Arduino Research
For interesting input (and output), I found this interesting project on creating musical instruments using Arduino and a 3D gestural controller called a Flick. This is a brand name, and there are other versions and companies making and selling these types of sensors, however Flick publishes their code, and offers a standalone purchase, compatible with Arduino.
The first site I visited had a basic version of this project, however I soon found an expanded version of the project that used the sensors to replicate the basic function of a theremin. Doing more research, I found another project which recreated the basic sensors a theremin uses pretty easily. While it does not replicate all of the features of a theremin, it could be combined with other projects to add features. This second project was incredibly helpful to understand that full concept of what i was looking into, as the creator inserted comments nearly everly line of code to explain the process of his writing and the function each line served. It was an incredibly thorough tutorial.
A Theremin is a digital electronic instrument that uses the players hands’ effects on electromagnetic fields emitted by the instrument to change the note, sound, and tone of the instrument. The instrument can detect changes in hand orientation, shape, velocity, and proximity, and uses these inputs to play the instrument without the player and instrument ever physically touching.
Interestingly, if the processing power of the Arduino board is sufficient, it could be possible to self-create a theremin given enough time and calibration, since the creation of an electromagnetic sensor similar to a theremin’s has been replicated as part of another Arduino theremin project. In practice, creating an electromagnetic proximity sensor using interference can be fairly easy, and it seems that Arduino may even be better suited for this, as it can tolerate super high impedance circuits, resulting in a more drastic sensor reading.
Sites:
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/lanmiLab/make-musical-instrument-using-arduino-and-flick-large-e2890b?ref=part&ref_id=8233&offset=2
https://maker.pro/arduino/projects/how-to-build-a-pitch-only-theremin-with-arduino
For interesting output, I found this automated beverage station. This is precisely what I expect to be able to create in class.
