WO2001050452A2 - An electronic score for display of musical notes - Google Patents

An electronic score for display of musical notes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001050452A2
WO2001050452A2 PCT/DK2000/000735 DK0000735W WO0150452A2 WO 2001050452 A2 WO2001050452 A2 WO 2001050452A2 DK 0000735 W DK0000735 W DK 0000735W WO 0150452 A2 WO0150452 A2 WO 0150452A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electronic score
score according
display
electronic
processor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2000/000735
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001050452A3 (en
Inventor
Ole NØRGAARD
Original Assignee
Danora Aps Under Foundation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Danora Aps Under Foundation filed Critical Danora Aps Under Foundation
Priority to AU23515/01A priority Critical patent/AU2351501A/en
Publication of WO2001050452A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001050452A2/en
Publication of WO2001050452A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001050452A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H1/0008—Associated control or indicating means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/005—Non-interactive screen display of musical or status data
    • G10H2220/015—Musical staff, tablature or score displays, e.g. for score reading during a performance.
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2240/00—Data organisation or data communication aspects, specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2240/171—Transmission of musical instrument data, control or status information; Transmission, remote access or control of music data for electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H2240/281—Protocol or standard connector for transmission of analog or digital data to or from an electrophonic musical instrument
    • G10H2240/321—Bluetooth

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic score for display and sequentially page feed of musical notes comprised in a digital sheet music file.
  • the score comprises a screen for display of data, a score stand for holding the score and a processor for processing data related to the display and page feeding of musical notes.
  • the electronic score according to the present invention may have a flat screen which can be either in black and white or in colours.
  • the electronic score may use BluetoothTM - a registered trademark by Ericsson or similar technology, e.g. DECT, HomeRFTM by HomeRF working group etc. to communicate by wireless with a server computer from which it receives information for displaying digital sheet music.
  • the electronic score can be positioned in either landscape format or in portrait format and will automatically adjust the sheet music to the chosen position.
  • landscape format When the electronic score is placed in landscape format it will show two succeeding pages, each in A4 size, and when the electronic score is placed in portrait format it will show one page in A3 size.
  • the electronic score may have additional features and built-in controls such as electronic metronome, pitch control, users notes, play along, and conductor.
  • the electronic score may be operated by a remote control or by voice control.
  • the main features of the remote control can be executed by pressing a switch, such as a foot- operated switch.
  • the invention further relates to an electronic score consisting of two screens that can be in black and white or in colours.
  • the standard size of the screens may be 15" in diagonal.
  • the alternative version of the electronic score consists of two parts kept together by a joint so that the electronic score can be closed like a book during transportation.
  • Scores are traditionally printed books with notes for a musical composition.
  • the format of the known scores typically supports for a standard format for use of a musical stand.
  • the scores are typically published periodically and with respect to detected errors or changes in the interpretation of the musical composition. Except from provision of the printed notes to musicians the scores serve as a medium for preservation of music.
  • Electronic media for music are various and extend from traditional media for music such as compact discs to traditional textual or graphics formats for computers such as PDF or TIF, etc. Due to the enormous proliferation of the Internet it is now possible to publish and distribute digital sheet music for the users to purchase online and download directly from the Internet.
  • the purpose of the electronic score is to utilise the enormous advantages of digital publishing and distribution by providing the user with a product, not inferior but superior to traditional hard copies.
  • a music display stand is known from US 5,760,323.
  • the music stand according to this patent comprises a display for displaying musical notes that may be advanced by the sound of music, a timed interval or by mechanical actuation.
  • the music stand according to this patent does not provide the feature of advancing the display of notes according to a meter and the selected tempo of the music. This is an important feature since it allows the musician to play undisturbed by page shifts.
  • keyboards for playing music and having a display for displaying notes corresponding to the music are also known e.g. from US 5,894,100. Such keyboards are not usable as a score for a musician as they are adapted for a keyboard. Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic score that is able to advance the notes according to a meter and the tempo of the music.
  • the object of the invention is achieved by a score comprising a memory for musical notes corresponding to a musical composition
  • the memory may be a hard disc drive of a computer, a RAM-circuit or similar means for electronically storing data for a computer.
  • the memory and a display for displaying the musical notes or for displaying other data relevant for the musician are connected to a computer or a similar device for processing data.
  • the computer is adapted to retrieve from the memory data such as notes and a meter for the music and transmit the retrieved data to the display for display in a selected format.
  • the format is preferably similar to known formats of scores.
  • the format may be selected from a group of predetermined formats corresponding to at least two different orientations of the display such as a portrait format and a landscape format of a number of different view size.
  • the computer is adapted to retrieve data for display according to a meter and the number of bars between cue-bars indicating the middle of a page.
  • the tempo may either be entered by the musician, set automatically by the advance of the music, entered to the computer by means of a microphone, or it may be comprised in data stored in the memory.
  • the computer retrieves data including a meter from the memory it will automatically detect the specified tempo and advance the pages accordingly.
  • the invention further relates to an electronic score with an interface for reception of data such as musical notes from an external source.
  • the external source may be a floppy disc, a local area network, an Internet connection, a modem, or any other kind of media for communication and/or storage of data.
  • the external source may be used for retrieval of files comprising the notes.
  • the musician may for example purchase notes which are delivered on floppy discs or sent by modem or over the Internet.
  • the score is furthermore adapted for transmission of data to this or these media.
  • the musician may send comments concerning the notes to other musicians or send requests for notes to suppliers of musical notes.
  • the musician may want to synchronise one electronic score with a number of electronic scores e.g. when playing in an orchestra.
  • the interface uses a wireless connection so as to permit the musician to move the score independently from wall outlets or similar fixed outlets for connection plugs.
  • the wireless connection to the Internet could preferably be a WAP-interface adapted for communication between the electronic score and a wireless phone.
  • the WAP-interface may furthermore be used for payment of services such as purchase of musical notes over the Internet.
  • the display is adapted for user input e.g. by touching certain fields of the screen - a touch screen.
  • This permits a flexible/re- configurable interface between the electronic score and the musician.
  • the processor When the musician presses a "button" or a field on the screen a corresponding signal is read by the processor which may then store corresponding data in the memory or process data according to the selected field or button.
  • the musician can select from a number of predefined functions; the musician may for example select from a number of pre- specified text strings to be added to the musical notes. For example when the musician practises a new composition and may wish to add comments to the notes.
  • the standard text strings may relate to the accentuation, tempo, etc. It is accordingly also possible for the musician to read such text strings attached to musical notes by other musicians or by publishers of musical notes.
  • the invention further relates to an electronic score wherein the processor is adapted to control a cursor at the currently played note in accordance with the tempo. This is of help to the musician in following the notes.
  • the electronic score comprises a sound transducer e.g. for replaying music according to the notes.
  • the transducer can also be used for transmitting a tone according to the tempo so as to help the unskilled musician when practising; of course the tempo may also be visualised by a blinking mark on the screen or in any other way.
  • the electronic score may further comprise a microphone.
  • the microphone can by used for automatic detection of a score according to the played music.
  • the microphone can furthermore be used to detect the frequency of a tone being played and the processor may be adapted for calculating the difference between a note and the actually played sound. This feature of the electronic score can be used for indication of errors to the unskilled musician or for tuning an instrument such as a violin or a piano.
  • the processor of the electronic score is adapted to retrieve musical data from a play-along-sound file stored in the memory and to control the sound transducer to reproduce the musical composition corresponding to the play-along-sound file according to the selected tempo.
