Music Data Modifier for Nuanced Performance Reproduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing music data modification systems, such as those using MIDI protocols, are unable to express delicate nuances in music performance, as they lack the capability to capture and reproduce subtle variations in key and pedal movements.

Innovation Solution

A music data modifier system that processes original music data from a master instrument to produce modified music data, allowing for the expression of continuous motion and nuanced performance by altering key and pedal actions, using a memory to store user instructions and an information processor to execute tasks that modify the data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If MIDI music data codes are used to record and reproduce music performances, then the performance can be memorized and reenacted, but delicate nuances such as half pedal cannot be expressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic performance reproductionVSAvoiddelicate nuance

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous pedal motion into multiple discrete data points by continuous monitoring, capturing intermediate states like half-pedal that traditional MIDI cannot record. This segmentation transforms continuous analog motion into a series of digital measurements that preserve nuanced performance details.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-position-to-tone mapping with a system that continuously monitors actual key and pedal positions using sensors. This substitution allows the system to capture and reproduce delicate nuances by measuring actual physical states rather than relying on predefined discrete mappings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If key actuators and pedal actuators are used to reenact performances, then the performance can be reproduced automatically, but the key motion and pedal motion are reproduced without modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance reenactmentVSAvoidmotion modification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic modification capabilities by continuously monitoring actual key and pedal positions during performance and using this information to adjust the reenactment in real-time. This allows the system to modify motions adaptively rather than simply reproducing predetermined actions, enabling features like velocity adjustment and nuance preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the actual positions of keys and pedals during performance, and this information is fed back to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect and reproduce delicate nuances by comparing intended motions with actual executions, allowing for adaptive reenactment with modified motions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If traditional music data protocols are used, then data can be stored and transmitted, but continuous motion of manipulators cannot be expressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemusic data storageVSAvoidcontinuous motion information

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous monitoring of key and pedal positions throughout the performance, ensuring that continuous motion information is captured without interruption. This continuous data collection preserves the full range of manipulator movements including intermediate states, enabling accurate reproduction of nuanced performances while maintaining efficient data storage and transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7420116B2Music data modifier for music data expressing delicate nuance, musical instrument equipped with the music data modifier and music system

Publication Date: 2008.09.02 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A music data modifier receives pieces of original music data from a master hybrid piano, and partially modifies the pieces of original music data to pieces of modified music data for a slave hybrid piano; each piece of original music data contains a series of values of a piece of motion data expressing continuous motion of the associated key, a series of values of a piece of time data expressing each expressing a time to obtain the associated value of the motion data and a piece of identification code expressing the key number assigned to the key; even if the music data modifier changes the piece of identification data from the key number to another key number, the piece of motion data still expresses the continuous motion of the key so that the slave hybrid piano exactly reproduce the key motion.