Abstract: A system can receive and/or otherwise access information about items of content (e.g., audio tracks, video tracks, images and/or other items), information about a playlist to be generated, information about the past behavior of the target entity for the playlist and/or information about the past behavior of other entities. Examples of information about the items of content include genre, artist, album, time period, etc. Examples of information about a playlist include tempo curve, event type, playlist duration, etc. Based on all or a subset of the above-described information, the system automatically generates a playlist that identifies items of content. The playlist is presented to the target entity so that the target entity can acquire the playlist and/or the items of content identified in the playlist. In some embodiments, the target entity is also provided with an opportunity to edit the playlist.

Abstract: A double keyboard piano system is provided. The double keyboard piano system may include a first automatic player piano, a second automatic player piano, and a double keyboard console including a first keyboard and a second keyboard mounted above the first keyboard. The first automatic player piano is in communication with the double keyboard console to receive a first signal including first information describing a first key for the first automatic player piano to automatically play based on a first key of the first keyboard being played, and the second automatic player piano is in communication with the double keyboard console to receive a second signal including second information describing a second key for the second automatic player piano to automatically play based on a second key of the second keyboard being played.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument, including: a key; a mass body driven by a depressed key for pivotally moving in a movement region between a rest position and an end position; a back check portion to back check the mass body; a position detecting portion to detect a position of the mass body; and a controller for controlling silencing of a tone, such that the currently generated tone is silenced when the mass body reaches a preset tone silencing position in its movement from the end position to the rest position, wherein the controller is configured to change the tone silencing position on the basis of respective times required for the mass body to pass through first and second sub regions of the movement region in the movement of the mass body, the second sub region being located nearer to the rest position than the first sub region.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in a longitudinal direction to be held by a player, and is provided with an acceleration sensor 23. CPU 21 of the performance apparatus 11 gives a sound source unit 31 of a musical instrument unit 19 an instruction (note-on event) to generate a musical tone. CPU 21 generates a note-on event indicating a sound-generation timing represented by a time when an acceleration-sensor value of the acceleration sensor 23 exceeds a first predetermined value and thereafter has decreased to a value less than a second threshold value ?, which is less than a first threshold value ?, and gives the musical instrument unit 19 the generated note-on event to generate a musical tone.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a playback list comprising similar songs is automatically built based on automatically detected/generated song attributes, such as by extracting numeric features of each song. The attributes may be downloaded from a remote connection, and/or may be locally generated on the playback device. To build a playlist, a seed song's attributes may be compared against attributes of other songs to determine which other songs are similar to the seed song and thus included in the playlist. Another way to build a playlist is based on similarity of songs to a set of user provided-attributes, such as corresponding to moods or usage modes such as “resting” “reading” “jogging” or “driving” moods/modes. The playlist may be dynamically adjusted based on user interaction with the device, such as when a user skips a song, queues a song, or dequeues a song.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.

Abstract: An input apparatus including: a first operation detecting section provided on a first operating section which detects acceleration and angular speed based on movement of the first operating section; a second operation detecting section provided on a second operating section which detects acceleration and angular speed based on movement of the second operating section; a judging section which judges whether or not the first and second operating sections have been held together, based on the accelerations and the angular speeds detected by the first and second operation detecting sections; a detecting section which detects a change operation based on the accelerations and the angular speeds detected by the first and second operation detecting sections, when the judging section judges that the first and second operating sections have been held together; and a changing section which changes a predetermined parameter in accordance with the change operation detected by the detecting section.

Abstract: Management or coordination of playback of digital media assets by an electronic device (e.g., a computing device), that supports media playback is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can be controlled such that a user is able to schedule playback of distinct digital media assets.

Abstract: An electric keyboard musical instrument 10 includes: keys 32; third switches 36 that detect that the keys 32 are pressed down to a position x3; various switches 12 to 15 that receive a selection of a kind of tone; and a CPU 21 that executes generating a sound with a tone of the kind received by various switches 12 to 15 in response to the third switch 36 detecting that a key 32 is pressed down to a position x3. The CPU 21 changes a time from when the third switch 36 detects that a key 32 is pressed down to position x3 until sound generation is executed, according to a kind of tone received through the various switches 12 to 15.