  • the processor will register the music played by the musician and will stop the accompanying music when the musician stops. If the musician "jumps" back and forth in the notes the processor will be adapted to detect - by means of the microphone - where in the notes the musician has started playing. The processor will then start accompanying from this point.
  • the electronic score is comprised in a box of a size that supports for mounting the score on a music stand.
  • the electronic score is battery operated. This feature will allow the score to be operated even in places where power is not to be supplied and the portability of the device will be enhanced.
  • the screen of the electronic stand can either be formatted to show one page or to show two pages at a time. If only one page is displayed at a time the page must be shifted when the bottom of the page is reached, but in this case it is preferred that the succeeding page is prepared for display by the processor so that the page shift can be performed without unnecessary interruption of the page display for the musician.
  • the page is switched by scrolling a bar over the screen. Over the bar the succeeding page will be displayed; in this way two pages or at least a part of two pages are shown simultaneously. The speed of the scrolling can be set to follow the tempo of the music.
  • the processor can be adapted for displaying two full pages at a time. It is thus preferred that the one page will shift as the musical performance has reached the point approximately at the middle of the succeeding page so that the display displays the second successor of the page being shifted.
  • Display of one page at a time or display of a part of two pages at a time is an advantage to musicians for whom the displayed font size of the two pages at a time is difficult to read.
  • the processor must be adapted for switching between at least two different font sizes corresponding to the one or two pages being displayed at a time.
  • the musician may select various fonts and font sizes to be displayed.
  • the selected page format can be related to the orientation of the screen so that a portrait view is automatically selected for one orientation of the screen and a landscape format is selected for another orientation of the screen.
  • the electronic score may, if the display displays one or two pages at a time, scroll through the score line by line and thus update the display for each line being played.
  • the interface for communication can preferably be used for synchronisation of the score mark, e.g. by means of a cursor indicating the advance of the musical performance.
  • the score may be used for displaying text in relation to a musical performance, such as text for an opera. This is an advantage not only to musicians but also to the audience of an opera.
  • Fig. 1 shows an electronic score with a display displaying notes in landscape format
  • Fig. 2 shows an electronic score with a display displaying notes in portrait format
  • Fig. 3 shows the backside of an electronic score according to the present invention
  • Figs. 4 and 5 show a side view of an electronic score supported by a build-in support in landscape and portrait format, respectively
  • Fig. 6 shows an electronic score mounted on a music stand
  • Fig. 7 shows the front of an adapter for a music stand
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an electronic score on a music stand
  • Fig. 9 shows a remote control for an electronic score
  • Fig. 10 shows a "rubber ball” foot operated switch for the electronic score
  • Figs. 11 , 12 and 13 show a compact embodiment of the electronic score with notes for a musical composition on the screen
  • Figs. 14 and 16 show a cue-bar for two different screen layouts
  • Fig. 15 shows a timeline
  • Fig. 17 shows a tempo depiction
  • Fig. 18 shows a pitch control
  • Fig. 19 shows a menu structure of an electronic score
  • Fig. 20 shows a plurality of electronic scores in conductor mode.
  • the electronic score consists of a quadrangular case (1) with a preferred size of approximately 3 cm. x 36 cm. x 56 cm.
  • the case is made of plastic, magnesium or any other suitable material providing the necessary protection against shock and magnetic radiation.
  • the electronic score has a screen (2) that can be a LCD screen, a plasma screen or any other flat screen, either in black and white or in colours.
  • the size of the screen may as a standard be approximately 20" in diagonal which provides for a suitable display of the musical notes, but it may be any other dimension.
  • the screen can be a touch screen with the possibility to write directly on the screen e.g. by using a special writing tool.
  • the electronic score can, if placed in landscape format, show two pages of sheet music in A4 size as shown in Fig. 1 and if placed in portrait format show one page of sheet music in A3 size as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the case will have a built-in support (3) which is a bar connected to the case by a spindle (4).
  • the support can be unfurled so that the electronic score can be placed on a table in landscape format as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the case will also have a built-in support (5) for placing the electronic score on a table in portrait format as shown in Fig. 5.
  • the adapter has four cylindrical objects (8) fitting into the four key-shaped holes (7) in the case.
  • a turn-disk with a thread (9) makes it possible to fasten the adapter to the case.
  • the adapter has a revolving joint (10) for easy shifting between landscape format and portrait format.
  • the adapter can be mounted on a stand as shown in Fig. 6.
  • the stand has a joint (11) for adjusting the viewing angle.
  • a rod (12) inside a tube (13) makes it possible to adjust the elevation of the electronic score to an agreeable reading position for a sitting or a standing person.
  • the elevation can be fixed by turning a screw (14).
  • the electronic score has two built-in speakers, a microphone, one stereo line out, and one headphone line out.
  • the electronic score has a built-in CPU and storage devices.
  • the electronic score has a built-in BluetoothTM chip enabling wireless two-way communication with other BluetoothTM units.
  • the electronic score could also be adapted for wireless communication according to the DECT standard or the HomeRFTM standard or any similar standard for wireless communication.
  • the electronic score may even be adapted for communication according to several different standards, e.g. adapted automatically to switch between various communication protocols, dependant upon which other wirelessly communicating devices are reachable.
  • BluetoothTM may be exclusively mentioned but it should be understood as an example of a preferred protocol for wireless communication.
  • the electronic score has a built-in on/off switch.
  • the electronic score has a re-chargeable battery and a plug for connection to an external power supply unit.
  • the electronic score has dual battery support.
  • the picture signal to the screen can be generated by the built-in CPU or by the CPU in a server computer and sent to the electronic score using BluetoothTM technology.
  • the electronic score has a built-in directional sensor unit capable of detecting whether the electronic score is placed in landscape format or in portrait format.
  • the unit produces a signal that is transmitted to the built-in CPU or sent to the CPU in the server computer using BluetoothTM technology. Based upon information from the signal produced by the directional sensor unit the picture signal will automatically be adjusted according to the format in which the electronic score is placed. If the electronic score is placed in landscape format the picture signal will automatically generate two succeeding pages, page A and page B, that will be shown simultaneously in A4 size. If the electronic score is placed in portrait format the picture signal will automatically generate one page, page A, that will be shown in A3 size.
  • the electronic score has a built-in RAM for storage of a sufficient number of pages before and after the page/pages shown on the screen. These pages will be stand-by for turning the pages forwards and backwards without delay. Specially developed software enabling the electronic score to execute all functions are installed in a built-in storage device.
  • the electronic score has a storage device in which the user can keep digital sheet music files in a sub-library.
  • the digital sheet music files are copied from the main library on the server computer and transferred to the electronic score by wireless using BluetoothTM technology.
  • the content of the sub-library can be altered deliberately, and the electronic score can display the digital sheet music files in the sub-library without being in contact with the server computer.
  • the electronic score can be transported to any location and work as an independent unit for displaying the digital sheet music files stored in the sub-library.
  • the electronic score has a remote control that is a small case similar to remote controls for television sets etc. as shown in Fig. 9.
  • the remote control communicates with the electronic score by wireless using BluetoothTM technology (15), and it has a keyboard (16) for operating the different functions in a logical and user-friendly manner.
  • the remote control has a track point (17) and two click buttons (18) and can work as a pointing device to control a cursor on the screen and perform single clicks and double clicks.
  • the remote control can be connected to a separate switch with a cord (19) and a plug (20) as shown in Fig. 10.
