Abstract: A portable music player for the playback of a digital audio file comprises a memory for storing a plurality of digital audio files; an audio output; a control for setting a desired change in pitch or tempo; and a digital signal processor configured to process a digital audio file and recover an audio signal therefrom, perceptibly alter one of the pitch and the tempo of the audio signal in response to the desired change in pitch or tempo without perceptibly altering the other of the pitch and tempo, and output the altered audio signal to the audio output.

Abstract: A wearable control terminal for allowing a user to control a target object includes a contact detector, an impact detector, a motion detector, and a transmitter. The contact detector is mounted on a surface of a first portion of a user's body to detect whether the first portion is in contact with or separated from a second portion of the body based on whether a closed loop conducting path is formed with the first portion and the second portion. The impact detector detects an impact on the control terminal. The motion detector detects a motion of the user based on the results of detection by the contact detector and the impact detector. The transmitter transmits a control signal to the target object according to the detected motion.

Abstract: A sound signal analysis apparatus 10 includes sound signal input portion for inputting a sound signal indicative of a musical piece, tempo detection portion for detecting a tempo of each of sections of the musical piece by use of the input sound signal, judgment portion for judging stability of the tempo, and control portion for controlling a certain target in accordance with a result judged by the judgment portion.

Abstract: A sound signal analysis apparatus 10 includes sound signal input portion for inputting a sound signal indicative of a musical piece; feature value calculation portion for calculating a first feature value indicative of a feature relating to existence of a beat in one of sections of the musical piece and a second feature value indicative of a feature relating to tempo in one of the sections of the musical piece; and estimation portion for concurrently estimating a beat position and a change in tempo in the musical piece by selecting, from among a plurality of probability models described as sequences of states q classified according to a combination of a physical quantity relating to existence of a beat in one of the sections of the musical piece and a physical quantity relating to tempo in one of the sections of the musical piece, a probability model whose sequence of observation likelihoods each indicative of a probability of concurrent observation of the first feature value and the second feature value in c

Abstract: Computer-based methods infer a metrical grid from music that has been input without a predetermined time signature or tempo, enabling such free rhythm input to be annotated with the inferred grid, and stored and transcribed as a musical score. The methods use Bayesian modeling techniques, in which an optimal metrical grid is inferred by identifying the metrical grid that best explains the given sequence of notes by maximizing the posterior probability that it represents the note sequence. Prior musical input from a given user as well as explicit information about the musical style of the input may be used to improve the accuracy of the transcription.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using particular types of music compositions having certain characteristics to treat depression and related disorders, autism, and other disorders are described. The music for use in music therapy efforts includes characteristics for modification of the psycho-physiological apparatus and response including the use of vocal invented language elements to simulate pre-verbal communication and elements to coincide with and work with natural chrono-biological and circadian rhythms. For example, activating elements are provided in some compositions that are to be played immediately prior to a peak of chrono-biological activity. As another example, other compositions include de-activating elements to improve relaxation immediately prior to a natural low of chrono-biological activity. Such activating and de-activating elements include musical elements such as changes of volume, frequency selection, and tempo.

Abstract: An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing.

Abstract: An accompaniment data generating apparatus has a phrase waveform data storing portion for storing sets of phrase waveform data each indicative of a phrase of accompaniment tones preformed at a reference tempo and each corresponding to a different reference note. The accompaniment data generating apparatus obtains a reproduction tempo, obtains the first reference note, selects a set of phrase waveform data corresponding to the second reference note whose tone pitch is different from a tone pitch of the first reference note, and reads out the selected phrase waveform data set at a speed by which the tone pitch of the second reference note of the selected phrase waveform data set agrees with the tone pitch of the first reference note of a case where a set of phrase waveform data corresponding to the first reference note is reproduced at the reference note.

Abstract: A music piece order determination device includes a beat information corrector, a correlation value calculator, and a music piece order determiner. The beat information corrector acquires beat position information and a tempo value in a musical composition, and corrects the beat position information such that the tempo value becomes the same value as a reference value. The correlation value calculator calculates a correlation value indicative of a degree of correlation of beat position information between respective musical compositions among a plurality of musical compositions, based on the beat position information. The music piece order determiner determines a music piece order, which is a reproduction order of musical compositions, based on the correlation value between the respective musical compositions.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for estimating a video game's tempo and selecting a music track that includes a track tempo associated with the video game's tempo.

