Apparatus for conducting music

Abstract

An apparatus for conducting music comprises a conducting device 100, such as a baton, with a sensor assembly which detects a first acceleration along a first axis and a first position of along a secon

Description

Field of the disclosure The disclosure relates to the field of apparatus for conducting music. Background It is known for groups of performers, such as musicians or dancers, to be led by a conductor. The conductor visually indicates tempo, time signatures and other musical instructions by moving a conducting baton through the air. The speed at which the conductor moves the baton, and the pattern followed by the baton, provide visual instructions to the performers. A performer with a sensory impairment is unable to rely on conventional conducting or music. For example, a musician with a visual impairment may be unable to rely on conventional conducting. A dancer with a hearing impairment may be unable to rely on conventional conducting and / or music. Summary of the disclosure Against this background, there is provided an apparatus for conducting music wherein the apparatus comprises a conducting device comprising a sensor assembly configured to detect a first acceleration of the conducting device along a first axis and a first position of the conducting device along a second axis. The apparatus further comprises a controller, wherein at regular intervals of time the controller is configured to: receive from the sensor assembly data indicative of the first acceleration and the first position; determine an intensity, wherein the intensity is determined by attenuating the first acceleration; determine whether the first position is in a first position range or in a second position range; in an event that the first position is in a first position range, output a first signal indicative of the intensity; and in an event that the first position is in a second position range, output a second signal indicative of the intensity. The apparatus further comprises a first wearable band comprising a first tactile communication device, wherein the first tactile communication device is configured to receive the first signal and to output a tactile signal in response to the first signal. The apparatus further comprises a second wearable band comprising a second tactile communication device, wherein the second tactile communication device is configured to receive the second signal and to output a tactile signal in response to the second signal. In this way, a performer with a sensory impairment may receive tactile signals indicative of movement of an apparatus, such that the performer is able to receive instruction from the movement of the apparatus. For example, a visually impaired musician may be able to receive instructions from the movement of a conducting baton that non-visually impaired musicians may be able to see visually. In this way, a visually impaired musician may play in a group with non-visually impaired musicians. Similarly, a dancer with a hearing impairment may be able to receive an indication of a beat of music. The first tactile communication device may comprise an audio exciter and the second tactile communication device comprises an audio exciter. In this way, a tactile signal may be felt by a user when the audio exciter is proximate to the skin of the user. The first tactile communication device may comprise a vibration motor and the second tactile communication device may comprise a vibration motor. In this way, a vibration may be felt by a user. The first signal may comprise a modulated voltage and the second signal may comprise a modulated voltage. The first intensity may be determined by attenuating the first acceleration based on an envelope. The envelope may be based on the sensor data. The sensor assembly may be further configured to detect a second position along the first axis. The controller may be further configured to receive from the sensor assembly data indicative of the second position as a function of time. The first intensity may be determined by attenuating the first acceleration based on the second position. The data indicative of the first acceleration may be received by a first oscillator. The first oscillator may output a first oscillator output. The first intensity may be determined by attenuating the first oscillator output based on a first amplitude envelope. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the conducting device may comprise a handheld device. The conducting device comprises a baton. The conducting device may comprise a glove. There may be no added time delay between the controller outputting the first signal and the first wearable band receiving the first signal; and the controller outputting the second signal and the second wearable band receiving the second signal. In this way, a performer may receive the tactile signals in real time. There may be a time delay between: the controller outputting the first signal and the first wearable band receiving the first signal; and the controller outputting the second signal and the second wearable band receiving the second signal. In this way, the performer may receive the tactile signals at a time later than the movement of the apparatus. The first signal may be received by an auxiliary controller, wherein the auxiliary controller is configured to output the first signal such that the first signal is received by the first wearable band after the time delay. The second signal may be received by an auxiliary controller, wherein the auxiliary controller is configured to output the second signal such that the second signal is received by the second wearable band after the time delay. In this way, the timing of the performer receiving the tactile signals may be controlled. The controller may be further configured to record the first signal and the second