Research->Media Art->Original Art Work->NeuroCube Work
Provides information about Media Art work.
About Works of NeuroCube
NeuroCube makes it easier to create media arts using various sensors. Here, I introduce three examples which use NeuroCube, VB, Director, and MAX/MSP to write programs.
About NeuroCube
NeuroCube is the cubic device (about 5�~5�~5cm) in which various sensors, motors, sound generator (MA1), etc. are stored. It can be controlled from a computer using a serial port. One block contains several sensors and functions. If needed, you can extend functions to connect blocks each other. (It is like toy electronic blocks. It is also considered as the hardware version of MAX/MSP from the point that target system is built by connecting blocks). So far, each Artist had to make a sensor for a mechanism, a running gear, etc. for every media art project. That made people who do not have the knowledge about a device kept away from such a work. However, you can solve out such a problem easily by using a ready-made NeuroCube not custom-made device. Especially, it is highly useful for a student's graduation production, etc., as students whose knowledge is normally limited, have to finish a work within a certain time. 
Programming Environment for NeuroCube 
The specification for controlling NeuroCube using a serial port can be obtained from a developer company, System Watt. NeuroCube can be used with not only Windows and Macintosh but a mobile computer which has serial port. Furthermore, since at Windows the program module for controlling NeuroCube is offered as the form of ActiveX, various kinds of programming languages, such as VB, VC++, and Director, can be used to develop application easily. 
(1)The virtual plant using the ultrasonic sensor block (example using VB)
An ultrasonic sensor block can measure the distance to an obstacle by 1 millimeter upto 3000 millimeters. Before using VB, VC++, some initialization process is required. After initialization, you can get a value by requesting at some timing. By using the value returned from a sensor as parameter, you can create a work that changes a picture or music with distance. The picture is an example of a part of source codes of a virtual plant which grows up when a hand is put closer.

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()

    ToyOcx1.UltReqPos (ultrasonic_no)

- Process of drawing plants -

End Sub

note : Value is requested in a timer routine.

Private Sub ToyOcx1_UsonicDistance(ByVal idx As Integer, ByVal val As Long)

- Process of storing the returned value in a variable -

End Sub

note : A value is returned through an event.

(2)Image navigator using the gyroscope sensor (example using Director)
Rotation of X, Y, and the Z-axis can be examined in a gyroscope sensor block. Before using Director, you have to do a required initialization. Then you can get a value by requesting at some timing. The photograph is the work in which CG is rotated reacting to the value of a gyroscope sensor.

(3)Ultrasonic Theremin using ultrasonic sensor block (example using VB+ MAX/MSP)
Program module for NeuroCube is not available with Macintosh even though it is available with Windows. When using NeuroCube you have to make the equivalent part on your own. However, you do not have to take time for that if you have extra Windows machine. Convert the values from NeuroCube to MIDI signals in Windows and sent them to Macintosh. The photograph is the example of ultrasonic Theremin using VB and MAX/MSP.