U.S. patent number 5,864,868 [Application Number 08/600,328] was granted by the patent office on 1999-01-26 for computer control system and user interface for media playing devices.
Invention is credited to David C. Contois.
United States Patent |
5,864,868 |
Contois |
January 26, 1999 |
Computer control system and user interface for media playing
devices
Abstract
A computer system and method for controlling a media playing
device. The system provides a user interface for allowing a user
access to media pieces stored in a media database. The interface is
also for controlling a media playing device, like a player piano or
movie playing video device, that is coupled to the computer to play
the accessed or selected piece of media. In one embodiment there is
a computer interface that allows a user to display only music that
relates to a selected category, like jazz or classical music.
Another embodiment allows the user to direct the media playing
device to automatically play selected music pieces that are related
to a selected music category. Another embodiment allows a user to
direct the media playing device to automatically play selected
music pieces that are related to the selected music composer or
artist.
Inventors: |
Contois; David C. (Essex Jct.,
VT) |
Family
ID: |
24403171 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/600,328 |
Filed: |
February 13, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1; 707/E17.102;
84/609; 84/610; 84/622; 707/999.107; 707/999.104; G9B/27.051;
G9B/27.019; G9B/27.012; G9B/27.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B
27/34 (20130101); G11B 27/105 (20130101); G07F
17/305 (20130101); G10H 1/0008 (20130101); G11B
27/002 (20130101); G06F 16/68 (20190101); G06F
16/64 (20190101); G11B 27/034 (20130101); Y10S
707/99948 (20130101); G10H 2240/311 (20130101); G10H
2240/131 (20130101); Y10S 707/99945 (20130101); G11B
2220/41 (20130101); G10H 2240/305 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07F
17/00 (20060101); G11B 27/034 (20060101); G11B
27/031 (20060101); G07F 17/30 (20060101); G11B
27/00 (20060101); G10H 1/00 (20060101); G11B
27/34 (20060101); G06F 017/30 () |
Field of
Search: |
;364/130,400 ;235/375
;395/902,328,615 ;194/217 ;84/602,462,609,610,622,726 ;369/30
;379/101.01 ;707/104 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"21st Century `Video Jukebox` XVN Ssytem Debuts in New York", PR
Newswire, p. 1130NYTH005, Nov. 1995. .
"MCI to Sell Music CDs By Phone, Internet", Newsbytes, Nov. 1995.
.
Turner, S.R. "Digital Optical Technology--What it can do for
Multi-Media", IEE Colloq. (1990) No. 144: Interactive Video
Applications, 1990. .
"BT Interactive TV Delivering Multimedia Services to the Home", IEE
Colloq. (1996), No. 005:Impact of Multimedia Services on the Home
Environment, 1996. .
Rajapakshe et al. "Video on Demand",
http:/www-dse.doc.ic.ac.uk/.about.nd/surprise.sub.--
95/journal/vol4/shr/report.html,pp. 1-15, Jun. 1995..
|
Primary Examiner: Black; Thomas G.
Assistant Examiner: Rones; Charles L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Starkweather; Michael W.
Starkweather; Valerie L.
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Patent
is:
1. A computer user interface menu selection process for allowing
the user to select music to be played on a music device controlled
by a computer, comprising the steps of:
a) simultaneously displaying on a display device, at least two
individual data fields selected from music categories, composers,
artists, and songs;
b) selecting at least one item from at least one of the data
fields;
c) in response to step b), redisplaying all data fields not having
an item selected therefrom with data related only to the at least
one item selected in step b), and simultaneously maintaining all
items originally displayed in the data fields with at lest one item
selected therefrom;
d) selecting an item in the songs data field in response to step
c), and
e) playing the selected song item from step d) on the computer
responsive music device.
2. The process of claim 1, wherein the step of playing the selected
song item comprises:
a) activating a play button located on the computer screen;
b) sending a data stream from the computer to the computer
controlled music device in response to step a) for controlling the
playing of the selected song;
c) receiving the data stream by the computer controlled music
device from the computer; and
d) playing the selected song item on the computer controlled music
device.
3. A method of enabling a user to select a song, which is stored in
a music data base, that will be played on a player piano that is
controlled by a computer, wherein the method comprising the steps
of:
a) simultaneously displaying, on a display device, both a songs
data field that displays a list of song titles found in the music
data base, and a music categories data field that displays a list
of music category items of the song titles found in the music data
base; and
b) selecting, by the user, a single music category item from the
music category data field;
c) redisplaying the songs data field, and not the music category
data field which still displays the list of music category items as
previously displayed, to display only song titles that are related
to the selected music category item, in response to performing step
b);
d) selecting, by the user, a song that is displayed in the songs
data field after performing step c); and
e) playing the selected song title on the player piano.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the displaying step further
comprises:
displaying a composers data field for displaying a list of
composers of the song titles found in the music data base.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of:
f) selecting, by the user, a composer from the composers data field
before performing step e); and
g) redisplaying the songs data field with only song titles relating
directly to both the selected composer and music category, in
response to performing step f) and before performing step e).
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the displaying step further
comprising:
displaying an artists data field for displaying a list of artists
of the song titles found in the music data base.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
h) selecting, by the user, an artist listed in the artists data
field before performing step e); and
i) redisplaying the songs data field only with song titles relating
to the selected artist, composer, and category, in response to
performing step h).
