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Bonus Tutorial: Arduino to vvvv, a Paper Touch Interface

Summary of Bonus Tutorial: Arduino to vvvv, a Paper Touch Interface


Summary: This tutorial shows how to build a capacitive paper-and-pencil sensor with an Arduino, send serial messages to vvvv, and use those messages to control a basic picture-rotating slideshow. It covers hardware, Arduino code modifications for RS232 serial communication, and creating a simple drawn interface on paper to operate the slide show. Patches, code, and circuit files are available from the vvvv website video tutorial package.

Parts used in the Paper Capacitive Sensor Slide Show Project:

  • Arduino board
  • Pencil
  • Piece of paper (drawn interface)
  • Wires for connections
  • Computer running vvvv
  • Serial (RS232) connection/cable
  • Images for slideshow
  • vvvv patches and example code (downloadable from vvvv website)

The hardware is easy and the code isn’t hard, so let’s start!! We are going to use an Arduino, draw (!!) our own interface on a piece of paper, and than we are going to use it to control a simple slide show inside vvvv.

In this, rather long tutorial, I will be showing you how to receive Arduino messages inside vvvv, and use those to make a basic picture rotator.

We will create a capacitive sensor for Arduino, using a pencil and a piece of paper. Once that is done we will modify the Arduino code so we can use the Serial communication (RS232) inside vvvv to receive the messages and convert them to a simple interface to control a basic picture rotating slide show.

On the vvvv website, under the video tutorials, you can download a package that contains all the patches, code and circuits you will need to reproduce this project.

Quick Solutions to Questions related to Paper Capacitive Sensor Slide Show Project:

  • What does this tutorial teach?
    How to create a paper and pencil capacitive sensor with Arduino, send serial messages to vvvv, and control a basic picture-rotating slideshow.
  • Can I draw my own interface for the project?
    Yes, you draw your own interface on a piece of paper and use it as the capacitive sensor surface.
  • How does Arduino communicate with vvvv?
    Arduino sends messages over Serial communication (RS232) which vvvv receives and uses.
  • Is the Arduino code complicated?
    No, the tutorial states the code is not hard and includes modifications for serial communication.
  • Do I need additional software files to reproduce the project?
    Yes, you can download patches, code, and circuit files from the vvvv website under the video tutorials.
  • What is the purpose of the pencil and paper?
    They form the capacitive sensor interface that the Arduino reads to control the slideshow.
  • Can the project control image rotation inside vvvv?
    Yes, the serial messages are used to create a simple interface to control a picture-rotating slideshow in vvvv.
  • Is special hardware required beyond Arduino and basic materials?
    No special hardware is required beyond the Arduino, wires, paper, pencil, and a computer running vvvv.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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