Moving Sound Pictures: The Abstract Painters

Overview

University of Hamburg Music and Theater, under the leadership of Dr. Konstantina Orlandatou, were looking to explore the idea of painting with sound.

Technologies:

Sound

Art

OSC

Blueprints

Unreal Engine

Case Study

The Abstract Painters

Unusual Technologies adopted a basic virtual reality (VR) project built by students with Unreal Engine Blueprints. We first fixed some minor bugs in the existing blueprints, then extended the functionality to set up an open sound control (OSC) protocol that allowed the program to network with different sound systems, ensuring it was robust and bug-free.

Adding Our Special Touch

We didn’t just want to create a working VR project – we wanted to create an experience. In doing so, we realised we needed to venture outside the confines of blueprints. This led us to native C++, a powerful tool in our tech arsenal. Utilising C++, we were able to implement more complex logic and design patterns that the blueprint system could not accommodate. This allowed us to take the project to a whole new level, customising it to our specific needs and goals, allowing the client to meet its wider research goals.

Open Sound Control Integration

We successfully set up the OSC protocol, allowing the program to network with different sound systems. The project had now evolved into a multifaceted program, capable of interacting with various sound systems and providing an unparalleled sensory experience.

Ultimate Ears (UE)

We utilised UE’s superior audio quality and the precision of its sound engineering to deliver an immersive VR experience that our users could not only see but hear and feel. The integration of UE allowed our project to bridge the gap between the digital and physical world, creating a seamless and impressive audio-visual experience. Whether it was the heart-thumping bass or the minutest of sounds, the UE tech ensured our project was alive and reactive.

The Vision: The Driving Force Behind Unusual Technologies

This project was an exceptional blend of our passion for technology and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It underlines our belief at Unusual Technologies that there is always room for innovation, even in the most basic ideas.