to the motors and test the interaction of all components. This allowed us to check the overall functionality of both the code and the construction. Fortunately, everything worked as intended, with only a few minor tasks remaining.

Our plan was to hang the plants from a clothing rack. However, since two of the plants were potted in jars, suspending them proved to be a challenge. To solve this, I crafted wooden discs with holes through which we could thread wire, ensuring that the jars could be securely hung. Hanna also made some minor adjustments to our code.

On the Thursday before the exhibition, we finalized our setup. We darkened the window, adjusted the lighting, secured all components to the table to prevent any shifting during the exhibition, connected the sensors and motors, plugged in the power supply, set the timers, and fine-tuned the height of the mounting structure to ensure that each pick could strike its string and produce a pleasant sound.

===Winterwerkschau===
The Winterwerkschau was a great success for our project. Contrary to our initial concerns, the adhesive held up perfectly, keeping the picks securely attached to the motors for both days of the exhibition. As a result, all the strings could be continuously played without any issues.

When Hanna and I took our turn overseeing the exhibition, we were met with an incredible amount of interest and enthusiasm. Visitors were fascinated by our work, showering us with questions and curiosity. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that filled us with pride and reinforced our excitement about what we had created.

All the hard work had truly paid off, and seeing our project resonate with others made the effort even more worthwhile.

Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist

2025-02-17T15:49:10Z

Fiene: Created page with "hi"

GMU:The Plant Plant

2025-02-17T15:48:36Z

Fiene:

[[:Category:Fachmodul|Werk/Fachmodul]]

''Lecturer:'' [[Christian Doeller]], Klaus Fritze

''Credits:'' 6 [[ECTS]], 4 [[SWS]]

''Times:'' Thursday 13:30 - 17:00

''Venue:'' DIY Electronics Lab (B15 / K07), DIY BioLab (M5 / 202)

''First meeting:'' October 24, 13:30 @ Marienstraße 5, Room 204

[[File:PlantPlant - Dyah.jpg|frameless|1073x1073px]]

Description:

How do plants perceive their environment, how do plants and environments interact? How can we turn these processes into an immersive experience, to what extent can our concepts and technologies do justice to the plant world?

In the agricultural industry, the combination of plant breeding and cybernetics is aimed at optimizing crops. Machine learning and robotics are used to achieve higher yields, disease resistance and climate adaptation.

In the seminar ‘The Plant Plant’, we invite you to put aside any productivity factors and hand over control to the plants. With the help of DIY sensors and microcontrollers, we attempt to measure interactions between plants and their environment and transform the collected real-time data into a dynamic spatial atmosphere. We draw inspiration from cybernetic control systems and provoke various types of feedback between plants, the environment and humans. In the process, we take a critical look at upcoming relationships and effects. Our aim is to collectively develop a speculative sensing space - a human-scale environment whose atmospheric parameters such as light, temperature and air circulation are regulated by our ‘green control center’.

This is a hands-on seminar. It includes three workshops in which we grow plants under different conditions, learn the basics of DIY electronics / sensor technologies and program control systems with Arduino / ESP32 microcontrollers, motor-driven devices and light sources. Furthermore, we discuss corresponding examples of artistic research in the context of media art.

Requirements for participation: Interest in exploring plant environments, enthusiasm for tinkering and experimenting with DIY electronics, commitment to group work and passion for creating speculative spaces of experience. No prior knowledge is necessary, participants need their own computer / laptop.

Please send your registration by Sunday (20 October) via e-mail, subject ‘The Plant Plant’, with a short letter of motivation (3-4 sentences) to christian.doeller@uni-weimar.de.

Participants:
*[[Hanna Bremerich, Fiene Freist]]
*[[Timo Buhl]]
*[[Krittaporn Mahaweerarat]]
*[[Annika Müller und Lilli Endres]]
*[[Dania González Sanabria]]
*[[Dyah Setyaningsih]]
*[[Meng-Yun Tsai]]
*[[Arın Aydın]]
*Juyoun Oh

Exhibition @ Winterwerkschau 2025

<gallery>
File:Hanna Bremerich - Fiene Freist - 2.jpg
File:Hanna Bremerich - Fiene Freist.jpg
File:Hanna Bremerich - Fiene Freist - 1.jpg
File:Dyah Setyaningsih.jpg
File:Dyah Setyaningsih - 1.jpg
File:The plant plant - 2.jpg
File:Fritzi Buhtz -1.jpg
File:Fritzi Buhtz - 2.jpg
File:Fritzi Buhtz.jpg
File:The plant plant - 1.jpg
File:Juyoun Oh.jpg
File:Arın Aydın.jpg
File:The plant plant.jpg
File:Meng-Yun Tsai.jpg
File:Meng-Yun Tsai - 1.jpg
File:Annika Müller - Lilli Enders.jpg
File:Dania González.jpg
File:Dania González - 2.jpg
File:Dania González - 3.jpg
File:Dania González - 1.jpg
File:Krittaporn Mahaweerarat.jpg
File:Krittaporn Mahaweerarat - 2.jpg
File:Krittaporn Mahaweerarat - 1.jpg
</gallery>

