time profile
By adding static or dynamic time information to the sheet music, the problem of missing time information in the sheet music is solved, the visualization of the time attributes of the music is realized, the learning efficiency and performance effect are improved, the adaptability of digital tools is enhanced, and the high-precision time positioning needs of all scenarios are met.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 张莉
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images

Figure CN122116857A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of music notation technology, specifically to a time-based music notation, applicable to various music notation (including but not limited to simplified notation, staff notation, dynamic notation, notation with lyrics, polyphonic notation, guitar tabs, folk music notation, etc.) for learning, playing, performing, arranging, and adapting to digital playback tools. Background Technology
[0002] In the process of learning, playing and performing a piece of music, performers usually need to break the piece down into several sections or measures for repeated practice, and then connect and integrate them after becoming familiar with the content of each section. Conductors and performers also need to accurately control the performance duration of each part of the piece and reasonably allocate the performance intensity and rhythm in order to ensure the artistic expression of the piece.
[0003] Existing sheet music only labels basic information such as notes, pitch, duration, rhythm, and playing techniques, without directly and clearly displaying the timing information for performance and playback. The timing attributes of the music are hidden and remain undiscovered. When using tools like dynamic score videos and players for music learning, performers need to spend a significant amount of time repeatedly adjusting the progress bar to find the start and end times of specific sections if they want to select a particular passage for repeated playback and practice. This not only wastes time and energy but also results in low accuracy in section selection, significantly reducing learning efficiency. Professionals creating multi-track music lack precise timing entry points. Furthermore, conductors and performers cannot intuitively obtain the timing information for each part from the score, making it difficult to accurately control the rhythm and timing, and to allocate physical and mental energy effectively, thus affecting the expressive effect of the music. In addition, existing digital tools such as players and dynamic score software cannot quickly read standardized timing information from the score, making it difficult to achieve fast and accurate switching between sections. This results in poor tool compatibility and a poor user experience.
[0004] More significantly, existing sheet music lacks standardized time calculation and annotation for special rhythms and notes such as free tempo, extended notes, accelerando, deceleration, rests, and dotted notes, failing to meet the demand for high-precision time positioning across all scenarios. Currently, there is no systematic and standardized time information annotation solution for sheet music, failing to address the inherent pain points of traditional sheet music in learning, performance, arrangement, and tool compatibility. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a time-based sheet music that can add a time dimension to sheet music, visualize time information, and adapt to all regular and special musical sections. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a time-based musical score that addresses the technical problems of existing scores lacking time information annotations, such as difficulty in selecting musical segments, low learning efficiency, lack of precise time points in arrangement and production, difficulty in controlling performance rhythm, and poor compatibility with digital tools. This invention explores the temporal attributes of music, adds a time dimension to the score, and achieves an intuitive presentation of musical time information. It supports unified time annotation for multiple parts and lyrics, and supports various presentation formats including time tracks, bar lines, and dynamic progress bars / markers. Furthermore, it provides unified time calculation rules for free tempo, extended notes, accelerando, deceleration, rests, and dotted notes. Simultaneously, it improves the compatibility of the score with various digital playback tools, catering to the needs of multiple scenarios such as music learning, professional performance, professional production, and conducting rehearsals.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a time-based musical score, which adds static or dynamic time information to each line, measure, or note of the score; the score can be of any type, including but not limited to simplified notation, staff notation, dynamic score, score with lyrics, multi-part score, guitar tablature, drum score, folk music score, etc.; the static or dynamic time information is performance / playback time information; the static time information is continuously displayed on the score, and the dynamic time information is displayed in real time during playback; the performance / playback time information is calculated based on the music's BPM and beat, and is added sequentially according to the score order; the formula for calculating the performance time of a single measure is: performance time of a single measure = (60 ÷ BPM) × number of beats per measure; for free-rhythm, free sustained notes, accelerando, and accelerando sections, the performance time of a single measure or section is calculated as: performance time of a single measure or section = (60 ÷ real-time BPM) × number of beats per measure. Alternatively, the number of beats per segment is assigned segmentally, calculated segment by segment, and accumulated and marked; the time information of each note, dot, and rest is calculated and accumulated sequentially according to the time and value of its measure or segment; the time precision is rounded to 0.1 seconds and marked in seconds (s); the real-time BPM is assigned according to the segmented tempo marked in the score or the needs of the performance; multiple parts of a multi-part score, and the lyrics and parts of a score with lyrics are grouped together as one line, and the static or dynamic time information is added uniformly; each line of the score is set with a time track, and the performance / playback time information is matched and marked on the time track; the time information of the free rhythm and free sustained notes is marked according to the start and end positions of the whole segment; the performance / playback time information is directly marked on the bar line of the score; the time information of the free rhythm and free sustained notes is marked according to the start and end positions of the whole segment.
[0007] The score adopts any of the following time marking structures: (1) a time track is set at the bottom of each line, and the time marking position corresponds to the bar line; (2) no time track is set, and the performance / playback time information is directly marked at the bar line position; (3) a time track is set at the same time, and the performance / playback time information is marked at the bar line position.
