A MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) controller using a mat switch operable by a user in a wheelchair

Abstract

In this study, we devised a MIDI controller that a user with severe physical dysfunction was able to operate by depressing a mat switch with an electric wheelchair, and proposed a new method for musical education and therapy employing the system. This system comprises a mat switch resistant to 100 N of a movement load in a 500×700 mm2 area, an A/D converter, a PC, and a MIDI device. Signal output from the mat switch is converted to MIDI signals by the PC and transmitted to the MIDI device. By pushing down ten mat switches arranged in a matrix pattern, a user can manipulate all elements necessary to control MIDI signals, such as volume and musical sounds. As a result, it was confirmed that a user in an electric wheelchair was able to control musical notes, volume, tunes, and scales. Furthermore, since it was possible to use it for a hand bell and a musical game mimicking the card game ‘‘Concentration,’’ it may be applicable for musical education.