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of playing, further
comprises:
a) selecting, by the user, a play button that will enable the
player piano to receive a data stream that will control the
operation of the player piano in playing the selected song
title.
9. The methods of claim 8, wherein the step of playing, further
comprises:
b) selecting, by the user, a pause play button that will
temporarily suspend the player piano from receiving the data
stream;
c) selecting, by the user, the pause play button a second time to
enable the player piano to continue to receive the data stream.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of playing, further
comprises:
d) selecting, by the user, a stop play button that will disable the
player piano from receiving the data stream.
11. A system for playing media information on a media playing
means, the system comprising:
a) the media playing means for playing the media information for a
user where the playing means is capable of playing musical sound;
and
b) control means, coupled to the media playing means, for allowing
the user to select media information and to automatically control
the media playing means in playing the selected media information,
the control means having:
b1) data storage means for storing the media information, the media
information including:
1) a first category of media information and a respective first
data field containing a first list of items found in the data
storage means that are related to the first category, and
2) a second category of media information and a respective second
data field containing a second list of items found in the data
storage means that are related to the second category;
b2) display means for simultaneously visually displaying the first
and second category of media information to the user; and
b3) user interface means, displayed on the display means, for
displaying the first and second list of items so the user may
i) select at least one item from the first list of items and in
response redisplaying the second list of items with items that are
related only to the at least one item selected in the first list,
and simultaneously maintaining all items originally displayed in
the first list; and
ii) play the selected item from the first list on the media playing
means, which is a capable of playing music.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the user interface means
further comprises:
selection means for allowing the user to select a first data field
item and thereby automatically change the second data field to
display second data field items that are only related to the
selected first data field item.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the media information further
includes a third category of media information and a respective
third data field containing a third list of items related to the
third category;
the user interface means displays the third list of items so the
user may select items therefrom for allowing the user to control
what media information will be played on the media playing means;
and
the selection means will automatically change the third data field
to display third data field items that are both
i) only related to the selected first data field item and
ii) are found in the data storage means.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the media information includes
movie videos and the media playing means is a video player.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the first category is a music
category, and the first list of items is a list of music categories
found in the data storage means, and the second category is a songs
category, and the second list of items is a list of song titles
found in the data storage means.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the third category is a
composers category, and the third list of items is a list of music
composers found in the data storage means.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the media information includes
piano music and the playing means is a player piano.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the storage means is a hard
disk drive for a computer.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the data storage means is
located remote to the display means and media playing means.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the display means is a computer
monitor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a computer system and
user interface for allowing a user access to a selection of media
pieces stored in a media database and for directing and controlling
a media playing device to play the selected media piece.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many media mediums that have been developed in the last
few decades. For example, there are several music mediums, like
records, tapes, or CDs, there is the movie video medium, and there
is the digital medium. For the purpose of this disclosure and
illustration of an embodiment of the invention, the music media and
a media playing device such as a player piano will be focused upon.
The movie video medium will also be briefly discussed in the
specification.
The advent of the player piano was a tremendous breakthrough in the
music world. Whether someone was relaxing at home or entertaining a
houseful of guests, a player piano would give someone the best of
both worlds--a fine acoustic instrument for a pianist to perform
on, and a way to enjoy the same vibrant sounds when no pianist was
available or willing. Even Hotels, restaurants, clubs and other
establishments could have live music on call at all hours of the
day or night, using prerecorded music.
Those who are familiar with player pianos of old would not
recognize its predecessor, being equipped with a whole selection of
newly developed digital electronic musical innovations. The old
music scroll containing only one song has been replaced by a
computer disc storing many pieces of music. Player pianos can now
record music and play it back with such preciseness that all but
the most accomplished music listeners could be fooled. Music
students can determine if they only want the left or right hand
keyboard playing to assist them in learning music pieces. Music
pieces can even be electronically transposed into most any key and
moved up or down two octaves from the original key by the touch of
a button. Even the old metronome has been replaced by a digitized
version that can show elapsed time on a liquid crystal display
(LCD). And for the recording studios and electronic musicians, the
ability to link an acoustic piano with musical instrument digital
interface (MIDI) equipment has lifted the king of instruments into
a whole new realm.
