Laser displacement sensor makes music

University of the Arts Bremen (Hochschule fr Knste Bremen) is using Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT laser triangulation sensor to develop a unique musical instrument. This instrument consists of a rotation mechanism and the optoNCDT laser triangulation sensor. Everyday objects are clamped into the device and revolve around their axis. The laser sensor then scans the shape of these objects as they rotate. The distance measurement data from the sensor is then translated into acoustic frequencies and output via loudspeakers.

The instrument can "play' a wide variety of everyday objects, whose silhouettes directly determine the melody and rhythm. As Professor Dennis Paul from University of the Arts Bremen explains: "Playing this instrument requires a mixture of practice, intuition and coincidence."

Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT series of laser triangulation sensors are normally used by industrial plants for non-contact distance, displacement, profile and position measurement tasks. Laser triangulation is based on a geometric triangular relationship: a laser diode projects a visible point of light onto the surface of the object being measured. The back-scattered light reflected from this point is then projected onto a CCD array by a high-quality optical lens system. This forms a triangle between laser diode, measurement spot on the target object's surface and the CCD array. If the target changes position with respect to the sensor, the movement of the reflected light is projected on the CCD array and analysed to output the exact position of the target. The measurements are processed digitally in the integral controller and then converted into a scaled output via analogue (I/U) and digital interface RS232, RS422, USB or Ethernet.

Follow the link for more information about Micro-Epsilon's optoNCDT series of laser sensors.