Patents by Inventor Shigehiko Mizuno

Shigehiko Mizuno has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6911592
    Abstract: A sound control apparatus is provided in a portable terminal for sounding a music tone in association with operation of the portable terminal, which is controlled by a main CPU. In the sound control apparatus, a memory memorizes music information representing a music tone and configuration information associated to a timbre of the music tone. An information acquiring section acquires the music information and the configuration information from the memory. A tone generating section is configured by the acquired configuration information to create a timbre specified by the configuration information. The tone generating section operates according to the acquired music information to generate the music tone being represented by the music information and having the specified timbre. A dedicated CPU is provided separately from the main CPU for controlling the memory, the information acquiring section and the tone generating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Futamase, Yasushi Kurakake, Kensuke Ide, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shuzo Karakawa, Kosei Terada, Yutaka Hasegawa, Takashi Kunii
  • Patent number: 6835884
    Abstract: A server apparatus connected in a communication network provides a plurality of music piece template data files respectively representing features of source music pieces. A client apparatus connected in the communication network requests a music piece template data file from the server. The server delivers and the client receives the requested template data file. The client creates a new piece of music based on the received template data file. The created music piece is a new piece but resembles the source music piece to a certain extent having certain characteristic features of the source music. In an alternative arrangement, the server delivers a source music piece, and the template data file is created at the client side by extracting features from the source music piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwamoto, Shigehiko Mizuno, Hiroyuki Masuda, Shuzo Karakawa, Hiroaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6803511
    Abstract: An electronic music apparatus comprises a transmitter that transmits an acquiring request for information about a network configuration to a server via a communication network, a receiver that receives the information about a network configuration from the server, and a setting device that sets up a network configuration of the communication network in accordance with the received information about a network configuration. A network configuration is easily set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20040007120
    Abstract: A sound control apparatus is provided in a portable terminal for sounding a music tone in association with operation of the portable terminal, which is controlled by a main CPU. In the sound control apparatus, a memory memorizes music information representing a music tone and configuration information associated to a timbre of the music tone. An information acquiring section acquires the music information and the configuration information from the memory. A tone generating section is configured by the acquired configuration information to create a timbre specified by the configuration information. The tone generating section operates according to the acquired music information to generate the music tone being represented by the music information and having the specified timbre. A dedicated CPU is provided separately from the main CPU for controlling the memory, the information acquiring section and the tone generating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Futamase, Yasushi Kurakake, Kensuke Ide, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shuzo Karakawa, Kosei Terada, Yutaka Hasegawa, Takashi Kunii
  • Publication number: 20030224767
    Abstract: A sound control apparatus is provided in a portable terminal for sounding a music tone in association with operation of the portable terminal, which is controlled by a main CPU. In the sound control apparatus, a memory memorizes music information representing a music tone and configuration information associated to a timbre of the music tone. An information acquiring section acquires the music information and the configuration information from the memory. A tone generating section is configured by the acquired configuration information to create a timbre specified by the configuration information. The tone generating section operates according to the acquired music information to generate the music tone being represented by the music information and having the specified timbre. A dedicated CPU is provided separately from the main CPU for controlling the memory, the information acquiring section and the tone generating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Futamase, Yasushi Kurakake, Kensuke Ide, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shuzo Karakawa, Kosei Terada, Yutaka Hasegawa, Takashi Kunii
  • Publication number: 20030205125
    Abstract: A sound control apparatus is provided in a portable terminal for sounding a music tone in association with operation of the portable terminal, which is controlled by a main CPU. In the sound control apparatus, a memory memorizes music information representing a music tone and configuration information associated to a timbre of the music tone. An information acquiring section acquires the music information and the configuration information from the memory. A tone generating section is configured by the acquired configuration information to create a timbre specified by the configuration information. The tone generating section operates according to the acquired music information to generate the music tone being represented by the music information and having the specified timbre. A dedicated CPU is provided separately from the main CPU for controlling the memory, the information acquiring section and the tone generating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Futamase, Yasushi Kurakake, Kensuke Ide, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shuzo Karakawa, Kosei Terada, Yutaka Hasegawa, Takashi Kunii
  • Publication number: 20030200859
