Notation Systems Patents (Class 84/483.2)
  • Publication number: 20100162876
    Abstract: A tool is provided for assisting in teaching music to a player of a steel pan/drum. The tool comprises a substantially circular base divided into twelve radial sectors, a central sector, and three concentric, radially spaced rings, thereby having 37 elements. Each element bears an indicium representative of a unitary, distinct note name in a range of three consecutive octaves plus a first note in a fourth consecutive octave. Each ring is arranged in so that a counter-clockwise-adjacent note name is separated by an interval of a fifth and a clockwise-adjacent note name is separated by an interval of a fourth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PANGENUITY, LLC
    Inventor: Beverley I. Charles
  • Publication number: 20100162877
    Abstract: A system for digitizing a series of notes to be played on a steel pan/drum includes a processor, and a display device and an input device in signal communication with the processor. Software encoded on a computer-readable medium and installable on the processor has a code segment adapted to display a virtual keyboard on the display device. The keyboard has a plurality of pianistically arranged keys, each key having a note name corresponding to a pitch represented by the key imposed thereon. A code segment can receive a user selection via the input device of a pan instrument for which music is desired to be entered, retrieve a note range for the selected pan instrument, and electronically mask the virtual keyboard to exclude keys outside the retrieved note range. User input can be received for a series of notes to be encoded for playing on the selected pan instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PANGENUITY, LLC
    Inventor: Beverley I. Charles
  • Patent number: 7732694
    Abstract: A portable music player apparatus that outputs visual content to a head-worn transmissive display, the visual content being modulated in time with playing musical content and overlaid upon the user's direct view of his or her physical surroundings. In this way, the user is provided with an enhanced visual view of his or her physical surroundings, the enhanced visual view including transmissive visual content that is generally synchronized in time with the playing music content. This provides the user with an improved music listening experience in which he or she feels present within a visually enhanced version of the physical world that has changing visual qualities that are perceptually synchronized in time with one or more features of the playing music. The displayed visual content may include time-varying translucency and/or color-tinting such that the user's direct view of the physical world changes in brightness and/or color tinting in a manner choreographed with the playing music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Outland Research, LLC
    Inventor: Louis B. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7723600
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a display device for displaying indicia and/or printed material. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for a display device for displaying indicia and/or printed material, as well as for storing, packaging and/or housing CDs or DVDs or the like. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a display device that is convertible between a poster for displaying indicia in a group or solitary setting free of interruptions or discontinuities in the display of indicia; a self-standing structure or configuration for displaying the indicia without the need of a separate support device; a storage pocket configuration for conveniently storing items; and a pocket folder and/or CD/DVD packaging configuration for housing and/or storing CDs/DVDs and/or other items or the like, and for transporting the display device and/or CDs/DVDs or the like. Indicia may be positioned anywhere on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: InkTree, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Eric Braun, John Keefe, Peter Keefe, Jennifer L. Keefe, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7703014
    Abstract: A music score display data arranging unit provides music score display data for displaying a music score by placing music score notational elements on a given display area in one or more staff tiers, each staff tier containing one or more measures of variable lengths based on inputted music performance representing data. The sizes of the music score notational elements and the size of the display area are determinable. A measures apportioning unit calculates, for each measure based on the sizes of the music score notational elements, a minimum horizontal length for placing at least one kind of notational elements in the measure without an overlap in the horizontal direction, and apportions a number of measures in each staff tier such that the notational elements of each measure shall be placed on the apportioned staff tier in a length of the calculated minimum horizontal length or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Funaki
  • Publication number: 20100089222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a music notation system that obviates the need for one to have any knowledge of conventional music notation in order to play a keyboard, including those that are a component of a conventional musical instrument, those that are a component of an electronic musical instrument and those that are configured as a user interface with a computer system and/or video game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew Rebstock
  • Patent number: 7674965