Examples of patents that are related to the present embodiment of
the music medium are as follows, wherein each of the following
patents are herein incorporated by reference for the supporting
teachings:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,926, is a virtual music system. There is
included a multi-element actuator that generates a plurality of
signals in response to being played by a user. The system also has
an audio synthesizer that generates audio tones in response to
control signals. There is a memory storing a musical score for the
multi-element actuator, the stored musical score including a
sequence of lead notes and an associated sequence of harmony note
arrays. Each harmony note array of the sequence corresponding to a
different one of the lead notes and contain zero, one or more
harmony notes. The instrument also includes a digital processor
receiving the plurality of signals from the multi-element actuator
and generating a first set of control signals therefrom. The
digital processor is programmed to identify from among the sequence
of lead notes in the stored musical score a lead note which
corresponds to a first one of the plurality of signals. The digital
processor is also programmed to map a set of the remainder of the
plurality of signals to whatever harmony notes are associated with
the selected lead note, if any. Moreover, the digital processor is
programmed to produce the first set of control signals from the
identified lead note and the harmony notes to which the signals of
the plurality of signals are mapped. The first set of control
signals causes the synthesizer to generate sounds representing the
identified lead note and the mapped harmony notes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,138, is a system for connecting an audio object
to various multimedia objects to enable an object-oriented
simulation of a multimedia presentation using a computer with a
storage and a display. A plurality of multimedia objects are
created on the display including at least one connection object and
at least one audio object. Multimedia objects are displayed,
including at least one audio object. The multimedia object and the
audio object create a multimedia presentation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,264, is a system for connecting a Musical
Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) object to various multimedia
objects to enable an object-oriented simulation of a multimedia
presentation using a computer with a storage and a display. A
plurality of multimedia objects are created on the display
including at least one connection object and at least one MIDI
object in the storage. The multimedia object and the MIDI object
are connected, and information is routed therebetween to create a
multimedia presentation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,732 is a process performed in a data processing
system that includes receiving an input selecting one of a
plurality of multimedia presentations to be relocated from a first
memory to a second memory, scanning the linked data structures of
the selected multimedia presentation to recognize a plurality of
resources corresponding to the selected multimedia presentation,
and generating a list of names and locations within the selected
multimedia presentation corresponding to the identified plurality
of resources. The process also includes renaming the names on the
generated list, changing the names of the identified plurality of
resources in the selected multimedia presentation to the new names
on the generated list, and moving the selected multimedia
presentation and the resources identified on the generated list to
the second memory.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,940 is a portable audio/audio-visual media
tracking device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,126, is an image reproducing apparatus, image
information recording medium, and musical accompaniment playing
apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,421, is a method and apparatus for audio
editing of MIDI files. The invention may be utilized to ensure the
integrity of a source MIDI file, a copied or lifted section or a
target file by automatically inserting matching note on or note off
messages into a file or file section to correct inconsistencies
created by such editing. Additionally, program status messages are
automatically inserted into source files, copied or lifted
sections, or target files to yield results that are consistent with
the results that may be obtained by editing digital audio data.
Timing information is selectively added or maintained such that
MIDI files may be selectively edited without requiring a user to
learn a complex MIDI sequencer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,829, is an information processing apparatus.
The invention has a unit for displaying on a screen a musical
score, keyboard, and tone time information to be inputted. There is
also a unit for designating the position of the keyboard, and tone
time information, respectively displayed on the display unit.
Moreover, the invention includes a unit for storing musical
information produced through designation by the designating unit of
the position of the keyboard and tone time information displayed on
the display unit. Additionally, there is a unit for controlling the
display of the musical score, keyboard, and tone time information
on the screen of the display unit. The unit also is for controlling
the display of a pattern of musical tone or rest on the musical
score on the display unit in accordance with the position of the
keyboard and tome time information respectively designated by the
designating unit. Finally, there is a unit for generating a musical
tone by reading the musical information stored in the storage
unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,961, is a method for storage, transcription,
manipulation and reproduction of music on system-controlled musical
instruments which faithfully reproduces the characteristics of
acoustic musical instruments. The system comprises a music source,
a central processing unit (CPU) and a CPU-controlled plurality of
instrument transducers in the form of any number of acoustic or
acoustic hybrid instruments. In one embodiment, performance
information is sent from a music source MIDI controller to the CPU,
edited in the CPU, converted into an electrical signal, and sent to
instrument transducers via transducer drivers. In another
embodiment, individual performances stored in a digital or sound
tape medium are reproduced at will through the instrument
transducers, or converted into MIDI data by a pitch/frequency
detection device for storage, editing or performance in the CPU. In
still another embodiment, performance information is extracted from
an electronic recording medium or live performance by a
pitch/frequency detection device, edited in the CPU, converted into
an electrical signal, and sent to any number of instrument
transducers. The device also eliminates typical acoustic musical
instrument delay problems.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,491, is a method and apparatus for re-creating
expression effects on solenoid actuated music producing instruments
contained in musical renditions recorded in MIDI format for
reproduction on solenoid actuated player piano systems. Detected
strike velocity information contained in the MIDI recording is
decoded and correlated to strike maps stored in a controlling
microprocessor. The strike maps contain data corresponding to
desired musical expression effects. Time differentiated pulses of
fixed width and amplitude are directed to the actuating solenoids
in accordance with the data in the strike maps, and the actuating
solenoids in turn strike the piano strings. Thereafter, pulses of
uniform amplitude and frequency are directed to the actuating
solenoids to sustain the strike until the end of the musical note.
The strike maps dynamically control the position of the solenoid
during the entire duration of the strike to compensate for
non-linear characteristics of solenoid operation and piano key
movement, thus providing true reproduction of the original musical
performance.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,004 is a system using a computer and keyboard
for reproducing music and displaying words to the music. Data for
reproducing music and displaying words are composed of binary-coded
digital signals. Such signals are downloaded via a public
communication line, or data corresponding to a plurality of musical
pieces or songs are previously stored in an apparatus, and the
stored data are selectively processed by a central processing unit
of a computer. In the instrumental music data, trigger signals are
existent for progression of processing the words data, whereby the
reproduction of music and the display of words are linked to each
other. The music thus reproduced is utilized as background music or
for enabling the user to sing to the accompaniment thereof while
watching the words displayed synchronously with such music
reproduction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,281, is an automatic music player system having
an ensemble playback mode of operation using a memory disk having
recorded thereon a piece of music composed of at least two combined
parts to be reproduced separately of each other. The parts being
recorded in the form of at least two data subblocks, comprising a
first sound generator to mechanically generate sounds when
mechanically or electrically actuated, at least one second sound
generator to electronically generate sounds when electronically
actuated and a control unit connected to the first and second sound
generators. One of the two or more subblocks of the data read from
the disk is discriminated from another, whereupon the discriminated
one of the data subblocks is transmitted to the first sound
generator and another data subblock transmitted to the second sound
generator. Additionally, the transmission of data to the second
sound generator is continuously delayed by a predetermined period
of time from the transmission of data to the first sound generator
so that the two sound generators are enabled to produce sounds
concurrently and in concert with each other.
