During the long talk with Draconpern regarding several issues including making blinking kigurumi masks. I came to decide on two methods to create a pushing mechanism. (Grown bored of waiting for Tool Prooper for a suggestion hehe~^_^;) And some visitors have guessed what I was making from the hints I posted up some time ago. One method is to use air pressure to create a pushing force to close the eyelids. The other is to build a solenoid and control the movement with buttons.
I decided to start building the air pressure operated method since I have no idea how I can press buttons using my face yet, using the tongue would eventually make all foods taste like nothing to me I guess.
EASIER SAID THAN DONE. I spend quite a number of weeks, on and off, pondering on a design to build the pushing mechanism. One which can be control from within the mask itself. YES, just like the ironman suit~!
The design involved blowing air into pistons which will push the eyelids down.The next problem came when I realise I need the piston to retract as well. Brainstormed for ideas of a spring mechanism for a while. and finally, found a retractable string device which I lessen the spring's strength so my pistons can push it.
Well, now I came to another block. I think it is time to seek the processing power from more than one brain. Now that I have the pushing mechanism, I can make the eyelids move down. The issue here now is how to make the eyelashes move down as well. Not only does it need to move down, it needs to flip from its n-shape into a u-shape when the eyelids are closed. Any suggestions or ideas will be fully appreciated.
I took a video of how the pistons work, and they are quite effective too. Can't wait to make my kigurumi suit into an ironman suit and privatise defence~^_^
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Wow! Thats a really cool setup you have started there.
ReplyDeleteAs for the eyelash problem... At first I thought "well upon closing, the eyelash shape would flip naturally"! But then I remembered that kigurumi eyes are flat, not round like a doll's. I can think of metal materials that are able to flip one way or the other, but then the actual eyelid itself would be a whole other issue. Perhaps you'd have to settle for the eyes closing like ^_^ instead of v_v?
I wonder if a blinking mask would lessen a lot of the "uncanny valley" feeling for people!
-RinRin
The whole idea was to make kigurumi masks look less unnatural. I get comments on people who cant stand blinking eyes sometimes. Its good that there are many people who are honest with what they like/dislike about kigurumi
ReplyDeleteI know what, let's start a forum thread and we can share our design ideas and possibilities~
You can use thin-film contact switches to control eye movement. Attach them directly to your natural face with Micropore tape and activate by flexing a jaw muscle or making a 'face', or something. This will allow you to move each eye independently as well. Be a fighter-pilot!!1!.....XDDD.......
ReplyDeleteExperiment with setting the ANGLE of your eyelashes on your eyelids for a more natural sweep. This..... more than the curvature of your eye, controls the "^_^" "v_v" effect.......