    Abstract: A system and method of notating and teaching music are disclosed. The system and method includes referencing notes and other musical representations using symbols, such as numbers, letters and color. For example, music notation may include at least one set, wherein a single set comprises twelve notes that may be numbered from 1-12, in which the numbers 1-9 may be used for the first nine notes and the letters x, y and z may be used for notes ten through twelve. Each series of twelve notes may be grouped together into a set, identified as “A Set”; “B Set”; “C Set” and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Victor Mataele
  • Publication number: 20100024626
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting standard musical notes to natural musical notes based upon Rod formats. A signal of standard musical notes is input and the frequency of each note in the signal is analyzed. A Rod format natural harmonic resonance is selected and the frequency of each note in the signal is converted to a natural frequency corresponding to the selected Rod format natural harmonic resonance. A signal consisting of the converted notes is output. An apparatus capable of performing the inventive process on a signal of standard musical notes includes a signal input port and a signal output port, means for converting the frequency of standard musical notes to a corresponding natural frequency corresponding to a Rod format, means for selecting a Rod format natural harmonic resonance, and a frequency analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Steven Howarth
  • Publication number: 20090266222
    Abstract: A method of notating music which displays pitches on a pitch chart, which can be displayed in various embodiments with a range of features including: different colors for each semitone of the octave, a keyboard chart displaying rhythmic value by the vertical height of the notes, a diverse shading of notes to illustrate whether they are to be played at a high sound level or instead at a low volume, and further features of harmonic, melodic, and theoretical analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Noah Ernest Epstein
  • Publication number: 20090249941
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for visualizing the rhythmic structure of musical compositions. Circular symmetry and geometric shapes are utilized to visualize representations of rhythmic structures about a central axis. In general, lower frequency rhythm instruments are represented by small geometric shapes, while relatively higher frequency instruments are represented by shapes of larger diameter. The visualizations can be presented in two or three dimensions and may incorporate the use of animation. The result is a graphical representation that is more intuitive and entertaining than traditional music notation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7589269
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for visualizing the rhythmic structure of musical compositions. Circular symmetry and geometric shapes are utilized to visualize representations of rhythmic structures about a central axis. In general, lower frequency rhythm instruments are represented by small geometric shapes, while relatively higher frequency instruments are represented by shapes of larger diameter. The visualizations can be presented in two or three dimensions and may incorporate the use of animation. The result is a graphical representation that is more intuitive and entertaining than traditional music notation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Master Key, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7589271
    Abstract: An integrated system and software package for creating and performing a musical score including a user interface that enables a user to enter and display the musical score, a database that stores a data structure which supports graphical symbols for musical characters in the musical score and performance generation data that is derived from the graphical symbols, a musical font that includes a numbering system that corresponds to the musical characters, a compiler that generates the performance generation data from the database, a performance generator that reads the performance generation data from the compiler and synchronizes the performance of the musical score, and a synthesizer that responds to commands from the performance generator and creates preassembled data for acoustical playback of the musical score that is output to a sound generation device. The synthesizer generates the data for acoustical playback from a proprietary library of digital sound samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Virtuosoworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Marius Jarrett, Lori Jarrett, Ramasubramaniyam Sethuraman, Rangarajan Krishnaswami, Anand Shankar Krishnamoorthi
  • Publication number: 20090223348
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of music and other sounds using note extraction. In one embodiment, the twelve notes of an octave are labeled around a circle. Raw audio information is fed into the system, whereby the system applies note extraction techniques to isolate the musical notes in a particular passage. The intervals between the notes are then visualized by displaying a line between the labels corresponding to the note labels on the circle. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of the six intervals. In other embodiments, the music and other sounds are visualized upon a helix that allows an indication of absolute frequency to be displayed for each note or sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Publication number: 20090223349
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of precise levels of measurement. In one embodiment, labels are placed around the perimeter of a circle. The difference between a target quantity and a measured quantity is visualized by displaying a line between two of the labels. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of a chosen set of intervals. In other embodiments, a series of concentric circles are used, with the color within each circle indicating a level of measurement within a given range of measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7576280
