The 5th DSP Off-Summer School will focus on applications of MAX/MSP/Jitter. Max/MSP/Jitter is a development environment and also software, which allows the user to easily program with the assistance of a graphic interface. It can be used in a variety of different fields such as multimedia, DSP and algorithm programming. In recent years, Max/MSP/Jitter has been employed not only for image processing of digital video and signal processing in real time, but also for internet communication and graphic interface development.

Max/MSP is widely used by developers and researchers as well as artists. DSP Summer School offers workshops, lectures, and presentations for the larger public, demonstrating the application of Max/MSP/Jitter in a concert and sound installation setting.



The 5th DSP Off-summer School will be held in the spring of 2003, in place of the regular summer course. One of the reasons for this, is that the majority of participants, students generally speaking, have often participated in the school using their summer vacation. By changing the time, people who are not usually able to participate during the summer may perhaps do so this year.

In the past years, the summer school has focused on software for such things as: sound synthesis; video processing; algorithmic composition. The intention, this year, is to concentrate on new uses of hardware. Although the idea of hardware has consistently been a consideration during the past summer school sessions, it has never been the central theme, as it is this year. We will be discussing computer 'input' as well as 'output'. That is to say, hardware 'input' is the focus, such as with an interface that recognizes the motion of a robot and sends corresponding data to a computer. The 'output' is sent from the robot, which is being controlled by Max/MSP/Jitter.

Max/MSP/Jitter will be used in conjunction with a robotics system. During the workshop, a robot will be assembled using the Fischertechnik Robot Kit. As an exercise, participants will be given models to build in order to extend their understanding of both, programming in Max/MSP and the functionality of robotics systems.


Presentations by prominent researchers and developers will be given, in particular with a focus on musical application. The participant's robot designs and their programming with Max/MSP will be shown in public on the final day. There will also be a concert featuring our own unique robot design on the last day. Our new robot design is currently under development.

Participants will have the opportunity to view our robot design during artistic events, a concert and exhibition. They will have a chance to operate the robot using Max/MSP/Jitter. Our robot design does not have a humanoid form. It can not walk or freely balance on its own accord. This robot does, however, resemble a single part of the human body, an arm or leg, for example, which can play an acoustic instrument while imitating the gesture of a real musician. In particular, in 2003, we will pay close attention to developing robots that are capable of playing percussion instruments. In total, there will be five robots that play together.

Taking advantage of the Max/MSP/Jitter environment, an advanced musical composition can be easily created for the five robotic limbs. Moreover, an algorithm that operates a complicated motion can be created and applied using third party libraries in Max/MSP/Jitter. As an example, applying the function of motion capture in collaboration with a video library, a person can actually realize a new type of musical instrument. By imitating - in mid-air - the action of playing an instrument, one can manipulate the activity of the five robots and subsequently cause the robots to act out a type of performance. Another example would be to connect the movement of a person, via internet technology, to the five robotic limbs. This could easily be accomplished using TCP/IP software and Max/MSP/Jitter. Objects already exist in Max/MSP for this type of link-up.