    Abstract: A sound control apparatus is provided in a portable terminal for sounding a music tone in association with operation of the portable terminal, which is controlled by a main CPU. In the sound control apparatus, a memory memorizes music information representing a music tone and configuration information associated to a timbre of the music tone. An information acquiring section acquires the music information and the configuration information from the memory. A tone generating section is configured by the acquired configuration information to create a timbre specified by the configuration information. The tone generating section operates according to the acquired music information to generate the music tone being represented by the music information and having the specified timbre. A dedicated CPU is provided separately from the main CPU for controlling the memory, the information acquiring section and the tone generating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Futamase, Yasushi Kurakake, Kensuke Ide, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shuzo Karakawa, Kosei Terada, Yutaka Hasegawa, Takashi Kunii
  • Patent number: 6600098
    Abstract: A method of converting performance information is carried out by the steps of receiving identification information that identifies an target tone generator different from an available tone generator, reading out first performance information that indicates a music performance in the form of a sequence of tones, and that includes timbre information specifying a timbre of the tones, and changing the timbre information included in the read first performance information based on the received identification information so as to generate second performance information including the changed timbre information adapted to the target tone generator. By such a manner, the available tone generator can process the second performance information to generate the sequence of tones having a timbre as if generated by the target tone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehiko Mizuno, Hiroyuki Masuda
  • Publication number: 20030136247
    Abstract: An electronic music apparatus comprises a transmitter that transmits an acquiring request for information about a network configuration to a server via a communication network, a receiver that receives the information about a network configuration from the server, and a setting device that sets up a network configuration of the communication network in accordance with the received information about a network configuration. A network configuration is easily set up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20030033223
    Abstract: A searching section V3 of a content sales site 1 searches a content database V2 in accordance with search conditions inputted in a search condition inputting section M5 and generates an offerable content list. A checking section V4 refers to an owned content list UL stored in an owned content list storage section V1 in order to detect content items owned by a user from the offerable content list. A display information generating section V5 adds to the detected content items in the offerable content list the information indicating that the detected items have been already owned, generates display data of the offerable content list, and transmit it to electronic musical apparatuses 2 to 4. A charging processing section V6 refers to the owned content list UL, so that distribution of owned content items may be discounted or offered without charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6472591
    Abstract: In a portable communication terminal apparatus, a transmitter and receiver conducts either of a transmission and receipt of a message. A tone generator generates a sequence of tones to sound a music melody of a song in association with either of the transmission and the receipt of the message. A music composer is provided for inputting a motif melody comprised of a rhythm and a pitch and for composing the music melody of the song based on the inputted motif melody. The music composer may automatically input either of the rhythm and the pitch of the motif melody. A display device displays the inputted the motif melody in a sequence of beat points for editing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichiro Aoki, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shigeki Akahori
  • Patent number: 6429365
    Abstract: During reproduction of performance data in a particular performance style, an instruction can be given for shifting the reproduction to another performance style. In response to such a performance style shift instruction, the performance data of one or more of the performance parts of the currently-reproduced performance style is sequentially controlled, through a plurality of stepwise shift phases, to be replaced with the performance data of one or more of the performance parts of a designated shifted-to performance style. Thus, when the performance style is to be shifted during performance, the performance style shift can be effected in a smooth manner by gradually switching the performance data on a performance-part-by-performance-part basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kensuke Ide, Shuzo Karakawa, Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20020046899
    Abstract: A method of converting performance information is carried out by the steps of receiving identification information that identifies an target tone generator different from an available tone generator, reading out first performance information that indicates a music performance in the form of a sequence of tones, and that includes timbre information specifying a timbre of the tones, and changing the timbre information included in the read first performance information based on the received identification information so as to generate second performance information including the changed timbre information adapted to the target tone generator. By such a manner, the available tone generator can process the second performance information to generate the sequence of tones having a timbre as if generated by the target tone generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehiko Mizuno, Hiroyuki Masuda
  • Publication number: 20020033090