  • the preferred embodiment of the switch is a rubber ball (21) with a built-in switch sensitive to air pressure (22). By pressing the rubber ball the switch can activate a pre-selected function of the remote control.
  • the electronic score can also be operated by voice control.
  • voice control To be able to use the voice control option, the user must carry through a learning programme similar to those of a cell phone with voice control. By pronouncing every command the user "teaches” the software his or her individual sound so that the software will be able to recognise it and activate the various functions.
  • the distance between the electronic score and the server computer can be up to 10 meters, but optional technology makes it possible to increase the distance up to 100 meters.
  • the electronic score is an "intelligent display unit" primarily for displaying digital sheet music. It will, however, also be useful for many other purposes and can of course also be used as a screen for a computer.
  • the electronic score is able to communicate with other BluetoothTM terminals such as pointing devices and keyboards. Combined with a pointing device and a keyboard the electronic score serves as a complete work station using standard software applications installed on the server computer.
  • An alternative embodiment of the electronic score is a compact electronic score as shown in Fig. 11.
  • the compact electronic score consists of two screens (23) that can be LCD, plasma or any other flat screen technology in black and white or in colours.
  • the size of the screens will be 15" in diagonal as a standard but can be in other dimensions as well.
  • the compact electronic score consists of two quadrangular cases (24) measuring approximately 3 cm. x 25 cm. x 33 cm.
  • the cases are made of plastic, magnesium or any other suitable material.
  • the two cases are connected by joints (25) so that the compact electronic score can be closed like a book during transportation.
  • the compact electronic score will have a built-in support (26) so that it can be placed on a table in landscape format.
  • the case has four identical key-shaped holes (27) so that the compact electronic score can be mounted on the same adapter used by the electronic score. Mounted on a stand the compact electronic score can be placed on the floor and the elevation can be adjusted up or down to an agreeable reading position for a sitting or a standing person.
  • the compact electronic score When being used, the compact electronic score will be opened 180 degrees and it will be able to display two succeeding pages of sheet music in A4 portrait size, one on each screen.
  • the compact electronic score will feature the same options as the electronic score, except for A3 size display.
  • the compact electronic score is intended for users to whom portability is of great importance.
  • the processor of the electronic score is adapted for a main programme.
  • This program can either be programmed for example in an e-prompt or it can be stored in the memory.
  • the programme is installed on a server computer remotely accessible from a client electronic score which is basically a screen with interface facilities for input of date e.g. from touching the screen or by downloading or uploading from the server computer.
  • client electronic score which is basically a screen with interface facilities for input of date e.g. from touching the screen or by downloading or uploading from the server computer.
  • the main programme When the main programme is opened on the server computer, it can communicate by wireless with the electronic score using BluetoothTM technology.
  • the features of the main programme can also be partially installed in a server computer and a client electronic score connected e.g. by wireless connection.
  • Manual page turn is activated by pushing the buttons FORWARD and BACK on the remote control or by pushing the GO TO button and entering a page number on the numeric keyboard. Manual page turn can also be activated using the separate switch case.
  • the electronic score may have a built-in stop watch adapted as a support for the musician to determine the actual time measure being played by the musician from cue-bar to cue-bar.
  • the stop watch may as an example be used by the skilled musician who wants a personal interpretation of the music and who thus wants to change the standard or default settings of page shift.
  • the default values could be visualised in a display and the musician may be able to change these settings e.g. by means of plus/minus keys.
  • beat is a pulsation giving the tempo or a unit of tempo, as in four beats to the bar.
  • Bar is a modular segment of music incorporating a fixed number of beats, as in the phrase “two/three/four beats to the bar”. It is shown in notation by vertical “barring” of the musical continuum.
  • Method means the time-scale represented by the beat. Meter is regular, whereas rhythm is irregular.
  • Meter can be simple as in 2/4, 4/8, and so on, where each beat divides into two sub- beats; compound meter as in 6/8, 9/8, 12/16, and so on, consists of sub-beats of "compounded" or aggregated in units of three.
  • the numerical sign for meter is a time signature of which the upper number represents the number of beats in the bar and the lower number the type of beat expressed as a fraction of a unit (semibreve). Hence 3/4 is three crotchet (quarter-note) beats to the bar and 6/8 is two beats each of three quavers (eighth notes).
  • the tempo envisioned by the composer is stated as a number indicating the number of beats per minute. If for example the tempo is "60" it means 60 beats per minute or 1 beat per second, and if the tempo is "120” it means 120 beats per minute or 2 beats per second. If a 4/4 meter is performed at the tempo "60" there will be 4 beats to the bar and each beat will be 1 second. The duration of such a bar will be 4 seconds.
  • the tempo stated by the composer is to be considered as a guidance, leaving it up to the musician to choose the exact tempo she or he finds to provide the most appealing interpretation.
  • the software will be able to compute the duration of each bar measured in seconds using the formula:
  • the bars in a piece of music is numbered continuously 1 ,2,3 — and during edition the digital sheet music files will be supplied with the numbers of the bars that are placed approximately in the middle of each page, so that this information can be read by the viewer program.
  • These bars serve as cue for page turn and are therefor called cue-bars (29) as shown in Fig. 14. Automatic page turn will be executed on the basis of a calculation using the formula:
  • the electronic score has a built-in microphone and when the tempo has been set and automatic page turn selected, the electronic score awaits for the user to start playing.
  • the audio signal is registered by the built-in microphone, which starts a time measuring programme that will execute automatic page turn.
  • the default timeline (30) between the cue-bars (29) can be adjusted to accommodate to individual demands as shown in Fig. 15
  • the electronic score will then compute the number of the first bar on the line above the place where the user ceased to play, and the tempo will automatically be displayed by the metronome as a visual signal. If the user continues to play from the bar indicated by the electronic score, the automatic page turn will continue without being disordered.
  • a piece of music consists of more than one movement, for example a suite, a sonata or a symphony
  • the tempo can be set individually in advance for all the movements, enabling the user to play the whole piece of music with automatic page turn.
  • the digital sheet music files comprise information about the beginning and the end of each movement and when a movement is finished the electronic score will assume pause mode and wait for the user to start playing the following movement.
  • the electronic score has preferably a built in metronome. Apart from being able to set the tempo, the metronome has several features for the user to choose from and for individual settings:
  • An auditive, continuous function produces a sound signal for each beat while the user plays. There will be a library with different sound files to choose from.
  • An auditive for-count function produces a sound signal for each beat until the user starts playing. When that happens it is registered by the built-in microphone, and the sound signal ceases automatically.
  • a visual, continuous function produces a visual signal for each beat while the user plays.
  • the visual signal can be combined with an auditive signal, either continuous or as a for- count. If the last combination is selected the metronome will shift from a sound signal to a visual signal when the user starts playing. This combination is very attractive since the tempo will be emphasised without disturbing the music.
  • the visual depiction of the tempo will show a whole bar to make it easy for the user to see when he og she starts playing. For example a 4/4 bar will be depicted as shown in Fig. 17.
  • the fields (34) will change colour for each beat and the first beat to the bar (35) will always be emphasised acoustically in order so separate it from the following beats.
  • a visual, for-count function produces a visual signal for each beat until the user starts playing. When that happens it is registered by the built-in microphone and the visual signal stops automatically.
  • the metronome can show two different meters simultaneously providing a more sophisticated depiction of complex rhythms and the logical interference between different meters. Two different sounds can be chosen to follow the visual picture to point out the structure even more distinctly. Especially for novices the option multi-meters will be a valuable learning tool.