Abstract: When a signal representing a first set value or more is received from a detecting section, a determination is made whether a boost value is a predetermined value or more. When the boost value is the predetermined value or more, a currently set boost value is reduced by a predetermined step, so that a new boost value is set. Further, when the boost value is less than the predetermined value, a currently set volume level is reduced by a predetermined step, and a new volume level is set. Therefore, in a case when the set boost value is gradually reduced and the boost value is finally less than the predetermined value, the audio signal is still the first set value or more, the volume level is further reduced by each predetermined step. Therefore, an audio signal can be securely prevented from being clipped.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument controller is constructed by fixing sensors and transducers to sections of a chair, allowing a user to map motion of body, arms, head, hands, fingers, and feet to parameters of a musical instrument such as a hardware or software electronic music synthesizer. The mapping may take place over MIDI, control voltage, computer connection, or other means of interfacing.

Abstract: A system for controlling digital effects in live performances with vocal improvisation is described. The system features a controller that utilizes several switches attached to clothing that is worn by an artist during a live performance. The switches activate a digital vocal processor unit that provides a dual mode, multi-channel phrase looping capability wherein individual channels can be selected for recording and replay during the performance. This combination of features allows a sequence of digital audio and video effects to be controlled by the artist during a performance while maintaining the freedom of movement desired to enhance the performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating customized chords. An exemplary method includes providing a storage medium, including a database storing data corresponding to a plurality of predefined chords to be played by the virtual instrument. The method then includes receiving a plurality of user inputs that enable a user to select a desired custom chord other than a predefined chord stored in the database, the user inputs being displayed on a display of said device. The method further includes creating the desired chord from the predefined chord data stored in the database in accordance with a predefined algorithm, and causing data corresponding to the created custom chord to be stored by the device such that the virtual instrument is able to play the created desired chord.

Abstract: A method of automatically acquiring a feature segment in a music file includes receiving, with a processing device, a music file; converting the music file into a character string; evaluating at least one character string segment in the character string based on one or more music features; and determining, based on an evaluation result, at least one music segment corresponding to at least one character string segment in the character string as a feature segment.

Abstract: A method of generating data for controlling a rendering system includes obtaining data representative of a recording of at least intervals of an event, the recording having at least two components obtainable through different respective modalities. The data is analyzed to determine at least a dependency between a first and a second of the components. At least the dependency is used to provide settings for a system for rendering in perceptible form at least one output through a first modality in dependence on at least the settings and on at least one signal for rendering in perceptible form through a second modality.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide keyboards that provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, movement of an actuator and/or a user-engageable portion in a direction generally orthogonal to a direction of the keypress when the switch is closed provides a user with haptic feedback, which simulates a snapover movement.

Abstract: Processor-implemented methods and systems for polyphonic note detection are disclosed. The method includes converting a portion of a polyphonic audio signal from a time domain to a frequency domain. The method includes detecting a fundamental frequency peak in the frequency domain. The method then detects a defined number of integer-interval harmonic partials. If a defined number of integer-interval harmonic partials relative to the fundamental frequency peak are detected the fundamental frequency is recorded as a detected note. This process is repeated for each fundamental frequency until each note in the polyphonic audio signal has been detected. For example, this method allows detection of each note in a strummed guitar chord to provide feedback on the tuning of each string in a strummed chord or allows detection and feedback of the timing and pitch errors for guitar chords played along with a reference track.

Abstract: Provided are a musical performance-related information output device and a musical performance system capable of superimposing musical performance-related information on an audio signal without damaging the general versatility of the audio signal. The musical performance-related information output device includes a musical performance-related information acquiring section that is adapted to acquire musical performance-related information related to a musical performance of a performer, a superimposing section that is adapted to superimpose the musical performance-related information on an analog audio signal such that a modulated component of the musical performance-related information is included in a band higher than the frequency component of the analog audio signal generated in accordance with the musical performance manipulation of the performer, and an output section that outputs the analog audio signal on which the superimposing section superimposes the musical performance-related information.

Abstract: Provided is a program for musical performance which causes a computer of a musical performance apparatus to function as a posture variation acquisition unit 101 for acquiring the posture variation of a controller 5 per frame based on the angular velocity with respect to the posture or movement of the controller 5, a volume parameter setting unit 102 for setting a volume parameter for deciding the volume according to the posture variation, and a sound signal output unit 106 for outputting a sound signal of the volume according to the volume parameter.

Abstract: Detection is made of a physical amount caused by operation performed on a mouthpiece with a human player's mouth, and a tone pitch corresponding to the detected physical amount is identified by referencing a memory storing information defining relationship between various ranges of the physical amount and tone pitches. Expected tone generating style is notified to the player based on the identified tone pitch. The memory contains a pitch table defining relationship between various ranges of the physical amount and tone pitches, and a gain table defining gain information corresponding to deviations of the physical amount from a predetermined reference point for each tone pitch and within the range of the physical amount corresponding to the tone pitch. For the detected physical amount, a tone pitch and gain information are identified by referencing the pitch gain tables, so that the identified tone pitch and gain information is notified.