These incorporated by reference patents reflect the state of the
art of which the applicant is aware and are tendered with a view
toward discharging applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in
disclosing information which may be pertinent in the examination of
this application. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that none
of these patents teach or render obvious, singly or when considered
in combination, applicant's claimed invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a feature of the invention to provide a computer user
interface. The interface is for providing a user access to media
pieces stored in a media database. The interface is also for
controlling a media playing device, like a player piano or movie
playing video device, that is coupled to the computer to play the
accesses or selected piece of media.
It is another feature of the invention to provide a computer
interface that allows a user to display only music that relates to
a selected category, like jazz or classical. Where the user is then
able to direct the media playing device to automatically play the
selected music pieces related to the selected music categories.
A further feature of the invention is to provide a computer
interface that allows a user to display music selections that are
related only to a selected composer, like Duke Ellington or
Gershwin. Where the user is then able to direct the media playing
device to automatically play the selected music pieces related to
the selected music composer.
Another feature of the invention is to provide a computer interface
that allows a user to display only music that is related to a
selected artist, like Dave Contois, or your own personal
recordings. Where the user is then able to direct the media playing
device to automatically play the selected music pieces related to
the selected music artist.
Another feature of the invention is to provide a computer interface
that allows a user to display only music that is related to a
selected song or music piece, like Alexander's Rag Time Band or
Andante & Rondo Capriciosso, Op. 14. Where the user is then
able to direct the media playing device to automatically play the
selected music piece.
A feature of the invention is also to provide a computer system
that can access others media recording data bases from other
sources like internet or world wide web.
Yet a further feature of the invention is to provide a computer
system that can access all types of media, like movie videos or
music videos, from any multimedia data base source.
It is a further feature of the invention to provide a system for
playing media information and implementing a computer as a control
means. There is included therein a media playing means for playing
media information for a user. Additionally, the control means is
coupled to the media playing means. The control means is for
allowing a user to automatically control the media playing means in
playing the media information. The control means has a display
means for displaying information to the user. The control means
further has a data storage means for storing first and second
categories and a respective first and second data fields, and for
enabling data used for enabling the control means to control the
media playing means in playing a selected item. Additionally, the
control means has a user interface means, displayed on the display
means, for displaying to the user at least a first category of
media information, a respective first data field listing items
related to the first category, and a second category of media
information, a respective second data field listing items related
to the second category.
The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but
rather in the particular combination of all of them herein
disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in
this particular combination of all of its structures for the
functions specified.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is
based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of
other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, neither is it intended to be limiting as
to the scope of the invention in any way.
Other features of the present invention will become more clear from
the following detailed description of the invention, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be
learned by the practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of one type of computer system
capable of controlling a media playing device.
FIG. 2 illustrates a window displaying a control screen for a
preferred embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a window displaying a control screen for a
preferred embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a window displaying a control screen for a
preferred embodiment.
FIG. 5 illustrates a window displaying a basic Song List screen
with the associated operational buttons.
FIG. 6 illustrates a control window displaying a nested graphical
window.
FIG. 7 is a partial flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the
invention related to a player piano and a music data base.
FIG. 8 is partial flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the
invention related to a movie video media and a videos data
base.
It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale.
The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to
portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are
intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and
therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the
invention. The invention will be described with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Charter by the U.S. Constitution
This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the
constitutional purposes of the United States Patent Laws "to
promote the progress of science and useful arts," as stated in
Article 1 of the United States Constitution.
Introduction
The first embodiment relates to the use of a computer system and
user interface to control which music is to be played upon a player
piano. Although one skilled in the art will know how a MIDI system
works and how a computer controlled solenoid operated player piano
operates, these two topics are provided for background purposes. A
second embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a computer
system and user interface for allowing a user to select which movie
video will be played upon a computer controlled video media playing
device or the like. One skilled in the art of computers and video
control will understand how the system operates in view of the
discussion of the player piano operation.
MIDI Background
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) defines an interface
for exchanging information between electronic musical instruments,
computers, sequencers, lighting controllers, mixers, and tape
recorders as discussed in MIDI Manufacturers Association
publication entitled, MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification (1990). MIDI
is extensively used both in the recording studio and in live
performances and has had enormous impact in the areas of studio
recording and automated control, audio video production and
composition. By itself and in conjunction with other media, MIDI
plays an integral role in the application of computers to
multimedia applications. In comparison to digital audio, MIDI files
take up much less space, and the information is symbolic for
convenient manipulation and viewing. For example, a typical three
minute MIDI file may require 30 to 60 Kilobytes on a disk, whereas
a CD quality stereo audio file requires about two hundred Kilobytes
per second, or 36 Megabytes for three minutes. MIDI data may appear
as musical notation, graphical piano-roll, or lists of messages
suitable for editing and reassignment to different instruments.
