The stringball: A ball interface with strings for collaborative performance

This paper introduces StringBall, a ball-shaped controller with strings for gesture sonification and music performance. The device is embedded in a plastic toy ball, with a pair of ropes penetrating itself through the center. Players can control the motion of the ball by applying various gestures to the strings. A 3-dimensional sensor with a Bluetooth module seated inside the ball transmits acceleration/tilt measurement data wirelessly to a computer for sound synthesis and music control. In our description of this work we cover the design concept and implementation of String-Ball, and highlight its potential for collaborative performances.