Strategies for Chamber

Part of my process when doing visual programming is to sketch out what i would like the end result to look like, then try and reverse-engineer that image line by line with code. Here are some ideas bouncing around my mind of how realtime animation could look like on stage.

MAX MSP

Gate = single input multiple outputs
Switch = multiple inputs single output
Speed Limit = only grab numbers at certain times
Line = smoothing
Ramp =single variable delay
Pipe = dynamic multiple inputs, delays

UDP send/receive X,Y

udpsend 192.168.1.100 port  (udpsend ip port)
udpreceive port
Two different port

-------------------------------------------------

Jeremy's Computer - MAX main control, udp receive x,y and input
John's Computer - Camera receive/process, arduino

run off our own router

Titles

Considering Titles

Opening: "Tremor" (intro)
Second: (mythology part, unnamed)
-------------------------------
intermission
-------------------------------
Third: "Chamber" (solo)
Finale: "Vent" (finale)

Website Organization

In thinking through the interface of our new site, I am trying to clearly define how users will navigate our webpage. Generally speaking, we will want to give visitors an INTUITIVE experience, a CLEAN and UNCLUTTERED interface, and to navigate with as FEW CLICKS POSSIBLE to get what they want.

Often times this is easier said than done. Below is an outline of what I am initially imagining. I know this is a busy time in the term, but if you can shoot me any feedback about how to organize our information on the site based on the image below, it would greatly help me. Each tier of the below image would be available per click. So intially they can choose from "The Collaborative", "Accomplishments" and "Vitals". Clicking on each of those would move to the next level of detail, etc.

(click on above image to go larger)

I'm eager to hear any thoughts...
Thanks all!

-John

More Ramp Ideas (+ IR cameras, etc)

Here is another 'sketch' of a stage layout with key components: 15 degree sloped ramp, digital projector for lighting/animation, IR LED flood light (to coat ramp with invisible infrared light), and a video camera to read invisible light/process and trigger real-time animation and audio triggers.

I'll be honest about my lack of experience and knowledge of stage logistics. But in my own naivety this is what I envision following our discussions and in looking at other animation examples.

Learning New Tools

In order to better interact with Jeremy's musical process and link it up to animation and Brad's real-time movement, I'm starting to learn Max/MSP/Jitter - a program that enables realtime audio and video manipulation. One of the biggest hurtles is that the program uses an object-oriented model of programming (or patching) of elements. This is very different than other software environments I have used.

After a couple hours of fidgeting around I've managed to load in movies, manipulate speed, overlay an alpha-channel enabled animation over video, get a feed from a camera, and access Quicktime effects (though they slow the system down considerably).

I also went to see Brad rehearse with Adam, Shannon and Nicole. One theme they are working with that I am interested in is retrograde motion. This could have an interesting accumulative or dualistic (forward/backward) visual component to it.

Ramping Up

Initial Plans for Brad's solo:

• Dance confined to a 10'x10' platform
• Ramp with roughly a 15 degree incline so audience can see movement 
• Top-down projection / sole light source (no stage lighting)
• Realtime animation + scored/realtime audio events 
• Sensors at four corners (IR or US)

 -------------------------------------------------
Initial designs for ramp created to be broken down into two parts, each 5'x10'x2.6'

Here is half, mostly built from 2x4's, a couple 2x6's and some sheathing for surface subfloor. Brad will need to give input for suitable top-surface

Showing the split









Stacked for storage

This may help understand the angle (15 degrees)








-------------------------------------------------------------