Abstract: The method serves to automatically identify in a set of data sequences at least one specific type of information contained in each data sequence of the set, wherein the type of information has an unknown presentation in the data sequences. It comprises the steps of: initially defining at least one characteristic feature of the specific type of information, and of expressing the characteristic feature(s) in terms of at least one recognition rule executable by processor means (2), applying the recognition rule(s) through the processor means to analyze the set of data sequences, determining in each data sequence a data portion thereof satisfying the recognition rule(s), and identifying the data portion as corresponding to the specific type of information.

Abstract: Electronic musical instrument interactively connected with a music application apparatus automatically returns a response signal when a predetermined identification request signal is received from the music application apparatus. Upon receipt of the response signal transmitted by the musical instrument in response to the identification request signal, the application apparatus determines whether or not the connected musical instrument is of a predetermined identity. Thus, for each electronic musical instrument authorized to execute the music application, the application apparatus can perform control to allow the music application to be executed in a normal mode, while, for each electronic musical instrument not authorized to execute the music application, the application apparatus can perform control to inhibit the application from being executed or allow the application to be executed only in a limited function mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument with embedded digital signal processing (DSP) modeling capabilities. The stringed instrument has a body and a plurality of strings and each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled to a pickup of a polyphonic pickup. The polyphonic pickup is used to detect a vibration signal for each string. An A/D converter converts the detected vibration signal of a string into a digital string vibration signal. Further, a digital signal processor is located within the body of the stringed instrument to process the digital string vibration signal. Particularly, the digital signal processor is used to process the digital string vibration signal such that the corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of selectable stringed instruments may be emulated. The emulated digital tone signal is then converted to analog form to create an emulated analog tone signal for output to an amplification device.

Abstract: A real time, multi-function beat counting system used in machine perception of musical rhythms employs a high speed stable algorithm including down sampling and group summing of the original signal, pulse matching on peak points, and check-frame decision making. The down sampled and group summed signal is utilized to derive an onset peak train formed of a series of data points. The onset peak train is divided into frames, and a threshold value is determined for each frame. In each frame, peak profiles are determined, each comprising successive data points within the frame having values greater than the threshold value. Within each peak profile, a peak point is identified. An algorithm is employed to compare the onset peak train with a plurality of unit data pulse sequences having different periods, and a match is determined between the onset peak train and the closest one of the unit data pulse sequences to identify the period of the rhythm.

Abstract: A music apparatus is constructed for processing a music tone signal in response to a clock signal at each sampling period. In the music apparatus, a clock generator generates the clock signal. A signal processor is operable in synchronization to the clock signal for time-divisionally processing a plurality of music tone signals through a plurality of channels within one sampling period. A clock controller is operative during a supply duration allocated within one sampling period for supplying the clock signal to the signal processor from the clock generator to thereby operate the signal processor, and is operative during other than the supply duration within one sampling period for stopping the supplying of the clock signal to the signal processor to thereby suspend the signal processor.

Abstract: Music information about songs recorded on multiple CD's is stored in a first storing means 21, and when music data of the individual songs of the CD 12 is stored on the hard disk drive 22, music information about the individual songs is read from the first storing means 21, is added to the music data, and the information and the data are stored. If the music information is not stored in the first storing means, the music data is stored without adding the music information, and contemporaneously, CD identification information and stored locations of the music data of the individual songs on the hard disk drive 22 are stored in second storing means 23.

Abstract: A musical content utilizing apparatus has a data input portion B11, transformation process portion B13 and utilization process portion B15 implemented via programmed processes. The data input portion B11 inputs musical content data comprising different kinds of content material data about music and content definition data defining the handling of the content material data. The transformation process portion B13 transforms the content definition data in accordance with stylesheets stored in a stylesheet storage portion B14 in order to enable the utilization process portion B15 to utilize the content material data. The utilization process portion B15 generates musical tones or displays images in accordance with the input content material, providing a user with musical content. As a result, a piece of musical content is able to be shared among various different types of musical content utilizing apparatuses, i.e., various platforms.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic keyboard musical instrument that gives the performance feeling closer to that given by an acoustic piano and enables techniques of expression closer to those used when playing the acoustic piano. Touch information is generated based on first information output when an ON event of a first (deep) SW of a switch section occurs, and a tone generator section generates a musical tone according to the touch. When an OFF event of a third (shallow) SW of the switch section occurs during key release, the musical tone being generated is progressively damped, and at the same time a musical tone having a predetermined characteristic is generated. The OFF event of the third SW is made equivalent to a damper-leaving position in a key stroke of an acoustic piano keyboard.

