Tone Synthesis Or Timbre Control Patents (Class 84/622)
  • Publication number: 20110000360
    Abstract: Waveform data representative of singing voices of a singing music piece are analyzed to generate melody component data representative of variation over time in fundamental frequency component presumed to represent a melody in the singing voices. Then, through machine learning that uses score data representative of a musical score of the singing music piece and the melody component data, a melody component model, representative of a variation component presumed to represent the melody among the variation over time in fundamental frequency component, is generated for each combination of notes. Parameters defining the melody component models and note identifiers indicative of the combinations of notes whose variation over time in fundamental frequency component are represented by the melody component models are stored into a pitch curve generating database in association with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Keijiro SAINO, Jordi BONADA
  • Patent number: 7858870
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and presenting sensory stimulating content. One aspect of the invention allows a composer to associate content with one or more triggers, and to define behavior characteristics which control the functioning of each trigger. Another aspect of the invention provides a variety of user interfaces through which a performer can cause content to be presented to an audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Beamz Interactive, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Henry Riopelle
  • Publication number: 20100307322
    Abstract: An electronic piano includes a tone signal synthesizing system implemented by software, keys and key sensors monitoring the keys and reporting the key positions to the tone signal synthesizing system, and the tone signal synthesizing system includes damper model calculating modules for determining resistance against vibrations of wires of an a piano, a hammer model calculating module for determining force exerted on the wires, string model calculating modules for determining force exerted on an instrument body of the piano by the wires on the basis of the resistance and force exerted on the wires, an instrument body model calculating module for determining displacements of instrument body on the basis of the force exerted on the instrument body and an air model calculating module for determining a sound pressure at an observation point from the displacement of instrument body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji TOMINAGA
  • Patent number: 7847174
    Abstract: In a plurality of rooms, hubs are installed to build a star-shaped LAN, and tone-generation-related devices, such as a keyboard, tone generator device and speaker, are connected to the respective hubs. For example, in an internal network, the keyboard is logically connected to an input side of the tone generator device and a speaker is connected to an output side of the tone generator device, so as to build a tone generation system. The tone-generation-related devices are provided with respective network adaptors so that they can be readily connected to the LAN. Communication is carried out between the tone-generation-related devices, using a communication protocol intended for retransmission control. Each of the tone-generation-related devices is in the form of a processor device, which executes a program corresponding to a function of a desired processing element to thereby implement the desired processing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Oba, Shuzo Karakawa
  • Patent number: 7847176
    Abstract: In a digital signal processor to perform digital signal process with respect to a music signal and to suppress a signal level to a maximum value when the signal level over the maximum value of processable values is generated by the digital signal processor, a first level correcting device corrects the signal level by multiplying the signal level of the music signal by a correction coefficient so as to make the signal level of the music signal over the maximum value, and a second level correcting device corrects the signal level by multiplying the signal level of the music signal corrected by the first level correcting device by a reciprocal of the correction coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Keitaro Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7838756
    Abstract: An audio playback device having a function for adjusting a playback speed, and a method thereof includes, in the audio playback device, stored audio data is decoded and converted into an audio stream in a PCM format, and the audio stream is divided into a high frequency band and a low frequency band at cut-off frequency. The audio stream of the high frequency band is signal-processed using an overlap add (OLA) algorithm, and the audio stream of the low frequency band is down-sampled and signal-processed using a synchronized overlap and add (SOLA) algorithm. Accordingly, calculation time of the stream processor 130 is minimized so that a TSM function is efficiently implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul-min Choi, Vadim Kudryavtsev
  • Patent number: 7825321
    Abstract: A digitised audio signal, such as an amateur's singing, and a digital guide audio signal are supplied to a time alignment process that produces a time-aligned new signal, time-aligned to the guide signal. Pitch along the time-aligned new signal and along the guide signal is measured in processes and which supply these measurement to a pitch adjustment calculator which calculates a pitch correction factor C's(Fps) from these measurements and the nearest octave ratio of the signals. A pitch changing process modulates the pitch of the time-aligned new signal to produce a time-aligned and pitch adjusted new signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Synchro Arts Limited
