Compliant Magnetic Field Sensor Technologies

We review the recent progress in the field of shapeable magnetoelectronics allowing the realization of mechanically imperceptible electronic skins, which enable perception of the geomagnetic field (e-skin compasses), featuring sensitivities down to ultra-small fields of sub-50 nT. We demonstrate that e-skin compasses allow humans to orient with respect to Earth’s magnetic field ubiquitously. The biomagnetic orientation enables novel interactive devices for virtual and augmented reality applications, which is showcased by realizing touchless control of virtual units in a game engine using omnidirectional magnetosensitive skins. This concept is further extended by demonstrating a compliant magnetic microelectromechanical platform (m-MEMS), which is able to transduce both tactile (via mechanical pressure) and touchless (via magnetic field) stimulations simultaneously and discriminate them in real time. These devices are crucial for interactive electronics and human–machine interfaces, but also for the realization of smart soft robotics with highly compliant integrated feedback systems including in medicine for physicians and surgeons.

Cu–EGaIn enabled stretchable e-skin for interactive electronics and CT assistant localization

Electronic skin (e-skin) is attracting huge attention due to its promising applications in diverse fields, including biomimetic machines, artificial intelligence and smart robotics.

A model for the conservation of interactive electroacoustic repertoire: analysis, reconstruction, and performance in the face of technological obsolescence

This paper presents a three-stage model (analysis, reconstruction and performance) for the conservation of interactive electroacoustic works for which the original technology is now obsolete or otherwise unavailable. The first stage, analysis, is a detailed documentation of the electronic processes and effects required for each work in a format that is independent of any specific device or system. The analysis provides a blueprint for future realisations using available technology. The second stage, reconstruction, provides a working performance resource, as well as a test case for the validity of the analysis. Reconstructed systems are then tested and refined through the third stage, performance. With repeated performances, compositions gain wider exposure and may be evaluated by listeners on their musical merits. To date, the author has analysed, reconstructed and performed several works for clarinet and interactive electronics. Each performance has informed the continued development of the newly reconstructed system, and has in some cases led to corrections to the underlying analysis. As a classically trained clarinettist and computer musician, the author's approach to the conservation of electroacoustic repertoire comes from a desire to find performable works and to keep them viable and accessible for as long as possible. Four works for clarinet and interactive electronics (by Musgrave, Pennycook, Kramer, and Lippe) are presented as test cases for this model.

The Western Edge: some recent electronic music from Western Australia

A survey is presented of developments in recent Western Australian electronic music, focusing on the geographical influence on local composers' work. The article follows specific cases of practitioners in the fields of Sound Art (Alan Lamb and Hannah Clemen), Live Electronics (Cathie Travers and the electronic music quartet Magnetic Pig), Interactive Electronics (Jonathan Mustard and Lindsay Vickery) and Noise/Lo Fi Electronics (Cat Hope and Lux Mammoth).