General MIDI has standardized instrument assignments to greatly
motivate the multimedia title producer.
MIDI input and output ports are used to route time-stamped MIDI
packets from one media component to another. MIDI ports act as
mailboxes for the communication of MIDI packets across address
spaces. Many interesting MIDI applications can be created by
connecting media components that contain MIDI ports. For example, a
MIDI player and a MIDI interface, can be used to play a music
device, like an electronic player piano, connected to a computer.
MIDI packets are sent from the MIDI player to the MIDI interface.
The MIDI interface converts the MIDI packets to MIDI data that is
sent to the player piano for playback.
Background for the Operation of a Solenoid Actuated Player
Piano
Solenoid actuation of a player piano key is a complex set of
mechanical interactions. The mass of the key mechanism is
accelerated by the magnetic force created in the solenoid. The
solenoid must be dynamically controlled during the entire period of
the key strike for two significant reasons. First, the force of the
solenoid is non-linear because it changes as the plunger travels.
Second, the mass of the key is also non-linear since the key damper
increases the mass of the key to accurately recreate music with
true reproduction of expression effects.
Each of the eighty-eight keys on a typical player piano is actuated
by a vertical solenoid working on the far end of the key. The
solenoids are arranged so as to lift the end of the key, and thus
accelerate the key mechanism and hammer to strike the string. The
force produced by the solenoid is non-linear and can vary as much
as ten to one from the start to the end of the strike; of course
the shape of the force curve varying according to the solenoid
design and construction.
Each piano key includes a damper mechanism which can ride on the
key to dampen the string after the strike. The damper interaction
takes effect at some point during the key travel, and thus throws
an increased mass onto the key when it is engaged. In addition, the
damper may be raised by the pianist so that it will not interact
with the key, thus allowing the string to sustain after being
struck by the hammer.
Each of the solenoid actuators typically consists of a wound coil
housed in a steel frame. The solenoid plunger travels within the
center of the winding, and exerts mechanical force to lift the
piano key. Flexible rubber tips are used between the plunger
push-rod and the bottom of the key to reduce the impact noise of
the mechanism. However, this also introduces an additional
non-linear component into the key travel.
In general terms, it is necessary to "map" the travel of the
solenoid into discrete steps of time, or intervals. The mapped
information takes into account the foregoing non-linear
characteristics of solenoid operation and key movement. Typically,
one strike of the solenoid may contain over fifty such intervals.
Each of these intervals is then selectively activated by a
controlling microprocessor. The microprocessor determining the
configuration of the map by analysis of various key interactions.
Also, the microprocessor, using instructions stored in memory,
translates recorded musical information into driving signals for
each solenoid, the object being to reproduce the recorded music as
accurately as possible. Essentially, it is the velocity information
contained in the recording that is processed into driving signals.
Since velocity is the combination of force and mass, the
microprocessor is able to determine the force of the solenoid at
any given point in time and, in combination with the known key
mass, determine the required change in force to produce the desired
key acceleration and velocity.
The force required to accelerate the key can be substantial.
Therefore, it is essential to provide for a high power strike
period, followed by a low power holding period. This allows maximum
force during the critical strike period, while still allowing key
hold down times without excessive power dissipation.
This system must convert the recorded musical information into
discrete driving signals representing strike velocity. The driving
signals are then separated in strike signals and hold signals. The
strike signals consisting of time differentiated pulses of fixed
width and amplitude, the number and timing of the pulses being
dependent upon the information in the drive map that controls the
recreation of the expression of the musical notes. The pulses are
then directed to the solenoid that in turn, causes the strike
hammer to strike the piano string. When the strike period is over,
a hold signal that comprises pulses of uniform amplitude and timing
are directed to the solenoid so that the strike hammer can be held
fixed in place until the end of the musical note.
Background for a Computerized Player Piano System
FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a possible
computerized player piano system of the preferred embodiment. A
recorded media 26 containing music to be reproduced is read by a
playback unit 28. Coupled to playback unit 28 is control
microprocessor 30 that selects the strike map for each driving
signal 10 corresponding to a particular velocity factor of a hammer
to hit a piano string. A core element of control microprocessor 30
is central processing unit (CPU) 32. Coupled to CPU 32 is ROM 34,
which is a read only memory, and contains the strike maps for the
various velocity factors as well as the operating software for CPU
32. Also coupled to CPU 32 is UART 36, a serial data receiver that
receives the serial MIDI data from playback unit 28 and routes it
to CPU 32. RAM 38, which contains changeable program data, is also
coupled to CPU 32, as are drivers 40, which couple control
microprocessor 30 to gating logic 42. Microprocessor 30 is coupled
to a computer display terminal 31 for allowing a user to access the
information stored in the microprocessor memory and hard drive
storage 33. Conventional circuitry and circuit elements are
utilized throughout.
Control microprocessor 30 decodes the velocity factor from the
recorded media 26 and assigns a particular driving signal 10 to the
velocity factor. During the period of strike signal 12, control
microprocessor 30 sends an enable signal to gating logic 42.
