http://www.ai.sri.com/seminars/detail.php?id=209

Enabling the Spirit of Play in Musical Instrument Building

Notice: hosted by Richard Waldinger

Date: Thursday August 02, 2007 at 16:00

Location: EJ291 (SRI E building) (Directions)

Abstract

More and more performers are using computer-based instruments for live performance, using software that allows complex control and interaction with sound and visual media in real time. All too frequently, these performers tie themselves to the keyboard-mouse- monitor interaction model, narrowly constraining the range of possible gestures. A multitude of gestural input devices are readily available, making it easy to utilize a broader range of gestures. Human Interface Devices (HIDs) such as joysticks, tablets, and gamepads are cheap and can be good musical controllers. Some even provide haptic feedback. Now, the biggest hinderance for performers wanting to create their own instruments is the usability of the software. To enable the creation of computer-based instruments, we are developing software that allows instruments to be built in the same spirit of play that many people apply when learning a traditional musical instrument.

This work is in collaboration with Cyrille Henry, Olaf Matthes, and David Merrill. Note for Visitors to SRI

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early in order to sign in and be escorted to the conference room. SRI is located at 333 Ravenswood Avenue in Menlo Park. Visitors may park in the visitors lot in front of Building E, and should follow the instructions by the lobby phone to be escorted to the meeting room. Detailed directions to SRI, as well as maps, are available from the Visiting AIC web page.

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Using ReBirth is like trying to play an 808 with a long stick. - David Zicarelli