Wearable sensor matrix system for machine control

• US 20060123982A1
• Filed: 12/15/2004
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edward Lee Christensen
• Original Assignee: Edward Lee Christensen
• Inventors: Christensen, Edward Lee
• Granted Patent: US 7,273,979 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 84/723
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0066 using a MIDI interface
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/344 Structural association with individual keys electrically operated wind-actuated organs G10B3/22
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/295 Switch matrix, e.g. contact array common to several keys, the actuated keys being identified by the rows and columns in contact

Abstract

A real-time controller of devices such as computers, synthesizers, and processors. It consists of a portable ergonomic body housing a configurable pressure sensitive array of sensors. Ideally suited as a MIDI controller, it may be used to control musical sounds, lighting systems, media viewers, or video games in a real-time or performance environment.

Claims

1. A machine controller system, comprising:

(a) a body, with a means of attaching to a human operator.

(b) a grid array of force sensors affixed to the body,

(c) a flexible cover for the sensors, providing a control surface that allows finger pressure to pass through to the sensors below,

(d) a processing unit to detect the sensor pressure and translate the sensor pressure into digital control data,

(e) a communication link for carrying the control data from the processing unit to a slave processor or synthesizer,

(f) at least one indicator on the cover to provide a visual or tactile reference for the user.

2. The machine controller of claim 1 wherein said means of attaching to human operator is a shoulder strap.

3. The machine controller of claim 1 with a means of changing said graphics printed on said laminate.

4. The machine controller of claim 1 further including a means of producing sound within said body.

5. The machine controller of claim 1 wherein said body is made of wood.

6. The machine controller of claim 1 wherein said means for carrying said control data is a MIDI cable.

7. The machine controller of claim 1 wherein said means for carrying said control data is a radio transmitter.