Mistudio

With automated fog activation and built-in safeguards, this all-in-one product creates a balanced, engaging atmosphere—ideal for use in homes, offices, or interactive installations.

Introduction

This innovative environmental control system seamlessly combines multiple sensors and three mini fog machines for a dynamic, user-responsive experience. Powered by the Particle Photon 2, it features an Adafruit BME688 sensor to monitor temperature, humidity, and gas levels in real time, ensuring a comfortable environment. An HC-SR501 PIR motion sensor and an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor work together to detect presence and distance, allowing the device to trigger gentle fog reminders when occupants remain idle within a certain range or when humidity drops below a set threshold.

Background

Imagine this: an object pulled from the sediment of a future excavation, something half-forgotten and half-invented, as if it had been waiting all along for hands clumsy enough to misunderstand it. It isn’t just an object, though. No, it hums with a kind of presence, something that slips between the past, the present, and futures that only exist if you squint hard enough. It knows things—about itself, about us, about the systems that once made sense of it—and it doesn’t need us to explain it. It carries a memory, or perhaps it is the memory, tangled in a collection of other objects it once moved with, a constellation of meaning we haven’t quite grasped.

Found Object

Where do they com from?
What are they?

Inspiration

Idea Development

In the early stages of the project, I wanted to develop my Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser as a product concept and integrate emerging technologies into it. Initially, I aimed to use this diffuser as a gentle reminder for people to take breaks from prolonged smartphone use.

The idea was that if someone remained stationary near the diffuser for over 30 minutes—whether at a desk or a coffee table—it would automatically release mist, partially obstructing their vision and encouraging them to move. However, I felt that this function was not creative enough, so I shifted the concept toward an atmospheric enhancement device for home environments.

Key Features

Context-Aware Humidification: The diffuser activates its misting function based on specific conditions, such as low humidity levels or detecting that a person has been inactive for an extended period.
Music-Responsive Lighting & Mist Effects: If music is detected, the device will produce dynamic lighting effects synchronized with mist variations, creating an immersive experience.
Scent Adaptation: The diffuser will emit different scents depending on the detected situation, enhancing the ambiance accordingly.

Additionally, I want to redesign the physical form of the diffuser into something that does not immediately resemble its original function. This way, in the future, people might speculate about its purpose and interpret its intended use in different ways.

Idea Development

In the early stages of the project, I wanted to develop my Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser as a product concept and integrate emerging technologies into it.

Initially, I aimed to use this diffuser as a gentle reminder for people to take breaks from prolonged smartphone use. The idea was that if someone remained stationary near the diffuser for over 30 minutes—whether at a desk or a coffee table—it would automatically release mist, partially obstructing their vision and encouraging them to move.

However, I felt that this function was not creative enough, so I shifted the concept toward an atmospheric enhancement device for home environments.

Experiment 1

Particle Photon2 activates the fog machine

In this experiment, I found that the fog machine needs 5V, but the power supply of particle photon2 is only 3.3V, so I used the vUSB power supply method. The disadvantage of this method is that it must be connected to a power source (such as a computer or adapter).

Experiment 2

Particle Photon2 connects with HC-SR501 PIR Motion Sensor and uses the high/low to activate the fog machine

Experiment 3

Particle Photon2 connects with HC-SR501 PIR Motion Sensor and distance sensors.

Through serial monitor, I could track each data. The system continuously logs humidity levels, distance readings from an ultrasonic sensor, and motion detection status from a PIR sensor. It also displays time since last motion (noMotion) and time since the last reading (in3m). The output reflects dynamic environmental changes such as fog being turned ON or OFF, which affects sensor readings. This real-time feedback helps monitor how environmental factors influence proximity and motion detection.

Product Details

Proximity Scenario

If a person stays within 3 m for 1 minute, and PIR sees no motion for 1 minute, turn on the fog.
Once fog is on, it remains on until the PIR detects motion and the distance is >3 m.

Humidity Scenario

If humidity < 30%, turn on the fog machine.
Once fog is on, it remains on until the PIR detects motion and the distance is >3 m.

Final Fog Control

The fog machine is ON if either scenario is demanding it (proximity OR humidity).
The fog machine is OFF only if both scenarios say “off.”

Measurements

Dimensions: W 6.2″ x H 2.4″ x L 3.8″
Capacity: Approximately 3.4 fl oz (100 mL)
Weight: Approximately 25.4 oz (720 g)

Materials

Body: High-quality PP (Polypropylene) Resin for durability and easy cleaning
Adapter: ABS Resin, designed for safety and long service life