    Inventors: Phillip Jeffrey Bloom, William John Ellwood, Jonathan Newland
  • Patent number: 7825322
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Holger Classen, Sven Duwenhorst
  • Patent number: 7816599
    Abstract: Either a tone generation priority mode or a quality priority mode can be set. If the currently-set mode is the tone generation priority mode when a connecting tone is to be generated for connecting between two successive notes, the joint-portion waveform data is selected for synthesis of the tone, stored head-portion waveform data and tail-portion waveform data are selected, and at least one of a pitch and amplitude of at least one of the head-portion waveform data and tail-portion waveform data is processed so as to provide a smoothly-varying connecting tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Akazawa
  • Publication number: 20100254676
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage unit that stores object metadata created by associating object present time information indicating a time when an object is present in video of audio/video data with object identification information to identify the object, music metadata containing music present time information indicating the time when music is present in audio of the audio/video data, and object BGM correspondence information created by associating the object identification information with BGM identification information and a control unit that determines whether any time in the audio/video data satisfying conditions that the time matches a time indicated by the object present time information and does not match a time indicated by the music present time information is present and outputs BGM identified by the BGM identification information associated with the object identification information associated with the object present time information when reproduction advances to the time concerned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi EBATO
  • Patent number: 7807908
    Abstract: A method for automatic real-time performance intonation (ARPI) of electronic, digital, or computer-based musical instruments automatically adds the intonation characteristics of a variable-intonation instrument performance to an equal-tempered chromatic instrument performance. The method emphasizes the directional lead-in quality, upwards, or downwards, of certain notes in relation to the musical context. Notes, which are musically desirable to resolve upwards in a harmonic progression receive a slightly raised pitch, and notes that generally are resolved downwards receive a slightly lowered pitch. The method identifies major thirds and major sevenths in the harmonic context and raises their pitch slightly. It identifies minor thirds and minor sevenths in the harmonic context and lowers their pitch slightly. Fourth and fifth intervals are given a pure perfect tuning and octaves are made slightly wide. All is done automatically in real-time by identifying the harmonic context from a few preceding notes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Hans Carl-Axel Adamson
  • Publication number: 20100242710
    Abstract: In the case where an automatic reading file composed of plural kinds of detailed parameters stored in a transportable storage device whose attachment is detected has been already read in an apparatus, it is determined whether update, to a currently-read automatic reading file, of an automatic reading file stored in a storage section is carried out or not in accordance with a user's instruction, and is controlled so as to carry out a process. Namely, in the case where an automatic reading file has not been read yet, the automatic reading file stored in the storage section is updated to the currently-read automatic reading file without any condition. On the other hand, if an automatic reading file has been already read, the automatic reading file stored in the storage section may be edited on the basis of it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kensuke IDE, Norihisa Aoki, Toshifumi Kunimoto, Fumitsugu Ohtaka, Tadashi Okano
  • Publication number: 20100236387
    Abstract: A musical tone control system for a grand-type piano, which not only enables a shutter to be mounted on a hammer without any inconvenience even when a space above the hammer is small, but also is capable of properly controlling musical tones to be sounded. In this system, first to third optical sensors are disposed along the length of a hammer shank. Depression or non-depress of a key and a pivoting direction of an associated hammer are determined based on signals from the first and second optical sensors, respectively. Further, the pivoting speed of the hammer is calculated based on a signal from the third optical sensor. A musical tone to be sounded is controlled based on the determined depression or non-depression of the key and pivoting direction and the calculated speed of the hammer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Hisamitsu Honda, Kenichi Hirota, Tetsuya Hirano
  • Patent number: 7799985
    Abstract: An electronic musical apparatus which makes it possible to execute functions provided in advance in the electronic musical apparatus. Contents data including link information indicative of a link to a file in which at least one command for executing at least one predetermined function provided in the electronic musical apparatus is written is acquired. A predetermined screen is displayed based on the acquired contents data. The file linked by the link information is acquired when a user performs a predetermined operation on the link information presented on the displayed predetermined screen. At least one command written in the acquired file is interpreted, and the electronic musical apparatus is controlled to execute at least one predetermined function indicated by the interpreted command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yanase, Tomoyuki Kageyama