Individual strike pulses 18 activate switch 46 that energizes
solenoid 48 according to the strike map. At the end of strike
signal 12, control microprocessor 30 switches gating logic 42 to
accept hold signal 14 that consists of hold pulses 22 produced by
hold oscillator 44.
The ROM 34 contains all programs that the CPU uses to interface
with all of the present invention's circuits. This ROM memory also
contains all of the programs required to enter, store, retrieve,
edit and delete all items in the data base stored on the hard drive
33.
The mouse delivers its coded output to the microprocessor in
response to a user actuating buttons and location sensors thereon.
In response to receiving the coded output from the mouse, the
microprocessor senses the meaning of the output and develops an
output representative of its results, that is interpreted by the
CPU.
The microprocessor controls the computer display by sending control
signals from the CPU to the display. Thus, when the mouse 35 is
activated, signals are sent to the CPU where the signals are
interpreted. The CPU interpreted signals are sent to the display to
cause changes to the information that is displayed thereon. Thus,
by double clicking a mouse button at a certain location on the
display screen, it is possible to cause many changes to the
displayed information. More specifically, data stored in the hard
drive can be accessed and displayed, and by properly selecting with
the mouse, new stored data can be displayed where the old data was
once displayed.
The platform or form that the display uses to present the
information that is stored in a data base, for example, is often
referred to as a graphical user interface, or user interface. The
interface design is often the most important part of a computer
system, since a poor interface will prevent all but the most
skilled to gain access to the stored information. Poor performance
of an interface has caused many products to fail in the market
place. Thus, it is essential to provide an interface that is both
intuitive and easy to operate. The next sections will primarily
deal with the design of the interface used to allow users access to
a stored data base through the use of a mouse and cursor.
Computer Interface For A User To Control the Operation of A Player
Piano
FIGS. 2 through 6 are graphical illustrations of user interface
computer screens that may be used to access the music database and
control the operation of a player piano.
It is noted that references to the phrase "data field" is meant to
mean a listing of items relating to a category of information found
in the data base. For example, the illustrated "Composer" category
can list in the data field all of the composers found in the music
data base, like Liszt, Debussy, Gershwin, Mendelssohn, etc.
It is pointed out that term of "selecting" means that a pointer or
cursor, which is illustrated as a white arrow in FIG. 3 that is
located on a song title, is placed over the desired item while the
user usually clicks a mouse button once or twice. The pointer is
also known as a selection means.
It is also noted that the word "item" is meant to mean a single
piece of data found in the data field related to a selected
category. For example, "Jazz" is an item found in the data field
related to the category of music Category (labeled as Category for
short), or "A Foggy Day" is an item found in the data field related
to the category of "Selected Songs."
The interface has a button, labeled "All Categories, Composers,
Artists, and Songs," also known as a "select all" button. This
button can be activated any time by the user to enable the user to
display all of the individual items in each data field that is
found in the entire data base. This feature of "select all" is
activated when first starting the user interface screen, thus
allowing a user to view all of the available data in each data
field before making any item selections.
Operation of Data Fields
Displayed on the user interface screens of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 6 are
four categories of data that may be accessed from the player piano
data base. Specifically, the data base categories are labeled as:
Category (a short form for music category), Composer, Artist, and
Selected Songs. Located below each data base category is a
respective data field that list the items or data found in the data
base that are associated with the particular category. A
description of each data field will now be provided.
The data field labeled as "Category," as the title signifies,
displays all of the general music category items found in the data
base. For example, blues, Christmas, classical, gospel, jazz,
pianosoft, and ragtime music category items are illustrated.
Selection of a single or multiple items in this data field provides
the user with control over what items may be displayed in the other
data fields. For example, in reference to FIG. 3, a user has
selected the music category of "Classical." As a result, all of the
remaining data fields would replace the currently displayed items
in the data field list and display only items found in the music
data base that are directly related to the music category of
"Classical."
It is pointed out that "displaying a data field" is automatically
accomplished by the player piano control system and the relevant
software control. Displaying of data is accomplished after a
selection of an item is made. First, once a user has selected an
item with the mouse, the CPU interprets the coding sent from the
mouse and determines which item has been selected and thus
highlights the selected item on the display. Second, the player
piano control system eliminates the current list or lists of items
found in the remaining relevant data fields. Third, the control
system will search for all data related to the selected item.
Forth, the control system receives signals from the various data
storage devices and uses this information to direct the display to
display those identified items that will be related to the selected
item in the proper data fields.
The data field labeled as "Composer," as the title indicates, can
display all of the original composers of each piece of music found
in the data. For example, the items of Albeniz, Albinoni, Archer,
and Armstrong etc. are illustrated in FIG. 2. This data field also
allows the user to control what may be displayed in the other data
fields in the same fashion as the music "Category" operation. For
example, regarding FIG. 3, by selecting Beethoven as shown, all of
the other data fields may be directed to only display data found in
the data base that pertains to the composer Beethoven. The user may
now display only items in the Artist and Selected Songs categories
that are related to Beethoven. By providing a user with these
features, hundreds or thousands of items are eliminated from being
displayed on the user display, thereby allowing the user to more
easily make selections of music to be played upon the player
piano.
