This week I focused on expanding and integrating the hardware subsystem of the LumiKey project to support more complete functionality and better interaction with the software layer. Building on the previous prototype, my goal was to increase system coverage and establish a more seamless connection between hardware inputs and the software interface.
Hardware Expansion
A major focus this week was scaling the hardware setup from a smaller prototype to a 10-key system. I expanded both the LED array and the FSR strip to support 10 keys, allowing for more realistic interaction and better representation of actual piano input. This required updating the wiring and ensuring that each sensor and LED channel functioned reliably when scaled.
Audio Feedback Integration
I implemented a sound feedback feature where each key press detected on the FSR strip triggers a corresponding sound played on the laptop. This enables immediate auditory feedback, making the system feel more interactive and closer to a real piano experience. The integration ensures that physical input on the hardware directly maps to sound output in real time.
Software and Hardware Interface
Another key development was integrating the software UI with the hardware system. I established a bidirectional interface where inputs from the hardware trigger responses in the software, and interactions from the UI can activate corresponding LEDs on the hardware. Specifically, pressing a button on the software UI now correctly triggers the associated hardware component, allowing for synchronized control between the two layers.
Next Steps
Next steps include improving the reliability of the hardware sensing and LED signaling under continuous use, as well as refining timing synchronization between hardware input, sound output, and UI feedback. I will also begin preparing the system for structured testing as part of the overall verification phase.