Abstract: Music and non-music portions in an audio stream are identified. The audio stream is digitized and segmented into frames. Selected frames are passed through a filter bank which includes filters having bandwidths approximately proportional to their center frequencies. The spectral flux for each selected frame is calculated and smoothed. Frames having a smoothed spectral flux below a threshold value are associated with music, and frames having a smoothed spectral flux above a threshold value are associated with non-music.

Abstract: An Interactive Performance Interface for use with an audio system uses at least one performance mode to provide access to control rate and audio rate signals activated by interaction rate signals synthesized by interactive control envelopes. Audio signals, control rate signals, interactive envelopes and performance modes are all selectable and may be user-activated with user controls that change function according to a hierarchy of conditional latches.

Abstract: In a portable multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for providing user supplied configuration data are described. In one embodiment, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface are provided. A first order, or home, interface provides a highest order of user selectable items each of which, when selected, results in an automatic transition to a lower order user interface associated with the selected item. In one of the described embodiments, the lower order interface includes other user selectable items associated with the previously selected item from the higher order user interface.

Abstract: In a music reproducing apparatus, a timbre data memory has a limited capacity for storing timbre data corresponding to a first number of timbres, which is less than a second number of timbres reserved in a data source. An interface can be operated to transfer the timbre data from the data source to the timbre data memory so that the timbre data memory stores the transferred timbre data. A score data memory stores score data representing a music piece. A tone generator is set with a tone generating parameter derived from the score data stored in the score data memory for generating tones of the music piece. A performance controller interprets the score data to read out timbre data designated by the score data from the timbre data memory for setting the tone generator with the read timbre data so that the tone generator can generate the tones having timbres specified by the score data.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a guitar (3) having strings (42) operable by a user to generate electric signals, a control unit (2), storage means for a simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format and audio/audio-visual equipment for playing a main track. The control unit (2) has software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the guitar (41) and for synchronizing the backing track with the main track during playback. The software of the control unit (2) opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track. In response to the electrical signals from the guitar (41), the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to the audio/audio-visual equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus opens and plays extracts from the multi-media file and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio equipment (4) together with the background track.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A musical sonification system and method sonifies data, such as real-time financial market data, to produce an audio signal output including a musical rendering of the data. A sonification engine converts the data into sound parameters based on configuration data and a sonification and mapping scheme. A sound generator generates the audio output signal from the sound parameters.

Abstract: One embodiment of a musical sonification system and method receives a data stream including different data parameters. The sonification system may apply different sonification processes to the different data parameters to produce a musical rendering of the data stream. In one embodiment, the sonification system and method maps data parameters related to options trades to pitch values corresponding to musical notes in an equal tempered scale.

Abstract: The present invention is method and apparatus for music performance and composition. More specifically, the present invention is an interactive music apparatus comprising actuating a signal that is transmitted to a processing computer that transmits output signals to a speaker that emits sound and an output component that performs an action. Further, the present invention is also a method of music performance and composition.

Abstract: There are provided a mobile device that is equipped with a musical composition-reproducing section and capable of curtailing the battery drain as much as possible, and a mobile device that prevents the quality of reproduced musical tones from being degraded even if the voltage level of the battery lowers. A battery voltage detector monitors an voltage level of a battery. The musical composition-reproducing section is controlled such that the number of parts of the musical composition reproduced by the musical composition-reproducing section is reduced when the monitored voltage level of the battery becomes lower than a reference value.

Abstract: A musical keyboard having associated therewith a alphanumeric keyboard having a plurality of alphanumeric keys, the musical keyboard having a musical keys each being for producing a musical sound, and music function keys for producing musical effects, At least one of the alphanumeric keys is able to be used to modify a result of one or more of the music function keys and musical keys. The music function keys have functionality to produce the musical effect. The modification is only affective while the alphanumeric key is pressed after the musical function key has been pressed. The modification is to change the musical sound produced by the musical keys, and a further modification can be effected by relatively rapid hits of the one key of the plurality of alphanumeric keys. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for predicting the musical taste and/or preferences of the user and its integration into services provided by a wireless network provider. Although the present application is directed toward implementations with wireless providers, the present invention can also be implemented on a regular, i.e., wireline network. The core of the present invention is a system capable of predicting whether a given user, i.e., customer, likes or does not like a specific song from a pre-analyzed catalog. Once such a prediction has been performed, those items that are predicted to be liked best by the user may be forwarded to the mobile device of the user on the cellular (or other wireless) network. The system maintains a database containing propriety information about the songs in the catalog and, most important, a description (profile) of the musical taste of each of its customers, identified by their cellular telephone number.

