Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
39 Hand gesture controlled audio effects system
Sarthak Singh
Sergio Bernal
Zachary Baum
Zicheng Ma design_document1.pdf
design_document2.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
photo1.png
photo2.png
presentation1.pptx
proposal1.pdf
Team Members:
Sarthak Singh (singh94)
Zachary Baum (zbaum2)
Sergio Bernal (sergiob2)

Problem
In audio production, both amateur and professional settings lack intuitive, hands-free control over audio effects. This limitation restricts the creativity and efficiency of users, particularly in live performance scenarios or in situations where physical interaction with equipment is challenging.

Solution Overview
Our project aims to develop a gesture-controlled audio effects processor. This device will allow users to manipulate audio effects through hand gestures, providing a more dynamic and expressive means of audio control. The device will use motion sensors to detect gestures, which will then adjust various audio effect parameters in real-time.

Solution Components:

Gesture Detection Subsystem:
The Gesture Detection Subsystem in our audio effects system uses a camera to track hand movements and orientations. The camera will be connected to a Raspberry PI which then sends signals to our custom PCB. The system processes sensor data in real time, minimizing latency and filtering out inaccuracies. Users can customize gesture-to-effect mappings, allowing for personalized control schemes. This subsystem is integrated with the audio processing unit, ensuring that gestures are seamlessly translated into desired audio effect alterations.


Audio Processing Subsystem:

The Audio Processing Subsystem uses a DSP algorithm to modify audio signals in real time. It includes various audio effects like reverb and delay, which change based on the user's hand gestures detected by the Gesture Detection Subsystem. This part of the system allows users to customize these effects easily. The DSP works closely with the gesture system, making it easy for users to control audio effects simply through gestures. Specifically, we are using a STM32 microcontroller on a custom PCB to handle this subsystem.

Control Interface Subsystem:
The Control Interface Subsystem in our audio effects processor provides a user-friendly interface for displaying current audio effect settings and other relevant information. This subsystem includes a compact screen that shows the active audio effects, their parameters, and the intensity levels set by the gesture controls. It is designed for clarity and ease of use, ensuring that users can quickly glance at the interface to get the necessary information during live performances or studio sessions.

Power Subsystem:

The Power Subsystem for our audio effects processor is simple and direct. It plugs into a standard AC power outlet and includes a power supply unit that converts AC to the DC voltages needed for the processor, sensors, and control interface. This design ensures steady and reliable power, suitable for long use periods, without the need for batteries.
Criterion for Success:
Our solution will enable users to intuitively control multiple audio effects in real time through gestures. The device will be responsive, accurate, and capable of differentiating between a wide range of gestures. It will be compatible with a variety of audio equipment and settings, from studio to live performance.

Alternatives:

Existing solutions are predominantly foot-pedal or knob-based controllers. These are limiting in terms of the range of expression and require physical contact. Our gesture-based solution offers a more versatile and engaging approach, allowing for a broader range of expression and interaction with audio effects.

The Marching Band Assistant

Wynter Chen, Alyssa Louise Licudine, Prashant Shankar

The Marching Band Assistant

Featured Project

NetID/Names

wynterc2 (Wynter Chen), alyssal3 (Alyssa Licudine), shankar7 (Prashant Shankar)

Problem

Drum majors lead and conduct marching bands. One of their main jobs is to maintain tempo for the musicians by moving their hands in specific patterns. However, many drum majors, especially high school students, need to learn how to conduct specific tempos off the top of their head and maintain a consistent tempo without assistance for performances. Even those with musical experience have difficulty knowing for certain what tempo they're conducting without a metronome.

Solution Overview

Our project consists of an arm attachment that aids drum major conducting. The attachment contains an accelerometer that helps determine the tempo in beats per minute via hand movement. A display shows the beats per minute, which allows the drum major to adjust their speed as necessary in real time. The microcontroller data is wirelessly transmitted, and a program can be downloaded that not only visualizes the data in real-time, but provides an option to save recorded data for later. There is also a convenient charging port for the device.

This project is a unique invention that aims to help marching bands. There have been previous projects and inventions that have also digitized the conducting experience, such as the Digital Conducting Baton from Spring 2015. However, these have been in the form of a baton rather than a glove, and are used to alter music files as opposed to providing feedback. Additionally, orchestra conductors use very delicate motions with a baton, while drum majors create large, sharper motions with their arms; thus, we believed that an arm attachment was better suited for marching band usage. Unlike other applications that only integrate digital instruments, this project seeks to assist live performers.

Link to RFA: https://courses.grainger.illinois.edu/ece445/pace/view-topic.asp?id=37939

Project Videos