Abstract: An automatic music composing apparatus is provided, which is capable of generating music with a high degree of completion in synchronization with images and in a time that matches the length of images. The automatic music composing apparatus automatically creates musical compositions to be reproduced as a background for images. A number of bars of a musical composition that corresponds to a time period required by each of sections of images is calculated. Bar number-corresponding data necessary to generate the musical composition and corresponding to the calculated number of bars is acquired. The musical composition based on the acquired bar number-corresponding data is generated. The generated musical composition is outputted according to each of the sections of the images.

Abstract: A method of generating music using a plurality of bells (312, 314) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of mounting said plurality of bells (312, 314), in playable dispositions, on a mobile platform (302), transporting the mobile platform (302) to a venue, and striking, dependent upon electronic control, corresponding ones of the plurality of bells (312, 314).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses. The method includes the steps of transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal and generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. The sequence of changes can include the generation of music based on the signal, or the control of lighting, aromas, or air movement in the environment of the organism. One example application is the generation of music from electrical microvariations detected in a house plant.

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 control device for an audio processor has a plurality of sets of function select controls and a function control section on its control device. Each set of the plurality of sets of function select controls is coupled with a corresponding channel in a plurality of channels associated with the audio processor. The sets include select switches for a predetermined set of functions which are executable in the corresponding channels. The select switches have first and second states which are visually distinguishable by an operator. The plurality of sets of function select controls are arranged on the control panel in a row, and the select switches in the plurality of sets are arranged in respective single columns within the plurality of sets so that the select switches for a particular function across the plurality of channels form a single band on the control panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing music files, includes a link process unit which links a number of input music files with one another in consideration of a correlation of the music files, and a music file storage unit which stores the music files linked with one another through the link process unit. Accordingly, the music files can be reproduced in an order predetermined in consideration of the correlation of the music files, or in an order designated by a user.

Abstract: A bus system interconnects a plurality of devices of various categories constituting an electronic music instrument apparatus for exchanging signals among the devices having unique addresses. The bus system has a serial clock line for transmission of a clock signal, and a serial data line for transfer of a data signal from a source device to a destination device in synchronization with the clock signal. The source device operates as a master to commence a communicating session such as to send the clock signal to the serial clock line and to send the data signal to the serial data line in synchronization with the clock signal. The destination device operates as a slave so as to receive the data signal based on the clock signal. The source device formulates the data signal containing a unique address specifying the destination device such that the destination device can receive the data signal exclusively from the source device.

Abstract: A piano roll score, a word input/edit area and a word continuous display area are displayed. Note bars corresponding to notes of a melody are displayed on the piano roll score. The word input/edit area is divided into input cells having a length corresponding to a tempo number of each note. A pointer is moved to the input cell and a mouse is left-clicked to display an editor area. A letter(s) or character(s) is input by using a word processor function. The pointer is moved to the input cell and the mouse is right-clicked to display a command select box. A display command is selected from the command select box and input, the display command controlling a display style of a song-word character train in the word continuous display area. A dictionary database is used to search a song word by using the number of syllables and a part of speech as search keys. A sentence syntax is selected by using a sentence syntax template.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprising an image-sensing means for sensing an image of a subject, an extracting means for extracting predetermined feature data from the image sensed by the image-sensing means, a setting means for setting sound data to be reproduced and a reproducing means for reproducing the sound data set by the setting means according to the feature data extracted by the extracting means.

Abstract: A digital media communications and control system includes a plurality of audio devices each of which includes a device interface module for communication of digital media data and control data from at least one of the devices to at least one other of the devices. A universal data link is operatively connected to each of the device interface modules. The device interface modules and universal data links are operative in combination to connect the devices together in the system and provide full duplex communication of the digital media data and control data between the devices.

Abstract: As it was stated earlier, the present invention has special feature of financial benefit and convenience since the sound the user recorded is played whenever the case is opened.