  • Patent number: 7795525
    Abstract: When it is determined that Insertion Effect Block 20n for adding the same acoustic effect is found, CPU 13 assigns the Insertion Effect Block 20n for adding the same acoustic effect to a tone color part PTs whose tone color information has been changed, and when it is determined that Insertion Effect Block 20n for adding the same acoustic effect is not found, CPU 13 sets acoustic-effect information included in tone color information set to the tone color part PTs whose tone color information has been changed, thereby assigning the Insertion Effect Block 20n to the tone color part PTs whose tone color information has been changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Sato
  • Patent number: 7790972
    Abstract: A keyboard unit (10) comprising a plurality of keys (12) surrounding a centre (14) and operable singly and chordally by a single finger (or thumb). Preferred arrangements consist of three, four or seven surrounding keys (12), particularly for playing musical notes of an octave. A keyboard (16) may comprise a plurality of spaced apart units (10) in groups (18) operable by respective fingers. The different units (10) may operate different instrumental sounds. Variations include shift functions, operation of lights, e.g. in mixed sequence with notes, operation of alphanumeric characters, e.g. to produce up to a 10-character word or grouping simultaneously. The keyboard (16) may be on the back of a guitar neck (30) or arranged to correspond to the keys on a piano. Logical circuitry and mosaic and adapted QWERTY keyboards are described, also a piano keyboard with phantom black notes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Allan Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 7786370
    Abstract: A system and method for processing and generating control signals for the real-time controlling of signal processors, synthesizers, musical instruments, MIDI processors, lighting, video, and special effects in performance, recording, and composition environments. The invention provides for the use of incoming control signals to control events and parameters of low-frequency oscillators and transient generators. The invention also provides for the processing of control signal values such as addition, multiplication, mirroring, offset, etc., individually or in combination with one another. The invention further provides for the conversion of one type of control signal to another type of control signal, for example conversion of MIDI “note-on message” parameters such as note number and velocity into MIDI “continuous controller messages” etc. The invention is particularly directed towards, but not limited to, the processing and generation of control signals in the form of MIDI messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Lester Frank Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7786366
    Abstract: The present invention is method and apparatus for assistive music performance. More specifically, the present invention is an interactive wireless music apparatus comprising actuating an event originating on a remote wireless device. The transmitted event received by a processing host computer implements the proper handling of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel William Moffatt
  • Patent number: 7781665
    Abstract: A device (1) is arranged for synthesizing sound represented by sets of parameters, each set comprising noise parameters (NP) representing noise components of the sound and optionally also other parameters representing other components, such as transients and sinusoids. Each set of parameters may correspond with a sound channel, such as a MIDI voice. In order to reduce the computational load, the device comprises a selection unit (2) for selecting a limited number of sets from the total number of sets on the basis of a perceptual relevance value, such as the amplitude or energy. The device further comprises a synthesizing unit (3) for synthesizing the noise components using the noise parameters of the selected sets only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marek Zbigniew Szczerba, Albertus Cornelis den Brinker, Andreas Johannes Gerrits, Arnoldus Werner Johannes Oomen, Marc Klein Middelink
  • Patent number: 7777119
    Abstract: Electromagnetic (EM) musical instrument systems and methods for configuring and using the instrument are provided. The EM musical instrument could include an EM resonant body to receive an excitation signal. The excitation signal varies the associated sound produced by the EM musical instrument. The EM musical instrument could also include a first circuit to convert an audio signal into an associated electrical signal, a second circuit to convert the electrical signal to an associated EM signal, and a third circuit to apply the EM signal to a body of an EM musical instrument to produce an associated sound. The EM musical instrument could include a body having a top plate of EM resonant material. The instrument could include a center medium defining a cavity coupled to a sound hole of the top plate and a bottom plate of EM resonant material coupled to the center medium. The instrument could further include a port coupled to the body and configured to apply the received excitation signal to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Russell Stoneback
  • Patent number: 7777118
    Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) musical instrument system includes an excitation signal generator to generate an excitation signal. The system also includes an excitation signal applier coupled to the excitation signal generator. The excitation signal applier receives the excitation signal and transmits a corresponding excitation signal to an EM musical instrument. The excitation signal applier is further configured to modulate the corresponding excitation signal to produce audio effects. An EM musical instrument, in response to receiving the corresponding excitation signal, generates an EM output signal associated with a produced sound. The system also includes an EM output receiver coupled to the EM musical instrument to receive the EM output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Russell Stoneback
