Group Research Project: The Intelligent Helmet
The Plague Helmet
(Group Research Project Folder → Step 3 & 4 (Group) → Prototype Photo&Video Folder)
Group Research Project Assignment Step 5: Report
| Group Members | Hansa Mirpuri, Rebecca Van Par Sui, Xinrui Qiu,
Lucas Lin, IIan Alvarez, Victor Qiu |
Our group swiftly agreed on creating an innovative artifact inspired by the reading of “The Plague.” We began brainstorming ways to make our invention stand out and unique. One scene in the reading where the main character’s suit breaks inspired us to develop a sustainable helmet that would provide protection to the user and alert nearby individuals about potential infections. We envisioned incorporating an AI program into the helmet that could indicate the wearer’s status as infected or not, making it an effective tool for pandemic prevention.
The idea of a helmet that changes color based on the wearer’s pandemic status is intriguing as it could serve as a practical tool to identify infected and healthy individuals and prevent the spread of viruses. However, the helmet poses some challenges in terms of breathability, line of vision, and mobility restrictions that need to be addressed for optimal performance. While the Plague Helmet’s color-changing screen technology is not entirely novel, its capacity to provide a swift and visible identification of an individual’s status distinguishes it from other technologies like color-changing labels or shirts. The development and implementation of the Plague Helmet require careful planning and consideration to ensure its effectiveness and ease of use.
During another group’s presentation, they showcased a unique helmet that eliminates emotions. They demonstrated how useful this tool could be in critical situations where one needs to make rational decisions and alleviate the burden of overwhelming emotions such as remorse. However, the group also highlighted the potential danger of this tool as people may become robotic and emotionless, resulting in the loss of human connection and ultimately leading to harm. While this artifact could have benefits in preventing PTSD and other mental illnesses, the misuse of this tool could have significant ethical implications.
Props: (Folder Link)
The Helmet
***
Other Props (TV)
Performance Script: (Improv Acting)
| Character | Group Member Acting | Props |
| NEWS REPORTER | IIAN | TV |
| FATHER | VICTOR | Helmet |
|
KID |
Rebecca | Helmet |
|
MOTHER |
Hansa | – |
|
AI |
Rita | – |
| FRIEND | Lucas | – |
ACT 1
SCENE 1: FATHER WATCHING THE NEWS
SCENE 2: NEWS REPORTER REPORTS THAT SUITS ARE BREAKING… VIRUS SPREADING…
ACT 2
SCENE 2: FATHER MAKES THE HELMET
SCENE 3: FATHER GIVES IT TO HIS KID
SCENE 4: MOM THINKS IT IS NOT NECESSARY
ACT 3
SCENE 5: KID AND FRIEND MEET EACH OTHER
SCENE 6: AI WARNS THE KID THAT HIS FRIEND HAS BEEN INFECTED WITH THE VIRUS
SCENE 7: KID RUNS HOME
ACT 4
SCENE 8: NEWS REPORT FRIEND HAS PASSED AWAY
SCENE 9: PARENTS AND CHILD MEET UP
Performance:
Text:
[Father watching the news]
Newscaster: Breaking news! Suddenly we have discovered that there is a new virus on the loose. It has been reported that there are 350 cases in the city and is rapidly spreading. Please wear the hazmat suits provided by the government so you don’t get infected by the virus. There have also been reports of these hazmat suits tearing and not protecting people from the virus. So, watch out for your families.
Father: Oh no, I got to do something about this! [starts to build the helmet]
Mother: Honey, what are you doing? You are making a mess. If you want to do something, go change the light bulbs.
Father: I am creating a helmet to protect us from the virus.
Mother: It’s not necessary, we have survived for this long, we don’t need extra protection.
Father: We do, trust me!
Child: Can we see how the helmet looks like?
Father: It’s not finished yet.
Child: Ok we will come back later to see it.
[after a few seconds]
Child: Can we see now, is it ready?
Father: Yes, this is the helmet [holds up helmet]. It comes with an AI device to detect if the people around you are positive or negative, and it will protect you. The design is family friendly!
Child: So is mom going to wear it?
Mother: Oh no!
Child: I don’t want to wear it.
Father: No, you have to wear it to school.
Child: They are going to make fun of me.
Father: I don’t care, you have to!
[Child wears helmet and goes to school]
Child: Hi friend!
Friend: Hi, what are you wearing?
Child: I am wearing a helmet that my dad made but I don’t know what it is. I guess it detects the virus.
Friend: It looks ugly.
Child: Yeah it does but I guess it works. What are you up to today? We are 13 years old so we have classes.
Friend: Yeah.
Child: So do you want to play the hand clap game?
Friend: Sure!
[Child and Friend before Child even touches her friends hands…]
AI device: Beep, Beep, Beep, Warning, Warning!
Child: Oh no, you have the virus.
Friend: What, no I don’t!
Child: Stay away from me! I am going home!
[At home, father watches the news]
Newscaster: Breaking news! A child has just died! So watch out, these suits are not protective and the virus is very deadly.
Child: Dad, guess what! My friend died today, he had the virus.
Father: I just saw it on the news!
Child: My helmet worked, it detected it and I ran back home.
Father: Oh, good. See, I told you all!