Audio Pitch Estimation and Modification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Musicians face frustration when using song recordings not tuned to the 440 Hz standard or with pitch distortions, as existing methods for pitch adjustment are cumbersome, time-consuming, and imprecise.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for estimating and modifying the pitch of audio content to match a target tuning standard, allowing users to select and process audio recordings to determine the estimated tuning pitch and adjust it to match their instrument's pitch, using user interfaces for visual, aural, or tactile input, and employing techniques like discrete Fourier transform and piecewise cubic spline interpolation for accurate pitch adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If musicians manually adjust pitch using conventional methods, then they can match their instrument's tuning, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch matching accuracyVSAvoidtime for manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pitch adjustment with automated digital signal processing. The system uses discrete Fourier transform to analyze audio signals and automatically determines pitch deviations, then applies digital filtering to correct them, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual tuning adjustments while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service pitch correction by automatically analyzing the audio signal, identifying pitch deviations from the target tuning standard, and applying corrections without requiring musician intervention. The automated process handles the entire pitch adjustment workflow, from detection to correction, significantly reducing the time and effort required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If existing pitch adjustment methods are used, then some pitch correction is achieved, but the adjustment is imprecise relative to the target tuning standard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of pitch adjustmentVSAvoidpitch adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual pitch adjustment with precise digital signal processing. The system uses discrete Fourier transform to accurately determine the actual tuning pitch of the audio signal, compares it to the target tuning standard, and applies mathematically precise digital filtering to achieve accurate pitch correction that maintains simplicity of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously analyzing the audio signal to determine its actual tuning pitch, comparing this measurement to the target tuning standard, and using this information to guide the pitch correction process. This closed-loop approach ensures precise adjustment while maintaining ease of operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If song recordings with non-standard tuning are used for practice, then musicians can access diverse audio content, but the content causes frustration due to pitch mismatches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various tuning standardsVSAvoiduser satisfaction during practice

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the tuning pitch parameter of the audio signal to match the target tuning standard. The system determines the actual tuning pitch of the input audio, calculates the deviation from the target standard, and applies parameter transformation through digital filtering to correct the pitch, thereby maintaining compatibility with various original tuning standards while ensuring user satisfaction through accurate pitch matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise and efficient pitch adjustment of audio content to match the user's instrument, improving musical practice sessions by ensuring the audio content is in tune with the musician's instrument, reducing frustration and time spent on manual adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

employing techniques like discrete Fourier transform and piecewise cubic spline interpolation for accurate pitch adjustment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiscrete Fourier transform:

Implementation Method 2

employing techniques like discrete Fourier transform and piecewise cubic spline interpolation for accurate pitch adjustment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiecewise cubic spline interpolation:

Data Source

PatentUS20240329918A1Tuning estimation and modification

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 MOISES SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A system may be configurable to (i) access an audio signal, (ii) determine an estimated tuning pitch associated with the audio signal, (iii) present the estimated tuning pitch on a user interface, (iv) receive user input directed to modifying a playback tuning pitch of the audio signal to deviate from the estimated tuning pitch, (v) modify the playback tuning pitch of the audio signal based upon the user input, (vi) receive additional user input directed to causing playback of the audio signal in accordance with the modified playback tuning pitch, and (vii) play the audio signal in accordance with the modified playback tuning pitch.