  • Patent number: 7777120
    Abstract: A method for generating electromagnetic (EM) music through excitation of an EM Musical Instrument is provided. An input queue, comprised of three sub-queues, receives three input audio queues. An EM excitation signal is generated based on the received input audio queues. The EM excitation signal is applied to the EM Musical Instrument. A measured response is generated, based on a response of the EM Musical Instrument to the EM excitation signal. Various time marks are marked in the measured response. Selected portions of the measured response are discarded based on particular time marks, generating a newly measured sample set. The newly measured samples are joined to a previously measured sample set of an output queue based on alignment of time marks. Various alternate embodiments and supporting systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Russell Stoneback
  • Patent number: 7767899
    Abstract: An electronic music instrument includes a musical-tone control that generates operation information of keys and a damper pedal to serve as musical-tone control information; a musical-tone generator simultaneously generating a plurality of musical tones according to the musical-tone control information; a resonance-tone generator that includes resonant circuits equal in number to harmonic signals of musical-tone signals that can be generated, for generating a resonance tone with the resonance circuits using a musical tone generated by the musical-tone generator as an input signal to each resonance circuit; and a resonance-tone mixer that multiplies the resonance tone generated by the resonance-tone generator by a predetermined degree according to the musical-tone control information, for adding the product to a musical tone input from the musical-tone generator, and outputting the sum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Akihiro Fujita
  • Publication number: 20100180755
    Abstract: An Apparatus for Percussive Harmonic Musical Synthesis (APHAMS) which facilitates state-of-the-art musical expression, through generation of melodic sound, bearing well defined tone and note pitch, by the striking of uniquely configured multiple note activitation trigger mechanism surfaces, termed muzi-pads, with an appropriately sized mallet, stick, or other such similar playing implement, for the generation of a desired note, by a given MIDI device and which provides an enhanced emulation of the traditional tenor steelpan, in its interface with the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Brian R. Copeland, Marcel Byron, Earle Philip, Keith Maynard
  • Publication number: 20100175541
    Abstract: Tone synthesis apparatus synthesizes a tone of a wind instrument generated in response to vibration of a reed contacting a lip during a performance of the wind instrument. First arithmetic operation section solves a motion equation representative of behavior of the reed in an equilibrium state with external force acting on the lip and a second motion equation representative of behavior of the lip in the equilibrium state, to thereby calculate displacement yb(x), y0(x) of the lip and reed in the equilibrium state. Second arithmetic operation section solves a motion equation of coupled vibration of the lip and reed with calculation results of the first arithmetic operation section used as initial values of the displacement yb(x), y0(x) of the lip and reed, to thereby calculate the displacement y(x, t) of the reed. Tone is synthesized on the basis of the displacement y(x, t) calculated by the second arithmetic operation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Masuda
  • Patent number: 7754959
    Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for enabling a user of digital video editing software to automatically create an emotionally controlled soundtrack that is matched in overall emotion or mood to the scenes in the underlying video work. In the preferred arrangement, the user will be able to control the generation of the soundtrack by positioning emotion tags in the video work that correspond to the general mood of each scene. The subsequent soundtrack generation step will utilize these tags to prepare a musical accompaniment to the video work that generally matches its on-screen activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Magix AG
    Inventors: Tilman Herberger, Titus Tost
  • Patent number: 7745719
    Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument which can realize natural sounds with favorable sound quality as an acoustic piano. A sound board (33) made of a plate member is vibrated so as to generate musical tones. A first performance signal generator (22) generates a first performance signal based on the operating state of a plurality of keys of a keyboard (17). A second performance signal generator (23) generates a second performance signal, which is different from the first performance signal, based on the operation of the plurality of keys and the operation of a pedal (18). Speakers (41A-41D) generate musical tones based on the first performance signal generated by the first performance signal generator (22). Transducers (21A-21C) mounted to the sound board (33) vibrate the sound board (33) based on the second performance signal generated by the second performance signal generator (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutake Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7728217
