HAL 9000 from 2001: a space odyssey

[Prop Runner]

Originally posted by Montagar@Mar 16 2006, 03:17 PM
Also, because Kubrick was such a perfectionist, some of the HAL dialog is in a different environment. As an example, when Dave is asking HAL to open the pod bay doors, some of HAL's responses are in Dave's pod over the communications link (therefore having the background noise of the pod and not the hum of the ship).

So because of that, I was thinking that isolating HAL would be better. Depending on what phrases we decide to use, the background noise could be different and not hold up well one played after the other. But fade-in might be enough to solve that problem as well.

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Interesting info, I did not realize that. I intend to set a delay timer between phrases anyway so that they wouldn't run back to back, but just the same, I'd love to hear a sample fade-out of the ship's hum after a phrase ends.

tgereco makes a valid point about continuous ship's hum playback, and even if we rigged it that way, at some point it would have to loop and it might be noticable.

So while it would be nice to have the hum, I also think it would be more prudent to isolate HAL's voice, if doing so is not too much of a problem. Please e-mail me if you'd like to discuss the technical details.

- Gabe

 

[Kris]

Well.. A noice removal should be possible and quite easy with Adobe Audition.

 

[phase pistol]

Let me put it this way, Mr. Amer. The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error.

I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.

I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.

This conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.

:sleep

 

[phase pistol]

Sorry if somebody else is already working on it, but here's the HAL label I emailed to Gabe.

Vectors in the PDF file.

(I just tweaked this to have white outlines on the type and no border between the blue and black boxes)

http://homepage.mac.com/ktate/extra/hallabel4.pdf.zip

(edit: updated again with brighter blue)

 

[Prop Runner]

Originally posted by tgreco+Mar 16 2006, 03:32 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tgreco @ Mar 16 2006, 03:32 PM)</div>

<!--QuoteBegin-Prop Runner

@Mar 16 2006, 12:40 PM
Thanks, guys.

Question: can someone confirm the number of columns and rows of holes in the screen-used panel's speaker grill?

I get 22 rectangles wide and 18 rectangles high

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[/b]

Ah, but there are different panel versions and different grills. Some look like rectangular or square holes while others appear circular. Here are the best views I've obtained from this thread:

Can anyone clean up the middle one enough to get a more accurate column count? The image I have is hopelessly distorted...

I'm currently making my grill 29 columns by 18 rows, using a cirgular perforation pattern:

The 29 may likely become 28 since I'm still tweaking the panel proportions and grill hole spacing, so please don't rush to make any overlay comparisons until I say I'm happy with the final design. Furthermore, keep in mind that in my 3D-CAD software, concentric rings tend to get swallowed up when I export the model as an image and compress it for RPF posting, and of course the CAD won't simulate a real lens' optical distortion or the glow, shadows, and reflections produced by an LED, so don't worry about the loss of detail in the eye. I'll also create a rectangular perforation pattern as well with 22 columns and will post both side by side for comparison.

Thanks to all who've sent me their HAL 9000 logo artwork - please be patient if I don't reply right away, but I'll get back to each of you.

In the meantime, I'd welcome opinions on the desired grid pattern (circular vs. rectangular holes, high vs. squat grill, etc.) and HAL phrases (although I don't think Karl ever needs a special invitation. :lol)

- Gabe

 

[phase pistol]

Originally posted by Prop Runner@Mar 16 2006, 07:45 PM

In the meantime, I'd welcome opinions on the desired grid pattern (circular vs. rectangular holes, high vs. squat grill, etc.) and HAL phrases (although I don't think Karl ever needs a special invitation. :lol)

- Gabe

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Yes, that's - :confused

Oh, WISE guy, eh? :rolleyes

Anyway... sure, Gabe, thanks for asking for my input. I'll be GLAD to help.

I think we established awhile back that the grid holes ARE always circular... the rectangular holes are just an optical illusion.

As to the tall vs squat grill proportions, I prefer TALL grill on aesthetic grounds. :thumbsup

- k

 

[SurferGeek]

Originally posted by phase pistol@Mar 16 2006, 05:36 PM
Let me put it this way, Mr. Amer. The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error.

Ha... HAL sounds like a Mac. :lol


If the unit doesn't pickup any further motion after a given period you could make it "power down" with a sound file like this one:

"This conversation can serve no purpose anymore... Goodbye."


:lol

 

[Mike J.]

Quotes:

I've just picked up a fault.

I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.

This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.

I know you and Frank were planning to disconnect me, and I'm afraid that's something I cannot allow to happen.

You're going to find that rather difficult.

(There's also some dialog when Dave shows Hal a sketch of one of the scientists in the sleep chamber... Something like "It's a very good likeness." I feel that's appropriate for this thread :lol )


-Mike

 

[Gigatron]

I still think the shutoff phrase should be HAL's final powerdown speech with the dasiy song until fade out.