  • Play along sound files in midi format or another format will be available as an attachment to the digital sheet music files.
  • the play along files can be used for accompanying the user when she or he plays the music.
  • the play along files are send by wireless from the server computer to a stereo set using BluetoothTM technology.
  • the stereo set plays the sound files when it receives a start signal from the server computer and it is synchronised with the automatic page turn on the electronic score.
  • the electronic score recognises the numeric value of a given note.
  • the numeric value of the concert pitch is usually agreed to as 442 oscillations per second.
  • a software program will be able to compare the pitch of a tone produced by the user (36) to the numeric value of said tone (37) and display the result of the comparison on the screen. It is then easy for the user to see if she or he plays or sings in tune.
  • the sheet music files may also be synchronised with sound files, such as MP3 files. The sound files make it possible to listen to the music being played at any given point by clicking on said point. As an example, the musician may select a certain line in the notes and have the electronic score to play that line.
  • the electronic score may have a voice control feature for the most commonly used functions.
  • the user To be able to use the voice control option, the user must carry through a learning programme similar to those of a cell phone with voice control. By pronouncing every command the user "teaches” the software his or her individual sound so the software will be able to recognise it and activate the functions.
  • the electronic score will either feature a touch screen where comments can be written using a special writing device, or the comments can be written using a BluetoothTM keyboard. Comments will be saved together with the digital sheet music files and they can be altered or erased later on. Comments can also be written on the server computer.
  • the score may be provided with a main-library that is a database for storage of the digital sheet music files bought online by the user and downloaded from the Internet.
  • the main-library is divided in different categories such as genre, instrument, composer, title, etc.
  • a search engine will facilitate finding a given piece of music, and the digital sheet music can be printed out or copied to the sub-library on the electronic score.
  • the menu of the electronic score may be activated either by using the remote control or by using voice control.
  • a menu will be shown on the screen as shown in Fig. 19.
  • a sub-menu (39) will be shown where the user can choose between functions she or he wishes to utilise.
  • a viewer programme may be installed on the electronic score for opening the digital sheet music files and managing the functions automatic and manual page turn.
  • the viewer can display the digital sheet music either in A4 size or in A3 size.
  • the viewer can also save the individual comments supplied by the user.
  • the user In the sub-library on the electronic score the user can store a limited number of digital sheet music files, transferred by wireless from the main-library on the server computer.
  • a search function will make it easy to choose among the files, and when the electronic score is turned on it will automatically display the file last opened.
  • the basic functions of the metronome will be installed on the storage device of the electronic score.
  • the user can set the tempo and choose among the functions auditive continuous, auditive for-count, visual continuous and visual for-count.
  • the electronic score may have a tone generator capable of producing the concert pitch A and the different tones necessary for tuning string instruments such as violin, guitar, violoncello, viola, and bass.
  • the electronic score is provided with a conductor function. If the feature conductor is selected on the electronic score it will communicate by wireless with other electronic score units in order to manage them as shown in Fig 20. When the conductor unit (40) is started the other units (41) will start synchronously. There will be established a "master-slave" relationship between the units based upon BluetoothTM technology (42), and the conductor unit can be started by pushing the start button on the remote control or by pressing the rubber ball on the separate switch or by voice control. The conductor mode will be relevant if two or more musicians are playing together, all using electronic scores.
  • the electronic score comprises a programme for editing the digital sheet music files used by the electronic score.
  • the developer's tool will be able to convert existing digital sheet music files, such as Sibelius, Scorch, Finale or Encore files.
  • the files produced by the developer's tool will include the graphical picture of the sheet music as well as special information such as:
  • the digital sheet music files will be co-ordinated with an online payment system featuring all relevant security procedures and a database system registering all transactions and keeping account of royalty agreements.
  • the electronic score and the digital sheet music files will have unique IDs allowing a file only to be installed on a specific electronic score unit. It will not be possible to copy files from one unit to another.

Abstract

An electronic score for electronic display and sequentially page feed of musical notes comprised in a digital sheet music file. The electronic score can be positioned in either lanscape format or in portrait format and will automatically adjust the sheet music to the chosen position. Additional features are electronic metronome, pitch control, play along, automatic page turn, voice control and the ability of the users to take down notes. The electronic score is adapted for wireless communication e.g. via Bluetooth TMand for connectivity to the Internet for the downloading of digital textual or graphics sheet music files and for displaying the files.

Description

AN ELECTRONIC SCORE
Technical field
The present invention relates to an electronic score for display and sequentially page feed of musical notes comprised in a digital sheet music file. The score comprises a screen for display of data, a score stand for holding the score and a processor for processing data related to the display and page feeding of musical notes.
The electronic score according to the present invention may have a flat screen which can be either in black and white or in colours. The electronic score may use Bluetooth™ - a registered trademark by Ericsson or similar technology, e.g. DECT, HomeRF™ by HomeRF working group etc. to communicate by wireless with a server computer from which it receives information for displaying digital sheet music.
The electronic score can be positioned in either landscape format or in portrait format and will automatically adjust the sheet music to the chosen position. When the electronic score is placed in landscape format it will show two succeeding pages, each in A4 size, and when the electronic score is placed in portrait format it will show one page in A3 size.
The electronic score may have additional features and built-in controls such as electronic metronome, pitch control, users notes, play along, and conductor.
The electronic score may be operated by a remote control or by voice control. The main features of the remote control can be executed by pressing a switch, such as a foot- operated switch.
The invention further relates to an electronic score consisting of two screens that can be in black and white or in colours. The standard size of the screens may be 15" in diagonal. The alternative version of the electronic score consists of two parts kept together by a joint so that the electronic score can be closed like a book during transportation.
Background of the invention
Scores are traditionally printed books with notes for a musical composition. The format of the known scores typically supports for a standard format for use of a musical stand. The scores are typically published periodically and with respect to detected errors or changes in the interpretation of the musical composition. Except from provision of the printed notes to musicians the scores serve as a medium for preservation of music. Electronic media for music are various and extend from traditional media for music such as compact discs to traditional textual or graphics formats for computers such as PDF or TIF, etc. Due to the enormous proliferation of the Internet it is now possible to publish and distribute digital sheet music for the users to purchase online and download directly from the Internet.
Several online publishing companies offer digital sheet music in the form of PDF files or proprietary file formats. This kind of distribution is fast and cheap but suffers from the shortcomings of having to be printed out on the customers' printers. Sheet music printed on separate sheets of paper is a solution inferior to traditional hard copies, and if a piece of music comprises more than 2-3 pages separate pages are unacceptable for the user.
The purpose of the electronic score is to utilise the enormous advantages of digital publishing and distribution by providing the user with a product, not inferior but superior to traditional hard copies.
Everybody playing music knows that turning the pages is extremely annoying, but it has not been possible to solve this problem until now. Likewise it has not been possible until now to provide people suffering from reduced eyesight with a user-friendly solution. The electronic score and the matching software offer innovative solutions that will attract musicians all over the world, and the concept will probably become a de facto standard for publishing and distribution of digital sheet music in the years to come.
A music display stand is known from US 5,760,323. The music stand according to this patent comprises a display for displaying musical notes that may be advanced by the sound of music, a timed interval or by mechanical actuation. The music stand according to this patent does not provide the feature of advancing the display of notes according to a meter and the selected tempo of the music. This is an important feature since it allows the musician to play undisturbed by page shifts.