Abstract: Computer-based methods infer a metrical grid from music that has been input without a predetermined time signature or tempo, enabling such free rhythm input to be annotated with the inferred grid, and stored and transcribed as a musical score. The methods use Bayesian modeling techniques, in which an optimal metrical grid is inferred by identifying the metrical grid that best explains the given sequence of notes by maximizing the posterior probability that it represents the note sequence. Prior musical input from a given user as well as explicit information about the musical style of the input may be used to improve the accuracy of the transcription.

Abstract: A music application guides a user with some musical, experience through the steps of creating and editing a musical enhancement file that enhances and plays in synchronicity with an audio signal of an original artist's recorded performance. This enables others, perhaps with lesser musical ability than the original artist, to play-along with the original artist by following melodic, chordal, rhythmic, and verbal prompts. The music application accounts for differences in the timing of the performance from a standard tempo by guiding the user through the process of creating a tempo map for the performance and by associating the tempo map with MIDI information of the enhancement file. Enhancements may contain. MIDI information, audio signal information, and/or video signal information which may be played back in synchronicity with the recorded performance to provide an aural and visual, aid to others playing-along who may have less musical experience.

Abstract: Methods for beat synchronization between media assets are described. In one embodiment, beat synchronized media mixes can be automatically created. By way of example, a beat synchronized event mix can be created by selecting a plurality of media assets, arranging the media assets into an unsynchronized media mix, determining the a profile of each of the media assets in the media mix, automatically beatmatching the beats of adjacent media assets in the media mix, and automatically beatmixing the beats of adjacent beatmatched media assets to create the beat-synchronized media mix. The media assets that can be used include both audio and video media. Media assets are selected based on a specific set of media asset selection criteria, which can include music speed or tempo, music genre, music intensity, media asset duration, user rating, and music mood.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing. Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting music for outputting based on tempo (or some other attribute). For example, the computing device may only play songs having a particular tempo.

Abstract: A method of matching the tempo and phase in pieces of music which allows the conjunction of the pieces of music to form a continuous stream of music. The interactive music player which digitally executes the method of matching the tempo and phase in pieces of music is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content offering recommendations to users based on the users' preferences. Content offerings may be assigned to a primary metagenre and one or more sub-genres, as well as a secondary metagenre (and additional sub-genres if desired). The offerings may also be identified by their source, and this information can be used with the primary/secondary metagenre/sub-genre data to prepare a listing of recommended files. The listing may be generated by first generating three match listings: 1) a strong genre match listing identifying those offerings that match two user preferred metagenres; 2) a genre/style match listing identifying those offerings whose primary metagenre and corresponding sub-genre are preferred by the user; and 3) a weak genre match listing identifying those offerings whose primary metagenre matches a user preference, but whose secondary metagenre does not.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for signal processing for controlling a digital audio source may include retrieving a time code signal from a rotating recording medium. The time code signal may be a sum of a binary signal and a sinusoidal pilot signal in the audible range, and the binary signal has a symbol frequency less than a frequency of the pilot signal. The time code signal may be filtered to recover the pilot signal and the binary signal. An estimated speed of rotation of the recording medium may be determined from a recovered pilot signal, and an estimated position may be determined from a recovered binary signal, for controlling the digital audio source.

Abstract: A performance-information processing apparatus processes performance information entered thereto. When the performance information is entered in a time interval between (i) a starting time point, at which performance information of one note starts entering and (ii) a first timing, that is a certain time after another performance information of a note has been entered after the performance information of said one note was entered, a tempo determining unit determines a tempo of the performance information, based on the performance information entered in the time interval, and a meter determining unit which determines a meter of the performance information based on the tempo determined by the tempo determining unit.

