Remote Controller for MIDI Sequencer Track Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional music creation systems using MIDI sequencing software on personal computers require users to leave their MIDI keyboards to perform operations like adding tracks, assigning tone generators, and setting tone colors, which disrupts the creative process and is inefficient, especially for users unfamiliar with these procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic music system with a remote controller connected to a computer that allows users to control music software functions such as adding tracks, selecting tone generators, and assigning tone colors without leaving the MIDI keyboard, using a series of setting operators and corresponding portions to streamline these operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users operate music software using a pointing device such as a mouse and keyboard, then the PC can function as a music creating apparatus, but users must leave the MIDI keyboard to perform operations, disrupting the creative process
Solution Approach 1:
The MIDI keyboard is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a performance instrument for playing music and as a control interface for operating music software functions such as adding tracks, assigning tone generators, and setting parameters. This eliminates the need to switch between MIDI keyboard and PC input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates MIDI keyboard operations into software control commands. The keyboard acts as a mediator between the user's musical performance and the software operations, allowing seamless control without leaving the musical context.
2Productivity
If music software operations are performed independently in a fixed sequence, then the software can be controlled, but the independent operations reduce efficiency and confuse users unfamiliar with the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically adding a track and assigning a tone generator before the user needs to set tone colors. This sequential automation reduces the number of manual steps and presents options to the user only when relevant, simplifying the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational interface is made dynamic by presenting different sets of operators at different stages of the music creation process. The system adapts the available controls based on the current state, showing only the next relevant options rather than all possible operations simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic music system includes a computer which performs a sequencing function and a remote controller. The remote controller is provided with a start operator and a selection operator. In response to an instruction made by the start operator of the remote controller, the computer or the remote controller adds a new track on a sequencer configured on the computer. The computer or the remote controller then offers options of available different types of tone generators used for the track, and in accordance with a selection made by the selection operator in a state where the available different types of tone generators have been offered, assigns the selected type of tone generator to the track.