Abstract: An automatic player piano includes an acoustic piano and an electronic system for reenacting a performance on the acoustic piano; a self-diagnosis subroutine program runs on a microprocessor of the electronic system so as to diagnose solenoid-operated actuators with built-in plunger sensors and component parts of the acoustic piano such as keys, pedals, action units and hammers on the basis of pieces of plunger data, pieces of key data and pieces of hammer data; thus, the mechanical components of the piano are diagnosed as well as the electric components through the execution of the self-diagnosis subroutine program.

Abstract: A musical performance information compression apparatus or the like of the present invention has a primary code production unit which separates SMF or the like into information of a relative time between events, information of a sounding start pitch, information of loudness, information of a sounding end pitch, and other information for each channel and which integrates each information regardless of the channel and which disposes the integrated information in independent regions to produce a primary code, and a secondary code production unit which compresses the information of each region of the primary code produced by this primary code production unit by an LZ coding method, a Huffman coding method and the like.

Abstract: A system and a method for predicting the musical taste and/or preferences of the user The present invention receives, on one hand, ratings of a plurality of songs from the user and/or other information about the taste of the user, and on the other hand information about the songs in the catalog from which recommendations are to be given The method then combines both types of information in order to determine the musical preferences of the user. These preferences are then matched to at least one musical selection, which is predicted to be preferred by the user.

Abstract: A skateboard SB has a board 10 that is rotatably provided with a front wheel 25 and rear wheel 26. Disposed on the both sides of the board 10 are speakers 12a, 12b. On the undersurface of the board 10 there are provided a floor sensor 66 having a CCD camera for shooting a floor and a distance sensor 67 for sensing the distance to the floor. A control box 13 disposed on the undersurface of the board 10 is equipped with a computer device and a tone generator. The computer device controls, in accordance with the color and lightness of the floor sensed by the floor sensor 66 and the distance sensed by the distance sensor 67, the generation of musical tone signals by the tone generator and the mode in which the musical tone signals are generated. A moving apparatus constructed as described above enables a player to listen to music that corresponds to changes in external conditions where the moving apparatus is placed, bringing more fun to the player without making the player tired.

Abstract: A skateboard has a board that is rotatably provided with a front wheel and rear wheel. Disposed on the both sides of the board are speakers. On the front wheel there is provided a steering angle sensor, while on the rear wheel there is provided a rotational speed sensor in order to sense the traveling direction and traveling speed of the skateboard. A control box disposed on the undersurface of the board is equipped with a computer device and tone generator. The computer device controls, in accordance with the traveling direction and speed of the skateboard, the performance tempo of automatic rhythm and automatic performance, the switching between automatic rhythm patterns, and the generation of musical tone signals. The present invention brings more fun to a player without making the player tired by adding variation to music to which the player listens during the ride on the moving apparatus in accordance with the movement of the moving apparatus.

Abstract: To change a value of a DSP parameter in a DSP setting screen, a user selects from parameter operators a parameter value to be changed. In an image picture displayed on the DSP setting screen, a size, a color, and the like corresponding to substance of the pertinent parameter are changed according to the value of the parameter. The user can visually perceive effect of the value of each DSP parameter on an acoustic effect and can easily change the value of each DSP parameter.

Abstract: Performance data processing apparatus includes a memory for storing settings input by a user and a processor for performing various control in accordance with the settings stored in the memory. Performance data are displayed in one or more display forms desired by the user. Marker or repeat mark is displayed in response to an instruction for displaying the marker or repeat mark. The performance data are reproduced in accordance with the input mark indicating that a performance should be repeated within a predetermined range. Further, a chord name is converted in accordance with a designated type of transposing instrument, and the converted chord name is displayed or stored in memory. Because the various control is performed in accordance with the memory-stored user settings, the user is allowed to change convenience-of-use or operability of the performance data processing apparatus in creating/editing of the performance data, by just changing the settings.

Abstract: A system for expanding generalizing aspects of an autoharp and making these functionalities beneficially available on other instruments. Strumpads comprising arrays of isolated touch switches, each generating distinct signals, are used to generate MIDI note events according to interpretations of an active mapping selected from a plurality of programmable mappings. The active mapping may be selected via chord buttons or foot switches, or may be determined by keys on a melodic keyboard. Mappings in some embodiments may provide repeated notes, non-note signals, and utilize one or more MIDI channels for controlling synthesizers, lighting, electronic percussion, and the like. The strumped may further include orienting tactile markings and provide pressure and velocity sensing. The system may be attached to or integrated within another instrument such as a guitar, keyboard, autoharp, pedal steel guitar, sitar, koto, mbria, and pipa, among others.