Abstract: A system for scoring a singing voice comprises receiving a singing reference audio signal and/or a user audio signal and/or a pitch contour representation (PCR) of the reference and/or user singing audio signals; a processor means connected to the receiving means and comprising a pitch contour representation (PCR) module (10) for determining a PCR of the singing reference and/or user audio signal, a time synchronization module for time synchronizing the PCRs of the reference and user audio signals respectively. A selection module is provided for selecting a segment of the PCRs based on pre-defined criteria. A cross-correlation module is provided for performing time-warped cross-correlation on the selected segments of the PCRs and outputting a cross-correlation score.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and extracting main sound sources from a mixed musical sound signal are provided. A musical sound source separation apparatus may include an prior information signal compressor to compress an prior information signal including a characteristic of a predetermined sound source, a mixed signal divider to divide a mixed signal including a plurality of sound sources into a plurality of segments, a Nonnegative Matrix Partial Co-Factorization (NMPCF) analyzer to acquire common information shared by the plurality of segments, by applying an NMPCF algorithm to the prior information signal, and a target musical instrument signal separator to separate a target musical instrument signal corresponding to the predetermined sound source from the mixed signal, based on the common information.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes: a body including a keybed having a plurality of keys, wherein activation of each key creates an electrical signal at an output, wherein said electrical signal represents a pitch associated with a musical note; an elongated neck connected to the body; and a plurality of transpose buttons located along the length of the neck, wherein the transpose buttons of the fretboard are configured to control the tuning of the keys in the keybed such that activation of each of the transpose button alters the pitch represented by the electrical signal that is output by of each of the keys.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. In at least some embodiments, a light source can be mounted or otherwise positioned relatively close to and beneath the top surface of one or more keys or keyboard elements to backlight a portion or portions of a keyboard.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a keyboard that adaptively provides haptic feedback to a user. In at least some embodiments, an actuation of a key or keyboard element of the keyboard is detected. This can be accomplished by detecting the closure of an associated switch caused by a user depressing the key or keyboard element. In response to detecting the actuation, an electrically-deformable material is utilized as an actuating mechanism to impart single or multi-vectored movement to the key or keyboard element according to drive parameters. This movement produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element, thus providing haptic feedback which simulates a “snapover” effect.

Abstract: A programmable rhythm trainer configured to operate on a general purpose computing device including a handheld computing device or a mobile communication device. According to an embodiment, the programmable rhythm trainer comprises a component configured to generate a mix or chain comprising one or more bars and each the bars comprising one or more note arrangements. According to an embodiment, the programmable rhythm trainer comprises a component configured to rearrange one or more of the bars in the chain and save the rearranged chain to memory. According to an embodiment, the programmable rhythm trainer comprises a component configured to rearrange one or more of the note arrangements belonging to one of the bars. According to an embodiment, the programmable rhythm trainer comprises a component configured to set a beats-per-minute for one or more the chains in response to a user input.

Abstract: A user designates any one of a plurality of types of key ranges via a key range designating switch and designates, for example via a keyboard, a desired key position to be set as a boundary of the designated key range. In response to such user's operations, an actual key range of the designated key range is determined in accordance with the designated boundary key position, and the keyboard is set in a divided usage state, where the keyboard is usable divided in a plurality of key ranges, on the basis of the determined actual key range. For example, once a left (low-pitch-side) key range is designated, the designated boundary key position defines the upper limit of the left key range, while, once a right (high-pitch-side) key range is designated, the designated boundary key position defines the lower limit of the right key range.