signal. In this way, the performer may receive the tactile signals at a time later than the movement of the apparatus and the timing of the performer receiving the tactile signals may be controlled. The first wearable band may be configured to receive the recorded first signal and second wearable band may be configured to receive the recorded second signal. There may be a time delay between: the first wearable band receiving the first signal and outputting a tactile signal in response to the first signal; and the second wearable band receiving the second signal and outputting a tactile signal in response to the second signal. In this way, the performer may receive the tactile signals at a time later when the signal is received by the wearable bands. Brief description of the drawings A specific embodiment of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a movement of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A shows the position of the apparatus at the start of the motion. Figure 1B shows the position of the apparatus at the end of the motion. Figure 2 shows a voltage output of a movement of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a movement of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A shows the position of the apparatus at the start of the motion. Figure 3B shows the position of the apparatus at the end of the motion. Figure 4 shows a voltage output of a movement of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A shows the unmodified output. Figure 4B shows an attenuated output. Figure 5 shows a movement of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A shows the position of the apparatus at the start of the motion. Figure 5B shows the position of the apparatus during the motion. Figure 5C shows the position of the apparatus at the end of the motion. Figure 6 shows the movement intensity of the motion illustrated in Figure 5, plotted against horizontal position. Figure 7 illustrates a method of processing signal data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 shows a transfer function used in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 shows a transfer function used in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 illustrates a method of processing signal data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description An apparatus for conducting music according to an embodiment of this disclosure comprises a conducting device. The conducting device may be any device that may be held by a person conducting one or more performers. For example, the conducting device may comprise a conducting baton, a glove, a device that may be gripped by the person conducting the performer(s) or a handheld device, or the conducting device may be mounted onto an item that is movable by the person conducting the performer. The apparatus may be a haptic apparatus, wherein motion of the conducting device is converted to a tactile response felt by a performer. The conducting device comprises a sensor assembly configured to detect a first acceleration of the conducting device along a first axis and a first position of the conducting device along a second axis. In an embodiment, the first axis may be the vertical zaxis, and the second axis may be perpendicular to the first axis. In other embodiments, the first and second axes may be defined differently. The conducting device further comprises a controller. At regular intervals of time the controller is configured to receive from the sensor assembly data indicative of the first acceleration and the first position. The controller is further configured to determine an intensity, wherein the intensity is determined by attenuating the first acceleration. The controller is further configured to determine whether the first position is in a first position range or in a second position range. In an event that the first position is in a first position range, the controller is further configured to output a first signal indicative of the intensity. In an event that the first position is in a second position range, the controller is further configured to output a second signal indicative of the intensity. The apparatus further comprises a first wearable band comprising a first tactile communication device, wherein the first tactile communication device is configured to receive the first signal and to output a tactile signal in response to the first signal. The apparatus further comprises a second wearable band comprising a second tactile communication device, wherein the second tactile communication device is configured to receive the second signal and to output a tactile signal in response to the second signal. In an embodiment, the first position range and second position range might be distinct, such that at a given time either the first signal is indicative of a first intensity greater than zero, or the second signal is indicative of a second intensity greater than zero, but not both. In other words, at a given time either the first tactile communication device may output a tactile signal or the second tactile communication device may output a tactile signal, but not both. In another embodiment, the first position range and second position range might overlap, such that at a given time either the first signal is indicative of a first intensity greater than zero, or the second signal is indicative of a second intensity greater than zero, or both the first and second signal are indicative of intensities greater than zero. In other words, at a given time either the first tactile communication device may output a tactile signal or the second tactile communication device may output a tactile signal or both first and second tactile communication devices may output a tactile signal. By way of example, two example movements of the conducting device will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. These