[0008] Each measure of the musical score is marked with a visual sequence number, and the measure number corresponds one-to-one with the performance and playback time information of that measure.
[0009] For dynamic sheet music, the time marking and presentation are further optimized as follows: A dynamic progress bar or dynamic progress marker for playback time is set on the dynamic sheet music to display the playback progress time information in real time, which corresponds to the performance / playback time information; a time track is set below each line of the dynamic sheet music, with the time mark position corresponding to the bar line; or no time track is set, and the time information is directly marked at the bar line position; or both a time track and bar line position marking are set at the same time.
[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. Uncovering the temporal attributes of music to upgrade the dimensions of musical scores: This invention is the first to uncover and present the originally hidden temporal attributes of music, adding a time dimension to the musical score, making the information of the entire piece of music and any time period or point in time clearer and more intuitive, realizing the visualization of time information, and making the expression of music more complete and three-dimensional.
[0011] 2. Significantly improves music learning efficiency and lowers the learning threshold: By marking precise performance and playback time information, users can accurately locate practice pieces without repeatedly adjusting playback equipment, significantly reducing practice costs and improving learning efficiency.
[0012] 3. Optimize performance and conducting effects and enhance artistic expression: Conductors and performers can intuitively obtain time information for each segment, rationally allocate their energy and physical strength, and accurately control the intensity, rhythm and duration to achieve a unified integration of time, emotion and rhythm.
[0013] 4. Improve professional production efficiency and save production time: Provide precise timing for multi-track production and arrangement, improving the accuracy and efficiency of music production.
[0014] 5. Enhance digital tool compatibility and enable intelligent playback: Standardized time information can be quickly read by players and dynamic spectrum software, supporting intelligent functions such as precise jumps, segment loops, and variable speed playback, thus optimizing the user experience.
[0015] 6. Covers all scenarios and is highly practical: Supports all types of musical scores, compatible with all special cases such as free rhythm, free sustained notes, accelerando, accelerando, rests, and dotted notes. The notation format is flexible and selectable, the rules are unified and standardized, and it is easy to popularize and promote. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the time score structure for setting the time track; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the time-based musical score structure for setting time annotations in sections; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the time-based score structure for setting dynamic progress indicators during playback; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the time-based score structure for setting a dynamic progress bar for playback time; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the combined structure of the dynamic progress bar and time track for playing time-based musical scores; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the dynamic progress bar for the playback time of a time-based musical score, along with the combination of measure numbers and measure time annotations. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a combined structure for a simplified musical score with time-based elements, including a dynamic progress bar for playback, a time track, and time annotations for each measure. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a combined structure for setting up a dynamic progress bar, time track, and measure time markings for a timed musical score in the form of a multi-part musical score on a staff. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a time-based musical score that includes multiple parts and lyrics, while simultaneously setting up a dynamic progress bar for playback time, a time track, and a combination of measure time markings; In the diagram: 1—Timetrack; 2—Dynamic progress bar for playback time; 3—Dynamic progress indicator for playback time; 4—Dynamic time information; 5—Static time information; 6—Section number. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0018] The core of the time-based musical score described in this invention is to add static or dynamic performance / playback time information to each line, measure, or note of the score. The time information is calculated according to BPM and beat, accumulated sequentially, and rounded to 0.1 seconds, with seconds (s) as the unit. Free tempo, extended notes, accelerando, and deceleration sections are calculated in segments using real-time BPM. Notes, dotted notes, and rests are accumulated sequentially according to their time values. Multi-voice parts and lyrics are uniformly marked as one line. It supports various forms such as time tracks, bar lines, and dynamic progress bars / markers. The score can be used with measure numbers and time information in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0019] Example 1: Time score in simplified musical notation This example is a time-based musical score in the simplified musical notation type. Static time information (5) is added to each line, measure, or note of the simplified musical notation. The time information is calculated based on BPM and beat, accumulated sequentially, and rounded to 0.1 seconds, with seconds (s) as the unit of measurement. Each line of the simplified musical notation has a time track (1), corresponding to the musical line, with the time marker aligned with the bar line; or the time information can be directly marked on the bar line; or both time track 1 and bar line markers can be set simultaneously. For free-rhythm passages and extended notes, the time is marked according to the start and end points of the entire passage. Notes, dotted notes, and rests are timed by accumulating their durations sequentially. Each measure of the score is marked with a visual sequence number, and the measure number (6) corresponds one-to-one with the performance and playback time information for that measure. Users can quickly locate practice sections using the time information, and the player uses the time information to achieve precise jumps and loops.
[0020] Example 2: Time score in staff notation This embodiment is a time-based musical score in the form of standard musical notation, adding static time information 5 to each line, measure, or note of the staff. For multi-part staff notation, multiple voices are grouped together on a single line with unified time information. The time information is calculated based on BPM and beat, accumulated sequentially, and rounded to the nearest 0.1 second, with seconds (s) as the unit. Each line of the staff has a time track 1, or the time is marked on the bar line, or both a time track and bar line marking are provided. Free tempo, extended notes, accelerando, and deceleration sections are calculated and marked with start and end times based on real-time BPM. Each measure of the score is marked with a visual sequence number, with the measure number 6 corresponding one-to-one with the performance / playback time information for that measure. Conductors and performers use this time information to control the duration of sections, rhythmic connections, and energy allocation.
