A Journey to a playful experience with Light as Visitant
Interactive Media. Self developed MIDI Console, Microcontroller Logic Operations, Computer Visual, Selfmade LED Strips,
Technical Description:
The Pleione Installtion consists out of four Parts: The MIDI Console, the Logic Operations, the Computer Visuals and the LED-Strips or Light Fixture
The Pleione Console is an fully self developed MIDI Console, from design with a 3D CAD Software (“Rhino 8”) over the specific design of the PCB (=Printed Circuit Board) with “KiCad 8” to the assembly of all Parts, including soldering the SMD Parts to the PCB with a Solder-Stencil and baking the PCB in an Oven. Aswell as regular soldering for all the Non-SMD Parts. Beyond that I cutted Plexiglas with an Lasercutter for an individual housing of the Pleione Console.
If a Button is pushed on the Key-Switch-Matrix it will be converted by an Arduino Nano to a MIDI-Signal. This will be picked up by a Computer via an MIDI-Interface.
The MIDI-Buttonpress-Signal then goes to “Wire” which is an Node-based Software which can do Logical Operations. With those I create the Riddle or Puzzle on the Console. As example you have to Press Button A + Button B which results in a Button Push C. Those Logical Signals, again in the MIDI Protocol, get looped internally to “Resolume Arena” which is a Visual, Light & Projection-Mapping Software.
Resolume receives the Result of the combinated Buttonpress as the one Buttonpress “Button Push C” which will trigger an specifi Visual Clip in the Software.
This Visual Clip will then be sent via the Art-Net Protocol over WiFi to an ESP32.
The ESP32 receives the Information and will convert the Art-Net Signal via the WLED Enviroment to the specific Informations that the LEDs or LED-Strips (10x in Total) need.
Intention and Concept:
With Pleione I want to create a riddle, something to fiddle and play around with. Especially in the context of Music Events. Usually the Guest has no influence on the Music or the Lights, in regards of the Lights – I want to change that, with this project.
This Set Up is supposed to trigger an urge to play in the trope of the urge to push buttons, as well have people figure it out and maybe get in social interactions with other people trying the same, or just having fun pushing the buttons. The Set Up will have a mix of Riddles and direct Input buttons. So there is something to explore but also something to have fun with, if there is no mood for exploration. But still then there will be an exploration of Light and the person controlling it in the context of Music.
Next Steps:
– Change the Housing of the Powerbox to an proper Hardcase
– Demonstrate/Exhibit the Pleione Installtion on a Musical/Club/Festival Event
– Draw some indications on the Keycaps of the Pleione-Console Keys for the Riddle
Artist
Preben Hennemann