Keyboards for playing music and having a display for displaying notes corresponding to the music are also known e.g. from US 5,894,100. Such keyboards are not usable as a score for a musician as they are adapted for a keyboard. Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic score that is able to advance the notes according to a meter and the tempo of the music.
Description of the invention
The object of the invention is achieved by a score comprising a memory for musical notes corresponding to a musical composition, The memory may be a hard disc drive of a computer, a RAM-circuit or similar means for electronically storing data for a computer. The memory and a display for displaying the musical notes or for displaying other data relevant for the musician are connected to a computer or a similar device for processing data. The computer is adapted to retrieve from the memory data such as notes and a meter for the music and transmit the retrieved data to the display for display in a selected format. The format is preferably similar to known formats of scores. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the format may be selected from a group of predetermined formats corresponding to at least two different orientations of the display such as a portrait format and a landscape format of a number of different view size. The computer is adapted to retrieve data for display according to a meter and the number of bars between cue-bars indicating the middle of a page. The tempo may either be entered by the musician, set automatically by the advance of the music, entered to the computer by means of a microphone, or it may be comprised in data stored in the memory. When the computer retrieves data including a meter from the memory it will automatically detect the specified tempo and advance the pages accordingly.
The invention further relates to an electronic score with an interface for reception of data such as musical notes from an external source. The external source may be a floppy disc, a local area network, an Internet connection, a modem, or any other kind of media for communication and/or storage of data. The external source may be used for retrieval of files comprising the notes. The musician may for example purchase notes which are delivered on floppy discs or sent by modem or over the Internet.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the score is furthermore adapted for transmission of data to this or these media. For example the musician may send comments concerning the notes to other musicians or send requests for notes to suppliers of musical notes. Furthermore, the musician may want to synchronise one electronic score with a number of electronic scores e.g. when playing in an orchestra. In another preferred embodiment the interface uses a wireless connection so as to permit the musician to move the score independently from wall outlets or similar fixed outlets for connection plugs.
The wireless connection to the Internet could preferably be a WAP-interface adapted for communication between the electronic score and a wireless phone. The WAP-interface may furthermore be used for payment of services such as purchase of musical notes over the Internet.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the display is adapted for user input e.g. by touching certain fields of the screen - a touch screen. This permits a flexible/re- configurable interface between the electronic score and the musician. When the musician presses a "button" or a field on the screen a corresponding signal is read by the processor which may then store corresponding data in the memory or process data according to the selected field or button. In a preferred embodiment the musician can select from a number of predefined functions; the musician may for example select from a number of pre- specified text strings to be added to the musical notes. For example when the musician practises a new composition and may wish to add comments to the notes. The standard text strings may relate to the accentuation, tempo, etc. It is accordingly also possible for the musician to read such text strings attached to musical notes by other musicians or by publishers of musical notes.
The invention further relates to an electronic score wherein the processor is adapted to control a cursor at the currently played note in accordance with the tempo. This is of help to the musician in following the notes.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the electronic score comprises a sound transducer e.g. for replaying music according to the notes.
The transducer can also be used for transmitting a tone according to the tempo so as to help the unskilled musician when practising; of course the tempo may also be visualised by a blinking mark on the screen or in any other way. The electronic score may further comprise a microphone. The microphone can by used for automatic detection of a score according to the played music. The microphone can furthermore be used to detect the frequency of a tone being played and the processor may be adapted for calculating the difference between a note and the actually played sound. This feature of the electronic score can be used for indication of errors to the unskilled musician or for tuning an instrument such as a violin or a piano.
According to one embodiment of the invention the processor of the electronic score is adapted to retrieve musical data from a play-along-sound file stored in the memory and to control the sound transducer to reproduce the musical composition corresponding to the play-along-sound file according to the selected tempo. In this way a musician may practice playing one instrument accompanied by the reproduction of the musical composition. In a preferred embodiment the processor will register the music played by the musician and will stop the accompanying music when the musician stops. If the musician "jumps" back and forth in the notes the processor will be adapted to detect - by means of the microphone - where in the notes the musician has started playing. The processor will then start accompanying from this point.
It is preferred that the electronic score is comprised in a box of a size that supports for mounting the score on a music stand.
It is furthermore preferred that the electronic score is battery operated. This feature will allow the score to be operated even in places where power is not to be supplied and the portability of the device will be enhanced.
The screen of the electronic stand can either be formatted to show one page or to show two pages at a time. If only one page is displayed at a time the page must be shifted when the bottom of the page is reached, but in this case it is preferred that the succeeding page is prepared for display by the processor so that the page shift can be performed without unnecessary interruption of the page display for the musician. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the page is switched by scrolling a bar over the screen. Over the bar the succeeding page will be displayed; in this way two pages or at least a part of two pages are shown simultaneously. The speed of the scrolling can be set to follow the tempo of the music. According to another embodiment of the invention the processor can be adapted for displaying two full pages at a time. It is thus preferred that the one page will shift as the musical performance has reached the point approximately at the middle of the succeeding page so that the display displays the second successor of the page being shifted.
Display of one page at a time or display of a part of two pages at a time is an advantage to musicians for whom the displayed font size of the two pages at a time is difficult to read. Thus the processor must be adapted for switching between at least two different font sizes corresponding to the one or two pages being displayed at a time. Furthermore the musician may select various fonts and font sizes to be displayed.
The selected page format can be related to the orientation of the screen so that a portrait view is automatically selected for one orientation of the screen and a landscape format is selected for another orientation of the screen.
The electronic score may, if the display displays one or two pages at a time, scroll through the score line by line and thus update the display for each line being played.
The interface for communication can preferably be used for synchronisation of the score mark, e.g. by means of a cursor indicating the advance of the musical performance.
According to another aspect of the invention the score may be used for displaying text in relation to a musical performance, such as text for an opera. This is an advantage not only to musicians but also to the audience of an opera.
Detailed description of the invention
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in details with reference to the drawing in which
Fig. 1 shows an electronic score with a display displaying notes in landscape format,
Fig. 2 shows an electronic score with a display displaying notes in portrait format,
Fig. 3 shows the backside of an electronic score according to the present invention, Figs. 4 and 5 show a side view of an electronic score supported by a build-in support in landscape and portrait format, respectively,
Fig. 6 shows an electronic score mounted on a music stand,
Fig. 7 shows the front of an adapter for a music stand,
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an electronic score on a music stand,
Fig. 9 shows a remote control for an electronic score,
Fig. 10 shows a "rubber ball" foot operated switch for the electronic score,
Figs. 11 , 12 and 13 show a compact embodiment of the electronic score with notes for a musical composition on the screen,
Figs. 14 and 16 show a cue-bar for two different screen layouts,
Fig. 15 shows a timeline,
Fig. 17 shows a tempo depiction,
Fig. 18 shows a pitch control,
Fig. 19 shows a menu structure of an electronic score, and
Fig. 20 shows a plurality of electronic scores in conductor mode.
In way of an example of a preferred embodiment, the electronic score consists of a quadrangular case (1) with a preferred size of approximately 3 cm. x 36 cm. x 56 cm. The case is made of plastic, magnesium or any other suitable material providing the necessary protection against shock and magnetic radiation.
The electronic score has a screen (2) that can be a LCD screen, a plasma screen or any other flat screen, either in black and white or in colours. The size of the screen may as a standard be approximately 20" in diagonal which provides for a suitable display of the musical notes, but it may be any other dimension.