movements, and the processing of the associated signals, are examples only and should not be considered limiting. With reference to Figure 1, an example movement of the conducting device is illustrated. In this example, the conducting device comprises a conducting baton 100. The baton 100 may comprise a handle, configured to be gripped by the hand of the person conducting, and a rod. As shown in Figure 1A, the baton 100 begins pointing vertically upwards along the zaxis, with the long axis of the rod at 90° to the y axis (wherein the y axis points directly away from the person conducting, i.e. Figure 1 shows a side view of the baton 100). The baton is rotated such that the long axis of the rod is parallel to the y axis (Figure 1B). In use, this movement may be achieved by the person rotating their hand about the wrist and / or elbow. However, the movement may also comprise vertical motion wherein the person moves their hand downwards vertically while rotating the baton. As the baton 100 is moved from the position of Figure 1Ato the position of Figure 1B, it passes through regions 110, 120 and 130 as indicated in Figure 1B. In a particular example, as the baton 100 begins the movement from being vertical to horizontal, it accelerates in region 110 (shown by a dashed line). In region 120 (shown by a solid line), it is moving fastest. As the baton 100 approaches the horizontal, it decelerates in region 130 (shown by a dotted line). With reference to Figure 2, a voltage output of an accelerometer is shown plotted against time, for a movement of the baton as shown in Figure 1. The regions of acceleration (110), fastest speed (120) and deceleration (130) are shown. The graph has multiple peaks of intensity that, if provided directly to the tactile communication devices, would create multiple tactile signals. In order to isolate the central peak, position information of the baton can be used to modify the accelerometer output. For example, this position information may be obtained using a gyroscope. A downwards motion of the baton may result in a different plot of intensity against time with a different number or distribution of peaks. Modification of the accelerometer output may comprise using position information to attenuate the accelerometer output. In certain embodiments, the attenuation may comprise gating the signal, such that the intensity of the signal is reduced in an event that the baton is in a certain position range or ranges. In certain embodiments, the attenuation may comprise other adjustments to the intensity of the signal based on the position of the baton. The position information may comprise position information in one or more axes. With reference to Figure 3, a downwards baton movement similar to that of Figure 1 is illustrated. Figure 3A indicates the starting position with the baton 100 parallel to the z axis. Figure 3B shows the final position of the baton 100, parallel to the y axis, and indicates the path of the baton 100. Regions are indicated where, in certain examples, the accelerometer output may be attenuated to gate or reduce the accelerometer output based on position information. Regions 310 and 340, indicated by dashed lines, are close to the z and y axes respectively. In these regions, the accelerometer output may be heavily attenuated. Regions 320 and 330, shown by solid lines, are closer to the central region. In these regions, the accelerometer output may be attenuated, but may be attenuated to a lesser extent than in regions 310 and 340. Figure 4A shows the accelerometer output as shown in Figure 2, as dashed line 410. The position regions 310, 320, 330 and 340 through which the baton passes are also indicated, bounded by vertical dashed lines. Figure 4B shows the gated signal as solid line 420, achieved by attenuating the accelerometer output 410 in the regions 310, 320, 330 and 340. The gated signal 420 is strong in region 360, and partially attenuated in regions 350 and 370 (regions 350, 360 and 370 are also indicated as position regions in Figure 3B). This reshaping of the accelerometer output using live position information allows a single peak to be output as a signal, which is indicative of the conductor’s intended intensity of movement and removes potentially confusing side peaks. The signal may be received by one or both of the first and second tactile communication devices. Figures 1 to 4 show an example of a vertical movement of the conducting device. With reference to Figure 5, a top view of another example movement is shown. At the start of the movement, shown in Figure 5A, the baton 100 is vertical (parallel to the z axis) and is being held facing position A. In Figure 5 only the horizontal position of the baton (in the x-y plane) is shown. In reality, in the position of Figure 5A the baton 100 would be pointing out of the page along the z axis. The baton 100 is moved in a downward stroke and simultaneously rotated clockwise. In the final position, shown in Figure 5C, the baton 100 is horizontal and points towards C. In other words, the movement is diagonal. In use, when the baton is to the left side of the conductor a signal indicative of the intensity of the movement may be received by the first tactile communication device. When the baton is to the right side of the conductor a signal indicative of the intensity of the movement may be received by the second tactile communication device. When the baton is in a central region in front of the conductor, the signal indicative of the intensity of the movement may be received by both the first and second tactile communication devices. The signal may move between the first and second tactile communication devices in a discrete manner or in a gradual manner. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the baton 100 moves through a left hand region 510, a central region 520 and a right hand region 530. Figure 6 shows the intensity of the baton movement plotted against the horizontal position of the baton. At A, the baton 100 is at the left. At B, the baton is moving downwards and to the right. At C, the baton 100 is at the right. The signal resulting from the movement from A to B (region 510) may be received by the first tactile communication device. As the baton passes B, the signal may start to be received additionally by the second tactile communication device. In the region 520, the signal may be received equally by the first and second tactile communication devices. In the region 530, the signal may be received by the second tactile communication device. This horizontal modification of the signal may be in addition to the vertical gating described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. With reference to Figure 7, a method of processing data received from the sensor assembly is illustrated. This method may occur at regular intervals of time. The method illustrated in Figure 7 is one example. The controller may be configured to process the data received from the sensor assembly by other methods. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly comprises an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration of the conducting device along a first axis, wherein the first axis is the vertical z axis. The accelerometer output 710 may be smoothed and clipped (or gated) to provide a clipped output at step 711. The clipping, or gating, may comprise constraining the output values to a pre-determined range, such that the output is gated with high and low thresholds. In certain embodiments, an offset may also be applied to achieve the high and low thresholds. The slew rate of the output may then be limited at step 712, such that the rate of increase and decrease of the signal is limited. The rate of increase and decrease may be limited by the same amount, or different amounts. For example, the rate of decrease may be limited more than the rate of increase to extend the envelope of the output. Limiting slew rate may occur each time the output of step 711 changes value. Each time the value of the output of step 711 changes, a linear ramp to reach the new value may be applied, rather than a discrete change to the new value. The rate of the ramp may differ depending on whether the signal is increasing or decreasing relative to the previous value. This manipulated accelerometer output may be used at step 713 to provide a velocity envelope. An oscillator is used to generate a signal 720, based on the frequency 714 of the accelerometer output. The velocity envelope of step 713 is used to scale the signal generated by the oscillator at step 721 (i.e. velocity-based attenuation is used to scale the oscillator signal). In this embodiment, the sensor assembly further comprises a gyroscope 730 configured to detect position information 730 of the conducting device. The gyroscope is configured to detect and output vertical position information 731 of the conducting device along the z axis. The vertical position information is used as an input to a transfer function at step 732, which in turn is used at step 733 to attenuate the scaled signal of step 721, based on the vertical position of the conducting device. The gyroscope may be further configured to detect horizontal position information 734 of the conducting device. The horizontal position information is used at step 735 to split the signal into first and second signals (for example, left and / or right signals). The first and second signals are output to the first and second tactile communication devices, respectively, at step 740. The transition between the first tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal and the second tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal (or vice versa) may be smooth. In certain embodiments, during the transition between the first tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal and the second tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal, both the first and second tactile communication devices may output a tactile signal. In certain embodiments, during the transition from the first tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal to the second tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal, the intensity of the tactile signal output by the first tactile communication device may decrease over a period of time and the intensity of the tactile signal output by the second tactile communication device may increase over a period of time, such that the tactile signals smoothly ramp up from or down to zero. In certain embodiments, during the transition from the second tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal to the first tactile communication device outputting a tactile signal, the intensity of the tactile signal output by the second tactile communication device may decrease over a period of time and the intensity of the tactile signal output by the first tactile communication device may increase over a period of time, such that the tactile signals smoothly ramp up from or down to zero. The transfer function defined at step 732 may comprise any function of vertical position information 731. The transfer function may be defined by or represented by a graph plotted against vertical position information, based on discrete values or on a mathematical function or on a function drawn by a user. The transfer function may be defined by or represented by an analytical function of vertical position information. The transfer function may be defined by or represented by a lookup table. In an event that the transfer function comprises discrete values, interpolation between discrete values may be carried out. The transfer function may be used to modify the vertical position. The modified vertical position may be used