Abstract: The invention pertains to devices utilized by artists that produce musical sounds and aesthetic lights, including lights that correspond to the sounds. More specifically, the invention pertains to a modular system comprising modules of a play device, such as a smart phone, a fingerboard comprising a keyboard and lights corresponding to the keys and a docking station for mounting and joining the play device and fingerboard together. Using music and light control application software loaded on the play device and the keys of the fingerboard, the play device and fingerboard exchange and communicate sound and light information and instructions with each other. The play device plays sounds and the fingerboard displays lights.

Abstract: It is possible to, with a position measuring apparatus in a NC machine tool, a NC lathe, or the like that uses a load monitoring scheme, significantly reduce a response delay on the detecting jig side than those in the conventional apparatuses, and consequently measure the position of a measurement target with high accuracy. A measurement target (e.g., an advanceable and retractable center) is caused to abut a position detecting jig at the advanced end of the measurement target. In such a state, retracting and advancing motions of the measurement target are created to increase the load torque of a feed motor to a level sufficiently higher than the load torque that is detectable by the apparatus. After that, the abutment state between the measurement target (center) and the jig is canceled to cause a sudden drop in the load torque of the feed motor.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic flow switch that can be used by simple setting operation. Input information regarding at least one of the pipe and the fluid is accepted, a flow rate of the fluid in the pipe is calculated, based on an output signal of at least one of the ultrasonic elements, and the accepted input information, and an on/off signal is outputted, based on the calculated flow rate and a flow rate threshold value decided beforehand. In a simple setting mode, only an outer diameter of the pipe, only a thickness of the pipe, or both the outer diameter and the thickness of the pipe is (are) accepted as the input information.

Abstract: Techniques are described that relate to various aspects of converting the mechanical energy of instrument strings to digital representations for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A pitch modulating pedal having a base, a first electrode secured to one surface of the base, a first force sensing resistor secured to one surface of the base and positioned atop the first electrode, a flexible housing secured to the base, the flexible housing having a top playing surface and a bottom surface, a second electrode secured to the bottom surface of the flexible housing, a second force sensing resistor secured to the bottom surface of the flexible housing and positioned atop the second electrode, and, an insulating mask operatively arranged between the force sensing resistors, wherein a variable force applied to the top playing surface of the flexible housing causes a corresponding change in the electrical resistance of the first and second force sensing resistors.

Abstract: An ergonomic, portable, electronic, string-like instrument that utilizes a pseudo-string interface. The pseudo-string interface is tactile for sightless playability and capable of advanced input such as force and pressure sensitivity. The pseudo-strings function to select a note, trigger a selected note, select and play a note on the instrument or an external peripheral. The instrument is played using the techniques of multiple other stringed instruments and the ergonomics allow the user to hold and handle the device consistent with traditional and non-traditional playing techniques familiar to musicians of various instruments. It is internally or externally powered and connects directly to industry-standard musical hardware such as MIDI devices, amplifiers and multi-track recorders.

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: A CPU 19a supplies parameters on musical tone signals to a tone generator 17 having a plurality of tone generation channels CH0, CH1, . . . , CH127 each generating a musical tone signal. The parameters include channel information which designates one or more of the tone generation channels, and musical tone information which defines respective musical tone signals which are to be generated in the respective tone generation channels designated by the channel information. The tone generator 17 has a tone generation reservation circuit 17b which makes the designated tone generation channels start generation of the musical tone signals defined by the musical tone information when the respective tone volume levels of musical tone signals currently generated in the tone generation channels designated by the channel information are equal to or below a certain tone volume level.

Abstract: In a waveform generation apparatus, a coordinates information group showing original waveform data in a two-dimensional phase space having a time axis and a wave height value axis is expanded to an n-dimensional phase space (n>2) including a time axis and a wave height value axis using Takens' embedding theorem, and converted to a coordinates information group showing attractor data. In addition, an area of the attractor data is shown, and after one of the coordinates information is specified from the coordinates information group within the shown area, coordinate values corresponding to a time axis in the coordinates information are acquired as time information. Then, composite waveform data is generated by a predetermined waveform data being added to the original waveform data, and the generated composite waveform data is outputted from a position of the original waveform data on a time axis corresponding to the acquired time information.

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: A musical instrument that can play notes and scale tones without physically touching the device. Microprocessor control, and its associated DSP functionality, permits designer and performer to determine fine musical characteristics and virtual fret positions resulting in a pleasant and playable digital Theremin. Control over key, scale, octave, slew, snap and other characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A musical instrument that can play notes and scale tones without physically touching the device. Microprocessor control, and its associated DSP functionality, permit designer and performer to determine fine musical characteristics and virtual frets resulting in a pleasant and playable digital Theremin. Control over key, scale, octave, slew, snap and other characteristics are provided.

Abstract: In providing a music program, a personal music player displays personal activity choices. A user selects a personal activity and provides a time duration for the activity. The player sends a request to a music program server for a music program. The request includes the personal activity and the time duration. The music program server selects a music program record from a plurality of music program records that has an activity attribute which matches the personal activity and a program duration which matches or is less than the time duration. The server extracts location information for the music program from the program entry in the music program record, and sends this to the player. The player uses the location information to obtain the music program. In this manner, a music program is provided to a user based on the personal activity of the user.