Abstract: A media data format is described along with devices, methods, computer readable media and a propagating signal in relation to the media data format. The media data format comprises a music data portion defining a music track, and a metadata portion defining metadata associated with said music track. Said metadata comprises a tempo metadata type having a tempo class value indicating a tempo class of the music track.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for facilitating improving health of a user. In accordance with some applications, a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user, is received. A second physiological variable, which is not entirely under the direct voluntary control of the user, is received. Responsive to the first and second variables, the second physiological variable is changed in a desired manner, by using circuitry to direct the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action, by generating an output signal. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A music support apparatus includes: a display unit; a bar width calculating unit configured to set display widths of the plurality of bars at a constant width; a bar width correcting unit configured to correct the display width of the bar to which the musical symbol for changing a performance tempo is designated; and a display information generating unit configured to generate display information to be displayed on the display unit from the plurality of bars of which display widths are calculated by the bar width calculating unit and the bar width correcting unit. The display unit is configured to display the display information and a performance position display portion for displaying a current performance position, and scroll either one of the display information and the performance position display portion at a constant tempo.

Abstract: A music application guides a user with some musical experience through the steps of creating and editing a musical enhancement file that enhances and plays in synchronicity with an audio signal of an original artist's recorded performance. This enables others, perhaps with lesser musical ability than the original artist, to play-along with the original artist by following melodic, chordal, rhythmic, and verbal prompts. The music application accounts for differences in the timing of the performance from a standard tempo by guiding the user through the process of creating a tempo map for the performance and by associating the tempo map with MIDI information of the enhancement file. Enhancements may contain MIDI information, audio signal information, and/or video signal information which may be played back in synchronicity with the recorded performance to provide an aural and visual aid to others playing-along who may have less musical experience.

Abstract: A music application guides a user with some musical experience through the steps of creating and editing a musical enhancement file that enhances and plays in synchronicity with an audio signal of an original artist's recorded performance. This enables others, perhaps with lesser musical ability than the original artist, to play-along with the original artist by following melodic, chordal, rhythmic, and verbal prompts. The music application accounts for differences in the timing of the performance from a standard tempo by guiding the user through the process of creating a tempo map for the performance and by associating the tempo map with MIDI information of the enhancement file. Enhancements may contain MIDI information, audio signal information, and/or video signal information which may be played back in synchronicity with the recorded performance to provide an aural and visual aid to others playing-along who may have less musical experience.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including a storage unit that stores music data for playing music and lyrics data indicating lyrics of the music, a display control unit that displays the lyrics of the music on a screen, a playback unit that plays the music and a user interface unit that detects a user input. The lyrics data includes a plurality of blocks each having lyrics of at least one character. The display control unit displays the lyrics of the music on the screen in such a way that each block included in the lyrics data is identifiable to a user while the music is played by the playback unit. The user interface unit detects timing corresponding to a boundary of each section of the music corresponding to each displayed block in response to a first user input.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing music while exercising. One method includes an operation for receiving a request for a music segment from a computing device. The request includes the pace of exercise of a user associated with the computing device. The music segment is selected based on the pace, and the music segment is modified to correlate the tempo of the music segment to the pace of exercise. The modified music segment is sent to the computing device to be played in one or more speakers to provide music that is correlated to the exercise.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a beat counter device for sampling a plurality of voice samples by differentiating tempos from each other in a selected rhythm. The beat counter device comprises a seven segment indicator, a display unit, at least one directional key, an adjustment wheel, a volume button, an ON/OFF button, a microphone, a microphone port and a head phone port. The pressing operation of the ON/OFF button results in the microphone to perform a sampling of voices samples by separating a tempo from another tempo associated with a selected rhythm. The seven-segment indicator counts the number of tempos in the selected rhythm in each multi-measure time signature. The sampled voices are outputted through the headphone port.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for selecting and delivering entertainment content. User preference information for entertainment content to accompany user activities is collected and associated with a user. Upon indication by a user of a desire to receive content and designation of an activity to be accompanied by the content, content items are selected and assembled into a package so that the content items may be played in sequence using a user device. The content items comprising the package are delivered to the user device.

Abstract: A music piece order determination device includes a beat information corrector, a correlation value calculator, and a music piece order determiner. The beat information corrector acquires beat position information and a tempo value in a musical composition, and corrects the beat position information such that the tempo value becomes the same value as a reference value. The correlation value calculator calculates a correlation value indicative of a degree of correlation of beat position information between respective musical compositions among a plurality of musical compositions, based on the beat position information. The music piece order determiner determines a music piece order, which is a reproduction order of musical compositions, based on the correlation value between the respective musical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for displaying and scrolling musical notes and a method for a user to perform music using such a system. In particular, the system includes a tempo detector for detecting the user's tempo, so that musical notes are displayed and scrolled in synchronization with the user's actual tempo. A group of tablet-shaped display devices incorporating such a system can be used to display musical notes for multiple instruments, which may be the same or different instruments, to a group of users.

