The University of British Columbia

The Iamascope is an interactive, electronic kaleidoscope. The Iamascope combines computer video, graphics, vision, and audio technology for performers to create striking imagery and sound with this aesthetically uplifting interactive device. In the installation, the user takes the place of a colourful piece of floating glass inside the kaleidoscope, and simultaneously views a kaleidoscopic image of themselves on a huge screen in real time. By applying image processing to the kaleidoscopic image, users' body movements also directly control music in a beautiful dance of symmetry with the image. The image processing uses simple intensity differences over time which are calculated in real-time. The responsive nature of the whole system allows users to have an intimate, engaging, satisfying, multimedia experience.