The screen can be a touch screen with the possibility to write directly on the screen e.g. by using a special writing tool.
The electronic score can, if placed in landscape format, show two pages of sheet music in A4 size as shown in Fig. 1 and if placed in portrait format show one page of sheet music in A3 size as shown in Fig. 2.
The case will have a built-in support (3) which is a bar connected to the case by a spindle (4). The support can be unfurled so that the electronic score can be placed on a table in landscape format as shown in Fig. 4. The case will also have a built-in support (5) for placing the electronic score on a table in portrait format as shown in Fig. 5.
There are two semicircular openings (6) in the case next to the supports in order to facilitate unfurling.
There are four identical, key-shaped holes (7) in the case for mounting an adapter.
The adapter has four cylindrical objects (8) fitting into the four key-shaped holes (7) in the case. A turn-disk with a thread (9) makes it possible to fasten the adapter to the case. The adapter has a revolving joint (10) for easy shifting between landscape format and portrait format.
The adapter can be mounted on a stand as shown in Fig. 6. The stand has a joint (11) for adjusting the viewing angle. A rod (12) inside a tube (13) makes it possible to adjust the elevation of the electronic score to an agreeable reading position for a sitting or a standing person. The elevation can be fixed by turning a screw (14).
When the electronic score is mounted on the stand as shown in Fig. 8 it can be placed on the floor.
The electronic score has two built-in speakers, a microphone, one stereo line out, and one headphone line out. The electronic score has a built-in CPU and storage devices.
The electronic score has a built-in Bluetooth™ chip enabling wireless two-way communication with other Bluetooth™ units. The electronic score could also be adapted for wireless communication according to the DECT standard or the HomeRF™ standard or any similar standard for wireless communication. The electronic score may even be adapted for communication according to several different standards, e.g. adapted automatically to switch between various communication protocols, dependant upon which other wirelessly communicating devices are reachable. In the following context
Bluetooth™ may be exclusively mentioned but it should be understood as an example of a preferred protocol for wireless communication.
The electronic score has a built-in on/off switch.
The electronic score has a re-chargeable battery and a plug for connection to an external power supply unit. The electronic score has dual battery support.
The picture signal to the screen can be generated by the built-in CPU or by the CPU in a server computer and sent to the electronic score using Bluetooth™ technology.
The electronic score has a built-in directional sensor unit capable of detecting whether the electronic score is placed in landscape format or in portrait format. The unit produces a signal that is transmitted to the built-in CPU or sent to the CPU in the server computer using Bluetooth™ technology. Based upon information from the signal produced by the directional sensor unit the picture signal will automatically be adjusted according to the format in which the electronic score is placed. If the electronic score is placed in landscape format the picture signal will automatically generate two succeeding pages, page A and page B, that will be shown simultaneously in A4 size. If the electronic score is placed in portrait format the picture signal will automatically generate one page, page A, that will be shown in A3 size.
The electronic score has a built-in RAM for storage of a sufficient number of pages before and after the page/pages shown on the screen. These pages will be stand-by for turning the pages forwards and backwards without delay. Specially developed software enabling the electronic score to execute all functions are installed in a built-in storage device.
The electronic score has a storage device in which the user can keep digital sheet music files in a sub-library. The digital sheet music files are copied from the main library on the server computer and transferred to the electronic score by wireless using Bluetooth™ technology. The content of the sub-library can be altered deliberately, and the electronic score can display the digital sheet music files in the sub-library without being in contact with the server computer.
The electronic score can be transported to any location and work as an independent unit for displaying the digital sheet music files stored in the sub-library.
The electronic score has a remote control that is a small case similar to remote controls for television sets etc. as shown in Fig. 9. The remote control communicates with the electronic score by wireless using Bluetooth™ technology (15), and it has a keyboard (16) for operating the different functions in a logical and user-friendly manner.
The remote control has a track point (17) and two click buttons (18) and can work as a pointing device to control a cursor on the screen and perform single clicks and double clicks.
The remote control can be connected to a separate switch with a cord (19) and a plug (20) as shown in Fig. 10. The preferred embodiment of the switch is a rubber ball (21) with a built-in switch sensitive to air pressure (22). By pressing the rubber ball the switch can activate a pre-selected function of the remote control.
The electronic score can also be operated by voice control. To be able to use the voice control option, the user must carry through a learning programme similar to those of a cell phone with voice control. By pronouncing every command the user "teaches" the software his or her individual sound so that the software will be able to recognise it and activate the various functions. As a standard, the distance between the electronic score and the server computer can be up to 10 meters, but optional technology makes it possible to increase the distance up to 100 meters.
The electronic score is an "intelligent display unit" primarily for displaying digital sheet music. It will, however, also be useful for many other purposes and can of course also be used as a screen for a computer. The electronic score is able to communicate with other Bluetooth™ terminals such as pointing devices and keyboards. Combined with a pointing device and a keyboard the electronic score serves as a complete work station using standard software applications installed on the server computer.
An alternative embodiment of the electronic score is a compact electronic score as shown in Fig. 11.
The compact electronic score consists of two screens (23) that can be LCD, plasma or any other flat screen technology in black and white or in colours. The size of the screens will be 15" in diagonal as a standard but can be in other dimensions as well.
The compact electronic score consists of two quadrangular cases (24) measuring approximately 3 cm. x 25 cm. x 33 cm. The cases are made of plastic, magnesium or any other suitable material. The two cases are connected by joints (25) so that the compact electronic score can be closed like a book during transportation.
The compact electronic score will have a built-in support (26) so that it can be placed on a table in landscape format.
The case has four identical key-shaped holes (27) so that the compact electronic score can be mounted on the same adapter used by the electronic score. Mounted on a stand the compact electronic score can be placed on the floor and the elevation can be adjusted up or down to an agreeable reading position for a sitting or a standing person.
When being used, the compact electronic score will be opened 180 degrees and it will be able to display two succeeding pages of sheet music in A4 portrait size, one on each screen. The compact electronic score will feature the same options as the electronic score, except for A3 size display. The compact electronic score is intended for users to whom portability is of great importance.
The processor of the electronic score is adapted for a main programme. This program can either be programmed for example in an e-prompt or it can be stored in the memory. According to one embodiment of the invention the programme is installed on a server computer remotely accessible from a client electronic score which is basically a screen with interface facilities for input of date e.g. from touching the screen or by downloading or uploading from the server computer. When the main programme is opened on the server computer, it can communicate by wireless with the electronic score using Bluetooth™ technology. The features of the main programme can also be partially installed in a server computer and a client electronic score connected e.g. by wireless connection.
One feature of the main program is the ability to choose between automatic page turn and manual page turn. Manual page turn is activated by pushing the buttons FORWARD and BACK on the remote control or by pushing the GO TO button and entering a page number on the numeric keyboard. Manual page turn can also be activated using the separate switch case. The electronic score may have a built-in stop watch adapted as a support for the musician to determine the actual time measure being played by the musician from cue-bar to cue-bar. The stop watch may as an example be used by the skilled musician who wants a personal interpretation of the music and who thus wants to change the standard or default settings of page shift. As an example, the default values could be visualised in a display and the musician may be able to change these settings e.g. by means of plus/minus keys.
If automatic page turn is chosen, the procedure for landscape format as shown in Fig. 14 displaying two pages each of A4 size (28) is as follows:
In music, "beat" is a pulsation giving the tempo or a unit of tempo, as in four beats to the bar.