Abstract: A decorative holiday picture frame cover, for use in conjunction with an existing picture frame having a front, sides, a rear, and a border defining a window at the front. The picture frame cover has a front panel, and a stretchable rear edging. The picture frame cover is fitted onto the frame by extending the rear edging behind the rear of the frame and engaging the sides of the frame with the edging, thereby causing the front panel to extend over the front of the picture frame, and to cover the window of the picture frame. The front panel has the appearance of gift wrap paper and has an attractive bow thereon so that the picture frame is given the appearance of a wrapped gift.

Abstract: A method and system for time-shortening one or more songs to generate time-shortened versions of the one or more songs are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a song editor time-shortens one or more songs and provides the time-shortened versions to a music provider. The music provider can then distribute one or more of the time-shortened songs to one or more listeners. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a song editor enables a music provider to time-shorten one or more songs. The song editor can enable the music provider by providing the music provider a procedure to time-shorten a song, where the song is provided by the song editor or is obtained separately by the music provider. The music provider can then apply the supplied procedure to the song to generate a time-shortened vision. Alternatively, the song editor can enable the music provider by providing one or more characteristics of a song selected for time-shortening.

Abstract: Musical-score-related data set, including musical score information and right-to-use information defining a usable range of the musical score information, is distributed via a network or the like, and such a musical-score-related data set is stored in memory of an apparatus having received the data set. The right-to-use information includes information indicating that storage of the corresponding musical score is authorized or not authorized. When the musical score is to be displayed, the musical score information of the memory-stored musical-score-related data set is read out so that the musical score is visually displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A head mounting display of a goggle type has a display, on which a guide image representing a model performance manipulation and an eyesight image of a practitioner are displayed in a superimposed manner. The guide image is adjusted its display size and position to be displayed on the display based on an image of a keyboard portion included in the eyesight image. Further, resolution and number of colors of the eyesight image are adjusted so as to meet those of the guide image or an animation image, resulting in reduction of data to be processed. Further, a side eyesight image of a hand of the practitioner playing an instrument is taken from the side, and it is determined if the practitioner's hand in the side eyesight image coincides with a model hand posture defined by judgment data which represents model manipulation performed in synchronization with progress of a song.

Abstract: An electronic piano is provided in which activation of a keyboard (7) and foot pedals (8) causes sound to be generated and output via a pair of conventional cone loudspeakers (210–212) each comprising a tweeter (214), a woofer (216) and a base (218). Simultaneously with the activation of the conventional cone loudspeakers (210, 212), sound corresponding to the notes played by using the keyboard (7) is also generated and output via two distributed mode loudspeakers (220, 222) which are arranged to output sound through the inducement of resonant vibrations. The conventional cone loudspeakers (210–212) act as a series of discrete point sound sources. The distributed mode loudspeakers (220, 222) act as diffuse point sources generating sound across the entire surface area of the panels (220, 222). The air disturbance patterns propagated by the two different types of sound source result in sound more closely emulating the sound generated by a conventional high quality acoustic grand piano.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a self-playing musical device configured to present a realistic music service as part of a musical wind instrument. The device may be fitted inside the sound pipe of a musical instrument to play music. If desired, the device is shaped and configured to fit entirely within the sound pipe of the musical instrument. Digital circuitry may be implemented (e.g., digital storage, digital signal processor, digital amplifier, etc.) may be configured to play at least one musical song. The device may be suitable for indoor or outdoor performances.

Abstract: A way of controlling sharing of files by portable devices is provided. A portable device is provided that comprises an interface to receive at least one file and a transfer count associated with the file from another device. The portable device further includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to the interface, the controller to allow transfer of the file based on the associated transfer count.

Abstract: The real drum trigger monitor and amplified tone module is an electronic percussion instrument, satisfying the desire of drummers to have realistic electronic drums with the audible drum sound coming directly from the instrument triggering the sound being heard. The monitor has a speaker subsystem and patch capability mounted within an actual acoustic drum shell having a mesh drumhead and electronic trigger. The output of the electronic trigger is fed into an industry recognized tone processor before being fed back to the integrated speaker sub-system mounted in the drum, thereby producing sound coming directly from the drum activating the electronic signal. Alternatively, a traditional electronic percussion instrument may be mounted to the real drum trigger monitor and amplified tone module to provide an integrated drum trigger and speaker monitor.

Abstract: Multiple kernel-mode audio processing modules or filters are combined to form a module or filter graph. The graph is implemented in kernel-mode, reducing latency and jitter when handling audio data (e.g., MIDI data) by avoiding transfers of the audio data to user-mode applications for processing. A variety of different audio processing modules can be used to provide various pieces of functionality when processing audio data.

