May 10 & 11 5pm-9pm

Spring Show 2005

721 Broadway
at Waverly Place
4th Floor
South Elevators
New York, NY 10003

For additional
information email
itp.inquiries@nyu.edu
or call 212.998.1880

The Bubbles of a Note
Author(s):	Pinky Magbanua Min-Jeong Kang Yu-Chen Chiu
Instructor:	Schneider, Michael
Class:	Introduction to Physical Computing

URL:	http://homepages.nyu.edu/~mjk398/pcom/
Documents:	the bubbles of a note(JPEG)
Keywords:	Bubbles, sound visualization, bamboo xylophone

The Bubbles of a Note is an artistic model that is a visualization of an ethnic-type sound.
The Bubbles of a Note is an artistic representation of sound visualization. A modern visual element is combined with the ethnic nature of a bamboo xylophone. Sound visualization is achieved through the movement of bubbles up inside clear acrylic pipes and LEDs lighting up when a bamboo key is hit. The amount of bubbles produced and number of LEDs lit are directly proportional to the intensity of the key strike.

Personal Statement:	We believe in bridging the gap between the performer and the audience. We believe in visually capturing and illustrating the emotional state of the user, also to allow the user to visually enjoy the immediate effect of his or her action. The Bubbles of a Note allows the opportunity to convey the intensity of one\'s emotions which may be reflected by the amount of pressure directed to the bamboo keys when playing. Further, on an adaptive note, this piece also allows the hearing-impaired individual to enjoy the instrument.
Background:	This project idea is based upon 2 major interests: 1. To interpret sound produced by a musical instrument through visual art/design 2. To foster musical expression among the hearing-impaired population Our Project Team consists of 3 people from different backgrounds, coming together to create a piece that embodies the principles of design, communication and accessibility. Min Jeong Kang is an avid, experienced graphic designer who enjoys creating pieces of modern art to perfection. Russalette \'Pinky\' Magbanua is an occupational therapy clinician who has been working with children and adults with disabilities to help them regain lost function, most especially through the fabrication of assistive/adaptive devices. Yu-Chen Chiu is skilled in communication arts, photography, film and, amazingly, in handywork.
Audience:	Anyone who enjoys visual art.
User Scenario:	The individual hits the xylophone keys with the wooden sticks. After the person hits the xylo keys, the vibration from the intensity of the strike is picked up by a sensor that immediately commands the release of bubbles up a water-filled cylinder and the LEDs to light up following the bubbles. Each cylinder corresponds to one of the seven different notes.
Technical System Description:	The Bubbles of Sound uses a microcontroller-sensor circuit that interprets vibrations from a key strike into a microchip-to-servomotor command that controls an airvalve knob. The basic circuit includes a PIC microcontroller, a piezo sensor underneath the bamboo key , LEDs mounted behind the cylinders and a servomotor attached to the airvalve controller.
Project References, Research and Literature:	http://ns05.iamas.ac.jp/~iwai /artworks/piano.html Sound Bruit by Lim Hyoung-jun: http://www.artecommunications.com/dettaglio_open.asp?base=index?=inglese&id=434 Sound Visualization in the Pre-electronic Era: (an inspiration) http://people.deas.harvard.edu/~jones/cscie129/images/snd_vis/snd_vis.html Visualizing heart sounds : http://www.well.com/user/smalin/heartviz.html \"Physical Computing: Sensing and Controlling the Natural World\", Dan O\'Sullivan and Tom Igoe, Thompson Course Technology PTR, 2004. And, of course, learnings from Michael Schneider (intro to Pcomp) and Dan Shiffman (ICM).
Conclusions:	The Bubbles of a Note will be enjoyed by people from all ages. It is a visually amusing piece and transcends the necessity of a talent for the user to be able to appreciate the effects.