A system for remotely testing musical instruments

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for remotely testing musical devices, preferably musical instruments, comprising the following steps: - arranging a control server system (100, 110, 310); - arranging one or more processing devices (210, 220, 230), each one associated with a user; - the control server system is capable of communicating with one or more musical devices (T1, T2, Tn); - the control server system is programmed to connect the processing devices (210, 220, 230) to one or more of said musical devices; - the method comprises sending, from a processing device associated with the user, a request for communication with a selected musical device, whereby the control server system connects the requesting processing device to the selected musical device, such that the musical device can be remotely controlled by the user via the processing device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sound reproduction and processing devices.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an innovative system that allows remote interaction with devices equipped with a MIDI interface in order to test features of the device, for example musical instruments in general. [Background technology]

[0003] Although online stores for musical equipment are now available, purchasing an electronic musical instrument is known to entail the need to visit a store to test out the equipment.

[0004] In reality, someone buying equipment will want to hear the sounds and analyze the equipment's available features, such as tonal variations, timbres, effects, etc., in order to make at least an initial choice, if not a final one.

[0005] Currently this is not possible, but would be possible by physically being present at the location. Naturally, this represents certain technical inconveniences.

[0006] Additionally, if the store is closed, one must wait until opening time to view and test the equipment.

[0007] Additionally, people are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for this reason retail sales have stopped and, obviously, it has become more difficult to test instruments on-site.

[0008] The patent publications US 2002 / 0085546 and US 2016 / 0379514 are further known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0085546 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0379514 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Thus, there is a need for a technological solution that can overcome the limitations typically associated with the need to physically visit a store or "music shop."

[0011] Specifically, there is a need for a solution that allows instruments to be tested remotely rather than physically visiting a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] These and other objects are achieved by the inventive method for remotely testing a musical device, e.g. a musical instrument, as defined in claim 1.

[0013] The method comprises the following steps: - arranging a control server system (100, 110, 310); - arranging one or more processing devices (210, 220, 230), each one associated with a user; - the control server system is capable of communicating with one or more music devices (T1, T2, Tn); the control server system is programmed to connect a processing device (210, 220, 230) to one or more of the music devices; The method includes sending a request for communication with a selected music device from a processing device associated with the user, wherein the control server system connects the requesting processing device to the selected music device, thereby enabling the music device to be remotely controllable by the user via the processing device.

[0014] According to the proposed solution, it is now possible for potential customers to virtually visit a store through an experience that is highly similar to the real thing.

[0015] Customers can choose stores in any geographically unrestricted area and at the same time, stores can expand their customer base and increase interest in their products.

[0016] The method shown allows a user to connect to a control server system which actually effects the connection to selected equipment which may be located in any store.

[0017] With appropriate programming software, the described system can generate a video interface with a user processing device, allowing the user to control the equipment remotely, for example, using his or her own processing device keyboard.

[0018] The described architecture allows the exchange of control and / or audio signals, for example via a suitable MIDI interface, between a selected specific musical device and the processing device to which it is connected, thereby allowing a user to play and thus test the device remotely.

[0019] Thus, it becomes possible to actually test equipment remotely without the need to be physically present at the location.

[0020] The subject of the invention is also an assembly for remotely testing a musical device, preferably a musical instrument, comprising: A control server system (100, 110, 310); one or more processing devices (210, 220, 230), each one associated with a user; a control server system capable of communicating with one or more music devices (T1, T2, Tn) and one or more of the processing devices; The control server system is programmed to connect a processing device (210, 220, 230) to one or more of the music devices after receiving a connection input sent from a processing device to one of the music devices, such that after the input, the control server system connects the requesting processing device to the selected music device; The assembly further generates a graphic interface on a display screen equipped with a processing device that requests a connection to the musical device, and by means of the graphic interface the musical device can be remotely controlled, for example to play the musical device to test its sound.

[0021] Further advantages can be inferred from the dependent claims.

