Create an enchanted object that uses sound, light and movement to create a dream-like state for the audience.
We will perform these machines simultaneously for a coordinated, collaborative, dream experience. The performance will be coordinated over the network from a conductor who provides simple musical cues including tempo and loudness. The machines must include some kind of physical output, e.g. light, sound, or movements. They may be entirely autonomous, responding only to the conductor, or may include some kind of physical input to allow a performer to modulate the output in order collaborate with the ensemble.
As a challenge, the Pd digital synthesis techniques may be employed to also provide a synthesized sound and/or image from a laptop which harmonizes with the physical performance of your object and others.
We will set up the performance during class time in the Media Lab adjacent to the Physical Computing Lab; please make sure your device can be easily moved. We will carry over power supplies as needed.
Creating sound with physical means is older than recorded history. The Hornbostel–Sachs system is a classic taxonomy of instruments which may inspire you. Virtually any object can create sound if mechanical energy is supplied to it in an appropriate way.
The deliverables are divided in two parts.
First Iteration. For the first deadline, we would like to see a first draft of the machine. The key requirement is a device which be performed, demonstrated, and explained, which implements some or all of the project idea. Some possible outcomes: a complete hardware solution with minimal software; a fully worked subsystem; a maquette or model with developed software; or a complete rough pass through all elements. We suggest you choose the most ambiguous or difficult part and explore that first.
Note that no additional documentation beyond the device itself is required for the first iteration. However, the device must be ready to perform in some capacity.
Second Iteration. For the second deadline, we would like to see a final device with fully developed form and behavior, and documentation on the blog as described in the syllabus.
We suggest you plan carefully what kinds of questions can be answered in the second phase to demonstrate a clear development.
The instrument/ folder contains a template for a Pd patch for controlling the assignment. The template contains the code which handles the network communication with the conductor. It also has a copy of the conductor control interface which can be used for offline testing. You should copy this template and replace the sample instrument with your own Arduino communication and synthesis patch.
The conductor/ folder contains the Pd patch for the conductor's control station. It includes the network code for listening for instruments joining the performance and then sending a steady stream of rhythmic and parametric data to each participating instrument.