TFLCL.XYZ

TRUC

2008 - 2015

    TRUC is a "thingummy" that makes sounds and music when you put wooden cubes on it. It's the first step I took in interactive objects building. It was back in 2008, when I was in highschool. I IR-upgraded it in 2014 and used it many times as a simple curiosity in exhibitions and as a live controller for playing music.

    In its default configuration, each cube color represents a family of sounds (rhythms, melodies...) and each face plays its own sample. You can modulate volume and pan of each cube by moving it up/down and left/right. Additional objects are added to control tempo and various effects.

    It's based on reacTIVision, the free tool behind the famous reactable.

    The "TRUC". In the background, the laptop displays what is seen by a camera placed inside the machine, capturing the symbol on the bottom of each cube and its position on the surface.

    The "TRUC". In the background, the laptop displays what is seen by a camera placed inside the machine, capturing the symbol on the bottom of each cube and its position on the surface.

    Some people using the TRUC while looking at what happens behind the scenes. It's a great tool to teach how this kind of interface works.

    Some people using the TRUC while looking at what happens behind the scenes. It's a great tool to teach how this kind of interface works.

    More people using it.

    More people using it.

    The thing, back in 2008 during first tests.

    The thing, back in 2008 during first tests.

    The thing during 2009 highschool's Doors opens day

    The thing during 2009 highschool's Doors opens day

    2014, during an internship in a fablab (127°, Cap Sciences, Bordeaux). Complete rebuild of the top part with IR illumination.

    2014, during an internship in a fablab (127°, Cap Sciences, Bordeaux). Complete rebuild of the top part with IR illumination.

    On the left: the PS3 EYE used to capture what's on the surface. On the right: the same webcam now in a custom mount and a wide angle lens.

    On the left: the PS3 EYE used to capture what's on the surface. On the right: the same webcam now in a custom mount and a wide angle lens.

    Laser cutting of reacTIVision's fudicials (visual markers).

    Laser cutting of reacTIVision's fudicials (visual markers).

    Inside the thing: ultra complex arrangement with NASA-grade precision.

    Inside the thing: ultra complex arrangement with NASA-grade precision.