Abstract: During reproduction of drum-part performance tones with a predetermined performance pattern, comprising a combination of a plurality of drum tone colors, based on automatic performance style data including at least performance pattern data associated with a drum kit defining a combination of the plurality of drum tone colors, a drum kit editing section replaces any one or more of the drum tone colors, defined in the drum kit, with one or more other drum tone colors. Thus, even during an automatic accompaniment, a user can readily replace any one or more of the drum tone colors, defined in the drum kit allocated to the drum part, with one or more other drum tone colors while promptly checking an automatic accompaniment having the other drum tone colors reflected therein.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for presenting a first portion of the simulated musical instrument on a first presentation device, presenting a second portion of the simulated musical instrument on a second presentation device, presenting at the first presentation device a demonstrative stimulus directed to the first portion, and further presenting at least a portion of the musical score with an indicator providing instruction for stimulating the second portion according to the portion of the musical score where the indicator is located, detecting a stimulus directed to the second portion, and presenting an audible sound corresponding to the demonstrative stimulus directed to the first portion and the stimulus directed to the second portion. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A mute piano is responsive to key movements and pedal movements so as to produce music data codes expressing the pitch of tones and pedal effect to be given to the tones in accordance with the MIDI protocols, and the damper pedal stroke is divided into a rest region, a half-pedal region and a damper-free region which are expressed by difference numerical ranges of data bytes of the musical data code: since the piano has its own individuality, the relation between the pedal position and the value of data bytes is to be calibrated; the controller of the mute piano enters a calibration mode, and optimizes the relation to the actual damper actions, thereby causing the music data code exactly to express the effect of the damper pedal to be given to the tones.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is capable of generating tones in correspondence with individual ones of a plurality of sound generation parts and allocating desired sound colors and pitch ranges to the individual sound generation parts. A display area for displaying information related to the plurality of sound generation parts is presented on a display device. The individual sound generation parts are set either in a sound generating state or in a non-sound-generating state. The display area is divided in order to set sub display areas corresponding to one or more of the sound generation parts having been set in the sound generating state. The information related to the sound generation parts, having been set in the sound generating state, is displayed in the corresponding sub display areas.

Abstract: A method of operating an entertainment system includes computer-implemented steps including accessing a remote electronic collection of audio/video recordings. The collection is associated with a user of the entertainment system. The recordings in the collection are analyzed to thereby determine an audio/video preference profile of the user. Electronic audio/video options of the entertainment system that conform to the user's preference profile are selected and offered to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the creation and playback of music and/or sound, so that sound sequences are generated that vary from one playback to another playback. In one embodiment, during composition creation, artist(s) may define how the composition may vary from playback to playback using visually interactive display(s). The artist's definition may be embedded into a composition dataset. During playback, a composition data set may be processed by a playback device and/or a playback program, so that each time the composition is played-back a unique version may be generated. Variability during playback may include: the variable selection of alternative sound segment(s); variable editing of sound segment(s) during playback processing; variable placement of sound segment(s) during playback processing; the spawning of group(s) of alternative sound segments from initiating sound segment(s); and the combining and/or mixing of alternative sound segments in one or more sound channels.

Abstract: A method of instructing an audience to spontaneously create music at an entertainment event is disclosed. The method comprises providing noisemakers to groups of participants, the noisemakers being distinguishable between the plurality of types and each noisemaker sounding a single note. A dynamic display comprising a screen and a notice period shows instructions to the participants. The instructions direct the participants to sound their respective noisemakers at different times. The combined sound from the various noisemakers thereby produces a musical score.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.

Abstract: A sound generation control apparatus displays in a loop region a music data image corresponding to music data to be generated as time progresses, such that progression of the music data corresponds to a lengthwise position of the loop region. The sound generation control apparatus outputs time information indicating the time that progresses from a start of generation of music sound. The sound generation control apparatus controls the generation of the music sound based on the music data according to a relationship between a lengthwise position of the loop region and a displayed location of the music data image in the loop region. The sound generation control apparatus displays a plurality of the music data images in the loop region, and simultaneously generates a plurality of music sounds corresponding to the plurality of the music data images as the time progresses.

Abstract: An electronic percussion musical instrument comprises a plurality of playing pads for playing music by striking the face of each pad. The pads are configured to work either as individual pads respectively for playing different percussion tones or as grouped pad zones by combining some of the pads, each zone playing a same percussion tone. Plural timbres of musical tones are stored in a storage unit and are respectively allocated to the individual playing pads or the grouped pad zones. The grouped pad zone can be handled just as a wide area pad. When an individual pad or a grouped pad zone is struck, the allocated tone will be generated. Some of the pads or grouped pad zones can be used as a special playing technique instruction pad to input an instruction to impart an effect of special playing technique to the tones to be generated.

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: Disclosed herein is a reproducing apparatus for continuously reading and reproducing a plurality of content data items from a content data storage unit which stores the plurality of content data items and a plurality of specific position information items representative of specific positions each corresponding to a specific portion of each of the content data items. The reproducing apparatus includes: an input unit; a reproduction unit; and a control unit.

