Introduction: Arduino Based Shutter Glasses of Fear (AbSGoF)
Old Elsa glasses are connected to an Arduino. The glasses are able to switch every 8ms and can be programmed freely.
Possible modes:
-> random: Glasses are transparent most day and get dark for 10 to 30 Sec. This can cause fear.
-> epileptic
-> puke
Please watch the great video:
Step 1: How to Connect
Connect the 2 Pins as seen on the Picture to free Arduino PWM ports.
Its the second and the third pin controlling the left and right LCDs. The first pin will control both.
On the other side connect 5V + and ground.
Thats it.
Activate an LCD with:
analogWrite(9, 40);
where 9 is your PWN port.
Deactivate with:
analogWrite(9, 0);
Possible improvements: Add 2 LEDs to enhance the dazzle effect.
Step 2: Code Used in Project
Thats how you activate the to Pin 6 connected LCD:
=======================================
int Pin6 = 6;
int saft = 40;
//activate:
analogWrite(Pin6, saft);
//deactivate:
analogWrite(Pin6, 0);
=======================================
Example, flickering LCDs with big delay:
=======================================
int Pin6 = 6; // LED connected to digital pin 9
int Pin9 = 9; // LED connected to digital pin 9
int saft = 40;
void setup() {
// nothing happens in setup
}
void loop() {
analogWrite(Pin9, 0);
analogWrite(Pin6, saft);
delay(200);
analogWrite(Pin6, 0);
analogWrite(Pin9, saft);
delay(2000);
}
=======================================

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19 Discussions
10 years ago on Introduction
I'm not quite sure if this is obvious or not, but could these be used for watching things in 3D? Or is the flash rate not fast enough/inability to sync?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I wonder the same thing ... i will see about it in this up coming week!
11 years ago on Introduction
These can be used to reduce car sickness
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
how?
you mean this invention isn't completely useless?
(except the dangerous factor of random-
and the wonderful puke- and epilepticmodes)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hmmm...
I guess if you had it black out once it detected an extended time of movement, that would stop you getting carsick... However, good luck if you're the driver...
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Actually, if pulsed at a certain speed, it negates the disorienting effect of carsickness. It would obviously be mostly for passengers, especially those that enjoy reading while in the car.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Really? That would be good!
Also, this could be used to find the refresh rate of monitors, provided you add a way to change the "blink" rate.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
The rate of pulse is 4hertz with a dwell of 10 milliseconds. Meaning it turns the LCD on at a rate of 4hz, for 10 milliseconds per "on" cycle. After about 60 seconds, you forget they're there.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Good idea, I will implement this. As soon as I have nothing else to do :)
11 years ago on Introduction
I have 2 elsa glasses and I try to make my own driver. but i cant override the 75 Hz frequenci filter I try buil a glasses for a 50 Hz TV or 60Hz LCD.
11 years ago on Introduction
you could probably use these as dimmable glasses, just use pulse width modulation and you should be able to make them darker/lighter, add a light sensor and it'd be truly awesome...
11 years ago on Introduction
I think these glasses will bring peace to palestina.
11 years ago on Introduction
I'm pretty sure Zaphod Beeblebrox had a pair...
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thought exactly the same :P
11 years ago on Introduction
I can't watch the video! Put it on youtube or another video site and then get the embedding url and place it in the "video" box above where you srite the text for the instructable. :)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, I second this.
If you do want to view it, download the movie and try using VLC media player.
11 years ago on Introduction
Awesome! that would probably make me puke
11 years ago on Introduction
What is this used for?
11 years ago on Introduction
ELSA was a german technology corporation building graphic cards and modems. They also produced this shutter glasses. Every other shutter glasses should work also.