Bounce Juggling Rhythm Recognition Controller

This video is from my senior year show at Princeton in February 2003. The system was developed for my computer science independent work project. This was the one and only performance with it :).

This "juggling instrument" uses pattern recognition to detect the rhythm (syncopation) and tempo of bounce juggling in order to play real-time drum beats based on the juggling patterns. The drum pad is constructed to provide adequate reflection for the bounce balls, while also providing a strong signal for the sensors in order to detect when a ball hits the board. The current sensor detection uses a contact microphone to detect the vibrations created by each bounce.

Several drum beats are stored on the computer, and the juggler can explore various bounce timings to "find" and play the beats. Bounce juggling creates a unique rhythmic and visual display, and this project looks for ways to detect the details and changes of the juggling pattern in order to create a new computer-enhanced instrument that can be played by the rhythms of juggling.

Another aspect of this project, which I have not yet filmed, is a "Beat Generation Poetry" instrument, in which the juggler changes tempo/rhythm in order to create improvised "cut-up" style poetry. The system takes recorded files of poetry, and juggling at a normal speed, the poem is played straight through, and the faster one juggles, the more it skips words and phrases. As one slows down the juggling pattern, the system reads the words in reverse order. Switching to different juggling patterns will switch to different sets of recorded readings, which can be mixed together in unique and improvised combinations.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• princeton
• juggling

[kamyarghofrani]

that was not the point though....

[archijugglebald]

great concept, the violinist was sick, but the juggling was not paricularly good and very out of time.

[mathteacher1729]

This is a fantastic idea, have you seen Wes' "What the Duck" video? This would make an excellent reply to it, all the better because you were doing this *before* his call for everyone to be creative. Five stars for you, sir.

[slishsloppy]

Much fun. well done.