Programmable Finger-Tracking Instrument Controllers

Traditionally, the controls of a musical instrument have been mechanically connected to its sound generators. It is well known that electrical couplings may be used instead of mechanical ones, and that digital instead of analog connections may be used. The freedom of not having the controls mechanically constrained to the means of sound production brings a corresponding burden. What form should the controls now take? Knowledge of the practice of music, psychoacoustics, ergonomics, sensing technologies, design, computer science, and economics can all be brought to bear on the question; common sense and personal taste also play a large role. Our interest in instrument control has led us to