Product

Describe the outcome. What did you create, how, etc.? How did you compose your image? What styles, methods or techniques did you use? What tools and technologies were involved?

The system we set up consisted of several components. 

Sensor: We soldered a photo sensor to a board in a circuit and hooked the sensor up to an Arduino. When the sensor detected a change in light, the Arduino sent a signal across across a USB cable to a computer interface system. The sensor was attached to the bottom of the water fountain, with the sensor facing out, near the button to start the water flowing in the water fountain. 

Interface: Our interface system was produced on the Unity Game Engine. It receives signals from the Arduino, and animates a water rising/falling animation according to the signal. If the signal activated, the water would rise to the top of the screen, and if the signal deactivated, the water would slowly fall to the bottom of the screen. The animation accounted for the projector location, and blocked off the area where the water fountain was situated (for user comfortability) as well as the locations of the projectors that extended off the water fountain area. It broadcasted the name: "Drink me!" to invite people to interact and explore the installation. 

This computer was attached via HDMI cord to a projector...

Projector: the projector was situated on a podium facing the water fountain about 10 feet away, facing the water fountain. The projector was propped up by books and notebooks. Since the system was situated, with the projector across a busy walkway, the wires connecting the sensor and the computer were run up the wall and taped/rigged across the ceiling of the walkway, to avoid mishaps with the cords.