Pierre-Yves Fortier designed the original version of the FM Gloves (or Fortier-Marshal Gloves). Mark T. Marshall created a new version, based on the original design, specifically for the Digital Orchestra Project.

The FM Gloves consist of two black skin-tight gloves which are augmented with a number of sensors. These sensors are connected to a small beltpack, which digitizes the signals and transmits them wirelessly to a Kroonde Gamma system. This system then transmits the values to Max/MSP using Open Sound Control over a network connection.

The sensors used in the gloves are as follows:

• Left Hand
  • 4 small round FSRs: these sensors measure pressure on the tips of each of the performers fingers.
  • Analog Devices ADXL-202 2-axis accelerometer: this is used to measure the orientation of the hand in two axes.
• Right Hand
  • 4 small round FSRs: again, these sensors measure pressure on the tips of each of the performers fingers.
  • Sharp GP2D12 IR Sensor: an infrared distance sensor which is placed on the inside of the performers wrist and is used to measure the distance of the hand from the body.
  • A bend sensor: this is used to measure the amount of bend of the index finger.

All sensors are attached to the gloves using velcro, to allow them to be moved to different sized gloves for different performers.