Search For You

Search For You is an installation/internet work consisting of a darkened three-walled space with a number of hybrid flashlight/webcam devices affixed to the walls. The flashlight/webcam devices are modified netcams such that Internet users can control the direction of the flashlight from the remote webcam view combined with pan and tilt controls. Internet users can choose one of the devices in the space, log onto the “FlashCam”, visually locate visitors in the physical space and then turn on the flashlight and illuminate a person. Visitors in the physical space are invited to enter a space where they will be searched for by a telepresent visitors from the web. Once seen by internet participants, they will receive a gesture of the light beam as a fundamental offer of communication. Visitors who enter the space are asking to receive a remote stranger’s light and sight. Internet users are searching in the psychic space of desire. The moment of rendezvous is when the small delicate light falls upon and follows the physical visitor.


This installation proposes to test and explore the possibilities and questions of telepresence. It coincides the internet “search” with tangible spacial “search” of light in darkness. It suggests the desire to be found or seen. The technology joins the increasingly cheap technologies of the netcam and the mag flashlite into alternative world-net transmission vehicles for a gestural meeting space. The beam of light is the line of real-time communication, with netizens projecting into the physical world as light and movement, and installation viewers projecting into the networld as live and lighted image.

SFY-LFM 700PT Net FlashCam


            -  175 lumens
            -  location independent
            -  plug and play
            -  stylish design
            -  grey and titanium

Find You Robo-controller Software
user friendly, reliable, accessible from anywhere in the world

Installation Space, 12' x 14' space with 5 FlashCams

Technologies:

The base technology of the installation is the Search For You - Light From Me (SFY-LFM) Net FlashCam. Operating seamlessly in conjunction with Find You Robo-controller Software, internet visitors from anywhere in the world can log on to one of the FlashCams and contact physical installation visitors. Once logged on the ephemeral net visitor visually finds and tracks a nearby corporeal visitor. They can then activate the fan as a gesture of breath and an offering of communication. Physical visitors sense the interest of remote internet participants by the motion and activation of the FlashCams. They can then acknowledge and accept the remote gesture by looking into the cam and receiving the gentle fan breath.

The SFY-LFM 700PT Net FlashCam is a custom modified Hawking HNC700PT Remote-Motion CCD Network Camera with a hand-held fan mounted to the pan/tilt camera. When programmed, the control of the camera and fan are accessible to network users anywhere. Find You robo-controller software is a modified version of the Hawking interface to facilitate optimum use of the FlashCam.

The Search For You installation space is approximately 12' x 14' though dimensions can be variable. Six Flashcams are installed on the walls and wiring is configured on the outside of the freestanding walls. The container space is highly scaleable and adaptable to different workable environments. In situations where space is highly limited, one SFY-LFM 700PT Net FlashCam can establish the installation concept.

Equipment and Specifications:

•  6(+) SFY-LFM 700PT Net FlashCam Net (modified Hawking HNC700PT Remote-Motion
   CCD Network Camera created and supplied by the artist)
•  Local Ethernet Network 6+ port hub/router with broadband access
•  Permission to open router ports for FTP,HTTP, and Streaming Channels for
   control and video*
•  Ethernet Cable various sizes to connect FlashCam devices to hub and internet
•  Electrical extension cords or wiring to connect five 3 volt DC transformers
   to power fans
•  10” x 12” three-wall space (variable) painted off-white
•  Lighting, medium level

*FlashCams need to be accessible to anyone in the public domain of the internet. They function well with a DHCP environment. Each will have a unique web IP address as well as its own router ports for streaming video and control.