    Abstract: Expressing a musical work includes identifying a series of musical moments in the musical work and electronically specifying values for levels of each musical moment in the series. The electronically-specified values for at least one level are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: James G. Lauffer
  • Publication number: 20090173212
    Abstract: A kit and method for learning to play a musical instrument. The kit comprises a set of hands on manipulatives that assemble into a structured system of interactive musical instrument concept training components. The method comprises employing the kit according to instructions in at least one or more training manuals to assemble the hands on manipulatives into a structured system of interactive musical instrument concept training components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: CLASSIC STUDIO OF MUSIC, LLC
    Inventor: LISA WOLD
  • Publication number: 20090165631
    Abstract: A process for converting standard musical notes to Ra format musical notes comprising inputting a signal of standard musical notes, analyzing the frequency of each note in the signal, selecting a Ra format natural harmonic resonance, converting the frequency of each note in the signal to a Ra format frequency corresponding to the selected Ra format natural harmonic resonance, and outputting signal consisting of the converted notes. An apparatus including a processor capable of performing the inventive process on a signal of standard musical notes. The apparatus (12) includes a signal input port (14) and a signal output port, means for converting the frequency of standard musical notes to a corresponding frequency of Ra musical notes, means for selecting a Ra format natural harmonic resonance, and a frequency analyzer (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Alan Steven Howarth, Wesley Howard Bateman
  • Publication number: 20090158916
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of music and other sounds. In one embodiment, the twelve notes of an octave are labeled around a circle. When notes are played, the intervals between the notes are visualized by displaying a line between the labels corresponding to the note labels on the circle. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of the six intervals. In other embodiments, the music and other sounds are visualized upon a helix that allows an indication of absolute frequency to be displayed for each note or sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth R. LEMONS
  • Patent number: 7538265
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of music and other sounds. In one embodiment, the twelve notes of an octave are labeled around a circle. When notes are played, the intervals between the notes are visualized by displaying a line between the labels corresponding to the note labels on the circle. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of the six intervals. In other embodiments, the music and other sounds are visualized upon a helix that allows an indication of absolute frequency to be displayed for each note or sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Master Key, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7521619
    Abstract: A system and method of instructing a user to read musical notation through interaction with a graphical user interface and an input instrument representative of a stringed instrument comprising a plurality of modes of instruction which progressively direct and alter characteristics of the user interface to more closely resemble standard musical notation. The graphical user interface includes a virtual fingerboard having linear arrays representing frequency ranges and note positions. The note positions and linear arrays may be coded indexed to a chromatic scale and may directly correspond to fingerboard positions on an input instrument. A game object is directed toward the virtual fingerboard in accordance with a music file is incorporated in the graphical user interface which contains data corresponding to notes in sequence that have a rhythmic pattern of arrangement coinciding with the virtual fingerboard. An evaluation of the user's performance is provided based on striking the input instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Allegro Multimedia, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal C. Salter
  • Patent number: 7507893
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for teaching music to one or more students. The instructor's manual operation of a musical instrument controls in real-time the illumination of guide lamps on each student's musical instrument. This allows the students to visually connect the note to be played with the instructor's verbal instruction and then play the visually indicated note without having to look up at the instructor or a distant display. In another embodiment, the instructor's manual operation of his musical instrument provides a score display of the played note on each student's musical instrument. The students can visually connect the played note with the musical notation on the score display. Remote teaching over a communication network is also described as well as a removable interface for the musical instrument to assist in teaching and use of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20090064848
