デバイス演習 II

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日本語

English

日本語

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Lesson 1: Introduction ​

Get hands-on with micro:bit and build simple sensor-based instruments.

Goals for This Lesson ​

  • Understand the basics of micro:bit
  • Build a "theremin"-like instrument using the light sensor
  • Build a "handbell" using the accelerometer
  • Learn what device art and sound art are

What You Need ​

ItemDescription
micro:bit V2Microcontroller board with built-in sensors
USB cableTo connect micro:bit to your PC (micro USB)
PCWindows or Mac
Headphones / EarphonesFor listening to audio output

What Is micro:bit? ​

micro:bit is a compact microcontroller board developed by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) for education. It comes with the following built-in sensors and features:

  • LED display (5x5 grid)
  • Buttons (A and B)
  • Accelerometer (detects tilt and vibration)
  • Light sensor (uses the LEDs as a light detector)
  • Magnetometer (electronic compass)
  • Touch sensor (V2 logo)
  • Microphone and speaker (V2)
  • Wireless communication (Bluetooth / Radio)

You will use the MakeCode editor to program the micro:bit. It runs in your browser and supports block-based programming.

MakeCode Editor

Go to https://makecode.microbit.org/ and click "New Project" to get started.

Step 1: Basic micro:bit Operations ​

Using the MakeCode Editor ​

  1. Open makecode.microbit.org in your browser
  2. Click "New Project"
  3. Enter a project name (e.g., "Theremin")

Editor Layout ​

  • Left side: micro:bit simulator (preview your program on screen)
  • Center: Block categories (choose the blocks you want)
  • Right side: Programming area (assemble blocks here)

Transferring Your Program ​

  1. Connect the micro:bit to your PC with a USB cable
  2. Click the "Download" button at the bottom-left of the editor
  3. Copy the downloaded .hex file to the micro:bit drive (it may transfer automatically)

Pairing

Click "..." next to the "Download" button in MakeCode and select "Connect device" to set up USB pairing. After pairing, you can transfer programs directly by clicking the download button.

Step 2: Build a Theremin with the Light Sensor ​

A theremin is an electronic instrument where you change the pitch by moving your hand closer to or farther from the device. Let's build something similar using the micro:bit's light sensor.

How the Light Sensor Works ​

The micro:bit's LED display also functions as a light sensor.

  • Bright environment: High values (up to 255)
  • Dark environment: Low values (down to 0)
  • Covering the LEDs with your hand changes the value

How to Build It ​

  1. Create a new project in the MakeCode editor
  2. Assemble the following blocks:

Program flow:

forever:
  light level → convert to frequency
  play tone at that frequency
  1. Use the "light level" block from the "Input" category
  2. Use the "play tone" block from the "Music" category
  3. Map the light value (0--255) to a frequency range (roughly 200--2000 Hz)
  4. Use the "map" block from the "Math" category to perform the conversion

Sending Values to the PC via Serial ​

To check sensor values on your PC, use serial communication.

  1. Add the "serial write value" block from the "Serial" category
  2. Set the label to "light" and the value to the "light level" block
  3. Click "Show console" in MakeCode to view values in real time

Note

Serial communication sends data to your PC over USB. This will become important in later lessons when you connect to Pure Data.

Step 3: Build a Handbell with the Accelerometer ​

Let's build a handbell that plays a sound when you shake the micro:bit.

How the Accelerometer Works ​

The accelerometer detects movement such as tilt, vibration, and impact.

  • X axis: Left-right tilt
  • Y axis: Forward-backward tilt
  • Z axis: Up-down movement
  • strength: Combined value across all axes

How to Build It ​

  1. Create a new project in the MakeCode editor
  2. Build the following program:

Program flow:

on shake:
  play tone (e.g., middle C, 500ms)
  show music note icon on LED
  1. Use the "on shake" block from the "Input" category
  2. Use "play tone" from the "Music" category to set the note
  3. Use "show icon" from the "Basic" category to display a music note

Extension: Assign Multiple Notes ​

You can assign different notes to different gestures:

  • "on shake" → C
  • "on logo up" → D
  • "on logo down" → E
  • "on screen up" → F
Challenge

Try using acceleration strength to control volume based on how hard you shake. Use "Input" → "more" → "acceleration strength".

What Are Device Art and Sound Art? ​

Device Art ​

Device art refers to artwork created using electronic devices and sensors. A key characteristic is interactivity: the work changes in response to the viewer touching the device or moving their body.

Sound Art ​

Sound art is a form of artistic expression that uses "sound" as its primary material. Unlike conventional music, it treats all kinds of sounds as subjects for expression, including environmental sounds, noise, and electronic tones.

In this course, you will combine micro:bit sensors with Pure Data audio synthesis to create your own interactive sound art.