BeatBlox is a user interface for a multi-tracked music visualizer using big lego blocks. Each of the blocks act as a trigger for a track in the song and a corresponding visualization. It was developed for a rapid prototyping elective I took this semester by myself and two classmates [Seth and Bryan].
In the video below, Seth, demonstrates BeatBlox. You can see when he places a block on the base a new track plays and a visualization appears. Sorry for the crappy sound.
The objective of BeatBlox was to create a playful user interface for an audio visual experience. The design challenge was creating a sensor system that didn’t physically tether the blocks to the base. We did not want to have a contact sensor in each bock as that would require wiring from the interface blocks to the micro-controller.
To solve this problem we used a Hall Effect Sensor. This sensor detects changes in a magnetic field. It is commonly used in engines to detect rpm’s and alarm systems to detect if a door or window is closed. We placed the sensor in the base and magnets inside the individual pieces. When a magnet is placed over the sensor it sends a message through the arduino micro-controller to our processing sketch which plays the tracks and performs the visualization.
Ideally we would have used analog sensors in order to be able to detect a range of change in the magnetic field but we were not able to source the analog version of the sensor in time for our deadline.
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BeatBlox was designed and constructed by a team of three. Our hope is to refine the prototype with a sturdier structure and more engaging interactions. BeatBlox would be an ideal installation piece for a toy store, hotel lobby, lounge, or as a kids toy. We are open to development opportunities. The audio and visuals can be easily customized.
Download the source code. Please leave a comment if you download the code and drop a link to whatever you make. If you want to know how to setup the sensor drop me an email.