"Bar" is a modular segment of music incorporating a fixed number of beats, as in the phrase "two/three/four beats to the bar". It is shown in notation by vertical "barring" of the musical continuum. "Meter" means the time-scale represented by the beat. Meter is regular, whereas rhythm is irregular.
Meter can be simple as in 2/4, 4/8, and so on, where each beat divides into two sub- beats; compound meter as in 6/8, 9/8, 12/16, and so on, consists of sub-beats of "compounded" or aggregated in units of three.
The numerical sign for meter is a time signature of which the upper number represents the number of beats in the bar and the lower number the type of beat expressed as a fraction of a unit (semibreve). Hence 3/4 is three crotchet (quarter-note) beats to the bar and 6/8 is two beats each of three quavers (eighth notes).
The tempo envisioned by the composer is stated as a number indicating the number of beats per minute. If for example the tempo is "60" it means 60 beats per minute or 1 beat per second, and if the tempo is "120" it means 120 beats per minute or 2 beats per second. If a 4/4 meter is performed at the tempo "60" there will be 4 beats to the bar and each beat will be 1 second. The duration of such a bar will be 4 seconds.
The tempo stated by the composer is to be considered as a guidance, leaving it up to the musician to choose the exact tempo she or he finds to provide the most appealing interpretation.
When the function automatic page turn is selected, the first thing for the user to do is to choose a tempo by setting the metronome. Based upon the tempo and information about the meter of the piece of music in question integrated in the digital file, the software will be able to compute the duration of each bar measured in seconds using the formula:
(60 divided by tempo) times (beats per bar) = duration per bar in seconds
The bars in a piece of music is numbered continuously 1 ,2,3 — and during edition the digital sheet music files will be supplied with the numbers of the bars that are placed approximately in the middle of each page, so that this information can be read by the viewer program. These bars serve as cue for page turn and are therefor called cue-bars (29) as shown in Fig. 14. Automatic page turn will be executed on the basis of a calculation using the formula:
(Number of bars between cue-bars) times (duration per bar in seconds) = time lapse in seconds between each page turn
The electronic score has a built-in microphone and when the tempo has been set and automatic page turn selected, the electronic score awaits for the user to start playing. When the user starts playing the audio signal is registered by the built-in microphone, which starts a time measuring programme that will execute automatic page turn.
When the cue-bar on page 2 has been reached, page 1 turns to page 3, and when the cue-bar on page 3 has been reached, page 2 turns to page 4 and so on. The only thing the user has to do is more or less to follow the chosen tempo.
The default timeline (30) between the cue-bars (29) can be adjusted to accommodate to individual demands as shown in Fig. 15
If the user stops playing in the middle of a piece of music, she or he has to press the STOP button on the remote control or speak out the word STOP. The electronic score will then compute the number of the first bar on the line above the place where the user ceased to play, and the tempo will automatically be displayed by the metronome as a visual signal. If the user continues to play from the bar indicated by the electronic score, the automatic page turn will continue without being disordered.
If a piece of music consists of more than one movement, for example a suite, a sonata or a symphony, the tempo can be set individually in advance for all the movements, enabling the user to play the whole piece of music with automatic page turn. The digital sheet music files comprise information about the beginning and the end of each movement and when a movement is finished the electronic score will assume pause mode and wait for the user to start playing the following movement.
Most people above the age of 50 use reading glasses and find it difficult to read sheet music. For those users the electronic score offers the feature of turning the electronic score to portrait format, the sheet music will automatically be displayed in A3 size as shown in Fig. 16. This means that the reading area will be doubled, an enormous advantage to people suffering from reduced eyesight.
When A3 size is selected, the procedure for automatic page turn differs slightly from the A4 procedure since there will only be one page displayed at a time. The procedure for automatic page turn of A3 size pages will be as follows:
When the user reaches the second last bar of a given page, which is the cue bar (29), automatic page turn is executed in the form of a wipe (31) between two pages (32, 33) from above and downwards. The duration of a wipe equals the duration of 4 bars of the piece of music in question and is automatically adjusted by the software according to the chosen tempo and the meter. This principle results in a "time window" for the automatic page turn event, leaving space for the users minor deviations from the tempo.
The electronic score has preferably a built in metronome. Apart from being able to set the tempo, the metronome has several features for the user to choose from and for individual settings:
An auditive, continuous function produces a sound signal for each beat while the user plays. There will be a library with different sound files to choose from.
An auditive for-count function produces a sound signal for each beat until the user starts playing. When that happens it is registered by the built-in microphone, and the sound signal ceases automatically.
A visual, continuous function produces a visual signal for each beat while the user plays. The visual signal can be combined with an auditive signal, either continuous or as a for- count. If the last combination is selected the metronome will shift from a sound signal to a visual signal when the user starts playing. This combination is very attractive since the tempo will be emphasised without disturbing the music.
The visual depiction of the tempo will show a whole bar to make it easy for the user to see when he og she starts playing. For example a 4/4 bar will be depicted as shown in Fig. 17. The fields (34) will change colour for each beat and the first beat to the bar (35) will always be emphasised acoustically in order so separate it from the following beats.
A visual, for-count function produces a visual signal for each beat until the user starts playing. When that happens it is registered by the built-in microphone and the visual signal stops automatically.
When automatic page turn is selected "visual, for-count" will be the default mode. If the user stops playing in the middle of a piece of music, the metronome will automatically start displaying the chosen tempo again until the user resumes playing. That is to ensure that the user does not forget the chosen tempo during the pause, which would prevent the automatic page turn from working satisfactory.
The metronome can show two different meters simultaneously providing a more sophisticated depiction of complex rhythms and the logical interference between different meters. Two different sounds can be chosen to follow the visual picture to point out the structure even more distinctly. Especially for novices the option multi-meters will be a valuable learning tool.
Play along sound files in midi format or another format will be available as an attachment to the digital sheet music files. The play along files can be used for accompanying the user when she or he plays the music. The play along files are send by wireless from the server computer to a stereo set using Bluetooth™ technology. The stereo set plays the sound files when it receives a start signal from the server computer and it is synchronised with the automatic page turn on the electronic score.
All the sheet music files being digital, the electronic score recognises the numeric value of a given note. For example, the numeric value of the concert pitch is usually agreed to as 442 oscillations per second. As shown in Fig. 18, a software program will be able to compare the pitch of a tone produced by the user (36) to the numeric value of said tone (37) and display the result of the comparison on the screen. It is then easy for the user to see if she or he plays or sings in tune. The sheet music files may also be synchronised with sound files, such as MP3 files. The sound files make it possible to listen to the music being played at any given point by clicking on said point. As an example, the musician may select a certain line in the notes and have the electronic score to play that line. The electronic score may have a voice control feature for the most commonly used functions. To be able to use the voice control option, the user must carry through a learning programme similar to those of a cell phone with voice control. By pronouncing every command the user "teaches" the software his or her individual sound so the software will be able to recognise it and activate the functions.
For the user to be able to write her or his own comments on the sheet music, the electronic score will either feature a touch screen where comments can be written using a special writing device, or the comments can be written using a Bluetooth™ keyboard. Comments will be saved together with the digital sheet music files and they can be altered or erased later on. Comments can also be written on the server computer.
The score may be provided with a main-library that is a database for storage of the digital sheet music files bought online by the user and downloaded from the Internet. The main- library is divided in different categories such as genre, instrument, composer, title, etc. A search engine will facilitate finding a given piece of music, and the digital sheet music can be printed out or copied to the sub-library on the electronic score.
