Here is my Globalgram code both for Arduino and Processing! Arduino + Rotary Switch + Button Processing code that pulls the latest images based on different search criteria from Instagram Apple Script which enables a folder to automagically send images to print by Brendan Dawes A BIG thanks to Francis Li, my instructor for helping me see this project through to a working prototype!
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Here is my Globalgram code both for Arduino and Processing!

A BIG thanks to Francis Li, my instructor for helping me see this project through to a working prototype!

Here’s a video of Globalgram in action.

Globalgram Prototype

Hey folks! Here is my final project for my Programming class! It’s a prototype of my original concept, which you can read about here. I’ll post the video of it in action and the code here soon. Essentially, a person would select a nature-inspired theme via the selector dial on the right, and then push the ‘Print’ button to print the latest post to Instagram based on that theme.

The housing is rough, but it does the job. Inside, you’ll find an Arduino, a rotary switch, a button, and wireless Polaroid ZINK printer. The Arduino is powered by the USB cable that connects to it, and feeds the signal of the button and switch to a computer. The computer then uses Processing to query Instagram for a search based on with you selected using the dial. When someone pushes the ‘Print’ button, Processing saves the image to a folder, which uses an Apple script (thanks Brendan Dawes) to send the file wirelessly via Bluetooth to the printer, and that’s it!

The concept was inspired by Instaprint. It proved to be a good challenge for someone learning to use both Arduino and Processing. I learned a lot!

Building the housing for my Globalgram prototype (final project for Programming class).
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Building the housing for my Globalgram prototype (final project for Programming class).

Rotary switch to change scripts

Awesome code to enable a rotary switch on an Arduino!

Thanks Bill and thanks Todbot!

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Programming for Interaction Class Final Project

Over the next few weeks, I will attempt to document here some of my work on prototyping my concept called Globalgram. My inspiration for this project was Instaprint. I felt that it would be a good goal for me to build something similar using Instagram API and a portable Polaroid Pogo printer. However, I’m now considering perhaps a more economical approach using a one color thermal printer instead, ala the newly debuted Little Printer by BERG.

Anyway, here’s my initial project concept I wrote last week:

Globalgram is a small, roughly square shoebox sized box that hangs on the wall in a room or gallery. As a person approaches it, they will see a lit up world map. Countries are grouped together based on their geographic location and become buttons themselves for the user to press. As the user presses one of the button, that grouping of countries will light up indicating it has been selected. 

Below the map, a hashtag phrase printed on a lit up tube is displayed.  It determines what will be searched based on the geographic location selected on the map above. The user is allowed to turn a rotary knob on the side to switch between a series of 4-6 predetermined hashtag phrases. These phrases will be bound to something nature related, such as #nature or #globalwarming. 

As the selections are made above, an Arduino sends the inputs to Processing, which queries the Instagram using Instagram API. As information is sent back, Processing sends an image, with text and user information and location to a built-in Zero Ink (ZINK) Polaroid printer. 

A single Print button lights up when the device is ready and the user receives a printout that falls into a catch tray at the bottom of the device. 

The use of warm lighting, physical buttons and dials, and perhaps a wood housing will help make the device inviting and approachable. This installation is meant to encourage people to interact with it in a very tangible way that we are moving steadily away from with the growing popularity of touch screens. This is meant to give a groundedness, or a solidarity to the issues surrounding nature. Using the Instagram service as a database is essential because it allows for instant access to current and compelling relationships that people around the world are making with their environment.

The print takeaway serves to record the moment, adding meaning for the user and their interaction.