[0022] Further characteristics and advantages of the inventive system according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered by way of example only and is not limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1A] Explain the service structure and communication flow. [Figure 1B] Explain the service structure and communication flow. [Figure 1C] Explain the service structure and communication flow. [Figure 1D] Explain the service structure and communication flow. [Figure 1E] Explain the service structure and communication flow. [Figure 1F]The structure and communication flow of the service are illustrated - in particular, Fig. 1A illustrates the overall architecture, Fig. 1B illustrates the structure related to a single store provided with a local server, musical instruments (T1..Tn) with MIDI interface 115, Fig. 1C is a flow chart of the functional phases, Fig. 1D shows screenshots displayed on the screen of a user connected to the store to test an instrument (in this example a keyboard), Fig. 1E is a further overall scheme, while Fig. 1F shows details of the main communication flows. [Diagram 2] It details the "hw" (hardware) and "sw" (software) equipment of the store registered with the service. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Thus, according to the invention, a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention consists of a software architecture configured by an electronic platform, which also allows the exchange of audio and / or control signals for the MIDI interface of the equipment, in addition to the conventional information describing the equipment characteristics between potential customers, and a set of retailers registered with the service.

[0025] This is made possible by an architecture that includes a control server system (100, 110, 310) that generates audio and / or video communication between a user (e.g., typically via a PC or personal computer) and musical instruments that can be remotely controlled by the user.

[0026] More specifically, the architecture, which can be identified by the acronym ReSYP (Remote Synth Player), comprises four components that characterize its purpose: the Customer, the Store, the Central Server and the Support Server System.

[0027] The set of server devices is suitably programmed and equipped with its own processor which together manages the functionality of the set, and the set of server devices constitutes a so-called control server system, comprising a central server (100) and supporting server systems (110, 310; 120, 320; 130, 330).

[0028] Preferably, the support server system is further formed by a local server which communicates and cooperates with further servers, called repeater servers.

[0029] In the present description, the local server may also be defined as a "dashboard server," and the central server may also be defined as a "master server" (see, for example, FIG. 1E in this regard).

[0030] Preferably, the central server and the repeater servers reside in a "cloud" system.

[0031] Cloud "systems" are well known and for this reason will not be detailed further herein.

[0032] According to the scheme of FIG. 1A, a central server 100 (or master server) is shown, which acts as an intermediary between a receiving location in the form of a store and the "client" side, ie those who wish to access the service.

[0033] Thus, in the figure, a central server 100 is shown, which communicates on the one hand with supporting server systems, each one associated with a given music store, and on the other hand with the client sides.

[0034] Thus, a music store is equipped with a support server system made up of local servers (110, 120, 130) (or dashboard servers) communicating with repeater servers (310, 320, 330), which together form the support server system (110, 310) of the corresponding store.

[0035] On the other side are the "client" processors, i.e., the user's processing devices (210, 220, 230). These processing devices establish connections to the system through the server, and from the server to a specific store.

[0036] The number of local server systems and client-side processing devices can obviously be any number, and thus FIG. 1A is not limiting.

[0037] Thus, essentially, a "buying" user can securely connect remotely via a central server to a particular store or merchant to manage the testing of the instrument.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the local servers (110, 120, 130) communicates with a MIDI interface 115 that manages audio data for one or more musical instruments.

[0039] Essentially, the store is provided with a local server 110 connected to a MIDI interface 115 .

[0040] More specifically, FIG. 1B illustrates a local server 110 that manages communication with one or more musical instruments (such as the example keyboards T1...Tn of FIG. 1B) via a MIDI interface 115 (e.g., an audio MIDI interface).

[0041] As shown in Figure 1B, a switch 116 may be provided that can be controlled remotely via the local server 110, also indicated by an arrow in Figure 1B (in Figure 1B, indicated by the number 116). In this way, the local server can enable or disable the power supply to the instrument as needed, thereby activating the instrument only when needed, thus resulting in significant energy savings.

[0042] Thus, while FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a store (shown as Store 1), it is understood that any number of stores and devices per store can be managed and / or provided by the same architecture described herein.

[0043] As explained below, when the local server 110 receives a request from a user to test a particular instrument, the selected instrument is powered "on," through which the MIDI interface communicates with the local server, and through which the user can remotely control and thus test the particular instrument.

[0044] Basically, therefore, a music store that users wish to contact via the Internet is equipped with a local server and at least one MIDI interface that allows the flow of information between the local server and the musical instruments.

[0045] In this manner, as shown in the operational flow chart of FIG. 1C, the user can select a store, access the local server via the repeater server, and select a device.

[0046] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 1E, the store comprises a repeater server which communicates and cooperates with the local server as mentioned.

[0047] The flow chart actually shows the main steps:

[0048] 1) A customer (client application) starts a software application via its processing device, e.g., PC, tablet, mobile device, etc.