And obviously, the power-on should be "good morning, Dave"

-Fred

 

[Aegis159]

I'm thinking the isolated voice works better. I would also suggest tweaking the low end on the voice... not enough to muddy it up, but enough to get rid of the hollow sound some....

Question for you Gabe concerning the "lens". Do you think several half spheres inside one another inside the lens might help to give the "multiple optics" feel to the light?

 

[temponaut]

Originally posted by Aegis159@Mar 17 2006, 10:46 AM
I'm thinking the isolated voice works better.

I agree with Aegis. Although both versions are recordings from the film, I think the version with ambient noise sounds more like a recording, while the isolated voice sounds more as if HAL is there is the room with you.

Even if we could get the ambient noise to run on a seamless loop, and even if we could solve the power problem, the noise is supposed to come from the Discovery and not from HAL. So, again, it seems to me incongruous for an ambient hum to come from HAL's speaker.

2 cents

 

[Montagar]

Here is a list of all of HAL's dialog with the speech pattern, transmission medium and background differences.

HAL Dialog

 

[temponaut]

Originally posted by Montagar@Mar 17 2006, 12:19 PM
Here is a list of all of HAL's dialog with the speech pattern, transmission medium and background differences.

Outstanding, Montagar. (Or perhaps "stellar" would be more approrpriate. )

If we intend to use any of the lines from the "tanning table" scene with Frank, we'll get snippets of music along with the HAL dialog. Again, it seems as if the voice-only option would yield a better result overall (although I do see the appeal of the ambient noise).

But won't it be harder to separate the music from the dialog than it will be to drop out the simple ambient hum? Would this mean that the dialog from this particular scene will come with music one way or another?

 

[Prop Runner]

Originally posted by SurferGeek@Mar 16 2006, 05:07 PM
If the unit doesn't pickup any further motion after a given period you could make it "power down" with a sound file like this one:

"This conversation can serve no purpose anymore... Goodbye."

I actually like that. I'll add it to the options matrix.

Originally posted by Aegis159@Mar 16 2006, 05:46 PM
Question for you Gabe concerning the "lens". Do you think several half spheres inside one another inside the lens might help to give the "multiple optics" feel to the light?

Unequivocally no. The outer fish-eye has a spherical concave inner surface, and it's that concavity that creates all the diffraction, distortions, reflections, and light diffusion. The optical elements behind the fisheye have absolutely no bearing on the distorted look of the concentric rings and multiple reflections. It might as well be hollow through to the camera mount behind the fisheye lens. The cosmetic concentric rings I'm incorporating behind the lens around the LED and the border of the fisheye lens' inner concave surface itself will pretty much duplicate what we see when looking at a Kenko head-on or from the sides.

Unfortunately, the 3D-CAD model of the lens cannot duplicate the optical difraction and distortion, so it will never be evident or "correct" in the virtual model. But an injection-molded fisheye lens will be a lens in every respect, and won't require "quote marks."

I'm also in receipt of several very well-done HAL logo artwork from a few of you, and I'm encouraging all the contriutors to give it their best shot with the feedback I provided in order to nail the color, letters, and border. If after our correspondence you feel you can't get any more accurate, by all means post your files here (oversized) so we can all have a look-see. While I like to think I possess a sharp eye for detail, I'd wish to have everybody's input on the final graphic, and hopefully the submitters whose work I don't select will take pride in the fact that they participated in the project and helped narrow down the design to one we're all happy with.

- Gabe

 

[phase pistol]

Originally posted by Gigatron@Mar 16 2006, 08:32 PM
I still think the shutoff phrase should be HAL's final powerdown speech with the dasiy song until fade out. 

And obviously, the power-on should be "good morning, Dave"

-Fred

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Oooo, that might get real old. Like after the first time. :lol

(by which I mean the long "Daisy" every time you power down.)

- k

 

[Prop Runner]

I'd like to float a thought...

For those who want to mount a real Kenko in their replica, I would need to supply them with additional hardware to secure it to the panel and a threaded adapter for the LED. But what they'd need most of all is DEPTH. So I came up with a display solution that is both thematic and functional:

Not only are the proportions correct to the screen-used TMA-1 Monolith, but it provides just enough depth for the lens and rear-mounted LED, with 5 mm to spare. It would be fabricated from either powedercoated sheet metal, or black acrylic.

But even for those who will be satisfied with a replica lens/eye, the speaker and power supply will exceed the depth of the replica HAL panel, which in the film was flush with the consoles.

