English translation to the bottom. Full article link: Il quadro che parla ai non vedenti ha un cuore elettronico trofarellese – CentoTorri
Credits: Sandra Pennacini
The 'electronic heart' of the picture that speaks to the blind comes from Trofarello
Nowadays, technology permeates our daily life in every aspect, even though not always for the better.
However, some experts employ their technical and IT knowledge in order to invent and carry out items and devices useful to everyday life. The "Internet of Things" is the name of the "science" dealing with the creation of environments, in the widest meaning of that word, designed to improve the daily lives of the people living in such environments. Basically, it is about connecting everyday objects through the use of computer technology in order to synchronise and automate them. For example, let us think in “smart” house lighting, washing machines, air conditioners etc., that are able to be remote-controlled and, in some cases, to automatically carry out "actions".
That is not a totally new concept, albeit constantly developing.
Innovating innovation comes from a local mind, Enrico Miglino – born in Trofarello but living abroad, even though he is always in touch with the homeland - who features a new concept, aimed at helping people suffering from visual disabilities.
Miglino, please explain us what it is.
"I'm carrying out a project that will transform the way by which we usually approach to technology. That is, it will not be the user who will control the environment, on the contrary, the latter will adapt itself to the user's abilities, enabling them to communicate or experience something which otherwise they would not access."
In a little more details, please?
"We are carrying out an auto-adaptable environment, which is applicable to all contexts in which users are disabled. Specifically, visually impaired. The Internet of Things project is divided into several modules, including one particularly focused on contemporary art. Thanks to the collaboration with the artist Lorenzo Merlo (http://diginformale.it/), we established as the starting point one of his artworks and identified its essential and characteristic elements. From an original visual art work, through various steps, we are building a framework in order to detect the presence of visitors, invite them to approach further and be able to touch them, thus creating a visual and perceptual experience, thanks to which the artwork acquires depth and spatiality".
A picture that 'speaks' and can be touched? A "live" picture?
"Exactly. The original artistic creation by Lorenzo Merlo, supplemented and amended with technology, will become "alive." It will be able to sense the presence of someone nearby, and invite that person to observe and touch it. The artwork will be felt three-dimensionally, allowing the "vision" even to the blind. All this, by dynamically adapting itself to the different needs of the beholder. "
How did the idea was born? And which types of support did you get to carry it out?
"The idea of focusing the scope of the project to the visually impaired was inspired by "MuZIEum", a museum located in Nijmegen, in the Netherlands. In this particular museum, through a participating experience of the (sighted) visitors, we will try to knock down or at least minimize the prejudices and misconceptions we suffer about the visually impaired. The contribution and support I received by the project manager of this initiative Carlijn Nijhof was crucial for this project.
The idea could become reality thanks to the funding by Element14.com, that provided much of the electronic equipment (components, micro controllers, micro computers, sensors, touch screen, etc.) and thanks to the second sponsor, GearBest.com, that provided all the devices I needed for the movement elements. That was a critical support, considering that the complete work uses about twenty sensors, a sound system, three micro computer, a dozen micro controllers and about 100 electric motors."
Where and when will it be possible to admire, or perhaps I should say "live", the result of this project?
Both the original artwork by Lorenzo Merlo and the “technological version” will be donated to the museum along with the rest of the project components.
We are still in the process of scheduling a date to introduce this work into an event, so far expected around next October.
 | Il quadro che parla ai non vedenti ha un cuore elettronico trofarellese – CentoTorri.pdf |
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