Abstract: An electronic tone generation system including a plurality of separate, portable, handheld transmitters, or batons, that are provided as “instruments” to numerous players to form a choir. Each baton is activated by one of the players to send a signal, preferably a wireless signal, to a single receiver which produces an output signal fed to a tone generator, preferably a MIDI tone generator, which produces audible sounds via an amplifier and speakers. For example, the batons can correspond to different musical notes as played by a selected musical instrument and the batons can be played in concert by the choir to produce a musical or other audible presentation. Alternatively, selected batons can be designated to play in one voice, while others batons are set to play other voices.

Abstract: The data of the same musical pieces are stored in the same order in each of a plurality of music playback apparatuses. When one music playback apparatus is instructed to finish musical-piece playback, it generates musical-piece playback information indicating the playback order of the musical piece being played at that time, and sends the musical-piece playback information to a mobile telephone. The mobile telephone receives the musical-piece playback information and stores it in its internal memory. When the mobile telephone is moved to a position around another of the music playback apparatuses, the mobile telephone sends the musical-piece playback information to the other music playback apparatus. When the other music playback apparatus is instructed to start musical-piece playback, it selects the musical piece to be played back next, according to the musical-piece playback information sent from the mobile telephone, reads the data of the selected musical piece, and starts playing back the musical piece.

Abstract: A system and methods which allow even a novice performer to easily play music which is not disharmonious and which is pleasing to the performer and his or her audience. The music is preferably created by a performer breaking one or more beams of light, which are emitted by one or more beam emitters and received, or detected, by one or more beam detectors. When a beam detector determines that a beam has been broken, a trigger is sent to a synthesizer, with such synthesizer preferably being a computer interfaced to the beam detectors via a Universal Serial Bus connection. The synthesizer selects from one or more electronic sounds, based on a pre-programmed collection of sounds, and a sound generator, such as an amplifier and speakers, plays the sound.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of TG (tone generation) units includes a plurality of TG elements corresponding to a plurality of tone pitches. A plurality of resonant boxes are provided in corresponding relation to the TG units, and each box is formed of a material having a characteristic different from the materials forming the other boxes. One or more of the TG elements to be driven for tone generation are determined on the basis of tone pitch designating information and tone color setting information, and the determined TG elements are driven to vibrate. Because the resonant boxes are formed of different materials, tones can be generated with peculiar tone colors in accordance with the materials of the resonant boxes corresponding to the vibrated TG elements. In an alternative, the TG elements in each of the TG units may be formed of a material of a characteristic different from materials forming the TG elements of the other TG units.

Abstract: A Voice User Interface (VUI) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system utilizes three levels of navigation (e.g. Main Menu, Services, and Helper Commands) in presenting information units arranged in sets. The units are “spoken” by a system in a group to a human user and the group of information at each level is preceded by a tone that is unique to the level. When navigating the levels, the tones of the levels are in a musical progression, e.g. the three-note blues progression I, IV, V, for preceding the groups of information, respectively. The musical progression returns to the tonic of the musical key when the navigation returns to the level one of the first group of information.

Abstract: A tone generating system 100 has a motion detection terminal 11 and a tone producing device. The Motion detection terminal 11 has a motion sensor MS which is attached to the back of a hand, and transmitting unit 11a. The Motion sensor MS detects a torsional motion of the hand to which it is attached. The Transmitting unit 11a transmits motion information on the torsional motion. A Tone producing device 10 receives the motion information, generates control information based on the motion information, and produces a tone on the basis of the control information.

Abstract: A wrist mounted electronic tuning device for use in tuning an acoustic musical instrument which includes a self-adapting wristband to automatically accommodate to a wide range of wrist sizes. Additionally, the tuning device includes sensing means operable for sensing an acoustic musical tone produced by the musical instrument and producing a representative electrical signal, conditioning means operable for amplifying, pre-filtering, and shaping the electrical signal into a representative pulse train, input means for selecting a musical note to tune to, computing means for receiving the pulse train and selected musical note and utilizing pre-programmed algorithms to determine the instrument's tuning condition, an output means to annunciate the tuning condition, and a power level switching means to permit the tuner to function in either a fully powered signal acquisition state or low power sleep state.

Abstract: There is provided herein a method of defining and storing remixing of existing musical and video works. As a first step, various segments of a digital song or video work are identified, preferably in terms of their starting and ending times. Given the defined loops or video clips, the user next forms a remix of the selected song/video work using those components. The final product, i.e., the resulting remix, can then be completely specified in terms of the loop/clip definitions together with the time at which each of the defined loops/clips appears in the final mix. The remix can thus be compactly stored as a computer file.

