Telepresent Surveillance

As part of the documentation, time capsules were constructed and given to nine different people. The capsules consisted of test-tube-like vials filled with tiny images, writings, computer chips and fragments from the installation . Nine small root structures (or portions of the root systems taken from the uprooted trees in the installation) served as the container for the material going into the capsule. A deep l-in-diameter hole was bored into each root structure. Each vial was then placed deep within the hole of each structure, along with a small, livejuniper tree that was planted over the vial, covering it from sight. The capsules-made from root systems, containing fragments from the installation, and serving as the support system for a small tree-were then given to nine different people who were in some way involved in the installation. The capsules, which in order to be opened must be broken, have now been in the hands of the nine people who at a future time may open or "rupture" the capsules. After reviewing the writings, hearing about the alternative uses of the mining helmets, seeing remnants of anxiously "ruptured" time capsules and hearing of the postcards showing up all around the world, 1 have realized how important the interactive elements of the installation were. They played an important role in allowing ideas, concepts and the installation itself to be shaped, reworked, mutated and inevitably "ruptured" by the outside public. TELEPRESENT SURVEILLANCE Joel A. Slayton, 895 Vermont Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, U.S.A. E-mail: ; . Telepresent Surveillance,an interactive installation [1], presents an automated surveillance system that includes a selfnavigating inflatable designed to track and follow an individual entering and moving in a room (or gallery). It also includes stereo-imaging cameras and audio microphones that enable transmission ofvisual and acoustic information from the inflatable's current spatial orientation and a stereo-viewing stand for telepresent display. The inflatable is a helium-filled, electronically controlled device that maneuvers , records and transmits information automatically. It is equipped with sensors for locating and tracking moving targets (people) and electric motors for spatial positioning and orientation. Maneuvering is independent , relying only on a ceiling grid for intermittent charging. When the inflatable gets tired, it returns to the ceiling , powers up and looks for a new target. Information from miniature twin cameras mounted on the inflatable transmits directly to an optically corrected stereo-viewing stand for display in three dimensions. The telepresent viewing stand also includes audio transmission . The Telepresent Surveillanceproject presents a unique opportunity to witness an automated surveillance device as it tries to figure out the complex spatial positioning and behavior of individuals in a dedicated space. The concept explores the idea of "intelligent " visual probes that can be relied upon to provide unique vantage points autonomously. Note 1. Systems software design and programming by Kelvin Chan. Words on Works 103 ...