|
 I
have always been captivated with the idea of an
autonomous music composition. Leveraging my knowledge of
hardware and software engineering and with the help of
Oklahoma-State electrical engineering student, Joe Hershberger I have designed and actually built an electronic device deemed as an interactive musical toy for children.
Outfitted with Analog Devices PIC18-series microcontroller the device composes and synthesizes four-channel music (drums, base and two melodic lines) in real time. Equipped with 8 push-buttons, 2 twist-knobs and 32 LED lights the device allows customized music
to be synthesized while dazzling you with captivating light patterns.
The device had been successfully pitched to Hasbro Toy Group, which kept it and studied
it for the whole month. As fate would have it the 9/11 terrorist attack ruined the sure deal prompting Hasbro to refrain from expanding their toy line.
So, while my 7-year old son plays with the toy I am
still looking for opportunities for commercial
development of the product.
Email me your inquiries
and propositions.
For complete technical details read my
Real-Time Music Synthesis & Embedded Applications
article at Dr. Dobbs Journal (vol. 201, January 2002). |
