GB2334137A

GB2334137A - Musical score display device

Info

Publication number: GB2334137A
Application number: GB9802395A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ghassan Matar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-02-04
Filing date: 1998-02-04
Publication date: 1999-08-11
Also published as: GB9802395D0

Abstract

A device 1 is provided for displaying an manipulating music scores. The device 1 has a foot-operable pedal 7 which can be actuated by the user's foot to generate an electric signal. The generated signal is recognised by the device 1 as a command signal for replacing a display of one portion of music score data by a display of another portion of music score data. Such an arrangement enables the user to turn in a silent and controlled fashion portion(s) of the displayed score at the same time as music from the score is being performed by the user. The device 1 has additional features including a touch-sensitive screen 3, a music keyboard 5 and an I/O interface 8 which find utility for many applications in music.

Description

A DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING AND MANIPULATING MUSIC SCORES Field of the Invention The invention relates to a display device, More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a device for displaying a music score or a portion thereof and for manipulating the displayed score.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various forms of electronically-controlled apparatus are known to the music-playing and music-singing fraternity. For example, apparatuses are known which record music and replay the recorded music. Other apparatuses are known which display music, in music notation form, on a screen as the music is being played. Such devices have been used as audio-visual teaching aids for developing the music skills of aspiring musicians.

In modern day performances of instrumental or vocal music, the corresponding music notation is printed on paper in book/manuscript form.

The use of paper as a medium for recording music is, however, subject to certain drawbacks. During a performance, the performing artiste may find it a taxing and awkward exercise to turn over, manually, pages of music from one page to the next while having to play or sing the music at the same time. Such an exercise is particularly disruptive to musicians inexperienced in the art of sight-reading music texts. Further, paper in bulk is difficult to carry around, and susceptible to damage when in use. Also, the cost of printing music on paper is not inexpensive, and because the music is printed, it is only possible to make hand-written amendments to the existing printed score. For example, a composer would typically 'pencil in' his own amendments to the printed score in order to transpose part of the music to a different key signature. Such transpositions are often necessary when vocalists and instrumentalists perform a piece of music together in harmony. An added drawback of using paper for music scores during a musical performance is that paper rustle can be distracting to the performer and to the listening audience.

US Patent No. 4,779,510 describes an electronic device for displaying music in which a console having a projection screen is provided for displaying a music score stored on microfilm, for example. The console provides a page change command signal for effecting page-turning of the displayed music score on recognition of a predetermined reference signature in the music score being played. Such a device is, however, rendered ineffective when extraneous sound resembling the reference signature happens to be picked up by the device.

The present invention aims to overcome or substantially reduce at least some of the above-discussed drawbacks.

Objects and Summarv of the Invention An object of the invention is to provide a device for displaying a music score or a portion thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device having user operable input means for enabling pages of a displayed music score to be turned in a quiet and controlled fashion.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which is easy to use for accessing music score information therefrom and for enabling the accessed music score information to be altered.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which facilitates the composition of new music and/or the transposition of existing music melodies from one key signature to another key signature.

According to the invention there is provided a device for displaying a music score or a portion thereof; said device including means operable to receive music score data, means for displaying an image thereof and user operable input means for generating a command signal for causing the device to replace a display of a first portion of the music score data by a display of a second portion of the music score data.

The device of the invention obviates the need to use paper as a medium for displaying the music score data. Accordingly, the device offers a definite environmental advantage and can provide convenient access to the music score data. The display means may be in the form of a TFT screen or an LCD monitor, for example. The display screen may advantageously be back-illuminated to permit the displayed music score data to be read by a user from a variety of angles.

The user operable input means may be a foot-operable pedal for example so as to enable different portions (for example, pages) of the music score to be automatically accessed in a quiet and controlled fashion. By way of example, a user may operate the pedal for enabling a page of the displayed music score to be quietly moved forward or backward, automatically, at the same time as music from the score is being played/sung by the user.

