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

Abstract: A metronome for use by a musician or group of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and one or more transducers in wireless communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. The wireless communication may be established with an infrared link or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing tempo properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, tempo(s) by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar tempo characteristics.

Abstract: A broad method consisting of the composition and creation of music wherein musical cues are contained for the purpose of synchronizing the breathing cycle with a 5.88 second musical interval for the purpose of synchronizing the heart rate variability cycle with the breathing cycle. The method wherein a 5.88 second interval is incorporated into musical composition for the purpose of producing said music and the identification and incorporation of 21 novel tempos as the basis of producing said interval. Also addressed is the method and system of incorporating the 21 novel tempos into metronomes and music synthesizers for the purpose of producing said tempos and music of said tempos, respectively.

Abstract: A multiple channel metronome for use by a plurality of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to desired timing schemes and a plurality of transducers in communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to one of the musicians in response to one of the generated electrical signals. The communication may be established with hardwired connections, infrared links or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor.

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

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus for changing a tempo of an input audio signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnification designator capable of designating a plurality of different magnifications. A device is capable of automatically detecting a beat(s) per minute, BPM, or the audio input signal. The device may also detect a beat period of the input audio signal. The device also changes the BPM or beat period in accordance with a magnification designated by the magnification designator. Further, the device changes the tempo of the audio signal in accordance with the changed BPM and the changed beat period.

Abstract: An automatic performing apparatus and an electronic instrument with which a user can carry out an automatic musical performance, even for a complicated arrangement, simply by providing external events at certain intervals or corresponding only to a melody. In such an electronic instrument, at the time of execution of the automatic musical performance, the keyboard events are provided at intervals of one beat. Then, the automatic musical performance is progressed within a certain section corresponding to each of the provided keyboard events. Otherwise, at the time of execution of the automatic musical performance, the keyboard events are provided at the timing of a melody. Then, musical tones for the corresponding melody are generated, while those for accompaniments following the melody are also automatically generated. Furthermore, the tempo of the automatic musical performance is set on the basis of intervals between the keyboard events.

Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device with a metronome system. The metronome system includes a CPU which reads game state data on ticks determined by a check-back rate. The CPU can cause sound file changes to occur at any time any tick occurs, thereby enabling a plurality of sound recordings to be interfaced on-beat or otherwise. The present invention provides gaming devices with enhanced sound and music capabilities, adding to a gaming device player's enjoyment and entertainment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device composed of two or more conventional sequencers of conventional type that implement elaborate timed sequences of events, such as musical songs in MIDI format or in an equivalent digital proprietary format. The sequencers are associated to control and manage electronics that allow them to work in either an independent or co-ordinated way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing music on an electronic instrument in which individual chord progression chords can be triggered in real-time, while simultaneously making the individual notes of the chord, and/or possible scale notes and non-scale notes to play along with the chord, available for playing in separate fixed-locations on the instrument. The method of performance involves the designation of a chord progression section on the instrument, then assigning chords or individual chord notes to this chord progression section according to the defined customary scale or customary scale equivalent of a song key. Further, as each chord is played in the chord progression section, the individual notes of the currently triggered chords are simultaneously made available for playing in separate fixed locations on the instrument. Fundamental and alternate notes of each chord may be made available for playing in separate fixed locations for performance purposes.

Abstract: A time-scale modification method or apparatus is basically designed to effect a time-scale modification process (i.e., expansion or compression with respect to time) on rhythm source signals containing waves such that rhythm sounds are not substantially changed in pitches. Herein, attack positions are detected from the rhythm source signals by using thresholds which are determined in advance. Hence, the time-scale modification process is performed on intermediate signal portions of the rhythm source signals between the attacks in accordance with a desired time-scale modification factor. Then, the intermediate signal portions subjected to the time-scale modification process are smoothly connected with other signal portions such as the attacks and their proximal portions, which are not subjected to the time-scale modification process.

Abstract: As automatic performance data are sequentially supplied at a given tempo, a player sequentially depresses keyboard keys at appropriate timing. Comparison is made between timing of each manual key-on event and timing of key-on and key-off events of each automatic performance note in the performance data. If key-on timing of a given automatic performance note is within a predetermined allowable difference from given manual key-on timing, a tone based on the given automatic performance note is generated at a time corresponding to the manual key-on timing. If key-off timing of a given automatic performance note is within another predetermined allowable difference from given manual key-on timing and if a tone based on the note has not yet been generated, that tone is generated at timing corresponding to the manual key-on timing.

