Imagine a world where your music player could sense the presence of rock music and adjust its volume accordingly. This fantasy has become a reality thanks to Phil Caridi, an industrial designer and educator who created a unique device that detects the presence of rock music, leaving metal music untouched.
The Innovation: A Microphone-Based Rock Music Detector
Caridi’s invention stands out from traditional metal detectors by employing a microphone to listen for the distinctive characteristics of rock music. Instead of relying on a coil of wire to sense eddy currents, this device analyzes the audio input and identifies the genre of music being played.
The Process: Training a Neural Network to Distinguish Rock from Non-Rock
To train the device, Caridi collected two hours of music, carefully labeling them as “metal” and “non_metal.” This diverse dataset was then fed into a neural network using Edge Impulse, a platform specializing in training machine learning models for embedded devices. The trained model was subsequently deployed onto a Nano 33 BLE Sense microcontroller, which analyzes the audio input and indicates the type of music being played.
The User Experience: A Gauge That Displays the “Metal Music” Confidence Level
To enhance the user experience, Caridi designed and 3D-printed a mount and gauge that displays the confidence level of the “metal music” detection. A servo motor and a needle work together to indicate the likelihood of the music being rock. This visual feedback adds an interactive element to the device, making it more engaging for users.
The Demonstration: Accurate Differentiation Between Rock and Non-Rock Music
In a captivating video demonstration, Caridi showcased the device’s ability to differentiate between rock music and non-rock music. The device accurately identified the metal track “Story to Tell” by Death and the pop song “Oops!… I Did It Again” by Britney Spears, highlighting its remarkable precision.
Bonus: The Inspiration Behind the Invention
Caridi’s inspiration for this project stemmed from his passion for rock music and his desire to create a device that could enhance the listening experience. He saw an opportunity to combine his technical expertise with his love for music, resulting in this innovative invention.
This quirky invention not only demonstrates Caridi’s creativity but also highlights the potential of technology to blend seamlessly with our everyday lives. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when innovation meets passion.
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