Abstract: A waveform reproduction apparatus providing an intuitive way to operate controllers corresponding to musical time quantities such as beats and bars.

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: There is provided a database storing motion components, each of which includes motion information representative of a performance motion trajectory corresponding to a subdivided performance pattern for each musical instrument or part along with sounded point markers specifying tone-generation timing in the motion information. Motion components corresponding to the performance information are sequentially read out from the database to create basic motion information, and a three-dimensional picture is generated on the basis of the basic motion information and visually shown on a graphic display unit. Picture to be thus displayed can be selected optionally via a musical instrument change switch, player change switch and stage change switch, and the selected picture can be displayed in any desired direction by means of a viewpoint change switch.

Abstract: A sensing device is constructed by a sensor case which is attached to a bottom surface of a footwear (e.g., sole of a shoe) and which contains a piezoelectric sensor, a sensor fixing member, a disc plate pressure member and an annular elastic member. The sensor fixing member has elastic deformability so that the sensor fixing member is located to face with the disc plate pressure member with an air gap in which the sensor fixing member is capable of deforming within a limit of elasticity thereof. Thus, it is possible to perform musical tone control in response to an output of the piezoelectric sensor when a foot motion is applied to the footwear. In addition, a musical tone control apparatus of a percussion instrument type is constructed using a pad unit stored in a pad storage portion of an upper case. Herein, the pad unit is constructed by a pad skin unit and a sensing unit.

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: There is provided a performance tone providing apparatus that enables the user to listen to musical tones sounded from a desired musical instrument according to his/her performing operation even if the desired musical instrument does not exist in the vicinity of the user. Musical tone data including data specifying pitches of musical tones is received from a communication terminal. A CPU causes a predetermined musical instrument to carry out automatic performance based on the received musical tone data. Performance tone data representative of musical tones sounded from the predetermined musical instrument by the automatic performance is transmitted to a communication terminal.

Abstract: A method of generating music using a plurality of bells (312, 314) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of mounting said plurality of bells (312, 314), in playable dispositions, on a mobile platform (302), transporting the mobile platform (302) to a venue, and striking, dependent upon electronic control, corresponding ones of the plurality of bells (312, 314).

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 musical presentation and storage box having a display pedestal mounted directly below a door located on the top of the box, a sound (music) module for playing various songs or spoken words, and a mechanism for presenting and storing jewelry or other objects. The device is comprised of an enclosure with an internal pedestal that can be raised and lowered by an internal mechanism comprised of a motor and a rack-and-pinion means for sequentially opening and closing the display door and raising and lowering the display pedestal. Additionally, an internal sound module is provided for playing music or speaking descriptive words while an object is displayed. An activation switch is used for displaying and/or storing the object. In use, when a button is pressed, music plays and in sequence the door opens and the pedestal rises, thereby displaying the jewelry or other object. When the button is pressed again, the pedestal lowers, the door shuts, and the music stops.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic musical instrument which enables the whole periphery of at least one pad member to shine by a simple construction, and at the same time maintain durability and low costs, and a shining method therefor. An electronic musical instrument of a drum type detects beats on a surface to be beaten of the pad member, and generates a musical tone signal in response to an output indicative of the detected beats.

Abstract: Input waveform data are processed by Fast Fourier Transform or otherwise to separate a harmonic wave component from the waveform data while a non-harmonic wave component is separated by subtracting the harmonic wave component from the waveform data. Vector quantization is performed on the harmonic wave component by selecting and using one of prestored harmonic vectors as a representative vector for the harmonic wave component, and vector quantization is performed on the non-harmonic wave component, independently of the harmonic wave component, by selecting and using one of prestored non-harmonic vectors as a representative vector for the non-harmonic wave component. Then, using harmonic and non-harmonic vectors indicated by vector information of a waveform to be reproduced, waveforms of harmonic and non-harmonic wave components are generated separately and then combined to thereby reproduce/generate the waveform.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time controlling of signal processors, synthesizers, musical instruments, MIDI processors, lighting, video, and special effects in performance, recording, and composition environments using images derived from tactile sensors, pressure sensor arrays, optical transducer arrays, chemical sensor arrays, body sensor arrays, and numerical computation. The invention provides for pressure sensor arrays and body sensor arrays as tactile control interfaces, for video cameras and light sensor arrays as optical transducers, for chemical sensor arrays, and for other numerical image generation from computer processing or numeric simulation. Tactile transducers may be put on instrument keys of conventional instruments, be attached to existing instruments, or be used to create entirely new instrument or controller configurations.