Abstract: A pitch/tempo converting apparatus is constructed for concurrently changing a tempo and a pitch of an audio signal according to tempo designation information and pitch designation information. In the apparatus, a memory section memorizes the audio signal composed of original amplitude values sequentially sampled at original sampling points timed by an original sampling rate within an original frame period. A tempo converting section converts the original frame period into an actual frame period by varying a length of the original frame period according to the tempo designation information so as to change the tempo of the audio signal. A pitch converting section converts each of the original sampling points into each of actual sampling points by shifting each of the original sampling points according to the pitch designation information so as to change the pitch of the audio signal.

Abstract: A unique note length is allocated to each of a plurality of operating positions provided on a ribbon controller. In response to a position-selecting operation by a human operator, time data is generated which is representative of the note length allocated to the selected operating position. An automatic drum roll performance is executed by repetitively generating a drum sound with a note length represented by the thus-generated time data.

Abstract: The controller scans a plurality of chord switches which select a particular type of chord. If a previously operated selection switch is still closed, the previously generated MIDI chord message continues. If a selection switch is newly operated, then the MIDI signals from an associated musical instrument on a selected channel are scanned to determine the presence of a particular note meeting pre-selected criteria. When such a note is recognized, a three-note MIDI chord message using the particular note as the root note in the chord is produced and transmitted to the music sequencer, which produces a musical pattern in the particular chord as an accompaniment to the musical instrument.

Abstract: When the action of key depression is paused in a semi-automatic play mode, the semi-automatic playing is switched to automatic playing. When the key depression is made in the automatic playing, the playing is shifted back to the semi-automatic playing. An electronic musical instrument includes a semi-automatic play timing controlling means responsive to a key-depression by a player for controlling the first timing for tone generation, and an automatic play timing controlling means responsive to a timing information contained in a musical playing data for controlling the second timing for tone generation. The automatic playing is enabled when the key depression is not detected within a predetermined duration of time in the semi-automatic playing with the first timing controlled by the semi-automatic play timing controlling means.

Abstract: A performance control apparatus is provided to control a manner of performance played by an electronic musical apparatus. Herein, sensors are provided to sense a swing motion of a baton which is swung by a human operator in response to time of music to be played (e.g., triple time). Then, a peak is detected from outputs of the sensors in accordance with a peak detection process using a fuzzy inference process. A kind of the swing motion is discriminated by effecting another fuzzy inference process on a result of the peak detection process. Concretely, the kind of the swing motion is discriminated as one of predetermined motions which are determined specifically with respect to time of the music. Performance control information is created based on the discriminated kind of the swing motion. Thus, a tempo and/or dynamics of performance is controlled in response to the performance control information.

Abstract: An automatic performance control apparatus provides a hand controller which contains gyro sensors in X, Y directions. The gyro sensors are employed to accurately detect hand-swing motion applied to the hand controller without being affected by gravity. When the hand controller is swung by a human operator like a conductor's baton, angular velocity applied to the hand controller is detected based on detection values of the gyro sensors. The angular velocity becomes bottom at a change point of direction in a locus of the hand-swing motion of the hand controller; and a peak of the angular velocity appears between bottoms. So, peak detection process is performed on the angular velocity to determine a beat timing designated by the human operator. If the peak is detected, beat-timing detection data are automatically created and are transmitted to an electronic musical instrument having an automatic performance function.

Abstract: An electronic metronome device producing precisely timed and tuned rhythms and pitches that are pre-programmed to correspond to specific scales or modes, arpeggios, chords, and etudes. A combination of microprocessor and user interface (34, 30, 28, and 26) stores these musical exercises and retrieves them from an electronic memory (36), inputs them to a signal processor (42) for amplification and modification, and outputs (40) them to speakers (12), optical displays (24), audio outputs (18), etc. A volume control 20 and balance control 22 modify the audio signal coming from the speakers 12. The components, enabled either by an internal (battery) or external (plug) power source (44), are housed in a light and durable case for easy portability and user control.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus which easily changes the tempo and direction of automatic performance of a musical instrument, for example, to a rhythm of a rap music such that a disc jockey operates a scratch disc. Clock frequency SQCK of sequence counter 202 is changed in accordance with the speed and quantity of rotation of disc 102 and ball 1101 rotated with user's fingers, so that the timing of reading event data and event time data out of sequencer memory 206 is controlled and the tempo of the automatic performance is changed. When the user changes the rotational direction of disc 102, counter 202 performs a decrementing operation in accordance with a rotational direction signal output from rotational direction detector 110, thereby giving a reverse automatic performance.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic musical instrument incorporating an auto-accompaniment apparatus, which can desirably set a tempo of rhythm accompaniment tones (e.g., chord, bass, and drum accompaniment tones) using a tempo preset button or an increment/decrement button during a play operation. The read speed of an auto-accompaniment data memory is determined on the basis of the set tempo. A tempo controller for switching from the current tempo to a new tempo upon detection of a division of a bar of auto-accompaniment data is arranged, thereby eliminating uneasy feeling upon switching of tempo.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument having an audio reproducing function, when a plurality of keys are operated while a reproducing operation is in a halt state, the reproducing operation starts again in response to the operation of the keys. A movable operator is assigned with a particular function. The audio reproducing operation is controlled in accordance with the function assigned to the movable operator.

