InfoMus Lab
DanceWeb
DanceWeb is a proprietary low-cost sensor system, based on ultrasound (US) technology. Up to 64 ultrasound sensors and up to 32 digital I/O can be connected and multiplexed in groups (e.g., to avoid interferences between US sensors). Typical use are a sensorized "active" stages, art installations, interactive dance, music theatre, entertainment and edutainment. In the figure, the default "star" configuration of the system (with 7 US sensors), presented in a stand at EITC'95 (European Information Technology Conference and Exhibition, Congress Palace, Brussels), is shown. The system includes an external rack unit with a microcontroller and electronics for sensor data acquisition and preprocessing, connected by means of a fast serial link to the supervision workstation. Low level measures include distance of body parts from sensors. Multiple sensor integration was developed and integrated by specific modules in the HARP environment.
DanceWeb was used with other sensor systems in several public performances. For example, in Upper Space (an interactive installation at Teatro Fondamenta Nuove, Venezia, September 1996, supported by Biennale Architettura), a HARP/DanceWeb software application contributed to transform the whole space of the theatre into a "living" environment. Such environment could be influenced and molded by movement and voice of performing artists. Visitors could change its behavior, too.
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The HARP/DanceWeb system at the Laboratory-Atelier of the Museum Exhibition ImparaGiocando, Genova, Palazzo Ducale, March-April 1996. |
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The HARP/DanceWeb system at the EITC'95 Exhibition as entertainment tool in the CyberCafe area (Brussels Congress Centre, 27-29 November 1995). |