to modify the scaled signal of step 721. A higher magnitude of an output of the transfer function for a particular vertical position may indicate that the signal at that vertical position is more “useful” and so the signal of step 721 should be attenuated less when the baton is at that vertical position. A lower magnitude of an output of the transfer function for a particular vertical position may indicate that the signal at that vertical position is less “useful” and so the signal of step 721 should be attenuated more when the baton is at that vertical position. An example of a graph representing a transfer function is illustrated in Figure 8. Vertical position is plotted on the x axis. When the pitch of the baton is low (810, vertical position is close to zero), the output of the transfer function has a lower magnitude. At higher vertical positions 820, close to vertical, the output of the transfer function has a higher magnitude. The gradient of the transfer function in the middle section 830 is relatively steep, indicating that the movement of the baton is predominantly useful in the higher vertical position ranges, and quickly becomes less useful at lower vertical position ranges. Adjustments may be made using user knowledge, for example to compensate for uneven signals. As an example, the dip 840 at higher vertical position ranges may be introduced as it may be known that a strong acceleration occurs in this position range, that may introduce an emphasis to the signal that is not desired. A “dip” in the output of the transfer function can counteract this by smoothing the signal. Another example of a graph representing a transfer function is illustrated in Figure 9. At angles between 0° and -180° (region A), the baton may be pointing down or towards the back of the conductor. The output of the transfer function is low, so the signal is attenuated at these positions. In region B, between 0° and 90°, the baton may be in a position that is of most interest to a user. The magnitude of the output of the transfer function is higher, indicating less attenuation of the signal. Region C, above 90, shows a trough and peak. These may be used to add an accent (for example to artificially increase the signal to add emphasis) or to smooth an uneven response. In Region D, the baton is pointing upwards and the magnitude of the transfer function is low so as to attenuate the signal. Other transfer functions may be used. The method of processing data received from the sensor assembly illustrated in Figure 7 may have variations. For example, further processing steps may be included. With reference to Figure 10, the method of Figure 7 is illustrated with several additional steps. Like reference numerals indicate like method steps, relative to Figure 7. The method may further comprise passing the signal from the accelerometer through an analogue to digital converter at step 811. The method may further comprise applying an offset to the signal at step 812. The method may further comprise passing the vertical position information 731 through an analogue to digital converter at step 821. The method may further comprise passing the horizontal position information 734 through an analogue to digital converter at step 831. The horizontal position information may be scaled at step 832, and clipped at step 834. A calibration may be applied at step 835. In certain embodiments, the output 740 may be passed through a digital to analogue converter. The examples shown in Figures 1 to 6 relate to a conducting device comprising a baton. The up-down motion of the baton and the horizontal motion of the baton comprise significant rotational components (although the signal processing may consider the vertical and horizontal components of the motion). In other embodiments, the conducting device may comprise a glove or other handheld device, and the motions may be predominantly linear. The tactile communication devices may comprise any device capable of outputting a tactile signal that can be felt by a wearer. In an embodiment, the tactile communication devices may comprise audio exciters, which are configured to vibrate in response to a received voltage. In use, when the audio exciter is worn against the skin of the wearer, the wearer will feel the vibrations. The tactile communication devices may comprise other devices capable of vibrating in response to a received voltage, or devices capable of exerting pressure in response to a received voltage, or devices capable of outputting any tactile signal in response to a received voltage. The tactile communication devices may comprise an amplifier. The tactile communication devices may be powered by batteries. The wearable bands may, in certain embodiments, be configured to be worn around the wrist or ankle of a user. For example, in use a first wearable band may be worn on a first wrist of the user and a second wearable band may be worn on a second wrist of the user. In certain embodiments, there may be no added time delay between the controller outputting the first signal and the first wearable band receiving the first signal and the controller outputting the second signal and the second wearable band receiving the second signal. In this way, a performer may receive the tactile signals in real time. There may be a nominal time delay associated with sending and receiving the signals. In certain embodiments, there may be an added time delay between the motion of the apparatus and the performer receiving the tactile signals. There may be a time delay between the controller outputting the first signal and the first wearable band receiving the first signal and the controller outputting the second signal and the second wearable band receiving the second signal. There may be a time delay between the first wearable band receiving the first signal and outputting a tactile signal in response