Abstract: When a tap switch is operated at desired beats during automatic music play, the tempo of the automatic play is variably controlled in correspondence with the interval between the tap operations. On the other hand, detection is made of a difference between the current score time at a tap switch operation time and the score time of a beat point corresponding to the tap switch operation time. Then, control is made for progressively changing the current score time in order to eliminate the detected score time difference. Thus, the score time difference is progressively eliminated in smooth manner, so that necessary notes can be sequentially sounded without being left out. The control for progressively changing the current score time may be performed in accordance with a predetermined function. Further, the control for progressively changing the current score time may be performed with a characteristic such that it is automatically changed in view of the number of notes in the automatic play.

Abstract: An automatic accompaniment playing device comprising a memory for storing various normal rhythm patterns, switching devices for selecting any one of said normal rhythm patterns from said memory to play the same at a predetermined tempo, a settable control unit for generating a first information regarding the magnitude of tempo variation of said predetermined tempo and for generating a second variation; the device furthermore comprises control registers for gradually changing the tempo of said rhythm patterns based upon said first and second informations provided by said control unit.

Abstract: An automatic play device generates a tempo signal at a frequency corresponding to a tempo setting value. When a tempo setting value is changed, the device changes the frequency of the tempo signal gradually from one frequency corresponding to the tempo setting value prior to the change to another frequency corresponding to a target tempo setting value posterior to the change, so that a smooth tempo change can be realized. It is also possible to automatically adjust the tempo in correspondence to a time interval between on-events of a tap switch, in which case the automatic play is controlled so as to stop when on-state of the tap switch continues for more than a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic teaching, accompaniment and practice music apparatus which is independent of a played musical instrument. The apparatus includes devices for digital sound production, tempo setting, accompaniment, operation and input of digital note data, which are connected by means of a control unit, which is connected with an electro-acoustical device for acoustical reproduction of the note sequences corresponding to the input piece of music via a digital-analog converter. There is an optical display device which is connected with a piano keyboard or a guitar fingerboard or represents these, for optical display of the note sequences played.

Abstract: An electronic metronome includes an adjustable oscillator driving a first frequency divider, a crystal time base driving a second frequency divider for generating a pair of audible frequencies, a standard pitch frequency and reference (time base) frequencies, a frequency counter coupled to the output of the adjustable oscillator for counting the output of the adjustable oscillator, a digital display and display stabilizer circuitry for displaying the count of the frequency counter, a gate driven by the first frequency divider for programmably serially selecting one of the pair of audible frequencies at a rate determined by the output of the frequency divider, a selector switch, three visual indicators, and a programmable counter coupled to the selector switch and visual indicators for providing various sequential time signature displays and an audio amplifier and speaker for providing an audible beat patterns.

Abstract: An interruption control apparatus for controlling interruptions of a performance information processor for processing performance information of a piece of music.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable electronic metronome, capable of registering all meter and speed characteristics of any musical work and of producing, when the musical work is to be performed, substantially sharp, perceivable, e.g. acoustic, signals representing said characteristics in the appropriate succession. The metronome comprises a keyboard for producing signals associated with at least three variables, which are bar number, speed and meter, and defining digital values for said variables, which values are stored in at least one volatile electronic memory, comprising segments severally correlated to each of said variables, to define digital data sequences. The metronome further comprises a reader for the data sequences, whereby to associate to each bar number digital values of speed and meter, and a transducer for transforming said values into electric impulses, which produce a corresponding succession of perceivable signals.

Abstract: A visual indicator of temporal accuracy of compared percussive transient signals having a receiver for a reference input signal, a receiver for a performance or test input signal. An electronic circuit determines whether the first signal received is received by the reference input signal receiver or the performance input signal receiver. Further, the circuit determines the time difference between when the reference signal and the performance signals are received. A visual display indicates to the user whether the test signal is ahead or behind the reference signal and by how much it is ahead or behind. The indicator further displays an indication of when the two signals are received at substantially the same time.