[0049] The software managing the described method may obviously be in the form of an app for a mobile device, and may also be software, which is installed or capable of being installed on any PC, server system, etc., and in any case is suitable for running on a standard computing device.

[0050] 2) This is then connected to a central server that manages its operation.

[0051] A master server or central server (preferably residing in the cloud) constantly receives requests for any connection from clients. When a user launches a client application, this one establishes a first connection to the master server 100 to get a list of stores.

[0052] 3) With this connection, the list of stores registered with the service is displayed on the device to which the user is connected (eg, any type of mobile device, such as a PC, a mobile phone, etc.).

[0053] 4) Once the list is received, the user can select a store and initiate a connection to it.

[0054] 5) This action first results in a disconnection from the master server, then establishing a connection to the store's local server via a supporting server (as already mentioned, shown below and in the drawings as a repeater server). Thus, a client application can connect to either the master server or the store server via the repeater server.

[0055] 6) Once the user is connected to the store’s local server, a list of devices that can be tested remotely is displayed on the user’s device (e.g., PC) and the user can select the ones they want to test.

[0056] 7) Device selection involves sending commands to the store's local server to set up the transmission of information between the device and the user via a MIDI interface.

[0057] 8) The user's PC displays an image representing the type of instrument selected (synthesizer, piano digital workstation, etc., as outlined in Figure 1D), which corresponds to the instrument and its functions that the user can control.

[0058] 9) Thus, a user can test the instrument by playing it, for example by using the keyboard of the user's own PC to receive an audio package relating to the sounds produced by the instrument.

[0059] Thus, special software is provided which produces a graphical interface on the user's screen simulating the equipment's, for example, keyboard and PC keys by which the user can control the equipment from his own workstation, playing the equipment and activating its functions.

[0060] Thus, a connection is established between a PC, or more generally a user's connected device, and the instrument to be tested, so that the instrument can generally be controlled by said PC or connected device.

[0061] FIG. 1D shows a possible example of a screen displayed to a user if the user wishes to test, for example, the keyboard.

[0062] Thus, the figure shows function keys of the device's keyboard which can be virtually activated by the PC keyboard, thus allowing the user to actually play some musical pieces with the device.

[0063] Obviously, the described system does not allow the user to experience the feeling of real keys (e.g., their weight), but it still allows the user to play the instrument live to verify the sound and personal impression.

[0064] FIG. 1D further shows the features associated with the selected instrument, such as volume, percussion, and accompaniment, which can be freely selected and tested.

[0065] Therefore, by describing the structure of the present invention in more detail, the overall architecture of the system is shown in Figure 1E, and it is clear that the repeater server in each store manages the communication between the PCs on the "client" side and the PCs on the "store" side. As a result, a user connected to the dashboard server (the store's local server) can select and test the equipment via the local server.

[0066] Finally, still via the repeater server, the store's local server communicates with the main server that is authorized to serve it.

[0067] As a result, ultimately, in accordance with the architecture of the present invention, the central master server 100 establishes a connection to the client processing devices to provide them with an electronic list of available stores and other related information.

[0068] A client user can then select a store from the list and request a connection to the store.

[0069] At this point, the client connection is disconnected from the master server and communication is established between the client side and the store via the repeater server and the local server.

[0070] A single server, such as a local server, may be used, although the use of a repeater server and a local server is preferred for the reasons described below.

[0071] Specifically, the combination of these two servers makes it possible to improve the following:

[0072] 1) Speed ​​and simplicity of connection required for the parties involved (store and client). Everything is related to the issue of private and public IP addresses. Considering the worst case scenario, a retailer who accesses the Internet by a private IP address cannot be directly contacted by a client who accesses the Internet by his own smartphone (another private IP address, but also public). In this case, to be directly contactable, the retailer is forced to ask for a public address from its own provider.

[0073] Adding a repeater between the store server and the client (to forward information) finally solves this problem, since the repeater resides on the Internet and has a public IP address, which can then be contacted by any device using a private IP address.

[0074] The store server can be easily connected to the Internet via a smartphone (private IP) acting as a router (all functional tests for clients and the store are performed only by the smartphone) or via a conventional SIM-provided router. Finally, no modification of router settings is required, no request for a public IP address from the provider for the router itself, and the service is immediately available.

[0075] 2) The master server can act as a repeater as well, but on many occasions it will be under excessive workload, thus avoiding an obviously possible server failure (i.e., total service failure).

