Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Dynamic Violin Fingerboard Attachment |
Adrian Ignaci Kamil Waz Sophia Wilhelm |
Manvi Jha | design_document1.pdf proposal1.pdf |
|
| # Dynamic Violin Fingerboard Attachment Team Members: - Kamil Waz (kwaz2) - Sophia Wilhelm (sophia16) - Adrian Ignaci (aigna3) # Problem Most people would like to learn an instrument, however not only are the instruments expensive, but the lessons are just as (if not more) costly. This also assumes lessons are even available where they live. For this reason, many people try to teach themselves how to play, either through experimentation or online resources. However, this path has a distinct lack of feedback that would help correct poor habits or otherwise incorrect playing. # Solution Our project seeks to give those self-learning an instrument, specifically a violin, an extra source of feedback with respect to finger placement (creating the notes) as well as the rhythm played. A dynamic LED display laid on top of the fingerboard would allow learners to better understand proper finger placement in addition to its relation to the specific note’s duration. Furthermore, by using linear/membrane potentiometers we could accurately measure the position of a finger placed along any of the 4 paths (strings) on the fingerboard. This allows us to also to also collect information on how accurate the placement is, rather than a simple yes or no as to whether they play the right note. To encourage building good habits and continuous practice, we would like to allow users to upload pieces they would like to learn. Thus users will be allowed to upload files (MIDI) that can then be used on the fingerboard along with an adjustable tempo. This, paired with individual settings for full piece playthroughs and learning (only playing the next note after the user plays it) will help encourage good, accurate playing whilst making it fun. # Solution Components ## Fingerboard overlay This subsystem is the main source of feedback to and from the user. It will contain an array of individually addressable LEDs (1528-1196-ND) which will display appropriate fingerings at the appropriate moment in a piece and membrane potentiometers (SEN-08680) which will give the processor feedback as to the user’s accuracy. ## Microcontroller The microcontroller will be responsible for a number of key operations, including: File uploading and reading Control of the display User input validation and data collection We will use the ESP32 (tentative, as using an RP2040 would be easier, but that would also be bulkier and remove a lot of the designing). Additionally, an LCD display (16x2 most likely, no specific part as they’re all pretty generic) can be controlled to display piece statistics to the user. ## Piece Play Configuration This component controls the aforementioned various settings regarding what style of playing the user wants. Specifically, this will control not only the tempo the pieces are played, but also when the piece progresses. There will be a setting to simply go through the entire piece while tracking statistics in addition to a setting dedicated to learning the piece, which pauses until each fingering is properly performed. The most straightforward implementation of this (strictly) would only require a potentiometer (COM-09939) or two buttons (such as TS02-66-70-BK-100-LCR-D) for tempo and a switch (OS102011MS2QN1). ##Power A pair of standard AA batteries should be sufficient for our needs (would need the 36-2463-ND enclosure to hold them). However we would like to consider 3.7 V Lithium-Ion Battery Rechargeable (1528-1839-ND) with the associated charger (TI BQ24074) and regulator (TI TPS62840). The rechargeable battery is a potentially dangerous option as it could endanger the instrument itself (it’s a more risky fire hazard than an easily removable AA battery), therefore it will not be implemented unless there has been extensive testing of the rest of the system within the time frame of this project. ##Case/Enclosure There will be two parts, one for the fingerboard components and one for everything else. The fingerboard overlay will consist of the components surrounded by a sort of envelope made of ~0.3mm transparent silicon rubber (allowing for clarity for the LEDs without compromising the membrane potentiometers). The second part will be a plastic enclosure that must fit either under the fingerboard or body (better for weight distribution) of a full size violin without significant weight. It will contain the power supply, microcontroller, and configuration modules. # Criterion For Success Unit is easy to attach to a standard violin. The attachment must accurately display and detect note fingerings from a user specified piece at an adjustable tempo. User accuracy will be displayed real-time through use of LEDs on the microcontroller, and an accuracy summary will be displayed at the end of the piece. In addition (though less quantifiable), it must not impede the physical way a user must play the instrument. Note on expertise: Kamil plays violin and knows a number of other violinists. They will be consulted on the physical design. |
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