Abstract: A portable electronic device and method therefor provide a user with all the high quality synthesized instruments associated with a computer software ear-training method, along with some additional unique features. Such features include the provision of: an infinite number of randomly generated exercises; perfect pitch exercises; randomly generated, musically correct (mathematically calculated) chord progressions; full control of the level of difficulty of the exercises; testing capability, including correcting the answers given by the user; and a choice of 127 different MIDI instruments in this novel musical teaching aid. All of these features are provided in a portable, inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing device that can fit in the palm of one's hand. The device of the present invention can be employed by any musician to practice any of the following musical exercises: recognizing notes, intervals, chords (triads and sevenths), scale degrees, chord progressions and melodic and harmonic dictation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a way of presenting a musical composition such as an orchestral piece, a song, jingle, or other musical content (complete or excerpts) as a sort of game made up of component audio tracks. In one preferred embodiment, the individual tracks are defined by layers (also called “segments”) that represent different instruments. For example, in the case of an orchestral music, the layers may represent the sounds made by a violin, flute, trumpet, drum, piano, and so on. The separate digital recordings of each layer then are the audio tracks that become pieces of a puzzle.

Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.

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 Cadence-Providing Drum Practice Pad Assembly and Method is disclosed. The preferred assembly combines a practice pad and a cadence generating device in the same body. In other embodiments, the device provides visual prompting to the user on the striking pad. Furthermore, the device of the present invention includes a local repository of cadence programs, as well as the ability to retrieve and play cadence programs stored in remote cadence repositories, such as on a computer network or a portable storage media. In one embodiment the device includes a mounting aperture that is offset from the center of the striking pad so that the pad will have a more realistic feel when mounted to a cymbal stand. Finally, the device may be provided in the form of a conga practice pad.

Abstract: A device for composing and arranging music comprising a sensor part and a plurality of blocks which may be releasably connected to the sensor part. A distribution of blocks, each belonging to one of a number of sub-populations of blocks on the sensor part, represents a composition or arrangement comprising musical features being dependant upon the sub-population(s) and the position of the block(s). Further, a device for building an instrument using blocks having activating means for activating the musical features of the block(s). The device may be used as an educational toy being easy to use for e.g. children. The device may be connected to a computer and to a global computer network so as to enable the device to communicate with other similar devices.

Abstract: A hammer sensor includes a photo-filter plate movable together with a hammer assembly and having a base plate fixed to the hammer shank and an arc pattern formed on the base plate and different in transparency from the base plate, a photo radiating element radiating a light beam toward the arc pattern and a photo detecting element disposed on the optical path of the light beam for converting the amount of transmitted light to an electric signal, wherein the photo-filter plate converts the rotational angle of the hammer assembly to the amount of light incident on the photo detecting element, and makes the photo radiating element and the photo detecting element stationary so that a suitable photo-shield case prevents the photo elements from environmental light.