The music score data may advantageously be stored in the device by virtue of the device being formed to receive a removable data storage module, a laser disk or a magnetic disk for example, thus enabling selection of a music score to be made by selection from a plurality of different pre-recorded storage modules each containing data pertaining to a respective different music store. The device may also contain its own buffer store arranged to read data from the removable data storage module and to process such data, and additionally the device may include a program data store for operating softnvare. A facility for writing data to storage and/or to a printer may also be provided.

Further, the device may comprise a processor responsive to the user operable input means for replacing a display of one portion of the music score data by another portion of the music score data in response to the generated command signal. The processor may also be arranged to respond to selection from a plurality of options on a touch screen, for example, by generating data representing a transposition in key of a specified portion of the music score or by zooming in or out at a portion of the displayed image.

The device may additionally comprise a compact-size musical keyboard to enable music to be played thereon by a user, appropriate synthesizer circuitry being associated with the keyboard and a sound output transducer being provided. The circuitry of the device may be such as to enable stored music score data to be played back.

Advantageously, the device may be arranged for connection to a mobile telecommunications unit via a Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Adapter (PCMCIA) interface. Such an arrangement would enable data, for example music score data, to be readily transferred from a remote site to the device.

Furthermore, the device may comprise a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) for enabling the device to be connected directly to an electronic musical instrument. Such an arrangement might enable music to be played/composed on the electronic instrument and transferred to the device.

Music of varying tones and/or pitch can thereby be transferred to the device.

The above and further features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims and, together with advantages thereof; will become more clear from consideration of the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front view of a device embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a touch-sensitive screen used in the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates an interface used in the device of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an arrangement in which the device of Figure 1 is connected to a mobile telecommunications unit.

Detailed Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Figure 1 is a front view of a device embodying the present invention.

The device generally indicated at 1, comprises a display 2 for displaying images 4 representing a page 4' of a music score or a portion thereof, a touchsensitive screen 3 for enabling a user to generate data representing images 4 for display on the display 2, a music keyboard 5 for permitting a user to play music thereon and user operable input means 7, 11 connected to the main body of the device 1 via an interface (not shown) so as to enable the user to control the device 1. The display 2 is preferably a large A4-sized monochrome thin film transistor (TFT) screen capable of displaying both graphic and alphanumeric images. The display screen 2 is preferably backilluminated to permit the displayed images to be seen from a variety of angles.

The device 1 shown in Figure 1 allows the user to select a page 4 of a music score or portion thereof for display on the display 2. The device 1 is further designed to enable the displayed portion 4 of a music score to be selected by operation of the user operable means connected to the device.

Preferably, the user operable means comprises a foot-operable pedal 7 which can be actuated by the user's foot for generating an electric signal which is recognised by the device 1, by its processing means for example, as a command signal for moving forward or backward the score portion 4 displayed on the screen 2. The provision of such a foot-operable pedal 7 may be arranged to enable the user to turn over in a silent and controlled fashion one or more pages of the displayed score 4 at the same time as music from the score 4 is being performed by the user, on the keyboard 5 for example.

Alternatively or additionally, it is envisaged that the user operable means might comprise a microphone 11 which can receive a voice signal from the user and, by employment of speech recognition software for example, produce an electric signal for causing the score portion 4 displayed on the screen 2 to be moved page by page.

A further feature that is incorporated into the display device 1 is the ability to select a portion of the score 4 displayed on the screen 2 and to adjust the selected portion of music, for example transposing the selected portion of music from one key signature to another key signature. This is made possible through the provision of a touch-sensitive screen 3 comprising a menu of options. The importance of this feature will become apparent from the following discussion.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings is a schematic block diagram illustrating the device 1 embodying the invention. In this preferred embodiment, the device 1 further comprises a processor 9 responsive to selection of one of the options on the touch-sensitive screen 3 for generating data representing images for display on the display 2, a store 14 and a backup store 15 for storing music score data for use by the processor 9, and an I/O interface 8 for providing connection to the user operable input means 7, 11, to a speaker 10, to a mobile telecommunications unit 12 and to an electronic musical instrument 13.

