Automatic MIDI Orchestration via Segment Reordering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current orchestration techniques lack a scientific basis and are ill-defined, making it difficult to automate the process of redistributing musical voices or parts to instruments in a harmonically and rhythmically compatible manner, especially when working with existing melodies.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically preparing a new MIDI file by reordering segments from a source MIDI file to match the length and style of a target MIDI file, using harmonic and graphical distances to ensure compatibility and continuity, while allowing for domain augmentation to create novel versions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If orchestration is performed manually by arrangers using informed descriptions and analysis, then musical quality and creativity can be maintained, but automation and efficiency are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of orchestrationVSAvoidcomplexity of orchestration model
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The source MIDI file is divided into multiple segments that can be independently analyzed and recombined. This segmentation allows the automated system to process complex orchestration tasks in manageable units, enabling automation while maintaining musical quality through systematic recombination of segments based on harmonic and rhythmic compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the orchestration problem from a creative art into a parameter-based optimization task by analyzing harmonic content, rhythmic patterns, and temporal structures. This parameterization enables automated decision-making while preserving musical integrity through quantitative analysis of compatibility between source and target segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing MIDI segments are reused and reordered, then productivity and efficiency improve, but musical novelty and creativity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of MIDI file preparationVSAvoidcreative flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the recombination strategy based on the specific characteristics of the source and target MIDI files. By evaluating harmonic compatibility, rhythmic alignment, and temporal coherence in real-time, the system achieves both efficiency through automation and creativity through adaptive decision-making that responds to the unique properties of each input file

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that evaluate the quality of segment recombination based on harmonic and rhythmic compatibility. This feedback loop allows the automated system to iteratively improve the orchestration results, balancing efficiency with musical quality and creative appropriateness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the new MIDI file is made to match the exact length of the target MIDI file, then compatibility for simultaneous playback is achieved, but flexibility in temporal arrangement is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility for simultaneous playbackVSAvoidflexibility in temporal arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system treats temporal parameters as variable and adjustable, allowing the new MIDI file to be precisely matched to the target file's duration while maintaining the ability to modify segment boundaries and transitions. This parameter-based approach ensures reliable simultaneous playback while preserving operational flexibility for further adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4006896B1Automatic orchestration of a MIDI file
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 SOUNDTRAP AB
  • EP4006896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006896B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4006896B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of automatically preparing a MIDI file based on a target MIDI file (T) and a source MIDI file (S). The method comprises segmenting the source MIDI file into source segments (s), reordering at least some of the source segments, concatenating the reordered source segments to obtain a new MIDI file (O) having the same length as the target MIDI file, and outputting the new MIDI file.