Duet Musical Companion: Improvisational Interfaces for Children

We present a sensor-doll interface as a musical outlet for personal expression. A doll serves the dual role of being both an expressive agent and a playmate by allowing solo and accompanied performance. An internal computer and sensor system allow the doll to receive input from the user and its surroundings, and then respond accordingly with musical feedback. Sets of musical timbres and melodies may be changed by presenting the doll with a series of themed cloth hats, each suggesting a different style of play. The doll may perform by itself and play a number of melodies, or it may collaborate with the user when its limbs are squeezed or bent. Shared play is further encouraged by a basic set of aural tones mimicking conversation.