Solution Development and Problem Analyses

Current Product Properties and Derived Problem State                 

MIDI controllers come in a range of quality and price, offering different features for users with different needs. The problem occurs mostly with beginners who are new to music production. Usually a beginner will buy a cheaper entry level MIDI controller that is easier to learn but does not have many features and is not modular. As they become proficient, in the future they will want to upgrade their MIDI controller to get access to more advanced features and midi adaptability, but this renders the entry level controller they bought obsolete. This leaves the user limited in their development until a more comprehensive and expensive system can be purchased.

Desired Product Properties and Discernable Solution States

A beginner in music production can buy a simple and easy to use entry level MIDI controller and buy or make add-on modules to this controller as they learn. This makes sure the user can have the features they need without wasting money on a completely new controller. Allowing them the freedom and versatility in their music production throughout their musical endeavors.

Evaluating Solution Paths From Current Problem States

Making it easier to use current equipment will not solve the beginner skill gap improvement problem that current MIDI controllers have. The requirements of the final design would need to involve the creation of a modular MIDI controller which will adapt to the needs of the user while connecting to the preferred synthesizing software of the user's choice.  To improve accessibility and ease of operation  we must focus on making the modular MIDI compatible with the major music synthesizing programs.

The solution to our problem therefore lies in the creation of modular hardware that has the following attributes and design principles.

Design Goals and Design Specific Attributes                                                          

Necessary Design Attributes

1. Safety 

Add-on modules should not increase risk of electrical shortage or damage to the rest of the controller. The additional attachments also have to be safe to handle without comprehensive understanding of electronics and be straightforward as to avoid misuse.

2. Reliability and Consistent Performance

The modular MIDI controller should be portable and have consistent performance in  different locations and should be suited to undergo standard rigor of travel. It should also be able to interface seamlessly with music synthesizing software and not encounter technical issues when changing the sounds on the device.

3. Performance

The modular MIDI controller should offer the same or better performance when compared to current controllers on the market. As it is modular it should offer the features necessary for the modules that are implemented on the controller while not decreasing in performance with the addition of new modules. The modules should combine to form a seamless experience that allows users to focus on the creation of music without encountering technical problems.

Desired Design Attributes

1. Minimum Cost for Consumer

Base MIDI controllers should be around the same cost as current lower end MIDI controllers since they will have the same features. This will make the minimum cost in the range of $40 - $110. The base functionality will be the same as other lower cost midi controllers and should be priced accordingly.

2. Ease of Operation (Consistent Operating Conditions)

While the keys and knobs are self-explanatory, the display screen and scroll wheel for loading and storing sounds should be designed to be intuitive features for the user. Additionally the add-ons should be able to be seamlessly plugged into the controller and alter the sound of the controller in the way they are intended without supplemental work. The additional add ons should also be standard and allow the arrangement to be personal. MIDI controllers should be completely plug in play, where a user would plug this into a USB port of their computer and their DAW will recognize it instantly. The ergonomics of the design will also need to be considered, with the modular components of the MIDI fitting together into a coherent design that is convenient to use and which will not cause the users pain or injuries after prolonged use.

3. Use of Standard Parts

The MIDI controller will use standard MIDI protocol, standard keys and tone knobs. Each of the input and output ports should be both customizable to the variety of standard connectors available on the market for cross compatibility. Additionally each of the individual modules that can be attached should have standard connectors for both electrical power, signal output and mounting system.

4.  Ease of Maintenance

The focus of the modular MIDI controller should be to have users focus on making music rather than worrying about technical issues. Support systems should be put into place in case users have problems using the device or if they desire help with the usage and maintenance of the controller.

Solution Development and Attribute Acquisition                                                

Implementation of Necessary Design Attributes

1. Safety Features

The implementation of safety protocols would be a series of standard safety measures drawn from checklists and guidelines provided by the CPSC (Consumer product Safety Commission.) These include but not excluding regular testing and certification of safety of the product materials as well as the stability of electronic components. The device will include both a comprehensive instruction manual detailing safe usage and potential misuse of the product as well as standardized warning symbols for all input and output connections compliant to ANSI Z535 Safety Symbols.