    Abstract: A method for teaching reading of musical notes and playing the piano by introducing notes/keys in alphabetically sequential groups starting at the beginning of the musical alphabet with “A” in the middle set of seven alphabetical notes on the Grand Staff and middle set of keys on the keyboard and proceeding to a higher set of seven alphabetical notes/keys and then a lower set of seven alphabetical notes/keys. A separate page is devoted to each note along with an explanation of where the note appears on a musical clef. Notes are learned alphabetically in groups of seven alphabetically-sequential notes/keys rather than simply by finger position/patterns. Students are taught to play either clef (bass and treble) with either hand using musical pieces specifically designed to teach each note individually and in combination as it is added to the student's repertoire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Beverly HENKEL
  • Publication number: 20090064847
    Abstract: The present invention is a continuation-in-part of the inventor's prior invention (USPTO application Ser. No. 11/277,502 filed on 26 Mar. 2006), the added feature being a “Grand Staff reference marking” added to a row of the “staff of gray and white pitch stripes” of the prior invention, the said marking comprising one or more set of Grand Staff of five lines, the Grand Staff clef or clefs, with each Grand Staff line pointing or connected to a corresponding correct “white pitch stripe”. Such “Grand Staff reference marking” feature enables the precise identification of the pitch stripes relative to their corresponding keys on the piano keyboard, and in terms of pitch names commonly used by students of music theories. The pitch names of all other pitch stripes can be easily derived from its physical location in relation to those pitch stripes connected to or pointed to by the lines of the “Grand Staff reference marking”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jia Hao
  • Publication number: 20090056524
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing staff lines from a music score an image. The method includes detecting a region with staff lines in an image including a music score; checking a gradient of the staff lines, and dividing the staff lines extending continuously in a longitudinal direction into a plurality of regions in consideration of the gradient, estimating each of the staff lines included in the divided regions by analyzing a histogram of the image, extracting each of the staff lines from the music score on the basis of the estimated staff lines and removing each of the extracted lines of the staff lines from the music score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Tae-Hwa HONG, Yun-Je OH, Sung-Dae CHO, Guee-Sang LEE, Hwa-Jeong SON
  • Publication number: 20080314229
    Abstract: A music notation display system that adds distinguishable timing bars to standard music notation assists students learning to read music and assists musicians to correctly play rhythms in music. Each timing bar corresponds to an equally timed portion of a measure of written music, such as a certain number of beats or half-beats. The timing bars may be depicted as differently shaded, patterned, or otherwise differentiated background areas to the notes and rests of the music. Musical notes and rests that fall within a timed portion of the music that corresponds to a timing bar are displayed within a space defined by the timing bar. The widths of timing bars across a musical staff may be equal, or may vary, such as to accommodate printing associated lyrics of different lengths or to comfortably fit in the notes of the timed portion. Embodiments of the system are usable with various music notation systems, such as Braille and/or computer-implemented music notation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Devra L. Robledo
  • Publication number: 20080307947
    Abstract: An improved music notation system for songs is disclosed that is suitable for easy teaching and learning a song. The words of the song are placed on a musical staff with optional cleft, key signature, and time signature at the level at which the notes would appear in the standard notation system. Different fonts are used to indicate whether the note should be regarded as a sharp, a flat, or a natural. Non-numeric symbols are used to indicate the duration of the note, and may be placed above or below the words of the song.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene J. Bakke
  • Publication number: 20080302231
    Abstract: A method for teaching reading of musical notes and playing the piano by introducing notes/keys in alphabetically sequential groups starting at the beginning of the musical alphabet with “A” in the middle set of seven alphabetical notes on the Grand Staff and middle set of keys on the keyboard and proceeding to a higher set of seven alphabetical notes/keys and then a lower set of seven alphabetical notes/keys. A separate page is devoted to each note along with an explanation of where the note appears on a musical clef. Notes are learned alphabetically in groups of seven alphabetically-sequential notes/keys rather than simply by finger position/patterns. Students are taught to play either clef (bass and treble) with either hand using musical pieces specifically designed to teach each note individually and in combination as it is added to the student's repertoire. The method initially teaches rhythm by reciting instructive phrases rhythmically in combination with tapping out rhythms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Beverly Henkel
  • Patent number: 7462772
    Abstract: A system for music composition including: a display module configured to display data; a graphical user interface module in communication with the music data control module, and configured to interface with a user; a music data control module in communication with the display module and with the graphical user interface module, and configured to control music data; and a music data source module in communication with the music data control module and providing a first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Hal C. Salter
