<a href="http://casperelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/casper/EdwardsProposal1.jpg"><img src="http://casperelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/casper/EdwardsProposal1.jpg" alt="" title="Print" width="450" height="250" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-936" /></a></br>
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<em>The above video is from the installation <a href="http://casperelectronics.com/art/specter/">Specter</a>. This is an example of the kind of technology I would like to develop further through the IS2L project</em><hr>
The goal of the Intelligent Sound to Light Project is to develop a process which translates sound into color-changing  light with a subtlety and sophistication that mimics the cognitive process of sound perception by the human brain. This process will then be applied to an open source electronic kit and a large scale interactive installation.<hr/><hr>
Realizing this project will require:
-Research and development of an “intelligentâ€ sound to light algorithm.
-Development and fabrication of electronic circuit and light fixture which supports the algorithm. Circuit will be designed as an easy to assemble S2L (sound to light) kit.
-Design of a large scale interactive installation which utilizes the S2L kits. 
S2L kits will be available at the site of the installation. Assembly workshops will be organized to walk attendees through the process of building and programming the S2L kit. 
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<strong>The need for an “intelligentâ€ sound-to-light algorithm</strong>
My goal is to design a highly nuanced, sound reactive, light control algorithm which creates a synergy between sight and sound that engages spectators on a conscious and subconscious level.  Previous experiments with sound to light instruments have shown that an intelligent interaction between the two means an increased willingness to engage on the part of the spectator.  This in turn leads to a psychological investment that transcends common levels of consciousness.    
The key to the success of this project is developing a system which “intelligentlyâ€ integrates the two stimuli. Simple sound-to-light technology has existed for several decades but suffers from a common      shortcoming. The sound to light translation is too literal and listens to sound like a machine, not like a human.  Humans do not hear literally, we hear intelligently. What we perceive as discrete sound is the product of numerous cognitive filters as well as complex physical filters. The ability to follow a single conversation in a crowded room is a substantial task which is enabled through our ability to listen intelligently. Our ability to block out monotonous machine noise or appreciate specific genres of music are all products of intelligent listening. 
Our perception of the world is truly what we choose it to be, whether consciously or unconsciously. A system which listens intelligently and translates that processed stimuli into visual output will be able      to create a powerful synergy between our senses. It can even be used to guide one to a previously unrealized perception of our environment and our reality. This synergy can serve as end goal which creates dramatically heightened sensory perception or can be seen as a starting point for further creative exploration and development.<hr/><hr>
<strong> History</strong>
I have worked extensively with interlinked sound and light systems for the past four years across several projects . Examples of this work can be seen <a href="http://casperelectronics.com/art/">here</a>.
I have been consistently surprised and encouraged by the level of personal interaction spectators have with these pieces.  The piece titled Specter was installed in the elevator of the Tang Museum and was the site of numerous music and dance performances and even a wedding. I would like to continue exploring the elements of these pieces that led to such personal and impassioned experiences. 
Each of the projects above have demonstrated the power and influence of interlinked sound and light but have all faced a similar problem. I have experimented with numerous methods of sound analysis but in each case the method is ultimately a broadly generalized imitation of how we hear. This generalization makes it possible to generate a base level relationship between sight and sound but does not allow deeper exploration of cognitive processes and potential augmentation of our perception. 
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<strong>Research and development.</strong>
The first step in developing this piece will be to define what “intelligentâ€ sound to light translation means. In order to do this I will assemble a focus group of lighting and audio engineers. We will discuss the physics of sound and light as well as the humans perception of these stimuli independently and in concert.  
This data will be used to establish a list of functional components and variables which will define the behavior of the system. This list will inform the production of a testing unit where each of the listed variables is addressable and adjustable. 
The test unit will then be used to conduct extensive human factors tests on subjects at schools and galleries throughout the north east united states. This stages will potentially last up to three months in order to collect a substantial amount of data.  
The primary goal of this study is to define the parameters of the relationship between interlinked sound and light at which point the two forms of stimuli are virtually interchangeable. Essentially meaning that with practice one can hear light and see sound.  
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<strong>Hardware development.</strong>
Once the core functionality and parameters of the intelligent sound to light system are defined it will be adapted to function on a discreet hardware interface. This will most likely be achieved through a mixture of analog circuitry and microprocessor based data processing. Aspects of form factor, expense and longevity all play into the design of this physical circuit.
The final product will be an easily reproduced and assembled circuit which will be made available to the public. I predict that the kits will cost approximately $20-$30 in parts. I will initially purchase a minimum of 100 units. At least 40 of these units will be assembled and used as the basis of a large scale interactive installation. The remaining units will be put together into a packaged kit which will be made available at the site of the installation. 
The kits will also serve as the basis for a series of educational workshops where attendees will learn about sound and light and will assemble their own programmable device. <hr/><hr>
<strong>Open source ethos</strong>
All of my work on this project, as well as the plans for building the kit and programming the microprocessor, will be freely available through my website. Independent development and collaboration will be strongly encouraged.   I will also offer building workshops when possible to guide attendees through the process of building and experimenting with the kit.
Nearly all of my work over the past decade has been open source. The connection I share with other excited inventors through this process has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. I find the open source movement to be hugely encouraging and inspiring and am excited to be an active member of the community.
