Bowed string synthesis with force feedback gesture interaction

International audienceThe CORDIS ANIMA formalism allows to model physical objects according to a modular methodology which guaranties, at each step of modeling, the energetic consistency of the behavior of the model. Maintening this energetic consistency is a crucial point in the use of interactive simulation by means of Physical Modeling and Force Feedback Gesture Devices. This paper presents a CORDIS-ANIMA model of bowed string, which closely links the properties of the produced sounds to the gesture and energetic investment of the player. A pertinent feature of real bowed instruments is their high sensitivity to the gesture dynamic. The proposed model restitutes this sensitivity providing high musical quality and nuances in the synthetic sounds. In addition, the use of the consistent physically-based modular designing presented here, allows the designer to lead towards a minimal physical model able to restitute this so pertinent feature

Action fidelity

International audienceSpeaking about action fidelity supposes to define two situations, to compare the actions undertaken in both of them to perform similar tasks or to reach similar goals: one that can be called a reference situation and one that can be called a represented situation, which is a new implementation of the first situation

An investigation of audio signal-driven sound synthesis with a focus on its use for bowed stringed synthesisers

This thesis proposes an alternative approach to sound synthesis. It seeks to offer traditional string players a synthesiser which will allow them to make use of their existing skills in performance. A theoretical apparatus reflecting on the constraints of formalisation is developed and used to shed light on construction-related shortcomings in the instrumental developments of related research. Historical aspects and methods of sound synthesis, and the act of musical performance, are addressed with the aim of drawing conclusions for the construction of algorithms and interfaces. The alternative approach creates an openness and responsiveness in the synthesis instrument by using implicit playing parameters without the necessity to define, specify or measure all of them. In order to investigate this approach, several synthesis algorithms are developed, sounds are designed and a selection of them empirically compared to conventionally synthesised sounds. The algorithms are used in collaborative projects with other musicians in order to examine their practical musical value. The results provide evidence that implementations using the approach presented can offer musically significant differences as compared to similarly complex conventional implementations, and that - depending on the disposition of the musician - they can form a valuable contribution to the sound repertoire of performers and composers

Physical modelling of the bowed string and applications to sound synthesis

This work outlines the design and implementation of an algorithm to simulate two-polarisation bowed string motion, for the purpose of realistic sound synthesis. The algorithm is based on a physical model of a linear string, coupled with a bow, stopping fi ngers, and a rigid, distributed fingerboard. In one polarisation, the normal interaction forces are based on a nonlinear impact model. In the other polarisation, the tangential forces between the string and the bow, fingers, and fingerboard are based on a force-velocity friction curve model, also nonlinear. The linear string model includes accurate time-domain reproduction of frequency-dependent decay times. The equations of motion for the full system are discretised with an energy-balanced finite difference scheme, and integrated in the discrete time domain. Control parameters are dynamically updated, allowing for the simulation of a wide range of bowed string gestures. The playability range of the proposed algorithm is explored, and example synthesised gestures are demonstrated

The acoustics of the violin: a review.

To understand the design and function of the violin requires investigation of a range of scientific questions. This paper presents a review: the relevant physics covers the nonlinear vibration of a bowed string, the vibration of the instrument body, and the consequent sound radiation. Questions of discrimination and preference by listeners and players require additional studies using the techniques of experimental psychology, and these are also touched on in the paper. To address the concerns of players and makers of instruments requires study of the interaction of all these factors, coming together in the concept of 'playability' of an instrument.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from IOP Science at http://iopscience.iop.org/0034-4885/77/11/115901

Assessing friction laws for simulating bowed-string motion

© 2017 S. Hirzel Verlag. In order to carry out meaningful "virtual" experiments on the playability of bowed-string instruments, a simulation model is required that can reproduce all details relevant to a musician. Measured transient behaviour of machine-bowed strings is compared in detail with predictions from a range of previously-published computer simulation models. The general trends of waveforms and parameter dependence observed experimentally are successfully predicted, but some important details are not well captured by any of the models tested. The discrepancies, mainly associated with uncertainty about the correct model for the frictional interaction between bow and string, are examined systematically to reveal patterns of sensitivity to specific features of the models and to provide guidance on aspects of those models that may require enhancement to achieve a closer match to experiment. Of the models tested, the friction model based on contact temperature performed significantly better than more traditional ones based on instantaneous sliding speed

New frontiers of expression through real-time dynamics measurement of violin bows

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2001.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-87).The violin has long been admired as one of the most beautiful, complex, and challenging musical instruments. With its capacity for nuance, richness of tone, and flexibility of range, its expressive qualities have been surpassed by none, despite the fact that its construction has not been changed for hundreds of years. It is the form and function of the traditional violin that inspired the work detailed in this thesis. Here, the design and construction of a new violin interface, the Hyperbow, is discussed. The motivation driving the research of this instrument was the desire to create a violin bow capable of measuring the most intricate aspects of violin technique, the subtle elements of physical gesture that immediately and directly impact the sound of the instrument while playing. In order to provide this insight into the subtleties of bow articulation, a sensing system was implemented to measure changes in position, acceleration, and the downward and lateral strains on the bow stick. These sensors were fashioned using an electromagnetic field sensing technique, commercial MEMS accelerometers, and foil strain gauges. Because the forces and stresses applied to the bow are immediately connected to a violinist's experience while playing, the implementation of a new music controller that utilizes these intimate aspects of physical interaction between a player and an instrument may inspire altogether new methods of expression. The measurement techniques used in this work were found to be quite sensitive and yielded sensors that were easily controllable by a player using traditional right hand bowing technique. In addition, the Hyperbow proved to be helpful in recognizing and analyzing the physical parameters of common bowstrokesby Diana S. Young.S.M

Musical Haptics

Haptic Musical Instruments; Haptic Psychophysics; Interface Design and Evaluation; User Experience; Musical Performanc