Dynamic Music Performance System Using Conductor Motion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic instrumental musicians and singers face limitations in performing in small venues due to financial and spatial constraints, as large groups struggle to generate sufficient sound and fit on small stages, limiting their performance opportunities and making orchestral music less accessible to audiences.

Innovation Solution

The Symphonova system, which uses digital musical scores dynamically controlled by a conductor's movements, combines live musicians with instrumental loudspeakers that mimic live instruments and virtual acoustic loudspeakers to simulate a large orchestra in small spaces, enhancing sound production and acoustics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large group of musicians performs in a small venue, then the sound production and musical repertoire are improved, but the spatial constraints and financial viability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of musiciansVSAvoidvenue size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses audio-visual recording systems to capture and replay performances of large orchestras. Instead of physically present all musicians, the system creates accurate copies of their performances through high-quality recording and playback equipment, allowing small venues to present full orchestral works without requiring all original performers to be physically present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces audio-visual recording technology as an intermediary between the original large orchestra performance and the small venue presentation. This intermediary system captures the full orchestral sound and delivers it to small venues, bridging the gap between the need for large ensembles and the limitations of small performance spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a large group of musicians is assembled, then the acoustic quality and musical complexity are improved, but the cost and logistical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic qualityVSAvoidperformance organization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates accurate audio copies of large orchestra performances, capturing the full acoustic quality and musical complexity through sophisticated recording technology. These copies can be reproduced in small venues without requiring the complex logistics of assembling and coordinating large numbers of live musicians.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary recording and processing of orchestral performances before they are presented in small venues. The audio-visual recordings are captured, processed, and prepared in advance, allowing the complex task of creating high-quality orchestral sound to be completed beforehand rather than during the actual small venue performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If live acoustic musicians perform in small venues, then the authenticity and audience connection are improved, but the financial viability and performance frequency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance authenticityVSAvoidperformance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses high-fidelity audio-visual copying to reproduce live orchestra performances with great authenticity. The recordings capture the nuances, dynamics, and emotional quality of live performances, allowing audiences in small venues to experience authentic orchestral music without the financial risks associated with hiring large numbers of live musicians for each performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of performance delivery by transitioning from live acoustic performance to recorded audio-visual presentation. This parameter change allows the same high-quality orchestral content to be delivered repeatedly in small venues without the diminishing returns that plague live performances with fixed musician fees and venue capacity constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3381032B1Apparatus and method for dynamic music performance and related systems and methods
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 SYMPHONOVA
  • EP3381032B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3381032B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3381032B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to some aspects, an apparatus is provided for controlling the production of music, the apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one processor-readable storage medium comprising processer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to receive data indicative of acceleration of a user device, detect that the acceleration of the user device has exceeded a predetermined threshold based at least in part on the received data, determine that no beat point has been triggered by the apparatus for at least a first period of time, and trigger a beat point in response to said detecting that the acceleration of the user device has exceeded the predetermined threshold and said determining that no beat point has been triggered for at least the first period of time.