The "Artist" data field, as the title suggests, would display all
of the artists that have played the various pieces of music that
are found in the entire music data base. For example, Dave Contois,
Phillip Keveren, and PG Music are illustrated. When this data field
is selected, it allows the user to control what may be displayed in
the other data fields. The Artist data field operated just as the
composer and category data fields have. For example, by selecting
with the selection means by clicking with the mouse button while
the cursor is located over Phillip Keveren, for instance, all of
the other data fields may only display data that pertains to this
artist if it were the first item selected. In an illustrated
example, both the Categories and Composer data fields have already
had selections. Thus only the Selected Songs data field will be
redisplayed to relate to all of the above selections of Artist,
Composer, and Category.
The "Selected Songs" data field, as the title indicates, allows the
user to display all of the songs or music pieces found in the music
data base. As with the previously described data fields, a user can
select at least one of the music pieces in the selected songs data
field. As before, once a certain item has been selected, only
information related to that selection may be displayed in the other
data fields that did not have previously selected items. Besides
determining what items may be displayed in the associated data
fields, this data field allows the user to select specific Songs
that will be played by the attached media playing device, i.e.. the
player piano.
Operation of Play Buttons
Further regarding FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 6, are four media playing
device control buttons illustrated on the bottom right side of the
interface screen. The operation of each button works much like a
typical tape recorder. The first button on the left is typically
known to one skilled in the art as the "play" button. This play
button is shaped as an arrow pointing to the left. When the play
button is actuated, the player piano will begin to play the first
selected music piece as indicated in the Selected Songs data
field.
The second from the left button, called the rewind button, will
cause the selected item, the song "All I Ask of You," to stop
playing and "rewind" the music selection. The rewind button is an
arrow pointing to the right. By rewind, it is meant to cause the
music to stop at the current frame, lets say frame 80 of the music
piece, and move back a given number of music frames and potentially
all the way back to the beginning. As with a tape recorder, the
amount of time that the rewind button is actuated will control how
far back in the music the user wants to restart the player
piano.
The next button is typically known as the "pause" button. The pause
button is indicated by two vertical lines. This button allows the
user to temporarily suspend the playing of the player piano. Upon
activating the pause button again or by reactuation of the play
button, the player piano will start playing at the exact spot that
it had been stopped.
The last button on the right is typically recognized as the "stop"
button. The stop button is indicated by a square shape. This button
is used when the user is finished listening to the selected piece
of music and is no longer interest in listening any further. To
restart the player piano another music piece is generally selected
from the music data fields and the start button is then
reactivated.
Process of Creating Lists of Songs
Another feature of the preferred embodiment regards the creation of
a specialized list of music pieces to be played on the player
piano. In operation, once a piece of music is selected, a user may
activate the button labeled "Add to Song List," which is located at
the bottom center of each screen. By using this button, a user can
create their own personal record album or compact disk that
contains only those songs that have been individually selected.
Thereby, the player piano can be directed to play each song one
after the other in sequence or in a random order.
Once a list of songs has been selected using the "Add to Song List"
button, the user can view, customize, and edit the created list. A
user selects "File" from the menu bar as illustrated in FIG. 4, and
selects "Song List" or by actuating the control and S keys
simultaneously.
FIG. 5 illustrates a basic Song List screen with the associated
operational buttons. Note, that the songs listed under the Selected
Songs heading (Moonlight Sonata, As time Goes By, and The
Entertainer) were recently added to the song list. The user has
several options to use on these newly listed songs. First, by
activating the "Save Song List" button, the user could save the
song list and give the list a name that could be used latter to
both identify and access this newly created list. Second, by
activating the Play Song List button, the user could also play the
displayed list of songs on the player piano without ever having
saved the created song list. Third, the user could edit the song
list by using the "Delete Song" button, thereby eliminating any
song that was highlighted or selected.
There are additional features provided by the Song List screen or
window. For instance, the user could select the "Open Song List"
button to get a list of all previously created song lists. The user
could either edit individual song lists by eliminating or adding
individual songs or play selected song lists. When a user wishes to
create a new song list from scratch, the "Clear Song List" button
would be selected, which would clear the screen of any listed song
titles.
The feature of creating your own music lists allows the every-day
computer user to create their own music albums or collections and
not be limited by what is prepackaged by music companies. For
example, the user can now create whole musical events, like a list
of children's birthday party music, teenager party music, young
couples wedding music, old couples anniversary music, or all
renditions of "A Foggy Day" by Dave Contois performed in the year
1995. It is even possible for a restaurant to program music for an
entire evening beginning with lively after work music for happy
hour and gradually changing the song selections to be quieter for
the dinner crowd.
Regarding FIG. 6, there is a window illustrating the operation of
the preferred embodiment and the use of a graphics window. As shown
in the bottom right portion of the window above the play buttons,
there is a graphics window. In operation, once a song title is
selected to be played upon the player piano, the graphic window
will display a picture of something associated with the selected
piece of music. In this case, there is illustrated a portrait of
the Artist and Composer, Frank Mills.
Overview of the Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
FIG. 7 is a partial flow chart of the general sequence of operation
for the graphical user interface of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6. Upon first
accessing the interface window, all of the data in each data field
will be displayed. More precisely, all of the data can be viewed by
scrolling through the individual data fields. The user is then able
to select what items are needed to find the specific song titles
that are desired to be played upon the player piano. As
illustrated, there is shown an interaction between the selection of
an item in a data field and the redisplaying of all non-selected
data field items to correspond to the selected items. The
interactive process may continue with multiple rounds of selection
and de-selection stages. Finally, the user will have a song title
selected and will then select the play button to activate the music
media playing device, or player piano.
