TuneHopper

Selfies, song and stardom

Concept: Inspired by Afghan Star, a show I helped create for Afghanistan's most popular television network, TOLO TV, TuneHopper is a mobile karaoke device that enables people to participate in a singing competition from all parts of the world. It evolved into a fun singing device adaptable to all situations. 

Elements that made TuneHopper unique:

  • Face-tracking: using facial recognition, images that were specific to the song appeared and moved with the user's movements. For example, a crown would appear for a Queen song, a cap and guitar for Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Background: A dynamic, video templated background for arresting visuals
  • Image capture: webcam snaps were taken at random times during a song for the user to keep as momento.

Created with: Processing (OpenCV library), Arduino, Laser Cutter.

Skills: Programming, Physical Computing, Connected Devices, Fabrication, Video Editing.

The process

Video Demonstration

Initial concept presentation

Connected devices

Testing with smaller buttons on the breadboard. 

Each button was hooked up to a breadboard which linked to a Processing and Arduino sketch. When the button was pressed, the function was executed (ie. song, video, webcam and images load).

A black acrylic backboard was created  for the buttons and cut on the laser cutter.  Each button represented a song and was identified by a band image (not pictured).

Appearance

Right: Standing in front of the webcam. Left: as appears on screen (with face tracking). ITP Winter show, 2012.

Right: Standing in front of the webcam. Left: as appears on screen (with face tracking). ITP Winter show, 2012.