4 replies to this topic

[Marvelfan]

I'm working on a project to assist the deaf and hard of hearing with the experience of learning music. the project needs to do the follwing:

Read Input from MIDI Piano via USB port

Sort the info read and use it to trigger motors

There will be a motor for each of the notes (A,B,C,D,E,F,G)

Depending on the note or notes are pressed.. the corresponding motors need to trigger.

I'm trying to figure out how to perform this... I've only programmed C++ through Data structures and have never interfaced the programs I've written with external peripheral components.

I'm wondering if anyone is able to guide me in the right direction as to were I may be able to find code examples on reading data from a USB port, and what type of external component(s) would I need to acquire to turn on motors via program output.

Thanks in advance

[WingedPanther]

A lot of the answer will depend on the API for your MIDI interface and how the motors are attached to the computer.

[Marvelfan]

I'm open to suggestions as to what programs/compilers to use, as well as the types of hardware I'll need to "talk" to the motors. I have access and recent training in Matlab, but I've been reviewing my basic C++ using Code::Blocks freeware.

I'm basically starting this project from scratch and using it as a learning processes into interfacing with peripherals. I have ALOT to learn.

So I'm looking for suggestions on what routes people may take.

[WingedPanther]

Without knowing what hardware you'll be using, it's impossible to give you guidance. It seems likely you'll need to use the windows API, though.

[Marvelfan]

I understand..

I'm thinking of trying to find a programmable chip of some sort ( I wish I could be more specific), so that I can program it to recognize the keys played and trigger the motors.

I did some quartus programming in College that dealt with turning on and off motors and LED's when certain binary conditions were meet in my DIgital logics class.. its been a while though and I don't remember the language or chips we used off hand.