Abstract: A repetitive motion pacing system for pacing a user that comprises a user profile database that contains a plurality of user-defined parameters that include at least a pre-selected interval type, a pre-selected interval profile, and a target tempo value for a repetitive motion activity. A data storage and playback device is programmed to identify tempo information of one or more data files and matching or closely matching the tempo of the one or more data files with the target tempo value. A communications device for transferring the matched or closely matched one or more data files to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful. Other features of the invention include providing target- or pace-specific advertisements, and broadcasting target- or pace-specific information about athletes.

Abstract: A personal music mixing system with an embodiment providing beats and vocals configured using a web browser and musical compositions generated from said beats and vocals. Said embodiment provides a plurality of beats and vocals that a user may suitably mix to create a new musical composition and make such composition available for future playback by the user or by others. In some embodiments, the user advantageously may hear a sample musical composition having beats and vocals with particular user-configured parameter settings and may adjust said settings until the user deems the musical composition complete.

Abstract: By a musical performance guide which is in “waiting mode” with a “tempo-follow” enabled setting, an electronic musical instrument illuminates a guide lamp at a point in time which is earlier by a tone-generation start allowable period Ta than the note-on timing of a musical tone of a melody part of automatic musical performance data to start musical performance guide. The tone-generation start allowable period Ta is an allowable time #2 which is sufficiently longer than that of a case of a tempo-follow disabled setting. When a user has depressed a correct key within the tone-generation start allowable period Ta, the electronic musical instrument starts generating a melody tone to move the position of the automatic musical performance data which is to be reproduced forward.

Abstract: An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a musical composition section extracting unit which extracts musical composition sections with tempos which are close to a preset reference tempo based on tempo information indicating a tempo of each section constituting musical compositions; a harmonization level calculating unit which calculates a harmonization degree for a pair of musical composition sections extracted by the musical composition section extracting unit, based on chord progression information indicating chord progression of each section constituting musical compositions; and a harmonization section extracting unit which extracts a pair of sections with a high harmonization degree for the musical compositions calculated by the harmonization level calculating unit from among sections extracted by the musical composition section extracting unit, wherein the harmonization level calculating unit weights the harmonization degree for the musical compositions such that a large value is set to the harmon

Abstract: In a method and device for generating a user profile on the basis of playlists, the user profile is generated on the basis of the user's own playlists and properties derived from them. In this way, more playlists are considered in the generation of a user profile, thereby generating a more reliable user profile. Aspects taken into account includes frequency of occurrence, creation date of the playlist, and relation between content items (songs, video, etc.) in one or more playlists.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for audio and/or visual playback. A system can include a first data encoded according to a first file format, a second data encoded according to a second file format, and a file using the first and second data to enable synchronized audio and/or visual playback of the data on one or more receiving elements. In certain instances, at least a portion of the second data includes information relating to finger positions on a musical instrument.

Abstract: Method, device and system for generating a light control parameter for controlling light (20), e.g. ambient light, in response to an audio signal (A). The audio signal (A) is analyzed in order to extract a temporal evolution of semantic content of the audio signal (A). A light control parameter is then generated according to the temporal evolution of semantic content of the audio signal (A), either on-line or off-line. This enables generating light that is perceptually aligned with the audio signal, e.g. music. In a preferred embodiment spatial properties of the audio signal (A) are extracted, and separate light control parameters are generated for controlling light sources spatially positioned according to the spatial properties of the audio signal, e.g. for stereo or surround sound systems where light sources are positioned near each loudspeaker. Such embodiment enables spatial correspondence between light and audio.

Abstract: A musical score position estimating apparatus includes a sound feature quantity generating unit configured to generate a feature quantity of an input sound signal, and, a score position estimating unit configured to calculate a weight coefficient based on the feature quantity of the sound signal and a feature quantity of musical score information and estimates a musical score position using a virtual musical score position and a virtual tempo corresponding to the weight coefficient.

