Live Text from Audience Members

jivrodriguez

Hi all,

A classmate and I are working on an installation in Isadora (we're both very new to the program), and we're wondering if it's possible to create a patch where audience members can type in text live, which is then projected onto a wall and hangs there for a few minutes before disappearing. We don't want the audience to be able to see the Isadora patch, they would just be working blind. I will try and ask my questions to the best of my ability.

Is there a way to "submit" what people write, and then have it reappear after a certain period of time? So if I write, "Hello," and someone else writes "Hi," is there a way to make my message disappear before they type theirs?
Then once they're done typing, have it reappear minutes later?

Is there a way to "submit" what people write and then have them come to a blank screen (i.e. changing scenes)? This is currently impossible within the Edit Text function in the control panel.

bonemap

@jivrodriguez

There are a number of ways to capture text from an external device, like a smartphone or tablet on the same network as the host computer, and have that text as an input to Isadora. A method that uses OSC is simple to setup and would require a 3rd party software on the device. TouchOSC, Jockey or ZigSim will provide text field function like that and is easy enough to setup.

There are other options which require Web Sockets or Node.js for server side configuration. These are more involved to setup requiring an intermediary internet server on the same or another computer for example a cloud server. The interface for text entry is then any device that can run a web browser and is connected to the internet. For obvious reasons this option has more logistical setup. Here is a forum discussion that provides some instructions for setting up a Node.js or NodeRed interface with Isadora.

Your other points about delaying and resetting are also achievable in a number of different ways. A Data Array actor will store and recall text with a lot of flexibility. There are also simple ways to use selector actors and router actors to trigger when text appears or is reset.

Best Wishes

Russell

Woland

I just wanted to note that it will be much, much easier if you can provide the devices that the audience will use for input. (You can preload iPads with TouchOSC and have them already connected to your Isadora Patch and can do all setup and testing beforehand.)

If you need them to use their own devices, it becomes a lot more complex very quickly. (The devices cannot be prepped ahead of time, you can't control what type of device is being used, you can't troubleshoot or test with the devices before going live, you'll need to direct them to a website and then pull the text from there or write and test an app that they then need to be able to download, etc.)

DusX

I think the easiest way to do this on a larger scale is to build a simple website which takes words/phrases as input, and provides to Isadora a hidden page (use Get URL text) which supplies the words/phrases. This way you can have the audience use any device they like as long as they have internet.
Also, the website could do some data cleaning.. to ensure the text s suitable for display.

jivrodriguez

You are all so helpful!!! I'm going to share your suggestions with my teammate and we will do some testing. Thank you very much for your help so far. Hopefully we'll have some success to share with you after our final in December!

Woland

@dusx said:

I think the easiest way to do this on a larger scale is to build a simple website which takes words/phrases as input, and provides to Isadora a hidden page

It's worth noting that this is only the "easiest way" if you know how to build a website that can do the things you need it to do.

If you are doing this large-scale for a professional performance, the website route is 100% what you want to do.

If you are doing this for an informal, in-class project, and don't know how to create and interface with a website then the TouchOSC route will be easier to execute.

Juriaan

@woland

This, please don't over-complicate something if you present this in front of your peers. Yes, this is a do-able projects both ways, but if you have to start from scratch with web development skills then please go for an easier executable option :) That way you have more time to focus on your showing / presentation / the way that you audience members come in / interface with the technology.

If you need us / need any help just let us know on the forum. As you have seen the community is quite helpful.

jivrodriguez

@juriaan

Yes, it looks like the simplest option for our purposes would actually be to have the audience members type text into the Edit Text function in the control panel, and have someone unseen change scenes in the Isadora patch for the next audience member. We're hoping to only give the audience a keyboard, so I'm not sure how helpful TouchOSC would be if we stick with that route. These answers have all been helpful though - if at least for a more polished future version of this piece!

liminal_andy

@jivrodriguez Could you get everyone to join a Zoom call with their personal devices and then use the free version of ZoomOSC to get a copy of the zoom chat room into isadora via OSC?