Abstract: Methods for dynamically analyzing input sounds and processing the input sounds to define a new set of output sounds are provided. One method includes receiving a first set of input sounds and a second set of input sounds, where each of the first and second sets of input sounds are processed to identify one of a tone, intensity, or frequency, and a duration. The method defines a node for each identified input sound and a link between the input sounds of the first and second sets of input sounds. The nodes and links from the first and second sets of input sounds create a respective first and second finite state automata. A history value is defined for processing the nodes of the first and second sets of input sounds, and the history value defines a number of previous nodes that will be identical in each of the first and second sets of input sounds before a particular node is shared between the first and second sets of input sounds.

Abstract: In a musical sound generator that generates plural element tones based on plural pieces of element data and generates a musical sound by combining the generated element tones, a selector selects, upon detecting a sound generation control event, one or more pieces of element data among the plural pieces of element data according to the sound generation control event and in the way corresponding to the sound generation type of each of the plural pieces of element data, and a generator generates, in accordance with each of the element data selected by the selector, an element tone having sound characteristics corresponding to the parameter included in the detected sound generation control event and the characteristic control data included in each of the selected element data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for mixing audio is presented. A plurality of tracks is displayed in a user interface, each track of the plurality of tracks including at least one audio clip. Each audio clip is designated as either a foreground clip or a background clip. The foreground clips are analyzed and loudness corrected. The background clips are analyzed and a distance value between the loudness corrected foreground clips and the background clips is defined. Keyframes are added to some of the audio clips, the keyframes providing a fade between levels of the background clips to take into account the loudness corrected foreground clips and a sequenced audio file is produced from the corrected foreground clips, the background clips and the keyframes.

Abstract: A synthetic guitar includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and at least one touch sensor at the neck for indicating finger position of a user. The body has a receptacle for removably securing a tablet computer to the body. The tablet computer has a touch screen for indicating finger position of the user. A processor of the tablet computer is programmed to receive input signals from the touch sensor and the touch screen and to produce an output signal based at least partially on the input signals. The software can enable the synthetic guitar to be used as a music synthesizer or to be used as a video game controller. synthetic guitar can also include a retainer for removably securing a portable media player to be used as an additional video display while playing the guitar.

Abstract: A system that allows the repositioning (scrolling) of the displayed portion of a music notation computer file in rasterized format, according to an internal or external time code/metronome, to constantly display the currently active part of the music notation file. By use of a corresponding data file describing the relative position of each music stave and form defining musical markings such as repeats or codas, a software application based on this invention can shift the displayed part of the entire music file to match the current played portion of the music notation file.

Abstract: A multi-media entertainment device enabling a user to control sound/audio elements of a music or sound program while video is displayed and which is correlated to the played sound elements. The user interacts with triggers such as laser beams that can be interrupted by a player's fingers to play music. The video track is displayed, and the user controls the audio play of the sound track by interrupting the beams, each beam associated with a different instrument. This allows the user to play the multimedia device along with a displayed video performance, in synchronization with one or more musicians displayed on a display. The user's play may be scored as a function of the user's accuracy of engaging the triggers. For instance, a user can strum a trigger associated with a guitar program in unison with a guitarist on the display. The music created by the user interacting with multiple triggers is sympathetic and always synchronized to the video performance.

Abstract: Storage section stores therein a plurality of tone data sets each representative of a tone waveform but also a plurality of character data sets in association with the tone data sets, each of the character data sets representing content of the tone waveform, represented by the corresponding tone data set, in character quanta. Display control section causes a display section to display an image with some of the stored tone data sets as selection candidates. Selection section is provided for a user to select at least one of the tone data sets displayed as the selection candidates. Identification section searches for and identifies a plurality of character data sets similar to the character data set corresponding to the user-selected tone data set. The display control section causes the display section to further display an image of a plurality of the tone data sets associated with the identified character data sets.

Abstract: A user interface for a virtual musical instrument presents a number of chord touch regions, each corresponding to a chord of a diatonic key. Within each chord region a number of touch zones are provided, including treble clef zones and bass clef zones. Each treble clef touch zone within a region will sound a different chord voicing. Each bass clef touch zone will sound a bass note of the chord. Other user interactions can modify or mute the chords, and vary the bass notes being played together with the chords. A set of related chords and/or a set of rhythmic patterns can be generated based on a selected instrument and a selected style of music.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying directories differently based on attributes of files included therein. The present method examines a directory structure and the attributes of data files recorded on a recording medium, generates a mark for visually differentiating directories including at least one file of a pre-specified attribute, based on the examined attribute information, and displays a generated mark with the examined directory structure information. Owing to the present invention, a user can recognize directories including at least one file having a desired attribute at a glance, therefore, reproduction, selection, or copy for a file having a desirable attribute can be conducted very quickly.