Abstract: A tempo detection device includes: a basic feature amount extracting section which extracts a plurality of types of basic feature amounts from an input audio signal; a weighting and adding section which weights and adds the basic feature amounts of the plurality of types extracted in the basic feature amount extracting section to obtain an addition signal; and a tempo detecting section which detects BPM indicating the tempo on the basis of a periodic component included in the addition signal obtained in the weighting and adding section.

Abstract: A low computational power digital audio player achieves beat continuous transitioning between digital audio pieces based on beat metadata, which can be generated via offline processing on a higher computational power computer or via background or idle processing on the digital audio player. The digital audio player produces playlists of beat matching compatible songs based on the metadata, or pick lists of songs that are beat matching compatible with a currently playing song. By facilitating selection of songs with beat matching compatible tempos based on metadata, the beat continuous transitions can be achieved without altering the beat tempo of digital audio pieces, or with simple resampling.

Abstract: Methods for automatically analyzing and/or performing music are described. One embodiment concerns a method for assigning chords to a musical score indicative of a sequence of time segments, each time segment comprising at least one note, the method comprising assigning a chord to each time segment responsive to consonance/dissonance relationships between the assigned chord and the notes of at least two of the time segments. Optionally, consonance/dissonance relationships include existence of a dissonant between a chord assigned to a time segment and a note of the time segment and existence of resolution to said dissonant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to assist a drummer playing a bass drum. The apparatus enables a drummer to combine force applied to a foot plate, frequency applied to a foot plate, and a selected algorithm to output a mechanical force to a bass drum beater. The apparatus provides drummers the ability to produce a variety of desired rhythmic patterns, to change the intensity of the stroke, to vary the tempi so that patterns will be consistent with the music being performed, and to produce a metronomic beat (tempo) when desired. Hence, drummer fatigue is reduced, the drummer can produce more complicated and varying patterns on the fly, and the drummer has the ability to change the stroke to accent beats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for assessing a performance of a musical composition in relation to a model performance of the same composition. In particular, as even a model performance does not follow a score of a composition precisely, the present invention initially correlates the model performance to a score of the performed composition. This allows for an accurate assessment of the timing of the assessable performance, relative to the timing of the model performance. The invention is of particular use where the assessable performance is performed along with the model performance, but the two performances are remote from each other.

Abstract: A music linked photocasting service system and method are provided. The music linked photocasting service method includes reproducing music at the request of a user, analyzing a mood of the reproduced music at prescribed times, until music reproduction is completed, searching photographs suitable for a analyzed mood of the music, and displaying the searched photographs.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to synchronize video with beats in audio is described. Multiple video frames and multiple audio frames are displayed in a first and second bounded region, respectively, in a user interface. The multiple audio frames represent audio content that includes a periodic beat that is audible when the audio content is played. Input is received to associate one or more video frames with the multiple audio frames using a cursor. In response to the input, the first video frame is synchronized with a beat audio frame in the multiple audio frames. In response to a playback input, the first video frame is displayed in the user interface when the beat audio frame is played.

Abstract: A tempo detecting device 100 includes an envelope detecting means 1 that detects an envelope of musical composition data, a frequency-component detecting means 2 that performs a discrete Fast Fourier Transform processing on the detected envelope to thereby detect a frequency spectrum, and a tempo detecting means 3 that detects, based on a characteristic of the detected frequency spectrum, a tempo of the musical composition data.

Abstract: A musical accompaniment system is described including a fretted, stringed electric musical instrument, a floor unit, interface units and connecting cables. Designated frets of the instrument are divided into sections that output to a switching component that sends MIDI note # data to a synthesizer when strings of instrument contact designated fret sections. The floor unit includes actuators that output to the synthesizer when tapped by the user. The user taps on the actuators with his or her feet and thereby actuates accompaniment notes that are generated in the rhythms in which they are tapped. Accompaniment notes generated by the process are designated by notes and chords being fingered on the instrument. Methods are described that facilitate the actuating and generating of accompaniment notes in the musical style of traditional bass accompaniment through the use of the system.

Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus is disclosed which includes: a sensor; a discrimination circuit configured to discriminate whether a movement of a user is a first movement or a second movement based on a detection output from the sensor; a storage configured to store contents; a reproduction circuit configured to reproduce the contents; and a control circuit configured to supply the reproduction circuit with contents retrieved from the storage in accordance with a discrimination output from the discrimination circuit.