2. Reliability and Consistent Performance

MIDI controllers and add-ons should be resistant to water and shock damage as they are portable and the chance of moisture damage is ever present. Prevention of water damage can be accomplished through a variety of different means including using a circuit breaker and circuit reset button while additionally using watertight sealants like silicon or acrylic gel inside of the controller. A silica or acrylic coating would also double as an added protection against falling and shock damage. Additionally using stronger rated plastics or metals would aid in this compliance.

 The controller should have a lifespan of at least 10 years with consistent performance. This can be achieved by preventing damage with the aforementioned steps as well as designing the circuit for the proper hours of usage internally in the circuit and externally in the switches and potentiometers.

3. Performance

In order to interface the controller to a design program such as Ableton or ProTools, an Arduino will be used inside of the controller to send MIDI standard signals through its serial port. A serial interface chip such as the AT U62 comes with most Arduino boards and can be programmed so that software will recognize the controller as a MIDI controller. This can be accomplished using MIDIUSB, a standard library for programming MIDI signals over a serial bus. Programming this serial bus using MIDIUSB will also allow the user to store sounds from the DAW of their choice onto the memory of the Arduino for future use. The features on the base MIDI controllers will include velocity sensitive keys, tone knobs, and a small UI for loading in sounds on the Arduino’s memory. Velocity sensitive keys can be achieved using accelerometers on each of the keys, which measures acceleration of the key and can be mapped in the Arduino’s software to change the amplitude of the MIDI signal that is emitted. A volume and tone knob can be made from potentiometers (or variable resistors) which again can be mapped in the Arduino’s software for changing the frequency and amplitude of the emitted MIDI signal. The keys themselves can be mapped to the I/O pins of the Arduino to recognize which note is pressed and emit the corresponding frequency of that note. The UI can be achieved using an OLED display and a potentiometer for the scroll wheel. To allow for add-ons, we can use the PCF8574 chip to extend the I/O ports of the Arduino, and write code in our driver for detecting which add-on has been plugged in and what it does to the emitted MIDI signal.

Desired Design Attributes

1. Minimum Cost for Consumer

With the fact that Base MIDI controllers should be around the same cost as current lower end MIDI controllers the need for cost analyses is required when designing and manufacturing our devices. With this in mind the materials used can be  industry standard when compared to other units at price ranges and functionality.

Unlike other systems that don’t have modular attachments, the connection ports used for the addition of more modular parts would have to come with securing caps to prevent dust or damage and on large scale manufacturing would accrue costs. The quality of these caps would be optional to the user of the system. We will offer both plastic caps that simply fit onto the system and rubber and plastic caps that can be mounted for more long term usage where the cap will sit for years. The price of these would range from forty cents to 3$ - 4$ based on similar products when researched.

The cost for adding these modular ports would have to be low enough as to not increase the price beyond similar systems. The average cost of a set of input and output music i/o ports after research was determined to be 2$ each. With this cost in mind we determined that our midi controller should have four of these ports, increasing our overall price by only 8$. With these aforementioned additional costs to the system, the current price range is still within industry standard price range for the base unit.  

2. Ease of Operation (Consistent Operating Conditions)

Users will spend a significant amount of time using our device, and it is important that all the elements of the design are well implemented and suited for prolonged use, safety, and user satisfaction. We plan to create narrower keys which new research shows are more ergonomic for users and are better suited to smaller hands. We also intended to create a centralized design, where the display screen and scroll wheel are located in a central location above the keys of the keyboard allowing for ease of use. We will also have ports located throughout the four sides of the base controller for the implementation of the add-on modules so that users will be able to place the addons in any position they desire. These will be connected through standard connections we will develop to facilitate the seamless experience. The main controller will also have a USB port that will connect to their computer and that their DAW will recognize instantly.

3.    Ease of Maintenance

A user manual should be provided with the MIDI controller for how to fix common problems with the MIDI controller like key or knob unresponsiveness. To provide an intuitive support system, both a forum and comprehensive video set will be made. The forum cannot be maintained at all times of the day and could experience delays for a number of reasons and will thus have a wide variety of pre answered questions to reduce the overall load of support requested. The video sets will be available videos on our website to assist people in both troubleshooting issues and setting up and using our systems. These videos will have to be ground up in nature with coherent tutorials for users of all skill levels. Common problems could then be easily diagnosed and have clear and coherent steps toward resolutions.