Description:

TorqueTuner is an embedded module that allows Digital Musical Instrument (DMI) designers to map sensors to parameters of haptic effects and dynamically modify rotary force feedback in real-time. We embedded inside TorqueTuner a collection of haptic effects (Wall, Magnet, Detents, Spring, Friction, Spin, Free) and a bi-directional interface through libmapper, a software library for making connections between data signals on a shared network. To increase affordability and portability of force-feedback implementations in DMI design, we designed our platform to be wireless, self-contained and built from commercially available components.

To provide examples of modularity and portability, we integrated TorqueTuner into a standalone haptic knob and into an existing DMI, the T-Stick. We implemented 3 musical applications (Pitch wheel, Turntable and Exciter), by mapping sensors to sound synthesis in audio programming environment SuperCollider.

While the original goal was to simulate the haptic feedback associated with turning a knob, we found that the platform allows for further expanding interaction possibilities in application scenarios where rotary control is familiar.

Demo video

TorqueTuner + TStick from Mathias Kirkegaard on Vimeo.

Presentation video

TorqueTuner – Presentation for NIME 2020 from Mathias Kirkegaard on Vimeo.

Opensource repository for replication

https://github.com/idmil/torquetuner

IDMIL Participants:

• Christian Frisson
• Marcelo M. Wanderley
• Mathias Bredholt
• Mathias Kirkegaard

Research Areas:

• Haptics: Tactile and Force-Feedback
• Hardware Development
• Interface Design

Publications:

• Kirkegaard, M., Bredholt, M., Frisson, C., Wanderley, M. M. (2020). TorqueTuner: A self contained module for designing rotary haptic force feedback for digital musical instruments. In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME 2020) (pp. 6). Birmingham, UK.