Did you know that you are being watched?
 

With the cost of technology plunging, the price and availibility of cameras is within range of anyone. Not only must you be aware of surveillance cameras on street corners and entry ways, you also might want to keep an eye on your next door neighbor...

When does a bystander become a participant, and does the bystander become a participant by choice or through coercion? Furthermore, what is considered invasion of privacy? All of these questions have various interpretations by diffierent states and has peaked my interest in simulating such an event that would cause a reaction in the participant.

 
The Project:

The stage is dormant (empty) until someone enters the stage. Soon after, a helicopter will sound and the participant will be tracked with a scope. As the person moves closer to the center of the stage the helicopter will become louder and as the person moves away (leaves the stage) the sound will stop. If the person stays in motion within the stage the tracking will continue and the scope will lock on to the target and ultimately be fired upon. If the target is hit, the participant has been eliminated and will fade from the screen. A participant can also prove to be illusive by hiding(fading) from the camera.

[ screen shots ]

The goal of this project is to serve a playful warning to unsuspecting bystanders that someone or something is watching you, hovering over you, and now tracking you, a reconaissance. Once the participant becomes aware of this, how do they react? Are they afraid of the possible consequences and refuse to become a participant or are they curious and try to provoke the target scope that has locked on to them?

 

Ideal Space:

A brightly lit public area of medium pedestrian traffic. Speakers located above the user to give the full effect of the helicopter...someone is above you. I believe the effect will be completely different in a controlled environment, such as, the indoor presentation where the reaction might be playful; where as, in the outdoor setting the reaction could be negative and/or surprised.
 
Technical Details:
Director 8.5 using TrackThemColors Xtra with a Labtec USB camera used to track a participant on the stage. Timers are used to make changes to the scene, from audio, text, and visuals. Thanks to Andreas Schlegel for his additional coding
 
References:
  New York Surveillance Camera Players
  Voyeurism Spreads Outside the Dressing Room
  Thermal Detection
  Camera Recognisance Art Project

 

george j. avelino