[LAU] interactive performance

[nescivi]

Hiho,

On Monday 23 June 2008 16:57:05 Atte André Jensen wrote:
> Anyways a few thoughts:
>
> 1) Something that reads from an usb-device and sends OSC would (I think)
> be easiest to handle.

Look at Arduino, or Create USB Interface.
both are relatively cheap CV-to-USB interfaces.
The first shows up as a serial device, the second as HID device.
HID can be used directly in Chuck, afaik. Serial I don't know.
There are also other programs which can deal with either, like SC or Pd.

> 2) I keep coming back to a web-cam based solution, since it's easy to
> carry and setup + all tweaking is done in software, as opposed to
> building some huge, DIY hardware controller. We already have a VJ, so e
> could project some of the input to provide visual feedback to the audience.

camera-based solutions are cumbersome if they get too dependent on light 
levels in the room, as they may vary per performance. Depending on the design 
of how you use the signal, this may or may not be a problem.

> 3) Another possibility is using some of the other ready-to-use,
> mass-produced (= cheap) controllers readily available, like a dance-mat
> (although that is limiting the amount of people able to interact with
> the system at the same time). Are there any obvious devices I should
> look into?

What about a microphone in the audience area?
What about piezo's under the seats (depending on the concert context).

I suggest looking at the NIME (www.nime.org) conference proceedings to get an 
overview on what people have done in this field, and what is out there.

sincerely,
Marije