Abstract: A MIDI controller musical instrument (80) with buttons (34) on two sensorboards (54,56) for controlling musical notes. The buttons (34) are arranged such that the most harmonious note combinations are played by fingering the most proximate button (34) combinations, and such that any given chord or scale can be played with a characteristic fingering pattern regardless of the range or key signature it is played in. The buttons (34) are placed such that the fingers and thumb of a hand can span the entire note range of the instrument (80). The buttons (34) that control the notes for any one key signature of the major scale are located within their own delimited area which does not contain buttons (34) controlling notes which are not part of that key signature. Notes are assigned to the buttons in such a way that the notes can be tuned to a wide variety of intonations without any consequent necessity to change the fingering patterns of the major scale or its modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using micro-variations of a biological living plant organism to generate music. The method includes the steps of detecting a plant microvoltage across a varying resistance of the biological living plant organism within a Wheatstone bridge, generating a feedback signal from an output of an external MIDI sound generator, subtracting the feedback signal from the plant microvoltage to provide a difference signal and providing the difference signal as a drive signal to the MIDI sound generator to generate music.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing audio signals. Each audio signal is digitized and then transformed into a predefined visual image, which is displayed in a three-dimensional space. Audio effects added to the audio signals are transformed into predefined visual effects images, which are also displayed in a three-dimensional space. Selected audio characteristics of the audio signal, such as frequency, amplitude, time and spatial placement, are correlated to selected visual characteristics of the visual image, such as size, location, texture, density and color. Dynamic changes or adjustment to any one of these parameters, or parameters of the audio effect images, causes a corresponding change in the correlated parameter or audio effect.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone control system capable of controlling the generation of musical tones in a manner reflecting only motion or physical posture suitable for the musical tone generation control when controlling the generation of musical tones reflecting motions of a plurality of users or a plurality of body parts thereof or physical posture thereof. A plurality of motion detecting devices capable of being carried by operators detect motions of the users or operators carrying the devices, and transmit detected motion signals indicative of the detected motions. A receiver device receives the detected motion signals transmitted from the plurality of motion detecting devices. A CPU control extracts at least one detected motion signal satisfying a predetermined condition from the detected motion signals received by the receiver device and controls musical tones to be generated, based on the extracted at least one detected motion signal.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone control system which is capable of preventing control not intended by the user even when the user stops moving when controlling the generation of musical tones reflecting motion or physical posture of the user. A motion detecting device capable of being carried by an operator generates a detected motion signal corresponding to motion of the operator carrying the device, and transmits same to an external device. A musical tone generating device generates musical tones. A control device receives the detected motion signal transmitted from the motion detecting device and controls generation of musical tones from the musical tone generating device based on the received detected motion signal.

Abstract: An audio signal generating apparatus is provided which makes it possible to supply a new music entertainment that enables users to actively participate in performance of musical compositions based on audio data that is coded in a predetermined format from audio signals, and a program for implementing the method, and a storage medium storing the program. Motion information corresponding to a motion of a user is acquired. An audio signal is acquired from audio data coded from the audio signal according to the predetermined format, and processing is performed on the acquired audio signal according to acquired motion information.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone generation control system which enables the user to obtain a feeling of operation as well as to obtain a feeling of satisfaction as if he or she were aggressively participating in performance or playback of a musical composition or the like. The musical tone generation control system has at least one operating terminal that can be carried by an operator. Each operating terminal detects a motion of the operating terminal caused by an operation of the operator, generates motion information based on the detected motion, and transmits the generated motion information to the musical tone generation control apparatus.

Abstract: A musical wind instrument includes a mouthpiece through which the user blows air and a sensor is deployed to produce an output which varies as a function of how hard the user blows through the mouthpiece. A tone generator system is responsive to the sensor output to generate an audible tone wherein a pitch of the audible tone varies as a function of the sensor output, and hence as a function of how hard the user blows.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to classifying a musical piece based on determined characteristics for each of plural notes contained within the piece. Exemplary embodiments accommodate the fact that in a continuous piece of music, the starting and ending points of a note may overlap previous notes, the next note, or notes played in parallel by one or more instruments. This is complicated by the additional fact that different instruments produce notes with dramatically different characteristics. For example, notes with a sustaining stage, such as those produced by a trumpet or flute, possess high energy in the middle of the sustaining stage, while notes without a sustaining stage, such as those produced by a piano or guitar, posses high energy in the attacking stage when the note is first produced.

Abstract: A musical instrument is computerized for electronically generating tones, and an information processing subsystem assists users selectively to change the attributes of the tones, wherein the information processing subsystem includes a speaker recognition engine for identifying a player with one of registered users and a graphical user interface transferring a digital image signal representative of a picture customized by the registered user to a display unit so that the user can check the attribute during the performance.

Abstract: System for providing music to users.

Abstract: There is provided a database storing motion components, each of which includes motion information representative of a performance motion trajectory corresponding to a subdivided performance pattern for each musical instrument or part along with sounded point markers specifying tone-generation timing in the motion information. Motion components corresponding to the performance information are sequentially read out from the database to create basic motion information, and a three-dimensional picture is generated on the basis of the basic motion information and visually shown on a graphic display unit. Picture to be thus displayed can be selected optionally via a musical instrument change switch, player change switch and stage change switch, and the selected picture can be displayed in any desired direction by means of a viewpoint change switch.