Nature Of Code: Midterm Proposal

For the Nature of Code midterm, we were asked to do the following:  

Develop a proposal and a prototype for a "midterm" project. The scope of the project can be quite large (trial idea for a final, for example), however, you will not be expected to implement the entire project. For the proposal, include a description, relevant links, and a quick Processing sketch of the first step towards the idea. Link your proposal from the wiki. Next week, we will look at a selection of proposals and then on Mar 2/3, the results for all midterm projects will be presented.

As such, I've decided to continue my work on modeling popcorn using the Box2D library.  While the original attempt was moderately successful, there are a number of aspects that I'd like to modify and enhance so that the simulation will be more realistic.  Specifically, they are to:

• Enhance the geometry of the popcorn so that the kernels and popped corns are not uniform in shape and size.
• Work with density variables to create more realistic behavior as the corn pops and expands out of the kettle.
•  Work with kernel placement and velocity so that the kernels don't breach the kettle walls upon popping.
• Allow for user interaction and variability with the simulation, including: amount of popcorn, turning the kettle on an off,
• Create more realistic visualizations to associate with the simulation as a whole.

These changes will also serve to further familiarize me with the Box2d library, and its ramifications for geometry and particle systems in a modeling context.  The project will not be the prototype for a final project, but rather the final iteration of an earlier project before I embark on a final.

Physical Computing Midterm: Media Controller; "Pancake"

The "Pancake"

Again, a bit late on the delivery of this one.  Apologies to those waiting with bated breath....

For our Physical Computing midterm, we were split into groups and asked to create a media controller of our own devising.  No limits or requirements were put in place, except that the controller would be a physical interface to the arduino, and would controller some external media device.  I was teamed with the wonderful Amy Chien and Chris Alden, and the three of us came to the conclusion that we'd like to build something of an electronic musical instrument.

To start things off, we brainstormed about possible ideas for the media controller's interface.  However, we came up with so many cool ideas that we almost immediately decided that we'd like to do multiple interfaces.  This worked its way into a concept for a modular music table, that would be split into various pieces, and allow three individuals to collaborate using three different interfaces. 

Hauling wood.

The first step we took was to construct the table surface.  We procured two large pieces of ply wood, and cut them into identical circles.  One circle was the table itself, while the other circle was cut into pieces for us to build the interface modules.  Each of us took on one of the modules, and each module used a different physical interface.  The three interfaces were wind based, pressure based, and a conductive sequencer.

All three interfaces.

Once we had completed and tested the three interfaces, we brought them together to the table, and unified them into a single instrument.  Each interface had its own arduino, which were then collectively wired into a labtop via a USB hub.  Once all three arduinos were recognized on the computer, we then hooked them up to Max/MSP and created a patch that would listen for the serial values from each interface, and use them to control tonal output.


The pressure pad controlled pitch bending, the wind interfaces controlled the speed of the tone playback, and the sequencer controlled the notes being played over the loop.  Once the patch was loaded, all three interfaces could be used simultaneously to control the computer's sonic output.  You can see a demo of one of our classmates joining us in trying out the interface above.


Finally, we presented our project in class.  Here you can see a brief clip of our presentation, which managed to go off without a hitch.  Midterm, complete. Go Pancake!