Pocopoco is a new musical interface that users can control by
pushing, holding and turning - very intuitive and tactile actions.
To create Pocopoco we developed original solenoid units with built-in
sensors and assembled 16 of them in a box-shaped container to serve as
a universal input/output device.
Through the use of their up and down movement we have created a new
form of musical expression. The resulting device is a versatile
interface whose physical movement is appealing to both performers and
audiences and which also has the potential to be used in a wide range
of other applications including games and telecommunications.
Users can play music with PocoPoco very easily just by "pushing",
"holding " and "turning" its cylinders . When a user "Pushes" on top
of a cylinder, a sequencer switch is flipped to the "on" position
causing the cylinder to rise and a sound to play at regular intervals.
"Holding" a raised cylinder prolongs the note being played like the
sustain pedal of a piano. "Turning" a cylinder affects the
instrument's tone in various ways (e.g. volume control, filters, pitch
bend) .
PocoPoco is very easy to play even for children and beginners with no
musical experience, but at the same time it is also a sophisticated
device that can be used to create compelling performances.
