This diagram illustrates how the XYinterface works.

In one version, a design was rendered onto the translucent textile surface for composer [Marco Marini]. It shows the location of different notes and audio samples. The team has written a software suite to handle zone, gesture, and angular detection, as well as software to handle the sound libraries in use. The detection software is available for Pure Data, Processing, and Python.

Since the XYinteraction is not an instrument in and of itself, rather an input interface, it can be used for other things. With the conductive sheets left blank, it can be used in conjunction with a projector to create this simple touch display. Though the technology is simple, it can be used in many innovative ways. You can see more photos at [Donneaud['s Flickr stream, or read up on more specs at the XYinteraction site.

[Maurin] used several lengths of conductive fabric, a perforated foam core, and an Arduino.

Pictured above is the foam core being punched. The holes will create contact points between the conductive layers. The grid shows where the keys of the keyboard will be in the finished version.

After that, the conductive layers, and inner foam layer are sewn together. The conductive layers are placed in opposing directions, creating a switch matrix.

An Arduino is used to translate each step into a button press. While full design specs are nowhere to be found, the higher resolution photos on [Maurin]‘s Flickr stream should give you enough of an idea to build your own.

[via ladyada]