New technologies in sensors and microcontrollers allow the construction of small and flexible devices for the control of music and sound in real time. New algorithms for the parametric synthesis of sound bring new and varied expressive possibilites for music performance, dance, interactive art pieces, and immersive environments. This talk will present technologies, algorithms, and tools for the construction of interactive systems which produce expressive sound and music in response to human gestures. To demonstrate how easy some of these devices and technologies are to use, a simple device will "built" and programmed during the talk.

For the "nerves" of our controllers, we will survey commonly available sensors for the basic actions of human expression; sensors responsive to the basic Newtonian physical variables of position, velocity, acceleration and force. Small, low-power micro- controllers which are easy to program and use will form the "brains" of our devices. The "voices" of our devices will be comprised of commonly available MIDI synthesizers, laptop computers, and a simple Digital Signal Processor (DSP) development system. A list of sources and approximate prices for sensors, micro-controllers, and DSPs will be made available.

http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~prc

Perry Cook

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