EXTRASCAN 2.0

EXTRASCAN is a suite of softwares we developed for SCANAUDIENCE, INNER VOICES and DRESSCAN performances.
The operating principle of EXTRASCAN is based on the projection of a sequence of moving horizontal and vertical lines across the subject. The light scan lines act like those of a normal document scanner, reading the characteristics of each individual viewer, such as colour, size, shape. Four digital cameras designed by us capture the movement of the lines and send the scan data to the computers on stage. With our softwares this data is transformed into sounds and images, using algorithms that we can control and modify during the performance.

It was initially developed in C++ and OpenGL as a set of software distributed over 5 computers communicating via an Ethernet network, to optimise the data processing load and enable fast real-time interactivity. 
In version 2.0, the softwares run as separate applications on a single, high-performance computer and use a Shared Memory technique instead of network UDP Sockets. 

The suite consists of:
|  SCAN DIRECTOR  |  is the software that enables the scheduling of performance phases on a timeline, collecting data from the cameras, and coordinating the other software.
|  SCAN ANALYZER  |  is the software that analyses the data from the cameras and, using computer vision algorithms and others developed by us, generates input for the graphics engine and other audio software.
|  SCAN GRAPHICS  |  is the performance graphics engine, which graphically reinterprets the data generated by the ANALYZER according to visual generative algorithms that can be modulated in real time.
|  SCAN LINE   |  is the graphic engine that generates the scan lines.
|  SCAN AUDIO |  is the audio engine that interprets the data generated by the ANALYZER as audio and can also be interfaced with third-party software.