    Abstract: A sound generator including a plurality of synthesis generators each configured to generate a sound from a note, and a dynamic voice allocation circuit configured to select a new note to be supplied to the plurality of synthesis generators depending on a priority that is associated with the new note and the generated sounds and the volumes of the generated sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Matthias Obermeier
  • Patent number: 7718885
    Abstract: The present synthesizer includes functionality for changing over from a current note to the following notes that results in natural and expressive combinations and transitions. The method of the present invention incorporates an delay (actual, functional, or look ahead) between receiving control data inputs and generating an output sound. This period of delay is used to modify how notes will be played according to control data inputs for later notes. The input to the synthesizer is typically a time-varying MIDI stream, which may be provided by a musician or a MIDI sequencer from stored data. An actual delay occurs when the synthesizer receives a MIDI stream and buffers it while looking ahead for changeovers between notes. A functional delay occurs in a system in which the synthesizer has knowledge of note changeovers ahead of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20100107857
    Abstract: Virtual damper position data, simulatively representing a position of a damper member provided for suppressing vibration of a string in a physical tone generating mechanism of the acoustic piano, is generated on the basis of key-on data, key-off data, released key position data, damper pedal position data, sostenute pedal-on data and sostenute pedal-off data. Release characteristic of a tone signal to be generated is controlled on the basis of the virtual damper position data. When the sostenute pedal-on data or key-on data has been supplied, the virtual damper position data is set at a value corresponding to a maximum damper release position. Virtual damper position data is variably generated on the basis of at least one of the released key position data, damper pedal position data supplied after the supply of the sostenute pedal-off data or key-off data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Hasebe
  • Patent number: 7709724
    Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
  • Publication number: 20100083814
    Abstract: In the multi-timbre states in which musical tones with various timbres are outputted or imputed simultaneously and in the non-multi-timber states in which musical tones with a single timbre are outputted or inputted, the most suitable state of transmitting musical tone data is provided. When the non-multi-timber states is selected (step 12), the zones “1” and “2” turn into the in-communication states (INT) and the zones “3” and “4” turn into the out-communication states (EXT). When the multi-timbre states is selected (step 12), all the zones/timbres turn into the both-communication states (BOTH) (step 13). The both-communication states provide said in and out-communication states simultaneously. In the out-communication states, tone data are sent to the external apparatus connected to the musical tone (internal) apparatus. In the in-communication states musical tone data are sent only within the musical tone (internal) apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: KAWAI MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Kira
  • Patent number: 7692086
    Abstract: A method for interpreting an image into sound is provided and includes scanning an image to provide a plurality of scanned elements which are assigned a value and an associated sound element. The sound elements are arranged to produce a sound track for the scanned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph L. Nease, Karen Owsley Nease
  • Patent number: 7692088
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waveform synthesizer apparatus that synthesizes a waveform of a musical sound based on musical performance event information. In particular, a music synthesizer includes an overlap detector that detects whether a first and second musical sound overlap, and a sound length meter that determines a sound length of the first musical sound. If the first and second musical sounds overlap, the synthesizer instantly terminates synthesizing of the first sound and starts synthesizing the second sound, provided the length of the first sound does not exceed a predetermined length. If the first and second sounds do not overlap, synthesis of the first sound is terminated, and the synthesis of the second sound is initiated, if it is determined that the length of rest between the two sounds does not exceed a predetermined length, and that the first sound does not exceed a predetermined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Umeyama, Eiji Akazawa
  • Patent number: 7674966
    Abstract: The invention provides a software framework that allows real-time computer-generated music to be used in interactive applications, particularly video games, by “modularizing” music-producing and music-modifying computer procedures into musically logical and programmatically convenient structures, as well as providing a communication mechanism between the application and the music-generating system which will allow the music to reflect the appropriate mood given the current application state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Steven M. Pierce
  • Patent number: 7671266
