Designing a Wireless Data Glove System for Ecole de Design in Nantes: A 3-Week Challenge

At Fiddlie, we recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the Ecole de Design in Nantes on a unique and challenging project: creating a wireless data glove system for a live interactive performance. The school approached us with a tight deadline of just three weeks, but we were excited to take on the challenge and push the boundaries of interactive technology.

The Project

The goal of the project was to create 15 wireless data gloves that could be worn by performers in a live interactive performance. These gloves needed to be able to control various aspects of the performance, including sound, video, and lighting, in real-time. Additionally, the gloves needed to be capable of recognizing gestures and patterns, adding an extra layer of interactivity to the performance.

The Solution

To meet the requirements of the project, we utilized a combination of hardware and software technologies. We began by selecting flex sensors to measure the bend of each finger, and worked with the Ecole de Design to create custom textiles that would allow for comfortable and functional glove design.

Next, we designed and printed custom PCBs to serve as the brain of each glove, and created lightweight, durable enclosures to protect the electronic components. Our software engineers then developed a real-time server application using TouchDesigner, which could handle data from all 15 gloves simultaneously and use it to drive the video, sound, and light outputs for the performance.

To enable gesture recognition, we licensed BrightSign's proprietary AI gesture recognition IP, allowing us to train the gloves to recognize specific hand movements and positions. The gloves were also capable of sending raw sensor values to the server application, providing even more granular control over the performance.

The Result

Despite the tight timeline, we were able to deliver the wireless data glove system to the Ecole de Design in Nantes on schedule. The final result was a stunning interactive performance, with the gloves playing a central role in controlling the video, sound, and lighting in real-time.

The project showcased the power of collaboration between our team at Fiddlie and the talented designers and performers at the Ecole de Design. It also demonstrated our ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions on tight deadlines.

At Fiddlie, we are passionate about exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, and this project was a perfect example of what can be achieved when those two worlds collide. We look forward to taking on even more exciting and innovative projects in the future.