  • Publication number: 20080295670
    Abstract: Devices, methods and system for a morpheus music notation system adapted for key, string, wind and percussion instruments for ease of teaching and learning music intuitively. Intuitive morpheus music notation system creates a simple environment revolving around numbers, letters and specific technical devices to enable people of all ages of any race or colour whether they are with sight or without to learn any musical instrument. The idea relates to all instruments, wind, brass, stringed, bowed, percussion, keyboard, unusual global instruments, organ & electronic instruments. Also relates to a set of hand movements performed by conductors of music.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Patrick Egan
  • Patent number: 7459624
    Abstract: A simulated musical instrument may be used to alter the audio of a video game, the video aspects of video game, or both. Use of a controller simulating a musical instrument allows a rhythm-action game can be enjoyed in a manner closer to a realistic state of playing an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Schmidt, Gregory B. LoPiccolo, Eran Egozy
  • Patent number: 7453036
    Abstract: A method for teaching reading of musical notes and playing the piano by introducing notes/keys in alphabetically sequential groups starting at the beginning of the musical alphabet with “A” in the middle set of seven alphabetical notes on the Grand Staff and middle set of keys on the keyboard and proceeding to a higher set of seven alphabetical notes/keys and then a lower set of seven alphabetical notes/keys. A separate page is devoted to each note along with an explanation of where the note appears on a musical clef. Notes are learned alphabetically in groups of seven alphabetically-sequential notes/keys rather than simply by finger position/patterns. Students are taught to play either clef (bass and treble) with either hand using musical pieces specifically designed to teach each note individually and in combination as it is added to the student's repertoire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Beverly Henkel
  • Publication number: 20080276791
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to audio and music processing devices and methods. A system is provided that utilizes tonal and rhythmic visualization methods to accurately and empirically determine the level of similarity between two or more musical works.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Publication number: 20080271590
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to speech therapy and voice training methods. A system is provided which utilizes tonal and rhythm visualization components to allow a person to “see” their words as they attempt to improve or regain their ability to speak clearly. The system is also applicable to vocal music instruction and allows students improve their singing abilities by responding to visual feedback which incorporates both color and shape. The system may comprise a step-by-step instruction method, live performance abilities, and recording and playback features. Certain embodiments incorporate statistical analysis of student progress, remote access for teacher consultation, and video games for enhancing student interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Publication number: 20080264240
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates computer music generation methods and devices. A method and associated apparatus is provided that operates with a computer to automatically create or “compose” music that is original as well as sufficiently complex to provide ongoing interest for listeners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7439441
    Abstract: An integrated system and software package for creating and performing a musical score including a user interface that enables a user to enter and display the musical score, a database that stores a data structure which supports graphical symbols for musical characters in the musical score and performance generation data that is derived from the graphical symbols, a musical font that includes a numbering system that corresponds to the musical characters, a compiler that generates the performance generation data from the database, a performance generator that reads the performance generation data from the compiler and synchronizes the performance of the musical score, and a synthesizer that responds to commands from the performance generator and creates preassembled data for acoustical playback of the musical score that is output to a sound generation device. The synthesizer generates the data for acoustical playback from a proprietary library of digital sound samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Virtuosoworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Marius Jarrett, Lori Jarrett, Ramasubramaniyam Sethuraman, Rangarajan Krishnaswami, Anand Shankar Krishnamoorthi
  • Patent number: 7439438
    Abstract: An improved musical notation system, which uses a staff patterned upon the standard piano keyboard. It replaces the Grand Staff's system of lines and spaces with a system of “pitch stripes” of two colors arranged in the same pattern as the black and white keys of the standard piano keyboard. Music scores, especially those for keyboard music, produced with the art are significantly easier to understand and sight-read. The art further incorporates positional numerical music notes to marry positional notation and numerical notation of music in the same musical score. The art further facilitates a method by which music scores of the same music in different keys can be obtained easily by moving all markings and notes collectively up or down the staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Jia Hao
  • Publication number: 20080245212