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to speech therapy and voice training methods. A system is provided which utilizes tonal and rhythm visualization components to allow a person to “see” their words as they attempt to improve or regain their ability to speak clearly. The system is also applicable to vocal music instruction and allows students improve their singing abilities by responding to visual feedback which incorporates both color and shape. The system may comprise a step-by-step instruction method, live performance abilities, and recording and playback features. Certain embodiments incorporate statistical analysis of student progress, remote access for teacher consultation, and video games for enhancing student interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Master Key, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 7667127
    Abstract: In an automatic performance system, song and style data DAi and DCj (i:1 through n, j:1 through m) contains tempo and meter data TPa, TMa; TPc, TMc, respectively, so that the style data DCj whose tempo and meter data matches with those of the song data DAi is reproduced concurrently with the song data DAi. On the basis of user's settings, furthermore, style setting data SS (DBi) indicating style data DCk (k:1 through m) to be concurrently reproduced and tone color setting data VS (DBi) for setting a manual tone color are stored in association with the song data DAi. Based on the style setting data SS, the style data DCk associated with the song data DAi is reproduced concurrently with the song data DAi, or a manual performance is conducted, during the reproduction of the song data DAi, on the basis of tone color data derived from the tone color setting data VS. As described above, settings of a style and tone color for manual performance suitable for a song is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Tadahiko Ikeya
  • Publication number: 20100037754
    Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu NISHIBORI, Toshio IWAI
  • Patent number: 7663052
    Abstract: Generating a digital waveform for a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) voice using a set of machine-code instructions that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices. For example, a processor may execute a software program that generates a digital waveform for a MIDI voice. The instructions of the software program may be machine code instructions from an instruction set that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nidish Ramachandra Kamath, Prajakt V. Kulkarni, Suresh Kumar Devalapalli
  • Patent number: 7663049
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Martin G. Puryear
  • Patent number: 7652208
    Abstract: This invention provides a signal processing and signal synthesis technique from a family of signal processing and signal synthesis techniques designed to readily interwork or be used individually in creating new forms of rich musical timbres. A multi-channel cross-flanger with differing modulation signals for each flanger element deepens synthesized sounds. The configuration may process outputs from a plurality of distortion signal processors, each driven by a related signal, to create new levels of distortion richness. Each distortion signal processor may be driven by an output of a multiple-output spatializing signal processor. The characteristics and parameters of the processors and modulations may be recalled from stored program control or varied by real-time control signals, including those derived from the original input signal. The invention may be used individually or in conjunction with other signal processing and signal synthesis techniques in creating new forms of rich musical timbres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7642445
    Abstract: A music sound generator imitates released key string vibration sounds (RKSV) and cabinet resonances of an acoustic piano. When a key is pressed, waveform is readout from a normal music sound waveform memory 15. The normal sound waveform is inputted into a filter 21, and inputted into a filter 22 through a band-pass filter 33. Output waveform of a cabinet resonance waveform memory 17 is inputted into a filter 23 when the key is pressed. Outputs of the filters are synthesized by an adder 27 through multipliers 24 through 26. When the key is pressed, a cut-off frequency of the filter 22 is sufficiently low and RKSV is not generated. If the damper is not on when key-releasing, the cut-off frequency is returned to normal and RKSV is generated. A level controller 32 attenuates the RKSV and the cabinet resonance for a longer time than the normal music sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Gen Izumisawa
  • Patent number: 7642444
    Abstract: For each of a plurality of music pieces, a storage device stores respective tone data of a plurality of fragments of the music piece and respective musical character values of the fragments. Similarity determination section calculates a similarity index value indicative of a degree of similarity between the character values of each of the fragments of a main music piece and the character values of each individual fragment of a plurality of sub music pieces. Each of the similarity index values calculated for the fragments of each of the sub music pieces can be adjusted in accordance with a user's control. Processing section processes the tone data of each of the fragments of the main music piece on the basis of the tone data of any one of the fragments of the sub music pieces of which the similarity index value indicates sufficient similarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Fujishima, Jordi Bonada, Maarten De Boer, Sebastian Streich, Bee Suan Ong
  • Publication number: 20090314155
    Abstract: Various technologies for generating a synthesized singing voice waveform. In one implementation, the computer program may receive a request from a user to create a synthesized singing voice using the lyrics of a song and a digital file containing its melody as inputs. The computer program may then dissect the lyrics' text and its melody file into its corresponding sub-phonemic units and musical score respectively. The musical score may be further dissected into a sequence of musical notes and duration times for each musical note. The computer program may then determine a fundamental frequency (F0), or pitch, of each musical note.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yao Qian, Frank Soong
