1. Jookbox Blanket Jookbox Blanket Created by Richard Upchurch Soft Circuits Summer Session 2008 Professor Kate Hartman

3. Materials Arduino Diecimila Circuit Board Arduino LilyPad (not used in final project) Velcro Metal Snap Sponge Zipper Conductive thread (Sparkfun) Conductive fabric Resistors (1K) Hookup Wire Max/MSP Software Materials

5. The drawing here reflects the original concept to create a box that would sit on the floor. But after the initial presentation and class discussion, it was determined that a soft object would be more suitable for my needs. From here I determined I would create a blanket that children could sit and crawl both on and around.

7. 1.) First step was to use an existing patch called“p duino”for prototyping with Arduino and Max. P duino is a pre-constructed patch that serves as an interface for the input and output setup in Max. This saves time from having to build the patch out and the security of knowing the pathways between the circuit board and Max software are properly functioning. 2.) Build a patch in Max that will allow the various switches and controllers to be utilized in the context of manipulating a musical event. I built a loop patch that would allow a controller to stop and start music, restart the loop, reverse the play direction and manipulate the playback speed. Programming in Max/MSP

8. a.)First is a switch constructed of a sponge and conductive fabric. This first switch when pressed sets the playback to the top of the musical track. b.)Second is a switch constructed of velcro and conductive thread. This switch is designed so that when the velcro is pulled apart (disconnected) the playback reverses. Once the velcro is Reconnected, the playback resumes normal play. c.)Third switch is constructed of a metal snap and conductive thread. When this switch is snapped together the song begins playing. When the snap is disconnected the playback stops. d.)Fourth (not currently installed) would be a zipper sensor modeled Off of Joon Youn Paek’s zipper orchestra. This zipper, when moved back and fourth would control the speed at which the music is played back. Switch/ Sensor Construction

9. Successes Gained a working understanding of the Arduino Circuit Board Interfaced the Arduino and Max/MSP Built soft-switches that achieved the goal of triggering a musical Event in Max/MSP Have a concept that can be further developed

10. Issues Resolve/ Future Development 1.)There seems to be improper grounding on all circuits. I would like to resolve these grounding Problems. 2.)The metal snap is improperly triggering on occasion In Max/MSP. This should be easily resolved by Developing a better functioning patch in which the Numbers being generated. 3.)I would like to fully develop and test the resistance ladder And zipper concept as a way to “scratch” the music. 4.)I hope to explore other ideas of using conductive materials. One specific idea I hope to explore is using a shoe string And conductive thread to possibly be a volume control. When the shoe string is tied properly, there is less resistance and the volume increases. When the shoe string in untied, the volumes lowered.