Project Thesis (German)
Abstract
This project thesis describes the design of an electroluminescent costume for the singer, guitar player and big band leader Monika Roscher. The work contains the artistic design as well as the technical implementation of the determined requirements. Concerning the artistic expression of the costume, the suit interacts with the music and even functions as a musical instrument itself by using additional acceleration sensors. Also, the aesthetic design and the strategy for the handling of the costume in a live situation are an important part of the work. Concerning these topics, the results of a meeting with the artist are documented in this thesis.
The technical implementation of the costume follows the determined artistic requirements. LEDs and EL-Wires (electroluminescent wires) are used as the luminescent elements of the suit. These elements, two microcontrollers and a control circuit are attached to the costume. Their control signals are being managed by a wirelessly connected external personal computer. While the transmission from the PC to the suit is provided by digital radio, the receiving channel is implemented using a WiFi connection. An on-stage microphone signal as well as the signal of the generated synthetic sound is transformed to specific lighting control signals by different algorithms. A rechargeable lithium polymer battery feeds all electronic elements of the costume.