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GEP Contraption

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Submitted By: Matias Homar

Elevator Pitch

GEP Contraption

MIDI touchless instrument and controller for performances, education, and physical therapy.

Product Description

GEP Contraption

GEP Contraption is an interactive MIDI controller/instrument. It uses ultrasonic sensors that tracks the distance from the object in front of the sensor. The data from it is converted into MIDI messages that can trigger either notes or control changes messages. The settings can be changed to make it act just as a controller, an instrument, or both together. It connects to any MIDI software or device through USB or a 5-pin connector. The buttons included are meant to change the settings between controller or instrument, they can be assigned to turn on/off effects, and it has three attachable sustain pedals. Currently, it is being used for live performances (upcoming Fringe Festival 24), educational tools, and a project to develop live visuals representing the sounds to help hard of hearing and deaf people see the music they can create.

How It’s Innovative

GEP Contraption is an interactive MIDI controller/instrument. It uses ultrasonic sensors that tracks the distance from the object in front of the sensor. The data from it is converted into MIDI messages that can trigger either notes or control changes messages. The settings can be changed to make it act just as a controller, an instrument, or both together. It connects to any MIDI software or device through USB or a 5-pin connector. The buttons included are meant to change the settings between controller or instrument, they can be assigned to turn on/off effects, and it has three attachable sustain pedals. Currently, it is being used for live performances (upcoming Fringe Festival 24), educational tools, and a project to develop live visuals representing the sounds to help hard of hearing and deaf people see the music they can create.

See MIDI Innovation In Action

Most Inspiring Use Cases

This MIDI device is meant to be adaptable to artistic performances, education, and physical therapy. It doesn’t require previous training to be able to use. It can be connected to any MIDI capable software and devices.
Given its touch-less feature it can be activated with body movements or objects. And its open software/hardware nature enables it to adapt easily to specific settings.
With the new visual components (under development) it will allow hard of hearing and deaf people to perform music by following the visual cues of the sounds that are being created.

Expansion Plans

Future versions will introduce a wifi/bluetooth module to avoid wired connections.
I’m currently designing a better system to connect the branches to the main body to make it easier to transport and faster to set up for events.
Further in the future, it will have a sound library integrated so it can function as a stand alone device with the possibility to connect it to other libraries from the computer.

Commercialization

The main purpose of The Contraption is to keep developing as an open source MIDI device. Through workshops at different institutions, the intention is to introduce it to more people inviting them to develop their own version. At this moment, there might be a possible collaboration with a high school teacher to use it as part of class project.

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