[0021] Example 3: Time-based musical score with lyrics This embodiment is a time-based score with lyrics. The melody and lyrics are combined into one line, with static time information 5 added uniformly. The time information is calculated based on BPM and beat, accumulated sequentially, and rounded to 0.1 seconds, with seconds (s) as the unit. Each line has a time track, or the time is marked at the bar line, or both a time track and bar line marking are set simultaneously. The time for free-rhythm sections and extended notes is marked according to the start and end points of the entire section. Notes, dotted notes, and rests are calculated by accumulating their durations. Each measure of the score is marked with a visual sequence number, and the measure number 6 corresponds one-to-one with the performance and playback time information for that measure. Singers can accurately match the lyrics and melody rhythm based on the time information, avoiding rushing or dragging the beat, and improving singing learning efficiency.
[0022] Example 4: Time-based musical score in polyphonic form This embodiment is a time-based score for multi-part pieces, where multiple parts are grouped together as a single line with uniform static time information 5. The time information is calculated based on BPM and beat, accumulated sequentially, and rounded to the nearest 0.1 second, with seconds (s) as the unit of measurement. Each line has a time track, or the time is marked at the bar line, or both a time track and bar line markings are provided simultaneously. Free tempo, extended notes, accelerando, and deceleration sections are calculated and marked according to real-time BPM. Each measure of the score is marked with a visual sequence number, and the measure number 6 corresponds one-to-one with the performance / playback time information for that measure. Each part enters, connects, and ends synchronously based on the unified time information, significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of rehearsals and reducing rhythmic deviations.
[0023] Example 5: Time-based musical score in dynamic musical notation This embodiment is a time-based score of a dynamic score type, adding dynamic time information 4 to the score. A dynamic progress bar 2 or a dynamic progress marker 3 is set on the dynamic score to display the playback progress in real time, corresponding to the static time information 5. A time track is set below each line of the dynamic score, or the time is marked directly on the bar line without a time track, or both a time track and bar line markings are set simultaneously. Each measure of the dynamic score is marked with a visual sequence number, and the measure number 6 corresponds one-to-one with the performance and playback time information of that measure. The time precision is rounded to 0.1 seconds, and is indicated in seconds (s). Free tempo, free sustained notes, accelerando, and accelerando sections are calculated in segments according to real-time BPM. Notes, dotted notes, and rests are calculated by accumulating their duration values. The software accompanying the dynamic score enables precise jumps, loops, and variable speed playback, suitable for online teaching, intelligent practice, professional arrangement, and other scenarios.
Claims
1. A time-based musical score, characterized in that, Add static or dynamic timing information to each line, measure, or note of the score.
2. The time score according to claim 1, characterized in that, The static or dynamic time information refers to performance / playback time information. Static time information is continuously displayed on the score, while dynamic time information is displayed in real time during playback. The performance / playback time information is calculated based on the music's BPM and tempo, and is accumulated sequentially according to the score. The formula for calculating the performance time of a single measure is: performance time of a single measure = (60 ÷ BPM) × number of beats per measure. For free-rhythm, free sustained notes, accelerando, and accelerando sections, the performance time of a single measure or section is calculated as (60 ÷ real-time BPM) × number of beats per measure or section, and then assigned, calculated, and accumulated in segments. The time information for each note, dot, and rest is calculated by accumulating the time and duration of the measure or section in which it belongs. The time precision is rounded to 0.1 seconds and is indicated in seconds (s). The real-time BPM is assigned according to the tempo of the sections marked on the score or the needs of the music performance.
3. The time-based musical score according to claim 1, characterized in that, In polyphonic scores, the multiple voices and the lyrics of scores with lyrics are grouped together as one line, and the static or dynamic time information is added uniformly.
4. The time score according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each line of the score has a time track, and the performance / playback time information is marked on the time track; the free rhythm and free sustained notes are marked with time information according to the start and end positions of the whole section.
5. The time-based musical score according to claim 1, characterized in that, The performance / playback time information is directly marked on the bar lines of the score; for free-rhythm and extended notes, the time information is marked at the beginning and end of the entire section.
6. The time score according to claim 1, characterized in that, The musical score uses any of the following time notation structures: (1) A timeline is set below each line, with the time markers corresponding to the bar lines; (2) No time track is set; the performance / playback time information is directly marked on the bar line. (3) Set a time track at the same time and mark the performance / playback time information at the bar line position.
7. The time score according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each measure of the musical score is marked with a visual sequence number, and the measure number corresponds one-to-one with the performance / playback time information of that measure.
8. The time score according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dynamic score is set with a dynamic progress bar or dynamic progress indicator for playback time, which displays the playback progress time information in real time and corresponds to the performance / playback time information.
9. The time score according to claim 8, characterized in that, The dynamic score has a time track at the bottom of each line, with the time markers corresponding to the bar lines; or no time track is set, and the time information is directly marked at the bar line position; or both a time track and bar line position markers are set.