The Audio Impact Matrix Printer Project

Project Co-ordinators: derek at soslug dot org, rob.gretton at telephasic dot co dot uk

Introduction

A concept project for Metal Cultures Village Green 26th September 2009. The dot matrix printer or impact matrix printer is a type of computer printer with a print head that runs back and forth, or in an up and down motion, on the page and prints by impact, striking an ink-soaked cloth ribbon against the paper, much like a typewriter. The earliest impact printer according to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_matrix_printer#Early_Dot_Matrix_Printers Wikipedia.org] Unlike a typewriter or daisy wheel printer, letters are drawn out of a dot matrix, and thus, varied fonts and arbitrary graphics can be produced here we diverge somewhat as our aim is to produce a rhythmic audible sound based on the percussion generated by the head.

Equipment

* Dot Matrix / Impact Printer
* Standard Linux Personal Computer fitted with a suitable printer interface

Method

* Stage 1 - Proof of concept. We already know that an impact printer of any sought will make noise as it is used, what we need to prove beyond reasonable doubt is that the project is feasible and the effect can be reproduced. This would involve the purchase or donation of a Dot Matrix Printer this would be connected to a standard computer running Linux and some sought of text editor or word processor. A document will then be produced encoded with standard ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) this will be in the format of a series of characters or numbers that mimic a (hopefully) recognisable audio tune.

* Stage 2 - Development of principle. This would involve using a speech recognition system perhaps modified to directly translate audio to ASCII it's purpose is to use, or in this case re-use so called redundant equipment by putting it to another use such as a speaker.

Summary

The project listed above is intended to be a collaborative project and as such is open to the involvement of other individuals or companies that can expand and develop this project to include or surpass the original concept. You are invited to get in touch at the email addresses above if you would like to contribute.