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Clo(o)k: Human-Time Interactions Through a Clock That "Looks"

Zhuoyue Lyu

TL;DR

Clo(o)k introduces a timepiece that visually perceives users to enable novel human–time interactions, blending object-centric tangible interface with social context. The approach combines a camera-driven gaze mechanism, motorized rings, and cross-time-zone synchronization, implemented on ESP32-CAM hardware with OpenCV-based facial detection and a Python controller. The work documents design, fabrication, and electronics, including a hollow clock mechanism that integrates rings and gears, and demonstrates the concept at MIT’s MAS.863, highlighting potential applications in planetary display, interactive facial cues, and kinetic art, and inviting further customization and exploration within HCI contexts.

Abstract

What if a clock could do more than tell time - what if it could look around? This project explores the conceptualization, design, and construction of a timepiece with visual perception capabilities, featuring three types of human-time interactions. Informal observations during a demonstration highlight its unique user experiences. https://www.zhuoyuelyu.com/clook

Clo(o)k: Human-Time Interactions Through a Clock That "Looks"

TL;DR

Clo(o)k introduces a timepiece that visually perceives users to enable novel human–time interactions, blending object-centric tangible interface with social context. The approach combines a camera-driven gaze mechanism, motorized rings, and cross-time-zone synchronization, implemented on ESP32-CAM hardware with OpenCV-based facial detection and a Python controller. The work documents design, fabrication, and electronics, including a hollow clock mechanism that integrates rings and gears, and demonstrates the concept at MIT’s MAS.863, highlighting potential applications in planetary display, interactive facial cues, and kinetic art, and inviting further customization and exploration within HCI contexts.

Abstract

What if a clock could do more than tell time - what if it could look around? This project explores the conceptualization, design, and construction of a timepiece with visual perception capabilities, featuring three types of human-time interactions. Informal observations during a demonstration highlight its unique user experiences. https://www.zhuoyuelyu.com/clook
Paper Structure (6 sections, 2 figures)

This paper contains 6 sections, 2 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction and Related Work
  2. Clo(o)k Interactions
  3. Design and Fabrication
  4. Hardware and Software
  5. Informal Observations and Limitations
  6. Conclusion and Future Work

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: Design and fabrication of the Clo(o)k, along with its demo at the MAS.863 Open House (Dec. 20, 2022, MIT Media Lab).
  • Figure 2: Potential applications of the Clo(o)k system. The programmable rings can carry elements beyond hour and minute hands: (1) Planetary Movement – independently rotating rings carry planets (Earth and Saturn) around a central Sun. (2) Interactive Face – a fixed front ring with eyes remains static, while the back ring with various attached mouth shapes rotates to show different facial expressions based on camera input. (3) Kinetic Art – two rings with dynamic patterns rotate at varying speeds and directions, creating mesmerizing visuals.