    Abstract: A server apparatus connected in a communication network provides a plurality of music piece template data files respectively representing features of source music pieces. A client apparatus connected in the communication network requests a music piece template data file from the server. The server delivers and the client receives the requested template data file. The client creates a new piece of music based on the received template data file. The created music piece is a new piece but resembles the source music piece to a certain extent having certain characteristic features of the source music. In an alternative arrangement, the server delivers a source music piece, and the template data file is created at the client side by extracting features from the source music piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwamoto, Shigehiko Mizuno, Hiroyuki Masuda, Shuzo Karakawa, Hiroaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6355870
    Abstract: A tune data reproduction system is designed to operate differently in a reproduction mode and a quick reverse mode by using tune data and quick reverse sound data. Herein, the tune data represent progression of notes of musical performance, while the quick reverse sound data represent repetition of a prescribed sound indicating a quick reverse operation or reverse reproduction sounds being made from the tune data. In the reproduction mode, the system performs reproduction on the tune data to produce musical tones of the notes at a desired tempo in accordance with the progression of the musical performance. In the quick reverse mode, the system produces the quick reverse sound or the reverse reproduction sounds representing the musical tones of the notes which are reversely reproduced in a reverse direction reverse to the progression of the musical performance at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Jen Tsai, Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20010047717
    Abstract: In a portable communication terminal apparatus, a transmitter and receiver conducts either of a transmission and receipt of a message. A tone generator generates a sequence of tones to sound a music melody of a song in association with either of the transmission and the receipt of the message. A music composer is provided for inputting a motif melody comprised of a rhythm and a pitch and for composing the music melody of the song based on the inputted motif melody. The music composer may automatically input either of the rhythm and the pitch of the motif melody. A display device displays the inputted the motif melody in a sequence of beat points for editing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Eiichiro Aoki, Shigehiko Mizuno, Shigeki Akahori
  • Patent number: 5756917
    Abstract: A pattern memory stores plural accompaniment patterns for each of plural accompaniment components, and each of the accompaniment components is composed of one or more musical instrument parts. An operator is provided for selecting a desired accompaniment pattern for each of the components, and the accompaniment patterns correspond, in accordance with a predetermined rule, to different possible manners in which the operator is actuated, so that a specific accompaniment pattern corresponding to a manner in which the operator is actually actuated. A new accompaniment pattern is registered into the pattern memory in accordance with the predetermined rule. Information indicative of the predetermined rule may be shown on a display. The pattern memory may store accompaniment patterns for each of plural different accompaniment styles, and specific accompaniment patterns may by shared between the accompaniment styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Watanabe, Masao Sakama, Yutaka Tohgi, Hiroyuki Ohba, Eiichiro Aoki, Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5712436
    Abstract: A normal automatic accompaniment performance is executed in accordance with an accompaniment pattern read out from a pattern memory. When a special performance is designated such as an intro, fill-in or ending performance, a modification suitable for the special performance is applied to a accompaniment pattern read out from the memory, so that the special performance is inserted in accordance with the thus-modified accompaniment pattern. At that time, the pattern may be modified by desired modifier data describing a manner of modifying the pattern. The pattern modification can be diversified by setting an individual modification condition to each musical instrument part of the accompaniment pattern in correspondence to the designated modifier. A memory is provided for storing a number of modifier data, and a further arrangement is provided for freely editing the modifier data stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Sakama, Yutaka Tohgi, Eiichiro Aoki, Shigehiko Mizuno, Hiroyuki Ohba, Maki Kamiya, Hironori Osakabe
  • Patent number: 5703310
    Abstract: An automatic performance data processing system for reading automatic performance data from storage means at a predetermined period and supplying the automatic performance data to a musical sound generating system, the automatic performance data including event data representative of the contents of each performance event and time data representative of a time when the performance event occurs, the automatic performance data processing system including: a CPU for processing the automatic performance data; means for judging operation-capacity of the CPU; and a unit for determining an execution period of processing the automatic performance data in accordance with the judged CPU operation-capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kurakake, Shigehiko Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5698804
    Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus that realizes automatic performance with a variety of different arrangement patterns. The automatic performance apparatus uses automatic performance data that is formed from common data (for example, a main melody portion), and data of a plurality of arrangement styles. A user can select an arrangement style from the plurality of arrangement styles. By selecting an arrangement style, the common data representative of the main melody and data of the selected arrangement style are read out for the automatic performance. The automatic performance data includes identification data for identifying common data and the plurality of arrangement styles from each other. By using the identification data, common data and data for a selected arrangement are identified and selectively extracted so that the automatic performance is performed with a selected arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehiko Mizuno