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for visualizing the rhythmic structure of musical compositions. Circular symmetry and geometric shapes are utilized to visualize representations of rhythmic structures about a central axis. In general, lower frequency rhythm instruments are represented by small geometric shapes, while relatively higher frequency instruments are represented by shapes of larger diameter. The visualizations can be presented in two or three dimensions and may incorporate the use of animation. The result is a graphical representation that is more intuitive and entertaining than traditional music notation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7432432
    Abstract: A method and system for recognizing handwritten music notations is described. The method includes steps of recognizing notations within a notation category and receiving a plurality of input strokes corresponding to handwritten music notations. Nearby strokes may be grouped to a first input stroke of the plurality of input strokes to make a stroke set and the stroke set is compared with the notations in the notation category. A determination is made as to whether the stroke set is recognized as at least one candidate notation within the notation category, a candidate list of recognized candidate notations is provided, and a music score is generated based upon the recognized candidate notations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Yantao Li, Jian Wang
  • Patent number: 7423213
    Abstract: A composition display system produces a display presentation in one of a plurality of formats from an original composition, the formats being created from the original composition responsive to input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of means to receive the original composition, a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, a master display subsystem, and one or more slave display subsystems. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the original composition in the memory. The master display subsystem can optionally provide means for selectively altering the stored original composition to produce a particular derivative composition. One or more slave display subsystems provide for displaying a presentation of the original (or optionally the particular derivative composition) in the selected format responsive to the master display subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Sitrick
  • Publication number: 20080202318
    Abstract: A system and method of notating and teaching music are disclosed. The system and method includes referencing notes and other musical representations using symbols, such as numbers, letters and color. For example, music notation may include at least one set, wherein a single set comprises twelve notes that may be numbered from 1-12, in which the numbers 1-9 may be used for the first nine notes and the letters x, y and z may be used for notes ten through twelve. Each series of twelve notes may be grouped together into a set, identified as “A Set”; “B Set”; “C Set” and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Victor Mataele
  • Patent number: 7414186
    Abstract: A system and method of teaching musical notes are adapted to teach identification of music staff notes, the names and sounds of notes, as well as piano keys corresponding to notes. An implementation of the method entails displaying a musical keyboard having a plurality of keys, a musical staff and a note on the staff. One of the plurality of keys corresponds to the note. The corresponding key produces a sound corresponding to the note when played. The name of the note is pronounced by a narrator or some other character. The note is visually identified on the staff by the narrator or some other character. The note is also associated with the corresponding key. Association may entail generating a note character and associating the note character with the note and key. A sound corresponding to the corresponding key is played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph Scarpa, Annette Scarpa
  • Publication number: 20080141849
    Abstract: A music notation system uses a grid with vertical columns representing musical notes and horizontal rows representing time intervals. Each note of a musical piece is indicated by a selected note symbol in the appropriate column, and extending across multiple rows if intended to be sounded for more than one time interval. Different note symbol shapes are used to indicate different tone qualities or playing styles. Note symbols are colored or graphically textured to indicate different sound intensities. Suggested fingerings may be indicated by numbers marked the note symbols, or by lines connecting notes to be played with the same finger. Other graphical design elements may be used to display rhythmic or harmonic context and, in computerized applications, to show or hide selected musical information, or to activate and listen to a sound recording of a piece of music or individually selected notes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: James S. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20080127810
    Abstract: Devices, methods and system for a morpheus music notation system adapted for key, string, wind and percussion instruments for ease of teaching and learning music intuitively. Intuitive morpheus music notation system creates a simple environment revolving around numbers, letters and specific technical devices to enable people of all ages of any race or colour whether they are with sight or without to learn any musical instrument. The idea relates to all instruments, wind, brass, stringed, bowed, percussion, keyboard, unusual global instruments, organ & electronic instruments. Also relates to a set of hand movements performed by conductors of music.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Patrick Egan
  • Patent number: 7332664