Abstract: A signal controller for a musical instrument such as a guitar includes a liquid-filled tilt-sensor that has means to cause a variation in electrical resistance that is exploited by control circuitry to vary one or more qualities of the signal of the musical instrument. Such a signal may be a volume control, a tone control, a balance control and/or an effects control.

Abstract: A music box includes daisy reed wheels, the reeds of which are respectively associated with player's fingers, and the player's fingers are selectively energized for plucking the reeds for generating tones; the reeds of the daisy reed wheels form reed groups respectively assigned to tones, and a controller selects reeds from the reed groups in such a manner that any one of the reeds of each group is not plucked with the player's finger, whereby the controller prevents the vibrating reeds from the plucking.

Abstract: Extensions and generalizations are made to the pedal steel guitar. Separate transducers provided to each string permit fixed or variable pitch and timbre modifications determined by stored program control. Variable pitch and timbre modifications may be controlled by physical controllers such as single or multi-parameter foot pedals, knee levers, and wrist controllers. Physical controllers may return to an original position or hold their position after operation. A traditional mechanical tuning changer operated by traditional foot pedals and knee levers may be included; the latter may operate physical controllers. The bar position may be sensed, and the bar may include physical controllers wirelessly linked to the instrument. A miniature keyboard and strumpad may be provided in the picking area to control synthesizers and produce MIDI output. Strumpad operation can be controlled with chord buttons, foot pedals, or other physical controller devices.

Abstract: A multimedia console incorporating an alphanumeric keyboard, and a musical key-bed is described for generating multimedia work product conveniently when coupled with a digital personal computer or optionally as a stand alone music equipment. The musical key-bed is detachably coupled with a protective cover for providing ergonomic support when, said musical key-bed is not being used.

Abstract: Vibrating musical devices including a motorized drumstick that can generate and/or distort sound when placed into contact with a surface. For example, the motorized drumstick can generate a “buzz roll” on a drum or other resonating surface. The drumstick includes a rod that is attached to a handle. Located within the handle is a motor that can create an oscillating movement of the rod. The oscillating movement may be induced by an off-center weight that is attached to the motor. The motor and weight may be incorporated into other musical devices.

Abstract: An electronic piano is controllable with a remote controller; since the remote controller is physically separated from the electronic piano, users are liable to mislay the remote controller somewhere around the electronic piano; in this situation, the user instructs the electronic piano to transmit a radio wave representative of inquiry, and the missing remote controller responds to the inquiry by transmitting a radio wave representative of annunciation; the electronic piano is equipped with antennas separated from each other on the piano cabinet, and the received power at the antennas is varied depending upon the location of the missing remote controller; the electronic piano analyzes the received power so as to notify the user of the possible location of the missing remote controller.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: Genetic music generated by decoding and transcribing genetic information within a DNA sequence into a music signal having melody and harmony, and useful in the producion of novely consumer products, identification systems, and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: A portable alarm clock is provided. The alarm clock comprises a base receptacle sized and shaped for portability. A striking plate is secured and receivable within the base receptacle with a striking mechanism secured to the striking plate. A chime plate is secured to the striking plate with an chime bar secured to the chime plate. A clock mechanism programs chime functions and displays time and is hingedly secured to the chime plate. A cover is secured to the clock mechanism for closing the base receptacle wherein the striking plate, the striking mechanism, the chime plate, the acoustic chime bar, and the clock means are receivable within the base receptacle and the cover closing the base receptacle.

Abstract: An electronic musical performance instrument that provides a user with a wide array of creative choices of operating systems, sound synthesis applications, user interfaces (including those emulating the interface of a conventional musical instrument and electronic control interfaces), supporting infrastructure components such as MIDI cards, sound cards, storage devices thus providing the performance artist with greater and deeper creative flexibility.

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.

Abstract: A music delivery system enables a user to listen to desired music at low cost anywhere and any time. It has a server including a music data storage for storing music data uploaded from a personal computer, and a processor for generating a speech-based interactive document describing an interactive procedure with a car navigation system in accordance with information in the music data uploaded from the personal computer. In response to a download request from the car navigation system, the server transmits the speech-based interactive document generated by the processor to the car navigation system. The car navigation system retrieves and downloads desired music data from the music data storage of the server through interaction with the server in accordance with the speech-based interactive document received from the server.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an audio playback apparatus which is capable of randomly reproducing music on an album basis or a folder basis. In a sound source in which a plurality of music files are hierarchically recorded, a unit of music file groups in each of which music files are reproduced in a batch is specified, music file groups are randomly selected in the specified unit, and all music files included in each of the selected music file groups are reproduced.