Chanwoo Kim

Blinking Device

The final result of this project is a pair of glasses that detects blinking. Infrared sensors send a signal to the device each time the eyes blink, turning it on. This device moves during the moments of blinking that pass by unnoticed between the world we see with our eyes. The glasses come with a kit and instructions, making it easy for anyone to create their blinking device.

Initially, I had two ideas for this project. One was to create a more advanced device than my previous work. The previous device involved directly connecting wires to the eyelids to activate the device when the eyes closed. This method had its drawbacks, as the wires could fall off after a few uses, and there was a risk of electric shock if not handled correctly. Therefore, I wanted to use sensors and Arduino to create a more delicate and durable device.

The other idea was to create a device that records blinks. If our eyes were like cameras, there would be moments in the footage that are not visible. Even if you watch the video closely, you may not see them because they pass by too quickly. These are the moments that last for only 0.1 seconds. It is said that our brains store about 60 to 90 minutes of these unseen moments each day. I wanted to create a device that records these in-between moments. I've always been drawn to low-tech methods rather than perfectly executed works. I prefer spontaneity and embracing randomness over meticulously planned actions. That's why I didn't put much effort into learning technical skills. And I considered it as a kind of answer that I had found out.

I recall a time when I was watching TV, and a singer, Park Jin-young, sang a song without trying too hard, just casually. I thought to myself, "That's it," and felt a sense of satisfaction. There's charm in singing without exerting too much effort, in being unpretentious. I wondered if the same elements applied not only to singing but also to art. So, I've been back and forth between creating something with effort and something more casual, between earnestness and mediocrity. However, recently, I started thinking differently. Can there be a sense of wonder when technology reaches a certain level? Can an unpolished appearance always evoke some excitement? What is important in my work? As a result, I decided to take this opportunity to learn Arduino.

During the initial presentation, I heard that creating something using previous methods is more intriguing than when the final product is perfectly implemented with technology. So, I wanted to explore how my previous methods of creation and the new technology I wanted to introduce could work together harmoniously.

Work Process

1. Early stages

In the beginning, I purchased an Arduino and a book to start working on my project. I started with the basics, such as connecting LEDs, controlling motors, and displaying numbers on a segment display. I found these initial steps manageable. However, when it came to figuring out how to create the device I envisioned, I hit a roadblock. I scoured YouTube for various projects related to eye movement detection, but most of them involved using cameras to capture eye movements and processing image data.

And then I returned to reality. The camera equipment was not only expensive but also too heavy to mount on glasses. Furthermore, even if I wanted to give it a try, I had no idea where to start. This is where things started to feel daunting. I felt lost from this point onwards. Right, I had a book. Let's take it step by step. So, I started looking at the book. As someone who was new to computer languages, my head started to ache even more. Void...loop. Well, learning from the basics is good, but it seemed like a distant story when it came to creating what I envisioned.

2. Midway review and beyond

I felt lost until the midway review. Learning Arduino, which I intended to use, was not easy. So, after the presentation, I started looking for alternative ways. That's when I thought of the Sewoon Plaza. Could I make it there? Well, let's go and see.

When I visited the Sewoon Plaza, I noticed significant changes since my last visit. There was a new glass elevator, and the market was no longer the same. I saw signs indicating "상상제작소" (Imagination Workshop). I thought this could be the place to make my device. I started on the 3rd floor and went from floor to floor, asking about my project. Most shops were focused on selling components or offering repair services. Some shops quoted a production cost of 3 million KRW, while others said it would be challenging to create my device there. Unfortunately, the Imagination Workshop was closed, and I couldn't reach anyone there. But then, I unexpectedly met the owner of the first shop, who kindly explained that my project was not easy. However, he suggested I try the Natural Lab on the 5th floor.

3. From creation to presentation

I reached the Natural Lab on the 5th floor and explained my project to the owner. He was open to helping me and suggested trying various methods, such as using a small touchscreen and infrared sensors. We discussed the project, experimented with different components, and decided to go ahead with the production.

I returned the next day with the initial device I had made and discussed how it worked and how to improve it. We selected an appropriate pair of glasses, and the production process began. Three days later, the device was complete. The final device counts each blink. I practiced replicating the device with the same components to ensure consistency.

Later on, I used the device's response to blinks to create an Arduino-controlled mechanism that simulates the dropping of an eye. This experimental device is designed for blinking eyes, and the eye "drops" when light enters. I am continuing to experiment and modifying various devices based on this concept. Sewoon Plaza offers relatively affordable prices for creating devices, with costs ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 KRW, depending on the complexity and difficulty of the project.