Sound Control Device Segmentation for Real-Time Expression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound synthesis technologies face limitations in controlling a large number of parameters during real-time performance, making it difficult to generate expressive sounds.

Innovation Solution

A sound control device and method that includes a reception unit for start instructions, a reading unit for control parameters, and a control unit to output sounds according to these parameters, allowing for easy generation of expressive sounds by managing sound generation modes in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a large number of parameters are provided for adjusting voice expression and intonation as in vocal track creation software, then fine nuances and intonation can be attached to singing sound, but it becomes difficult to control these parameters during real-time performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice expression precisionVSAvoidparameter control ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control parameters into two distinct groups: performance-time parameters (e.g., pitch, volume, timing) that can be controlled in real-time, and production-time parameters (e.g., voice quality, timbre, expression nuances) that are set during sound library creation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation during performance while still achieving high voice expression precision through the pre-configured production parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and storing multiple sets of control parameters in the sound library during the production phase. These pre-prepared parameter sets include various combinations of voice quality, timbre, and expression settings that can be automatically selected during real-time performance based on the performance data, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of numerous parameters during performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-time performance data is used for singing sound synthesis, then performance flexibility is maintained, but the number of parameters that can be operated during performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance flexibilityVSAvoidparameter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments parameter control between two phases: performance-time control handles basic performance data (pitch, timing, volume) while production-time setup handles complex parameter configurations (voice quality, timbre, expression). This segmentation reduces the complexity of real-time operation while maintaining adaptability through pre-configured parameter sets that can be selected based on performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating multiple copies of parameter sets in the sound library, each representing different voice qualities and expressions. During performance, the system automatically selects and applies the appropriate parameter copy based on the performance data, maintaining performance flexibility without requiring the performer to manually adjust complex parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If previously entered information is reproduced for singing, then fine control of voice parameters is achieved, but real-time performance capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice parameter control precisionVSAvoidreal-time performance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring detailed voice parameters (quality, timbre, expression) in the sound library during production, while maintaining real-time performance capability through automatic parameter selection based on performance data. This allows the system to reproduce fine voice control precision without reducing productivity, as the parameters are automatically applied during performance rather than requiring manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate parameter sets from the sound library based on the incoming performance data. This automation maintains voice parameter control precision while maximizing real-time performance efficiency, as the system self-adjusts parameters without requiring manual intervention during performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10354629B2Sound control device, sound control method, and sound control program
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 YAMAHA CORP
  • US10354629B2 patent drawing
  • US10354629B2 patent drawing
  • US10354629B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sound control device includes: a reception unit that receives a start instruction indicating a start of output of a sound; a reading unit that reads a control parameter that determines an output mode of the sound, in response to the start instruction being received; and a control unit that causes the sound to be output in a mode according to the read control parameter.