[0076] For this reason, the option to distribute the load via repeaters is not required, but is the preferred solution: if a repeater is blocked, a single store is blocked while all of the other stores continue to operate.

[0077] 3) In cases involving fraudulent behavior by a retailer (e.g. illegal distribution of programs), it becomes possible to disable repeaters in order to discontinue service.

[0078] More specifically, the overall architecture is:

[0079] SW (software) applications installed on the customer's device,

[0080] Hardware equipment available to each store that provides the software installed on the PC of the store (dashboard server),

[0081] It includes a main master server and some network resources that are dedicated to store other network applications (repeat servers).

[0082] A customer software application according to the present invention may, for example, include the following functions:

[0083] -Allows the Customer to access the master server database and view on screen information related to all stores registered with the service.

[0084] making it possible to obtain from each store an identification code which allows connection to the MIDI interface of the device for data exchange;

[0085] A server store device according to the present invention is, for example, that illustrated in FIG. 2, and the server store device comprises:

[0086] A PC server (2.1) equipped with double network interface cards (on one side a conventional router for accessing the Internet, on the other side a switch connected to one or more remote Ethernet multi-socket switches) and a port for connecting to a multi-channel audio-MIDI interface.

[0087] A remote multi-socket switch (2.2) for powering the instruments included in the service. The power supply to each piece of equipment can be automatically cut off after completion of a test with a configurable time delay, in order to reduce wear and energy consumption of the equipment by avoiding sudden switching on and off.

[0088] A multichannel audio-MIDI interface (2.3) for connecting instruments added to a service to be played remotely.

[0089] Several dedicated connectors, switches and routers as per your requirements.

[0090] The software for managing the services is installed by the store on a PC server (2.1) and can be characterized by one or more of the following functions:

[0091] - "Dashboard Settings" function that manages the acquisition of audio data from each device connected to the audio / MIDI interface and its transmission to the client in the form of a data package.

[0092] - "Upload and create device list" feature to create a list of devices and the association of each device with its own audio and MIDI channels.

[0093] -Functionality for publishing listings on network platforms.

[0094] - Functionality to manage and monitor access, for example to display and process access data statistics (frequency, records, timing) for each device as an indicator of customer satisfaction.

[0095] - The ability to modify the equipment list after it has been published in order to remove equipment from service, remove equipment from the list, and replace equipment.

[0096] A network application according to the present invention consists, for example, of applications dedicated to each store registered in the service called "repeaters," and a network server (master server) on which resides a program for managing all services and on which client users can access information about all stores.

[0097] The repeater application is designed to forward any data traffic between the store server and the clients, sending / receiving data to / from the master server to manage the service. The application can be installed on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) with a public IP address provided by the provider, allowing several customers to access the store server remotely at the same time, without having to use other services dedicated to managing this communication.

[0098] Thus, the repeater acts as a link between the store server and the client PC, thereby allowing the Internet service provider to overcome obstacles due to local IP and NAT (Network Address Translation) redirection.

[0099] The Master Server communicates with a database in which all key information about all stores for which subscriptions have been approved is registered.

[0100] When a store starts service, the Master Server uploads into memory a list containing key information about each store:

[0101] -Store name, logo, website, contact information, as well as store opening hours and online services.

[0102] -IP address (in this case, the IP address of the repeater).

[0103] - Status showing if they are online or offline (a time process that scans all stores and updates the availability status).

[0104] - A list of available devices together with pictures, links to the web pages of the devices in the store, and the MIDI mapping of each device.

[0105] The list of stores is then transmitted to the client upon its connection to the service.

[0106] FIG. 1F illustrates the sequence of actions already described and the communication flow between the customer, the master server, the support server (repeater), and the store server for the service function according to the present invention.

[0107] Specifically, Figure 1F illustrates the communication in the main steps of the service, i.e., the steps provided for activation and use of the service by the store, and the steps for use of the service and the use of the device by the customer. The steps described here should be understood as exemplary and non-limiting. Indeed, not all possible intermediate options enabled by the software, options for managing multiple accesses, correction and monitoring functions, etc., as mentioned elsewhere, are described.

[0108] In addition to the above, the software installed on the customer device according to the invention (shown as referred to in point 1 of FIG. 1E) provides further functionality, which allows more clients to remotely access the server at the same time, even when the clients connected to the store use the same router.

[0109] This is achieved in practice with an application modelled on a repeater replicated within the software installed on each of the customer's devices, making the client itself (in this case the first client to connect to the service) the active reference node for communication with the store server and the communication sorting point.

