Abstract: A method for playing a song of a particular musical style is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. A plurality of levels of predetermined musical styles are determined, and values of one or more parameters in accordance with the song data structure are limited to predetermined ranges corresponding to the particular musical style. A first user input is received for selecting a particular musical style. A second user input is received for one or more musical components, and music characteristics in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input, and the user input modifies the values of one or more parameters within the predetermined ranges. In response to the user input a modified song may be created based on user modifications to the music characteristics.

Abstract: A method of playing music using a computing system in which MIDI events are synchronized with samples is disclosed. A sequence of MIDI events is provided. At least one of the MIDI events includes delta time parameter data, and the MIDI events are provided to a digital signal processing resource. Audio stream events are processed, and one or more of the audio stream events has associated therewith audio sample data, and the audio sample data is provided to the digital signal processing resource; the audio sample data is not provided from a MIDI sound bank. A first MIDI event is provided that is configured to include delta time parameter data associated with the intended playback timing of at least one audio stream event. The audio stream event is rhythmically synchronized with the sequence of MIDI events using the first MIDI event. The first MIDI event may be an NRPN MIDI command.

Abstract: A method for playing a song employing a song data structure is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song, and variables are defined during the execution of one or more of the program instructions. A song data structure is provided, and a plurality of parameter locations are provided in the song data structure, and data contained in the plurality of parameter locations are made available to the program instructions. At least a first one of the parameter locations is used by one or more of the program instructions to store parameter data associated with one or more seed values, and the seed values are used to initialize one or more of the variables. At least a second one of the parameter locations may be used by one or more of the program instructions to store parameter data associated with a version identification of the song data structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of non-covalently binding a compound to a sensor surface. The method comprises adsorbing a hydrophobin-like substance to at least a part of the sensor surface, such as an electrode. The invention further provides a sensor having a surface, at least a part of which is provided with a coating of a hydrophobin-like substance that comprises a non-covalently bonded compound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: A method for playing a song employing a musical controller is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. User input is received for one or more musical components, and musical data in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are generated or modified in accordance with the user input. The user input is provided via a controller, and the controller provides musical information via descriptors. The descriptors contain data that represent musical information, and the descriptors include data that does not represent sampled audio information. Music rules are applied to the modified musical data, and the music output for the song is modified in accordance with the modified musical data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: A method for playing a song employing a song data structure is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song, and variables are defined during the execution of one or more of the program instructions. A song data structure is provided, and a plurality of parameter locations are provided in the song data structure, and data contained in the plurality of parameter locations are made available to the program instructions. At least a first one of the parameter locations is used by one or more of the program instructions to store parameter data associated with one or more seed values, and the seed values are used to initialize one or more of the variables. At least a second one of the parameter locations may be used by one or more of the program instructions to store parameter data associated with a version identification of the song data structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: A method for playing a song of a particular musical style is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. A plurality of levels of predetermined musical styles are determined, and values of one or more parameters in accordance with the song data structure are limited to predetermined ranges corresponding to the particular musical style. A first user input is received for selecting a particular musical style. A second user input is received for one or more musical components, and music characteristics in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input, and the user input modifies the values of one or more parameters within the predetermined ranges. In response to the user input a modified song may be created based on user modifications to the music characteristics.

Abstract: A method of playing music using a computing system in which MIDI events are synchronized with samples is disclosed. A sequence of MIDI events is provided. At least one of the MIDI events includes delta time parameter data, and the MIDI events are provided to a digital signal processing resource. Audio stream events are processed, and one or more of the audio stream events has associated therewith audio sample data, and the audio sample data is provided to the digital signal processing resource; the audio sample data is not provided from a MIDI sound bank. A first MIDI event is provided that is configured to include delta time parameter data associated with the intended playback timing of at least one audio stream event. The audio stream event is rhythmically synchronized with the sequence of MIDI events using the first MIDI event. The first MIDI event may be an NRPN MIDI command.

Abstract: A method for embedding algorithmic musical data into MIDI format using pitch is disclosed. Program instructions are executed and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. User input is received for one or more musical components, and musical data in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input. Musical rules are applied to the modified musical data, and the music output for the song is modified in accordance with the modified musical data. In response to the user input a modified song is created based on user modifications to the song, and a modified MIDI representation of music is employed in which musical rule information is embedded in MIDI pitch data. User input may be received, and the user input may be used to modify music output corresponding to one or a plurality of instruments, audio samples or microphone input.

Abstract: A method for playing a song in a handheld device is disclosed. A visual representation for a plurality of musical components is provided. The visual representation includes a plurality of lanes, with each lane corresponding to one of the musical components. User input is received for one or more musical components, and musical characteristics corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input. In order to modify musical characteristics corresponding to a particular musical component, the user selects the particular lane corresponding to the particular musical component. A first user input may be received to modify musical characteristics corresponding to a particular musical component, and the user enters a first level of the visual representation beneath the particular lane and provides user input to modify the musical characteristics corresponding to the particular musical component.

Abstract: A method for providing radio and virtual radio audio information is disclosed. A radio tuner is provided that tunes in and provides as sound output audio information from one or a plurality of radio stations. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. A plurality of predetermined musical styles are determined, and values of parameters in accordance with the song data structure are provided to correspond to each of the predetermined musical styles. Music in accordance with one or more of the plurality of predetermined styles is automatically generated.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an externally supplied audio signal as part of internally generated music data using a computing system is disclosed. At least one music generation algorithm is provided, which consists of at least one music rule associated with a set of acceptable pitch values. The music generation algorithm generates music data. An audio signal is received with at least one pitch characteristic. One or more portions of the audio signal is analyzed to discern the pitch characteristic. A determination is made whether the pitch characteristic is musically compatible with the set of acceptable pitch values. In the event that the pitch characteristic is not musically compatible with the set of acceptable pitch values, the portion of the audio signal is pitch adjusted to generate a pitch-corrected audio signal. The music data and the pitch-corrected audio signal is provided to a digital signal processing resource. The digital signal processing resource may be a hardware digital signal processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: A digital multi-media device provides features for a user unskilled in musical arts or sound handling techniques that provides automatic musical score composition in accordance with contained composition instructions. Stored sound samples and interfaces for obtaining external signals provide signals for merger with visual and sound presentations to obtain altered presentations either time shifted or in real time. In this fashion the user can create simulated radio stations for playback of prearranged and composed audio material. Further, the automatically composed musical score may be mixed with synthesized, digitized signals from the stored sound samples and external signals obtained through the device interfaces.

Abstract: A digital multi-media device provides features for a user unskilled in musical arts or sound handling techniques that provides automatic musical score composition in accordance with contained composition instructions. Stored sound samples and interfaces for obtaining external signals provide signals for merger with visual and sound presentations to obtain altered presentations either time shifted or in real time. In this fashion the user can create simulated radio stations for playback of prearranged and composed audio material. Further, the automatically composed musical score may be mixed with synthesized, digitized signals from the stored sound samples and external signals obtained through the device interfaces.