You and I, You and Me

APP WORKS ONLY WITH HEADWEAR MADE BY MINDAUGAS GAPŠEVIČIUS AND MARIA SAFRONOVA WAHLSTRÖM.

The software uses augmented reality setting to control headwear and connect with other headwear on the local network over the WiFi protocol. To function properly, the app must be connected to the custom-built electronic devices embedded in the headwear.

The project You and I, You and Me explores the impact of the environment through electricity. The artists ask: How far could electricity help in understanding the other? Is there a possibility to alter human senses by electric impulses? During the participatory event, the audience is invited to experience the environment, including other humans, by wearing jewelry, shoes, and headwear.

The headwear uses medical strategies based on brain cell communication: the electrical impulses are detected while using electroencephalography (EEG), and brain stimulation is triggered by passing DC current through electrodes (tDCS), a noninvasive method to treat depressive disorder, increase empathic abilities, or decrease antisocial behavior in violent offenders.

Usage instructions of the headwear:

- Attach batteries and the circuit boards to the snap buttons on the headwear;
- Launch the app You and I, You and Me on a tablet or smartphone;
- Pair your app with the headwear;
- Look for peers with other headwear;
- Connect to peers by tapping an IP in the augmented reality interface;
- Use the slider at the bottom of the screen to control the intensity of electricity passed: left side – no electricity, right side – 100 uA.

Wifi is configured to be used within the local network named "You and I" (password "You and Me") in the range 192.168.0.1-255. This network is then divided into a static IP range between 1 and 99 and a DHCP range between 100 and 254. The static IP range is reserved for the devices using EEG (1-49) and tDCS (50-59). The DHCP network is reserved for cell phones to be used while participating in the event and/or for testing purposes.

The app uses the camera, the GPS system and the OSC protocol. The camera is used to locate other people in the area, the GPS system helps locate people wearing headwear, and the OSC protocol is used to send data over the network between people wearing headwear. The app allows the user to connect to own headwear (locate: “Pair...”) other users with headwear (tap visible IP addresses) and to control the electric current flowing through the scalp (touch and move slider on the bottom of the screen).