Abstract

A multi-user, polyphonic sensor stage environment that maps position and gestures of up to four performers to the pitch and articulation of distinct notes is presented. The design seeks to provide multiple players on a stage with the feeling of a traditional acoustic instrument by giving them complete control over the instrument's expressive parameters and a clear causal connection between their actions and the resulting sound. The positions of the performers are determined by a custom ultrasonic tracking system, while hand motions are measured by custom-made gloves containing accelerometer units. Furthermore, juggling clubs are illuminated dynamically to make complex juggling patterns more apparent. The system is currently on tour with the Flying Karamazov Brothers juggling troupe. # Present address: ThingMagic LLC, Cambridge, MA 02142 # Present address: Trimble Navigation Ltd, Sunnyvale, CA 94088 CR Categories: B.4.2 [Input/output and data communications]: input/output devices---Channels and controllers; J.5 [Arts and Humanities ]: Performing Arts Keywords: Applications, HCI (Human-Computer Interface), Object Tracking, Spatialized Sound, User Interface Design 1

Citations