Abstract: Channel voice messages representative of a piece of music are enciphered to pieces of enciphered music data, and the pieces of enciphered music data are stored in maker exclusive messages; the maker exclusive messages are loaded into packets, and are transmitted from a server to a client; when the packets arrive at the client, the pieces of enciphered music data are restored to the channel voice messages through a reverse process so that the piece of music is produced by means of electronic musical instruments where the data restoration program has been already loaded.

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.

Abstract: A fluid user interface is presented for applications such as immersive multimedia. In one embodiment, one or more sprays or jets create an immersive multimedia environment in which a participant can interact within the immersive multimedia environment by blocking, partially blocking, diverting, or otherwise engaging with a fluid, to create computational input. When the fluid is air, a keyboard can be implemented on cusions of air coming out of various nozzles or jets. When the fluid is water, the invention may be used in environments such as showers, baths, hot tubs, waterplay areas, gardens, and the like to create a fun, playful, or wet user-interface. In some embodiments, the spraying is computationally controlled, so that the spray creates a tactile user-interface for the control of such devices as new musical instruments. These may be installed in public fountains to result in a fluid user interface to music by playing in the fountains.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to music instruction devices and methods. A system is provided which allows a user to more intuitively understand music theory and performance. The system also streamlines composition and arrangement in multi-instrument environments. The user is able to select from a variety of available music visualizations and instrument views, allowing comparison therebetween. The system may comprise a step-by-step instruction method, free-play 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.

Abstract: Music piece sequence data are composed of a plurality of event data which include performance event data and user event data designed for linking a voice to progression of a music piece. A plurality of voice data files are stored in a memory separately from the music piece sequence data. In music piece reproduction, the individual event data of the music piece sequence data are sequentially read out, and a tone signal is generated in response to each readout of the performance event data. In the meantime, a voice reproduction instruction is output in response to each readout of the user event data. In accordance with the voice reproduction instruction, a voice data file is selected from among the voice data files stored in the memory, and a voice signal is generated on the basis of each read-out voice data.

Abstract: A digitally controllable oscillator includes an oscillation generation means and an oscillator control, wherein the oscillator control comprises two digital/analog converters whose output signals are combined by a combiner in order to generate an analog input signal into the oscillation generation means. The second digital/analog converter is implemented in order to provide, in response to a digital increment in its digital input signal, a difference in the output signal of the second digital/analog converter which is smaller than a difference in the output signal of the first digital/analog converter when the first digital/analog converter is pulsed with the digital increment in its digital input signal.

Abstract: A music apparatus utilizes a tone generator including a plurality of tone generating elements to generate a plurality of music tones arranged in a set of performance parts of a music piece based on sequence data. An assigning section assigns the plurality of tone generating elements to the set of the performance parts. A sequencer processes the sequence data to sequentially provide parameters for use in the tone generating elements. A register is divided into a first area for storing first parameters to be applied individually by each of two or more tone generating elements and a second area for storing a second parameter to be applied commonly by two or more tone generating elements. Each tone generating element uses both of the stored first parameter and second parameter corresponding to the tone generating element.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system that provides a convenient and easy-to-use means for controlling audio input and output for recording. The system includes a first input adapted to receive a high fidelity microphone such as a low impedance microphone, and a second input adapted to receive a musical instrument. The system also includes at least two outputs, each adapted to transmit analog signals to an input of a sound card (30) of a computer (20), and electrical circuitry coupling the inputs to the outputs. More specifically, the system further comprises at least one additional input adapted to receive analog signals from an output of the sound card (30) and at least one additional output adapted to transmit analog signals to a receiver. The electrical circuitry couples the additional input to the additional output, and is operable to transmit analog signals from the first and second inputs to the receiver and to the input of the sound card (30).

Abstract: There is provided a thin tuning device equipped with jacks for inputting or outputting a signal, the tuning device employs a main body case, a back case, and a printed board as parts of the components of the jacks so that the thickness of the jacks and of the tuning device can be reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with an embedded PCI 2.1 compliant bridge provides expanded functionality as system-level implementations of a PCI-to-PCI bridge, and enhances the level of integration possible. The embedded PCI-to-PCI bridge allows the creation of multi-function, multimedia add-on cards supporting multiple devices. Multi-function, multimedia subsystems that provide audio, graphics, MPEG, etc., are mapped into a bridged-to PCI-bus that keeps such traffic off the main PCI-bus. The advantage for the system or add-in card vendor is that the various multimedia chips that are combined can come from different sources, providing an optimized and highly customized combination of functions.