Computer Interface For A User To Operate A Video Player
Reference is made to FIG. 8 for the following discussion.
Specifically, there is a partial flow chart of the general sequence
of operation for the illustrated embodiment related to a video
player. Just as the previous embodiment related to the control of a
player piano, the embodiment of the video player anticipates the
operation of a substantially similar interface screen. However, the
difference being that the new interface screen will have different
categories with different data fields of items. Specifically, the
paired categories and data fields would be labeled as: Video
Category, Actor, Director, and Selected Videos.
The illustrated data fields are as follows: The "Movie Category"
data field allows the user to view a complete list of all of the
movie categories found in the accessed movie videos data base. For
example, items such as Westerns, War, Romance, Comedy, and
Documentaries might be listed. Similarly, for the "Actor" data
field, items such as Robin Williams, and Sylvestor Stalone may be
listed. For the "Directors" data field you would find items like
Penny Marshall, or Ron Howard. Of course, the data field of "Video"
would show the titles of videos found in the data base, like Hook,
or Die Hard.
The operation of the Video user interface in controlling the
operation of a video player device is substantially like the
operation of the player piano operation and control. Specifically,
by selecting either single or multiple items in each data field a
user may narrow down the listed items in the Video category to
allow the user to find a movie video for viewing. Whereby, the user
may then use the same four control tape recorder-like buttons as
with the player piano interface. The main differences from the
music data base interface is that there are different data field
titles and that different information is stored in the video data
base.
Remarks About The Preferred Embodiment
It is noted that the selective displaying of data field items is
sensitive to the item selection sequence. For example, if a
Composers item was the first selected item, then the Categories
items would be redisplayed to show only items related to the
selected composer. For this reason, to assist the user to keep
track of which category was selected in what order, a number in
parentheses is displayed next to the category title after an item
has been selected in that data field. Specifically, referring to
FIG. 3, Category has a (1) next to it since Classical was the fist
selected item, Composer has a (2) next to it to indicate that
Beethoven was the second item selected, and Artist has a (3) next
to it to indicate that PG Music was the third item in the sequence
of selection.
It is possible to select songs in a any order of categories. For
example, it is possible to select songs in the order of a Composer,
then an Artist, followed by a Category. It is even provided for a
user to take back a selection with out starting from the beginning
of the selection sequence. This is typically called "deselecting
and item." As the phrase indicates, the third item selected can be
deselected, then the second item could be deselected. In this
situation, all of the remaining data fields would only have items
related to the first selected item and not the other two previously
selected items that had been canceled. This operation allows the
use a large degree of flexibility in choosing songs to be played on
the player piano.
The user interface embodiment further provides for the user to
select multiple items in a given data field in a very similar
fashion to the selection on single items. Thus, for example, it is
possible to select both classical or jazz music composed by both
Liszt or Duke Ellington, and being played by Dave Contois.
Variations In The Preferred Embodiment
Although this embodiment focuses upon the application of the
software to control a player piano or video player, one skilled in
the art will realize that this software interface could be used on
any media playing device where a user needs to select what media
item is to be played from a vast media data base. For example, it
is contemplated to operate an electric guitar, a computer
controlled multimedia system, a pipe organ, a television, a movie
video player, or a computer screen.
The current embodiment of the invention also anticipates the use of
the invention to play all types of media information that needs to
be accessed by the user. For example, other media information that
can be accessed using the present invention are: music videos,
homemade videos, computer games, or software programs (accounting,
drawing, writing, etc.).
Although the embodiment only discusses the process of selecting a
single piece of music or video it is easily understood that a user
could have the music or video playing device to play a long
pre-selected list of selected items in either a random or
sequential order.
The preferred embodiment of the invention discusses the control of
only a single media playing device, like a player piano. However,
one skilled in the art would easily understand how to
simultaneously control several media playing devices with the same
control system in view of this disclosure. For example, the
coordination of the control of a player piano along with a music
video is contemplated.
One skilled in the art will also understand that a computer hard
drive storage device is not the only storage medium for storing
accessible media data. For example, additional media data bases
could be found on a world wide web, a satellite receiver, or an
internet link system.
Although there are four specific data fields displayed in FIG. 2,
it is also contemplated to have different and additional data
fields. For example, another category and related data field could
display a list of what year the music was created. Thus, for
example, a user could request jazz music created on or after 1980
and before 1990.
It is noted that the embodiment of the invention discusses the use
of a standard known computer, where in fact all components of the
computer can be replaced with any new advancing technologies, like
holographics or voice activated systems and still not depart from
the intent of the invention of allowing easier user access to the
underlying media data base information.
One skilled in the art will recognize that it is not essential to
have the computer system separate from the media playing device. It
is conceivable to have the computer system physically incorporated
in part or in whole into the media playing device.
It is equally anticipated that a skilled artisan would be able to
provide variations to the graphics window, as shown in FIG. 6. For
example, it is anticipated to provide a motion picture of the
artist playing the selected song. It is equally anticipated, for
example, to provide a view of the musical score in the graphics
window as the music is being played.
While the invention has been taught with specific reference to
these embodiments, someone skilled in the art will recognize that
changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the
spirit and the scope of the invention. The described embodiments
are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *
References