Real-Time Score Tracking via Chromatic Vector Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software for tracking digital musical scores does not adapt to the performer's actual tempo or allow for flexible navigation within the score, limiting the musician's ability to practice or improve specific parts while being monitored.

Innovation Solution

A method that records sound data in real-time, estimates chromatic vectors, compares them to theoretical vectors, and adjusts the scrolling position based on the performer's interpretation, allowing for tempo variation and flexible navigation within the score.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the marking element moves at a fixed speed corresponding to the original tempo of the score, then the score can be displayed according to the composed tempo, but the performer cannot adapt the scrolling speed to their actual playing tempo or practice needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetempo adaptationVSAvoidscore tracking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic tempo adjustment by continuously analyzing the performer's actual playing tempo through audio recording and comparison with the theoretical score tempo. The marking element's scrolling speed is dynamically adjusted in real-time to match the performer's actual tempo, allowing the system to adapt between fixed tempo display and flexible tempo following based on performance needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the speed parameter of the marking element based on the ratio between actual playing tempo and original score tempo. By calculating this tempo ratio from audio analysis and applying it to the scrolling speed, the system enables flexible tempo adaptation while maintaining synchronization with the performer's actual playing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the marking element follows the original score tempo strictly, then the score display remains synchronized with the composed rhythm, but the performer cannot slow down or speed up specific sections for practice or improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible practice controlVSAvoidtempo synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the scrolling speed parameter based on the calculated tempo ratio, allowing performers to slow down difficult passages or speed up familiar sections. The marking element's position and speed are continuously modified to reflect the performer's actual tempo deviations from the original score, enabling flexible practice while maintaining awareness of the original temporal structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the score tracking assumes continuous forward progression through the score, then the tempo modeling is simplified, but the performer cannot easily navigate backward or jump to specific sections for targeted practice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation flexibilityVSAvoidscore navigation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic navigation that adapts to the performer's needs by detecting when the performer returns to a previously played section. The system allows non-linear navigation through the score while maintaining tempo analysis and marking element synchronization, enabling targeted practice of specific passages without requiring complex manual controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3155608B1Method of following a music score and associated modelization
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 MAKEMUSIC
  • EP3155608B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3155608B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3155608B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for following a musical score (10) comprising the following steps carried out in real time: recording (23) at least one sound (12) emitted by a performer, estimating (24) at least one chromatic vector (Vx), comparing (26) said chromatic vector (Vx) with theoretical chromatic vectors of said musical score (10), comparing (27) a transition (Tx) between said chromatic vector (Vx) and a previous chromatic vector (Vx-1) with theoretical transitions of said musical score (10), and estimating (28) a work position (Px) of the performer depending on a previous work position (Px-1), from the comparison (26) of said chromatic vector (Vx) and the comparison (27) of said transition (Tx), the recording step (23) being carried out for a suitable period (Di) depending on the ratio between a period (Dx) of said transition (Tx) and a reference period (Dref).