I laugh thinking what NASA scitentists might think, and the reaction this may cause, if they suddenly picked up a transmission like this on some obscure distant frequency - all joking aside, this technology is quite amazing.

Reactable is “a collaborative electronic music[al] instrument with a tabletop tangible multi-touch interface”, in other words its an interactive surface, just like the the much raved multi-touch displays and systems which are beginning to redefine the way we interact with computers and devices. In the case of Reactable, its not so much about controlling a computer, but rather creating an ensamble of sounds and that interacts and reacts to what everyone else is doing to the system.

Simultaneous performers can share, interact, and build sounds based on the objects the place on the table. The system uses a camera to monitor the users’ finger position, as well as all the objects on the table. Variables such as rotation and orientation, distance and position in relation to other objects, and motion vary the sounds creating a “complex and dynamic sonic topology”

This is best explained by watching it.

The instrument was developed by a team of digital luthiers under the direction of Dr. Sergi Jordà.

Link: Reactable

- Stumble it!

 

Filed under: Art, music, products, technology