Abstract: A music performance information searching apparatus and a music performance information replacing apparatus. The music performance information searching apparatus includes a ROM or RAM for storing music performance data, a control panel or a keyboard for inputting search data to be searched, and a display unit or a sound source for outputting information of any searched part of the music performance data. The apparatus searches the music performance data stored in the ROM or RAM for a part of the music performance data which corresponds to the input search data, and outputs that searched part to the display unit or sound source. The music performance information replacing apparatus includes a ROM or RAM for storing music performance data, and a control panel or a keyboard for inputting search data to be searched and replacement data.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for lamps with melody output includes a switch having a common end connected to an AC voltage source and three contact ends, two rectifiers each respectively connected to a contact end of the switch via a connector, a melody circuit for outputting an audio signal via a speaker, two timers each respectively connected between one of the rectifiers and the melody circuit for controlling the duration of the output audio signal, a lamp driving circuit connected to the melody circuit for receiving a lamp driving signal from the melody circuit, a lamp set connected to all of the contact ends of the switch, and a voltage regulation circuit connected to the AC voltage source via the connector for supplying a power signal to all of the electronic circuits.

Abstract: A four-operator sound synthesis integrated circuit comprises a first through a fourth sound synthesis operator, a first programmable multiplier connecting the output of the first operator to the input of the second operator, a second programmable multiplier connecting the output of the second operator to the input of the third operator, a third programmable multiplier connecting the output of the third operator to the input of the fourth operator, a fourth programmable multiplier connecting the output of the first operator a first input of a four-input adder, a fifth programmable multiplier connecting the output of the second operator a second input of the four-input adder, a sixth programmable multiplier connecting the output of the third operator a third input of the four-input adder, and a seventh programmable multiplier connecting the output of the fourth operator a fourth input of the four-input adder. The product of the combination is taken from the output of the four-input adder.

Abstract: A tone generator clears all registers in a twenty-nine stage device so that the previous results are not used in the calculations for a next tone sample. A series approximation of a desired complex sound waveform is achieved by calculating the contributions of twenty-nine time steps back in time. Twenty-nine different address phases are respectively applied to twenty-nine stacked arithmetic units. Each arithmetic unit comprises a first adder that inputs the output of a previous arithmetic unit and the input of the previous arithmetic unit. A second adder inputs the result from the first adder and one of the twenty-nine address phases. The second adder then reads a waveform generator connected to a multiplier that is controlled by a common multiplication factor "B". The output of the twenty-ninth unit produces the desired tone without any of the stacked units feeding back any signals.

Abstract: A controller for a musical effects unit enables control of an effects unit through the use of two touch buttons mounted on a guitar, or other instrument. The two touch switches form an input to a microprocessor utilizing control software to interpret the sequential contacting of the buttons. The software converts the sequential manipulation of the buttons into a selection criteria which is then transmitted to the effects unit to effect the selection of a pre-programmed or pre-selected effect. The timing of the sequencing of the two touch, or momentary switches may be adjusted in the software to suit the needs of the individual preforming artist.

Abstract: A musical tone synthesizing apparatus, which has a musical tone memory, generates a musical tone by accessing the musical tone memory. In ordinary state, the tone generator directly accesses the memory and generates musical tones based upon the accessed data. On the contrary, when a microprocessor directly accesses, first, an initial address to be access in the memory is set. Then, musical tone data are consecutively read out from or written in the memory by automatic increment of the address which is started from the initial set address. As a result, it is not necessary for the microprocessor to designate every address of the musical tone data to be read out or written. So, the microprocessor is not overloaded.

Abstract: A mathematical function-generating device for producing, in an electronic musical instrument, functional values from an accumulation of first digital data. A digital data-generating circuit generates first digital data. A digital value string-generating circuit generates a bit-reversed digital value which increments a predetermined amount each time a first digital data unit is generated and which corresponds to a predetermined number of least significant bits in said first digital data unit. An adder is provided for adding the first digital data to a digital value comprising an accumulated value truncated to a predetermined number of least significant bits and having the bit reversed digital data concatenated thereto, thereby producing a new accumulated value. A memory is provided for storing and truncating each new accumulated value. The memory also supplies the adder with the new accumulated value.

Abstract: The key scaling apparatus for an electronic musical instrument having a keyboard includes a memory unit having plural memory areas associated respectively with plural notes or note groups represented by plural keys or key groups of the keyboard; manipulator knobs for producing desired musical tone preparing instruction signals determining the characteristics of the musical tone to be produced; registering means for writing, in those memory areas corresponding to a desired note or note group designated by an operated key, the instruction signals produced by the manipulated knobs; and control means for controlling, when a performance mode is designated, the musical tone to be produced bearing the characteristics as designated by the instruction signals read out from the related memory areas upon operation of a key.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument comprises a plural number of component blocks capable of being coupled mechanically and electrically in succession and each having therein musical tone elements control means and at least one of the blocks having also musical tone signal generating means. Time range or tonal range of generated musical tones are changed according to how many blocks are connected consecutively in a predetermined or a selected order. The blocks can generate a series of musical tones in a sequence corresponding to a connecting sequence when a switch arranged on the leading block is operated, and a desired musical piece can be performed by operating performance operating means of each block. The electric musical instrument also can be used as an educational toy allowing infants to learn music while amusing and is convenient for transportation since it can be easily dismembered into each block.