In this project, the brief was to animate a physical object to show fluid flows and operational modes. Gore makes surgical technologies that are used in diagnostic settings that greatly reduce undesirable side-effects of, for instance, dyes used in brain imaging procedures. Explaining what the equipment does though, even to knowledgeable people, was a big challenge. Gore wanted the technology present, but they wanted to augment it with virtual flows of fluids in various colors and directions.
The solution embedded the Aortic Stent apparatus in a mixed-media setting with printed graphics depicting the human body along with lit and sequenced LED paths for the tubing and fluids. The sequenced LEDs gave a very convincing and clear indication of fluid flows in the system. EL backlighting made for striking graphics of the instrument’s context. Capacitive sensors arrayed at key locations in the exhibit allowed Gore representatives to demonstrate that would be done over the course of a procedure (e.g., turning a valve, or pushing a syringe plunger).
Colophon
Python
RGB LED Strip
Raspberry Pi
