The Termenova : A Hybrid Free-Gesture Interface

Leila Hasan, Nicholas Yu, and Joseph A. Paradiso

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

• Year: 2002
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Pages: 82–87
• Keywords: Theremin, gesture interface, capacitive sensing, laser harp, optical proximity sensing, servo control, musical controller
• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1176422 (Link to paper)
• PDF link

Abstract:

We have created a new electronic musical instrument, referred to as the Termenova (Russian for "daughter of Theremin") that combines a free-gesture capacitive sensing device with an optical sensing system that detects the reflection of a hand when it intersects a beam of an array of red lasers. The laser beams, which are made visible by a thin layer of theatrical mist, provide visual feedback and guidance to the performer to alleviate the difficulties of using a non-contact interface as well as adding an interesting component for the audience to observe. The system uses capacitive sensing to detect the proximity of the player's hands; this distance is mapped to pitch, volume, or other continuous effect. The laser guide positions are calibrated before play with position controlled servo motors interfaced to a main controller board; the location of each beam corresponds to the position where the performer should move his or her hand to achieve a pre-specified pitch and/or effect. The optical system senses the distance of the player's hands from the source of each laser beam, providing an additional dimension of musical control.

Citation:

BibTeX Entry:

  @inproceedings{Hasan2002,
 abstract = {We have created a new electronic musical instrument, referred to as the Termenova (Russian for "daughter of Theremin") that combines a free-gesture capacitive sensing device with an optical sensing system that detects the reflection of a hand when it intersects a beam of an array of red lasers. The laser beams, which are made visible by a thin layer of theatrical mist, provide visual feedback and guidance to the performer to alleviate the difficulties of using a non-contact interface as well as adding an interesting component for the audience to observe. The system uses capacitive sensing to detect the proximity of the player's hands; this distance is mapped to pitch, volume, or other continuous effect. The laser guide positions are calibrated before play with position controlled servo motors interfaced to a main controller board; the location of each beam corresponds to the position where the performer should move his or her hand to achieve a pre-specified pitch and/or effect. The optical system senses the distance of the player's hands from the source of each laser beam, providing an additional dimension of musical control. },
 address = {Dublin, Ireland},
 author = {Hasan, Leila and Yu, Nicholas and Paradiso, Joseph A.},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 date = {24-26 May, 2002},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.1176422},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 keywords = {Theremin, gesture interface, capacitive sensing, laser harp, optical proximity sensing, servo control, musical controller},
 pages = {82--87},
 title = {The Termenova : A Hybrid Free-Gesture Interface},
 url = {http://www.nime.org/proceedings/2002/nime2002_082.pdf},
 year = {2002}
}