In order to make the electronic score as light and inexpensive as possible it only contains the hardware and software necessary to perform the basic functions without having to be in contact with the server computer. The software to be installed on the electronic score will be:
The menu of the electronic score may be activated either by using the remote control or by using voice control. By pressing the button MENU on the remote control or speaking out the word MENU a menu will be shown on the screen as shown in Fig. 19. By entering a number (38) on the remote control or by speaking out the number, a sub-menu (39) will be shown where the user can choose between functions she or he wishes to utilise.
A viewer programme may be installed on the electronic score for opening the digital sheet music files and managing the functions automatic and manual page turn. The viewer can display the digital sheet music either in A4 size or in A3 size. The viewer can also save the individual comments supplied by the user. In the sub-library on the electronic score the user can store a limited number of digital sheet music files, transferred by wireless from the main-library on the server computer. A search function will make it easy to choose among the files, and when the electronic score is turned on it will automatically display the file last opened.
The basic functions of the metronome will be installed on the storage device of the electronic score. The user can set the tempo and choose among the functions auditive continuous, auditive for-count, visual continuous and visual for-count.
The electronic score may have a tone generator capable of producing the concert pitch A and the different tones necessary for tuning string instruments such as violin, guitar, violoncello, viola, and bass.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention the electronic score is provided with a conductor function. If the feature conductor is selected on the electronic score it will communicate by wireless with other electronic score units in order to manage them as shown in Fig 20. When the conductor unit (40) is started the other units (41) will start synchronously. There will be established a "master-slave" relationship between the units based upon Bluetooth™ technology (42), and the conductor unit can be started by pushing the start button on the remote control or by pressing the rubber ball on the separate switch or by voice control. The conductor mode will be relevant if two or more musicians are playing together, all using electronic scores.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the electronic score comprises a programme for editing the digital sheet music files used by the electronic score. The developer's tool will be able to convert existing digital sheet music files, such as Sibelius, Scorch, Finale or Encore files. The files produced by the developer's tool will include the graphical picture of the sheet music as well as special information such as:
• Number of bars between A4-cue-bars
• Number of bars between A3 cue-bars
• Line numbers
• Bar numbers
• Start and end of movements • Meter • Tempo or default tempo
• Information about the piece of music, title, composer, year, serial no., etc.
• Comments
• A meter for the music
According to one aspect of the invention the digital sheet music files will be co-ordinated with an online payment system featuring all relevant security procedures and a database system registering all transactions and keeping account of royalty agreements.
To avoid unauthorised copying the electronic score and the digital sheet music files will have unique IDs allowing a file only to be installed on a specific electronic score unit. It will not be possible to copy files from one unit to another.

Claims

Claims
1. An electronic score comprising
a memory for storing a plurality of musical notes corresponding to a musical composition, and for storing a meter of the music in question and the number of bars between cue- bars,
a display for displaying data including musical notes, and
a processor that is connected to the memory and to the display and that is adapted to retrieve data including musical notes from the memory and transmit the retrieved data to the display for display in a selected format and that is further adapted to retrieve data including musical notes for display according to a timeline calculated from the meter, a number of bars between cue-bars and a duration per bar.
2. An electronic score according to claim 1 , further comprising an interface for reception of data including musical notes from an external source.
3. An electronic score according to claim 2, wherein the interface is adapted for transmission of data including musical notes to an external receiver.
4. An electronic score according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the interface is a wireless interface.
5. An electronic score according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the interface is an Internet interface.
6. An electronic score according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the interface is a WAP interface.
7. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display comprises a touch screen for inputting data related to the displayed musical notes.
8. An electronic score according to claim 7, wherein the processor is adapted to read the data entered with the touch screen and store the data in the memory.
9. An electronic score according to claim 8, wherein the processor is adapted to select a predetermined text string based on the entered data.
10. An electronic score according to claimδ or 9, wherein the processor is adapted to retrieve data including musical notes together with corresponding data previously entered with the touch screen or with the predetermined text string for display in a selected format.
11. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is adapted to control the display to display a cursor at the currently played note in accordance with the tempo.
12. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sound transducer.
13. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is adapted to indicate the tempo.
14. An electronic score according to claim 13, wherein the processor is adapted to control the display to indicate the tempo.
15. An electronic score according to claim 13, wherein the processor is adapted to control the sound transducer to indicate the tempo.
16. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a microphone.
17. An electronic score according to any of claims 13-16, wherein the processor is further adapted to stop the indication of the selected tempo upon microphone detection of played music.
18. An electronic score according to claims 12-17, wherein the processor is further adapted to play music based on the stored notes.
19. An electronic score according to claims 16-18, wherein the processor is adapted to generate notes based on music being played.
20. An electronic score according to claims 16-19, wherein the processor is further adapted to search for a string of notes based on music being played.
21. An electronic score according to claims 12-20, wherein the processor is adapted to retrieve musical data from a play along sound file stored in the memory and control the sound transducer to reproduce the musical composition corresponding to the play along sound file according to a meter and a selected tempo.
22. An electronic score according to any of claims 16-21 , wherein the processor is further adapted to compare a frequency detected by the microphone with the displayed and currently played note and indicate the result of the comparison.
23. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, that is adapted to be mounted on a music stand.
24. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, that is battery operated.
25. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the selected format can be selected from a group consisting of one page or two pages.
26. An electronic score according to claim 25, wherein the display shifts between one or two pages according to the orientation of the display.
27. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display displays two pages of the score and the display is advanced by alternately replacing a played page with its second successor.
28. An electronic score according to any of claims 1-26, wherein the display scrolls through the score line by line.
29. An electronic score according to any of claims 1-26, wherein the display splits the displayed window into two parts by a horizontal line displaying the remaining part of a page to be played below the line and displaying a part of the next page to be played above the line.
30. An electronic score according to any of claims 2-29, wherein multiple electronic scores 5 can be synchronised by means of the interface.
31. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is adapted to display a cursor at the currently played note.
10 32. An electronic score according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display displays text according to a musical composition.
PCT/DK2000/000735 1999-12-30 2000-12-28 An electronic score for display of musical notes WO2001050452A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU23515/01A AU2351501A (en) 1999-12-30 2000-12-28 An electronic score

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DKPA199901881 1999-12-30

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DE102004012803A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2005-05-12 Sunplus Technology Co Electronic score device
WO2005055194A1 (en) * 2003-12-01 2005-06-16 Andrei Georgievich Konkolovich Electronic music book and console for wireless remote transmission of instructions for it
DE102004036356B3 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-01-26 Brusniak, Walter Electronic display for musical notation has a flat screen display on hand-held personal computer or personal digital assistant
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EP2387029A1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-16 KnowledgeRocks Limited Automatic positioning of music notation
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EP2924684A1 (en) * 2014-03-26 2015-09-30 Yamaha Corporation Score displaying method and computer program
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DE102019103006A1 (en) * 2019-02-07 2020-08-13 Muscon GmbH Music stand for the digital provision of music for a musician, software and digital music stand system
DE102019002652A1 (en) * 2019-04-11 2020-10-15 Oliver Strottner Multifunctional housing for electronic displays for the digital representation of scores
DE102019002652B4 (en) 2019-04-11 2022-01-13 Oliver Strottner Multifunctional housing for electronic displays for the digital representation of scores and music display device with such a housing
WO2020221745A1 (en) * 2019-04-29 2020-11-05 Paul Andersson System and method for providing electronic musical scores
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