[0110] In detail, this further function of the system according to the invention works as follows.

[0111] - When a computer (Computer 1) seeks to connect to the store server (i.e. to a repeater of the store on the cloud), it also sends a request, via the application used for the connection, to verify whether another computer is already connected to the store. If no confirmation is given, after a preset time it is recognized as the first customer (active client) and communication is established without problems.

[0112] When a second computer (Computer 2) seeks access to the store, the active client responds by announcing its presence. Computer 2 can then be accessed as a passive client in this case, and the connection between the store and Computer 2 occurs via Computer 1, so that the store repeater for that store can continue to communicate only by the IP address already associated with Computer 1, and a maximum number of passive clients can be set to limit the increased strain on resources.

[0113] Instead, when each customer is connected to a separate router, each customer's computer accesses the store repeater as an active client.

[0114] Preferably, in all of the configurations described, the musical device, preferably an electronic musical instrument, incorporates itself a MIDI interface.

Claims

1. 1. A method for remotely testing a musical device, said method comprising the steps of: Arranging a control server system (100, 110, 310); arranging one or more processing devices (210, 220, 230), each one associated with a user; the control server system being capable of communicating with one or more music devices (T1, T2, Tn); the control server system is programmed to connect a processing device (210, 220, 230) to one or more of the music devices; The method includes transmitting a request for communication with a selected music device from a processing device associated with the user, the control server system connecting the requesting processing device to the selected music device such that the music device is remotely controllable by the user via the processing device; The control server system arrangement includes arranging a central server system (100) and one or more support server systems (110, 310; 120, 320; 130, 330), each one associated with a store having one or more of the music devices (T1, T2, Tn) and the music devices connected to the corresponding support server system; The central server system (100) is programmed to connect processing devices (210, 220, 230) to support server systems (110, 310; 120, 320; 130, 330); The method includes sending a request to communicate with a store from a processing device associated with the user to the central server system, the central server system connecting the support server system associated with the selected store with the requesting processing device, and enabling, after the selection made by the user of a specific musical device belonging to the store, an exchange of control and / or audio signals between the processing device associated with the user and the selected specific musical device by the support server system connected to the specific musical device. method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing device is a PC and is equipped with a display screen, on which a graphical interface is displayed, by means of which the musical device can be remotely controlled by playing the musical device and receiving sounds emitted by the musical device.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the support server system architecture includes an arrangement of local servers associated with the store that are connected to additional specific repeater servers, the repeater servers receiving requests for connections from a central server, the central server being disconnected from the processing device requesting the connection, whereby the repeater servers establish communication between the local servers and the processing device.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the local server is connected to a MIDI interface for enabling the exchange of audio and / or video information between a music device and a processing device.

5. 1. An assembly for remotely testing a musical device, comprising: A control server system (100, 110, 310); one or more processing devices (210, 220, 230), each one associated with a user; a control server system capable of communicating with one or more music devices (T1, T2, Tn) and one or more of said processing devices; The control server system is programmed to connect a processing device (210, 220, 230) to one or more of the music devices after receiving a connection input to one of the devices sent from a processing device, such that, following a request input, the control server system connects the requesting processing device to the selected music device; the assembly further generates a graphic interface by means of which the musical device can be remotely controlled to play the musical device to test a sound of the musical device; the control server system comprises a central server system (100) and one or more support server systems (110, 310; 120, 320; 130, 330), each one of the support server systems (110, 310; 120, 320; 130, 330) associated with a store having one or more of the music devices (T1, T2, Tn) and with the music devices connected to the respective support server system; the central server system (100) is programmed to connect processing devices (210, 220, 230) to supporting server systems (110, 310; 120, 320; 130, 330), whereby, after said input, the central server system connects the supporting server system associated with the selected store to the requesting processing device, and, following an inputted selection from the user of a specific musical device associated with the store, enables the exchange of control and / or audio signals between the processing device associated with the user and the selected musical device by the supporting server system connected to the specific musical device; assembly.

6. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the support server system comprises a local server associated with the store connected to another specific repeater server, whereby the repeater server receives a request for a connection from the central server and the central server is disconnected from the processing device requesting the connection, whereby the repeater server establishes communication between the local server and the processing device.

7. 7. An assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a MIDI interface is provided to enable the exchange of the control signals and / or audio signals between the processing device and a specific musical device.

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