    Abstract: System and method for musical instrument education are provided. The system includes a lesson terminal which has a processor unit configured to evaluate performance musical data inputted from an electronic musical instrument, to enable a user feedback, and to enable determining new music training materials for a next lesson. The lesson terminal also has a data-receiving unit for receiving music training materials from an external music data source. The data-receiving unit may be a network connection port, such as an Internet connection port, for connecting to a server, or a local receiving port for connecting to a removable data storage. An electronic musical instrument and a method for evaluating performance musical data are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ricamy Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Wai Yung
  • Publication number: 20080022841
    Abstract: A device for reading and learning indicia, particularly music notation and other music-related indicia, is disclosed. The device is constructed with at least one sheet and has a main image portion and a hanging portion. The main image portion is foldable about first folds and second folds and the hanging portion is foldable about an edge fold and second folds to form a variety of display, storage and travel configurations, including a poster configuration, self-standing configuration, storage pocket configuration and pocket folder configuration. Fastening devices are employed to releasably maintain contact between the surfaces of the learning device. indicia may be positioned anywhere on the learning device to facilitate reading and learning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Eric Braun, John Keefe, Peter W. Keefe, Jennifer L. Keefe
  • Patent number: 7314991
    Abstract: A method of conveying musical information is described. The method includes the steps of assigning sequential alphabetic and numeric designations as a system of reference to the physical location of individual piano keys on a piano keyboard, the physical location corresponding to the location of the structural form of tonal relatioships in the numeric scale of vibrations per second used in the even-tempered, twelve-tone system of Western music, and modeling a musical passage comprised of a series of tones by compiling printed or electronically stored indicia of one or more of the numeric designations, the numeric designation corresponding to the series of tones of the musical passage. A numeric sequence is then presented to a student via visual or auditory means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Patricia Carlson
  • Patent number: 7297856
    Abstract: A musical workstation system produces a display presentation in one of a musical composition responsive to musical composition data and responsive to one or both of input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of (1) means to provide the musical composition data (such as local storage (ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, hard disk etc.), or via a communications interface to an external device (such as another music workstation, a master controller, a computer), a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, and a display subsystem. The memory selectively stores the received original musical compositions. The selection subsystem determines a selected operating mode and display format. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the musical composition data in memory and selectively processing (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: David H. Sitrick
  • Patent number: 7253349
    Abstract: A 2 manual musical keyboard with the pitch progression on one of the manuals reversed. The keys on these manuals are segregated into 2 groups of 2 different heights in the same way as a standard musical keyboard. The key configurations on these manuals have 12 semi-tones linearly distributed across 12 keys of alternating heights. Instead of the traditional 7 lower keys (white) and 5 upper keys (black), this arrangement has 6 lower keys and 6 upper keys. The notation system for this unique keyboard is a dual character set. Six unique characters for the upper keys and six unique characters for the lower keys. The musical staff for this unique keyboard will have six lines assigned to one character set and the six spaces assigned to the other character set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Clay Saltsman
  • Patent number: 7241945
    Abstract: Devices, methods and system for a morpheus music notation system adapted for key, string, wind and percussion instruments for ease of teaching and learning music intuitively. Intuitive morpheus music notation system creates a simple environment revolving around numbers and letters to enable people of all ages of any race or colour whether they are with sight or without to learn any musical instrument. The idea relates to all instruments, wind, brass, stringed, bowed, percussion, keyboard, unusual global instruments, organ & electronic instruments. Also relates to a set of hand movements performed by conductors of music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Patrick Egan
  • Patent number: 7227075
    Abstract: In the present invention, a lighting controller is provided to provide illumination based upon the playing of musical instruments. The lighting controller is programmed with lighting profiles which control the lights on a device. When musical instrument is played, a note (event) is detected by a transducer and based upon which event has been detected, a signal is sent to the lighting controller to determine which lighting profile to send to the device. Upon determining the proper lighting profile. a signal is sent from the lighting controller to the device causing the device to illuminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Henry Chang, Erik Stauber