[ShadowVFX]

Hey there. First off, let me say that I'm an architecture student with hardly any coding knowledge in the least. That being said, allow me to explain why I'm here...

I'm trying to create a rather detailed project for an abstract course I'm taking. The project is 'supposed' to be a fusion of the physical reality and the digital reality. We've been asked to create a model or tool of some sorts that can reflect this.

Here was my idea, I would like anyone to offer suggestions on how I might be able to create it with the least possible effort and technical knowledge.

I wanted to have a computer set up for people to use with some kind of lights attached around the monitor (probably LEDs). When the user looks at the monitor they're presented with somthing that would look like colored orbs in similar placement (on the screen) to the real-life lights. When the user clicks on an orb, I want that light to turn on or off. Now, I have a computer science buddy who can probably program the orb-interface program for me, but here's the tricky part...how can I get a software program to activate lights like this?

The best I could think of is to buy some of those USB powered snake lights, plug each one into a different USB hub, and try to have the programed software cut and supply power to each USB hub when clicked. I have NO idea if this is even possible, and that is why I'm here. I'm hoping that with some of your opinions and advice I might be able to get this thing to work without becoming an electrical engineer or spending hundreds of dollars.

I hope someone here can help me out, even if they're only suggestions or 'what if' comments. Thanks again for any help you can offer.