Drum Pattern Generation from User Input Events

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum machines and playback devices are often too limiting and difficult to operate, making it challenging for users to create desired drum patterns, especially for those without advanced technical skills, and they lack user-friendly functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that generate drum patterns from user-generated audio or non-audio input, allowing users to input a desired groove through musical instruments or device pads, detecting events, analyzing them to determine rhythmic patterns, and outputting drum patterns with adjustable embellishments and time signatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drum machines use pre-recorded drum patterns, then users can easily select and play drum beats, but users cannot create custom drum patterns and the functionality is too limiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of selecting drum patternsVSAvoidability to create custom drum patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects events from user input and generates drum patterns without requiring manual programming. The processor detects events from audio or non-audio input and autonomously creates rhythmic patterns, allowing users to create custom patterns through simple input rather than complex programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual drum machine programming with automatic event detection and pattern generation. Instead of requiring users to program patterns step-by-step, the system uses audio analysis and processing to automatically detect and convert user input into drum patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users program drum patterns manually on drum machines, then custom drum patterns can be created, but the operation becomes exceedingly difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create custom drum patternsVSAvoiddifficulty of operating drum machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects events from user input and generates drum patterns without requiring manual programming. The processor detects events from audio or non-audio input and autonomously creates rhythmic patterns, allowing users to create custom patterns through simple input rather than complex programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts simple user input into complex drum patterns. The processor acts as a mediator between the user's simple input and the complex drum pattern output, automatically handling the transformation and eliminating the need for manual programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If drum machines require precise timing input from users, then accurate drum patterns can be created, but timing errors and machine delay cause rhythmically awkward results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracy of drum patternsVSAvoiduser skill requirement for timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback by detecting events from user input and immediately generating corresponding drum patterns. The processor continuously monitors input events and adjusts the drum pattern generation to maintain accurate timing, allowing users to correct timing issues through natural input rather than precise programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual timing programming with automatic event detection and pattern generation. Instead of requiring users to program patterns step-by-step, the system uses audio analysis and processing to automatically detect and convert user input into drum patterns with accurate timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If drum machines provide extensive controls and features, then functionality and versatility are improved, but the device becomes difficult to operate for users without advanced skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of drum machineVSAvoiduser friendliness of interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects events from user input and generates drum patterns without requiring manual programming. The processor detects events from audio or non-audio input and autonomously creates rhythmic patterns, allowing users to create custom patterns through simple input rather than complex programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts only the essential input elements needed to create drum patterns, removing unnecessary controls and complexity. By focusing on detecting key events from simple user input, the system eliminates the need for extensive controls while maintaining full functionality for pattern creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3428911B1Device configurations and methods for generating drum patterns
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3428911B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3428911B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3428911B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for generating drum patterns. In one embodiment a method includes receiving a user generated input including a plurality of events during a time interval, and detecting the events. The method also includes analyzing the events to define a rhythmic pattern based on number of events detected, placement of each event in the time interval, and duration of the time interval. Each of the plurality of events may be classified into at least one type of drum pattern element and a drum pattern may be generated based on the rhythmic pattern to include a drum element for each event of the rhythmic pattern. In certain embodiments, pitch or tone of the events may be determined to classify events as components of a drum pattern. Processes and devices allow for professional sounding drum patterns to be output based on received input.