  • Publication number: 20090308231
    Abstract: First display object associated with a control operating member and a second display object associated with a tone color effect parameter are displayed, and variation of a displayed position of the first display object is controlled in accordance with operation of the control operating member. Control value of the tone color effect parameter is determined in response to variation in relationship between the first and second display objects, and tone control is performed on the basis of the determined control value. Further, the variation of the displayed position of the first display object is controlled so as to move on and along a set path, so that displayable positions of the first display object is limited to the set path. Control value of the tone color effect parameter is determined on the basis of relationship between displayed position of the first and second display objects to perform tone control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi MIZUHIKI, Kouichi KASHIWAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20090308230
    Abstract: A sound synthesizer has a storage unit, a setting unit and a sound synthesis unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of sound data respectively representing a plurality of sounds collected by different sound collecting points corresponding to the plurality of the sound data. The setting unit variably sets a position of a sound receiving point according to an instruction from a user. The sound synthesis unit synthesizes a sound by processing each of the plurality of the sound data according to a relation between a position of the sound collecting point corresponding to the sound data and the position of the sound receiving point specified by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hiraku Kayama
  • Publication number: 20090308229
    Abstract: A device (1) for producing sound samples from sound parameters representing sound components comprises a transient synthesis unit (14) for synthesizing transient sound components from transient sound parameters contained in each frame. To increase the efficiency of the synthesis, a transient selection unit (11) is arranged for selecting only a single transient sound component per frame. Additionally, the device may be arranged for producing fewer sinusoidal sound components if a transient is produced. Transform domain coefficients may be convolved with a transform domain representation of a time window representation, the number of resulting transform domain coefficients being controlled to further enhance the efficiency of the synthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Marek Zbigniew Szczerba, Andreas Johannes Gerrits, Marc Klein Middelink
  • Patent number: 7626113
    Abstract: Based on the understanding that time-varying characteristics of a tone element, such as an amplitude and pitch, in waveform data acquired through a live performance of a musical instrument include a variation component intended or controllable by a human player and a variation component not intended or non-controllable by the human player, the present invention allows the two components to be adjusted/controlled separately and independently of each other, so as to achieve effective and high-quality control. Discrete variation value train is acquired for at least one particular tone element in original waveform data, and the acquired variation value train is separated, in accordance with a time constant factor, into a “swell” value train of a relatively great time constant and a “fluctuation” value train of a relatively small time constant. The “swell” value train and “fluctuation” value train are variably controlled independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Junji Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7622665
    Abstract: In a filter device, a filter coefficient calculation circuit has a parameter table. The parameter table stores a plurality of sets of filter coefficients associated with a first parameter based on a frequency and a second parameter based on respective plurality of levels representing a degree of attenuation or enhancement of a gain of a filter in filter characteristics. The filter coefficient calculation circuit extracts a set of filter coefficients from a parameter table with the use of the first parameter and the second parameter determined according to a frequency and a strength of a musical sound signal, and outputs the extracted set of filter coefficients to the filter. The filter circuit performs filter processing for the musical sound signal, based on the filter characteristics determined by the set of filter coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoji Kaneko
  • Patent number: RE41757
    Abstract: A sound source apparatus has operation blocks composed of softwares used to compute waveforms for generating a plurality of musical tones through a plurality of channels according to performance information. In the apparatus, a setting device sets an algorithm which determines a system composed of selective ones of the operation blocks systematically combined with each other to compute a waveform specific to one of the musical tones. A designating device responds to the performance information for designating one of the channels to be used for generating the musical tone. A generating device allocates the selective operation blocks to the one channel and systematically executes the allocated selective operation blocks according to the algorithm so as to compute the waveform to thereby generate the musical tone through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Isozaki, Hideyuki Masuda, Hideo Suzuki, Masahiro Shimizu, Masashi Hirano