Microsoft has registered a patent for a gesture-based MIDI controller, a device which presumably allows its users to compose music by flailing their arms around a bit. The device is meant to be used in conjunction with a console like the Xbox 360 or Microsoft's next-gen platform.
The gesture-based system integrates the Kinect and is described as a "free-space gesture controller or control system" according to the patent.
It reads as follows:
“The free-space gesture MIDI controller technique described herein marries the technologies embodied in a free-space gesture controller with MIDI controller technology, allowing a user to control an infinite variety of electronic musical instruments through body gesture and pose. One embodiment of the free-space gesture MIDI controller technique described herein uses a human body gesture recognition capability of a free-space gesture control system and translates human gestures into musical actions. Rather than directly connecting a specific musical instrument to the free-space gesture controller, the technique generalizes its capability and instead outputs standard MIDI signals, thereby allowing the free-space gesture control system to control any MIDI-capable instrument.”
The patent goes further by saying that the device could be used by the Xbox 360 or a similar gaming console through proper software. In other words, it's a lot like Wii Music.
Source: Venture Beat
