A realtime MIDI library for an inexpensive general-purpose microcontroller-based interactive performance system

Abstract

Artists' demands for innovative, application-speciaec control interfaces for computer music performance and multimedia installations necessitate a powerful yet easy-to-use and inexpensive m ultipurpose system.The author proposes a library of MIDI routines for the Handy Board.The Handy Board, designed by F red Martin of the MIT Media Laboratory as an MC68HC11 development platform for educational robotics use at the university level, is easily interfaced with sensors and actuators to transmit MIDI data.It is inexpensive under US$300, battery-powered, lightweight, easily programmed, and widely used and supported.The Realtime Musical Instrument Digital Interface Library for the Handy Board and accompanying documentation facilitate the rapid creation of unique and expressive custom controllers and installations with little or no prior software or hardware skills, making it ideal for educational use.