Before I show my plans to my electrical engineer friend, I'd also like to take this opportunity and call on any electronics wizard who has a suggestion or recommendation to help me spec out the following components:

• best sounding full or mid-range speaker with a 40mm max diameter (I'm ditching the oval cone so I can fit in the sensors next to the speaker)
• IR sensor to activate day/night cycle timer
• motion sensor that can "see" through the grill holes
• off-the-shelf programmable light & sound boards, if available

So the thread won't become to technical, I'd ask that all suggestions be sent to me via e-mail only. Finally - for this week, anyway - I'd like to float yet another idea, since we're early in the brainstorming stage:

I'm also toying with the idea of a programmable IR remote control unit for controlling the LED, sound, and motion sensing on/off modes, as well as for selecting between motion-activated, random, chronologically-correct, or manual HAL phrases. It would be an ideal upgrade for those who want to route a cavity in their walls to flush-mount their panels so they won't have to remove it in order to activate any switches in the rear, or for those who want the Monolith-shaped wall mount, but don't want the switches to be an eyesore on the side.

I encourage full discussion and debate.

- Gabe

 

[turok96]

I finally got thru reading all the post (speed reading) and man am I tired. Seriously, I like how this is coming along. One quick question from me is by how much is .16x fish eye lens from .15x fish eye lens in diameter wise? Can one still use a .15x and get away with it, or does it have to be the precise one.

 

[Atom Crasher]

This is looking very impressive, lots of great work going into it.

Would there be the option of simply the panel / lens and LED / battery clip? I'm not sure I'm really interested in the whole motion sensing, ample playing package, as nice as I'm sure it will be.
I'm simply looking for more a display item.

 

[rocketeer25]

I agree with Aegis. Although both versions are recordings from the film, I think the version with ambient noise sounds more like a recording, while the isolated voice sounds more as if HAL is there is the room with you.

Even if we could get the ambient noise to run on a seamless loop, and even if we could solve the power problem, the noise is supposed to come from the Discovery and not from HAL. So, again, it seems to me incongruous for an ambient hum to come from HAL's speaker.

If you're still seeking opinions about the recordings, I agree with this 100%.

I say go with the isolated voice samples. It'll be less distracting and more professional sounding.

 

[temponaut]

Originally posted by Prop Runner+Mar 17 2006, 08:05 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prop Runner @ Mar 17 2006, 08:05 PM)</div>

I'd like to float a thought...

For those who want to mount a real Kenko in their replica, I would need to supply them with additional hardware to secure it to the panel and a threaded adapter for the LED.  But what they'd need most of all is DEPTH.  So I came up with a display solution that is both thematic and functional:

Not only are the proportions correct to the screen-used TMA-1 Monolith, but it provides just enough depth for the lens and rear-mounted LED, with 5 mm to spare.  It would be fabricated from either powedercoated sheet metal, or black acrylic.[/b]

Gabe: I love that you're thinking ahead to a potential upgrade for those who want to use a real Kenko lens. I am very interested in this possibility.

Your display idea also has a nice thematic element while at the same time taking care of the practical requirements of the display.

On the other hand, I find the blank expanse of the panel a little bit plain. Of course, the monotonous look is entirely in keeping with the look of the monolith. (Duh. )

If I may toss out an alternative direction for consideration: What about a display that replicates the look of one of the real HAL panels? For example, something like this:

Or even this (sorry about the image quality; it's the HAL panel on the pod bay test bench):

The display screens around HAL could be simple lighted transparancies. They wouldn't alternate, of course, but I think they'd still look pretty cool. Collectors could choose among various transparancies and maybe even switch them out from time to time for variety. (I'm partial to the antenna display myself, as well as to the Discovery silhouette (not shown here), and various three-letter combinations: COM, HIB, NAV, etc.)

Of course, this sort of approach would result in a more expensive display, and also the need for a power source other than a couple of penlight batteries. And now, having proposed this idea, it's become clear to me that keeping down the cost and need for power were two of your objectives in designing the display the way you did. :$

Oh, well. I'm not stuck on this idea. I will rely on your expertise and practical experience, as well as that of the many other members here who know much better than I what realistically could work. I'll certainly go for the monolith-themed display if that proves to be the best all around approach. Just wanted to explore what else might be possible.

<!--QuoteBegin-Prop Runner@Mar 17 2006, 08:05 PM
I'm also toying with the idea of a programmable IR remote control unit for controlling the LED, sound, and motion sensing on/off modes, as well as for selecting between motion-activated, random, chronologically-correct, or manual HAL phrases.  It would be an ideal upgrade for those who want to route a cavity in their walls to flush-mount their panels so they won't have to remove it in order to activate any switches in the rear, or for those who want the Monolith-shaped wall mount, but don't want the switches to be an eyesore on the side.

I encourage full discussion and debate.

An IR remote control is a great idea for those who want to mount the display flush in the wall. As you wrote, this obviates the need to flip switches on the sides or the rear of the display. But, in the case of a flush-mounted panel, what would you do about changing the batteries (in your diagram, they look like Duracells ) mounted on the upper reverse side of HAL's faceplate?

{EDIT} Got a look at your bigger diagrams over at propcircle. Yup, those are Duracells all right.




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