to the first signal and the second wearable band receiving the second signal and outputting a tactile signal in response to the second signal. In certain embodiments, the first signal may be received by an auxiliary controller, wherein the auxiliary controller is configured to output the first signal such that the first signal is received by the first wearable band after the time delay. The second signal may be received by an auxiliary controller, wherein the auxiliary controller is configured to output the second signal such that the second signal is received by the second wearable band after the time delay. The controller or the auxiliary controller may be further configured to record the first signal and the second signal. The first wearable band may be configured to receive the recorded first signal and second wearable band may be configured to receive the recorded second signal. 09 10 25

Claims

1. An apparatus for conducting music wherein the apparatus comprises:a conducting device comprising a sensor assembly configured to detect a5 first acceleration of the conducting device along a first axis and a first position of theconducting device along a second axis;a controller, wherein at regular intervals of time the controller is configured to:receive from the sensor assembly data indicative of the first10 acceleration and the first position;determine an intensity, wherein the intensity is determined by attenuating the first acceleration;determine whether the first position is in a first position range or in a second position range;15 in an event that the first position is in a first position range,output a first signal indicative of the intensity; andin an event that the first position is in a second position range, output a second signal indicative of the intensity;a first wearable band comprising a first tactile communication device,20 wherein the first tactile communication device is configured to receive the first signaland to output a tactile signal in response to the first signal; anda second wearable band comprising a second tactile communication device, wherein the second tactile communication device is configured to receive the second signal and to output a tactile signal in response to the second signal.

252. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first tactile communication device comprises an audio exciter and the second tactile communication device comprises an audio exciter.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first tactile communication device comprises a30 vibration motor and the second tactile communication device comprises a vibration motor.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim 1 wherein the first signal comprises a modulated voltage and the second signal comprises a modulated voltage.09 10 255. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the first intensity is determined by attenuating the first acceleration based on an envelope.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the envelope is based on the sensor data.

57. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein:the sensor assembly is further configured to detect a second position along the first axis;the controller is further configured to receive from the sensor assembly data 10 indicative of the second position as a function of time; andthe first intensity is determined by attenuating the first acceleration based on the second position.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein:15 the data indicative of the first acceleration is received by a first oscillator;the first oscillator outputs a first oscillator output;the first intensity is determined by attenuating the first oscillator output based on a first amplitude envelope.20 9. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the conducting device comprises ahandheld device.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the conducting device comprises a baton.2511. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the conducting device comprises a glove.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein there is no imposed time delay between: 30 the controller outputting the first signal and the first wearable band receivingthe first signal; andthe controller outputting the second signal and the second wearable band receiving the second signal.3509 10 2513. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein there is a time delay between:the controller outputting the first signal and the first wearable band receiving the first signal; andthe controller outputting the second signal and the second wearable band5 receiving the second signal.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein:the first signal is received by an auxiliary controller, wherein the auxiliary controller is configured to output the first signal such that the first signal is received10 by the first wearable band after the time delay; andthe second signal is received by the auxiliary controller, wherein the auxiliary controller is configured to output the second signal such that the second signal is received by the second wearable band after the time delay.15 15. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the controller is further configured torecord the first signal and the second signal.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first wearable band is configured to receive the recorded first signal and second wearable band is configured to receive the recorded 20 second signal.

17. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein there is a time delay between:the first wearable band receiving the first signal and outputting a tactile signal in response to the first signal; and25 the second wearable band receiving the second signal and outputting atactile signal in response to the second signal.

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