Schedule:

'''October 24, 13:30, M5 Room 204'''

* first meeting

'''October 31 - free'''

'''November 1 - November 2, 10:00 - 16:00'''

* Two-day workshop @ DIY Electronics Lab (B15, basement) / DIY Biolab (M5, Room 201)

'''November 7, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''

* discuss workshop results
*form working groups
*first brainstorm in groups
*networking & data exchange
'''November 14, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*presentation of artworks / context
*presentation of ideas, feedback
'''November 21, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*Progress of ideas / concepts
*starting hands-on sessions: independent work and 1:1 consultations
'''November 28, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
*please note: no class next week
*> time for progress and preparations for midterm presentation
'''December 5, independent work (no official class)'''

'''December 12, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*Midterm Presentations
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
'''December 19, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
*preparations Christmas break: to do / to get until first class in January 9?

'''Christmas break'''

'''January 9, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*check-in session: progress?
*Winterwerkschau Application
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
'''January 16, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
*Brainstorm Winterwerkschau
'''January 23, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
*Winterwerkschau – concept for space
'''January 30, 13:30 - 17:00, DIY Electronics Lab'''
*hands-on session: independent work and 1:1 consultations
*get ready for Winterwerkschau
'''February 2 – final: Winterwerkschau'''

Topics:
*Growth of plants under different conditions
*Hermetospheres / bottle gardens
*DIY Electronics: Basic Sensors
*DIY Electronics: Basic Actuators
*DIY Electronics: Microcontrollers (Arduino / ESP) and cybernetic control systems
*The basics of cybernetics, recursion, feedback
*Immersive "sensing spaces"

Technology:
*[https://github.com/diyElectronicsLab/ThePlantPlant The Plant Plant - GitHub Repo]

Artists:
*Philippe Parreno
*Ursula Damm
*Marco Barotti
*Cornelia Sollfrank
*Katja Tillbörger
*Robertina Šebjanič
*Agnes Meyer-Brandis
*Hicham Berrada
*Ingo Vetter, Annette Weisser
*Mel Chin
*Maria Thereza Alves
*...

Literature:
*Donella Meadows''':''' ''Thinking in Systems. A Primer''
*Ludwig von Bertalaffny: ''General Systems Theory''
*Jagadish Chandra Bose Die Pflanzen Schrift und ihre Offenbarungen. https://books.google.de/books/about/Die_Pflanzen_Schrift_und_ihre_Offenbarun.html?id=n5sYAAAAIAAJ&redir_esc=y
*Gustav Theodor Fechner: Nanna: On the Mental Life of Plants https://www.amazon.de/Nanna-%C3%9Cber-das-Seelenleben-Pflanzen/dp/3843014280
*Peter Tompkins/Christopher Bird: The Secret Life of Plants https://www.amazon.de/Secret-Life-Plants-Fascinating-Emotional/dp/0060915870
*Floriane Koechlin: Plants whispers- A journey through new realms of science https://lenos.ch/buecher/plant-whispers/isbn:978-3-85787-939-5<nowiki/>Plants - sensing movement: https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/187/3/1131/6359831
*Charles Darwin: '''The Power of Movements in plants''' (publ.1880) https://darwin-online.org.uk/EditorialIntroductions/Freeman_ThePowerofMovementinPlants.html
*Emanuelle Coccia: https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/emanuele-coccia-die-wurzeln-der-welt-pflanzen-atmen-aus-was-100.html
*Lynn Margulis: '''Symbiotic Planet:''' A New Look At Evolution (1999) https://www.amazon.de/Symbiotic-Planet-New-Look-Evolution/dp/0465072720<nowiki/>Movie: Symbiotic Earth: How Lynn Margulis rocked the boat and started a scientific revolution https://mubi.com/de/de/films/symbiotic-earth-how-lynn-margulis-rocked-the-boat-and-started-a-scientific-revolution

* ...

Language & skill level:
*The module will be held in English, unless all participants are speaking German.
*No prior knowledge is required.

Criteria for passing:
*be on time, attend the classes, be active
*develop a prototype for The Plant Plant
*document your work on the wiki page

Fiene Freist

2024-11-20T11:40:33Z

Fiene:

Collection of ideas:

https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVLC-4ALs=/

Fiene Freist

2024-11-14T13:08:02Z

Fiene: Created page with "hallo"

hallo

GMU:The Plant Plant

2024-11-14T13:07:22Z

Fiene:

User:Fiene

2024-11-14T13:06:15Z

Fiene: Created blank page