The store 14 comprises a ROM for storing program data for the processor 9, a RAM for use by the processor 9 in generating data for display, and a means for accessing a plug-in memory (a laser or magnetic disk for example) storing data pertaining to one or more selected music scores. It is envisaged that the ROM and RAM will be solid state devices but it will be appreciated that other media such as magnetic disk or tape may be used instead of or as well as solid state devices. Further, the store 15 may be used to backup the data stored in the store 14.

The ROM contains software for controlling the manner in which the processor 9 responds to selection of the options on the touch-sensitive screen 3. Further, the plug-in memory contains preselected information relating to one or more music scores. This enables access to data for different music scores should the user so wish. The music score data in the plug-in memory may define the music in a conventional music notation format and include a specification of the key signature, the time signature and the mood in which the music is to be performed.

As shown, the device 1 also has an I/O interface 8 which provides a number of input and output ports. The foot pedal 7 and the microphone 11 are connected to input ports of the I/O interface 8. A speaker 10 may be connected to an output port of the I/O interface 8 so that music stored in the device 1 can be output for playback. A mobile telecommunications unit 12 may be connected to the I/O interface 8 so as to enable the device 1 to access data from remote sites. It is also envisaged that an external electronic instrument 13, such as a musical synthesiser, may be connected to the device 1 via the I/O interface 8 so that a user is able to play/compose music on the electronic instrument 13 and directly transfer the generated music for display on the device 1.

The music keyboard 5 is another beneficial feature incorporated in the device 1. The keyboard 5 is preferably compact-sized, typically comprising an octave of keynotes which define a limited range of musical tones and pitch.

A user is able to play music over such a range on the keyboard 5, and view the music in notation form on the display 2 as it is being played. The conversion of keyboard operations into a corresponding display of music is performed by the circuitry of the processor 9. The keyboard 5 is preferably equipped with an adjustable arm rest which provides support to a player's hands and lower arms as the music is being played. Music produced on the keyboard 5 can also be stored as data in the store 14 and in the backup store 15, thereby permitting the music to be retrieved, altered and/or played back.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings shows the touch-sensitive screen 3 in greater detail. The screen 3 comprises a menu of options 20 to 36 which enable the user to view part of a music score of interest on the display 2. The processor 9 responds to the selection of a music score by addressing music score data in the store 14.

When a music score is first selected by touch-selection of a score from a list of scores available on the score choice" option 26 and a page thereof is selected by touch-selection of a number on the set of number options 27 to 36 the processor 9 responds by outputting a two-dimensional view of the selected score page such as the view shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

The initial view typically shows music notation on lines (known as staves) for the treble clef and the bass clef. The view also shows a portion of music on the selected page number 4' of the score, the key signature of the music, the time signature of the music, and the music phrasing indicative of the way the music has to be performed. Where a music score is written for a vocalist, the display will necessarily include the words to be sung which. conventionally, will be displayed directly below the music notation.

The options menu 20 to 36 includes a "zoom-in" option 21. The processor 9 is arranged to respond to user manipulation of the "zoom-in" option 21 by generating data for display of a part of the selected music score to an enlarged scale. Repeated pressing of the "zoom-in" option 21 causes the processor to output data for display of a smaller portion of the score to a larger scale. The options menu 20 to 36 also includes a "zoom-out" option 23 to which the processor 9 responds by displaying as the image a larger portion of the score to a smaller scale. The "zoom-in" 21 and "zoom-out" 23 options can. therefore, be advantageously utilised by a user to manipulate particular parts of a music score.

A specific portion (several bars of music, for example) of a selected score page on display may be further selected by way of a cursor in the display 2. The processor 9 is arranged to respond to user manipulation of a positioning option 20 by moving the cursor up or down or left or right on the display 2. Once the cursor has been so positioned user manipulation of the "zoom-in" key 21 causes the processor to output for display data representing the portion of the score centred at the position indicated by the cursor. When such a portion of the score is displayed, user manipulation of the positioning option 20 results in the processor 9 scrolling the displayed portion up, down, left or right over the score. The user is, therefore, able to examine different parts of the music score adjacent the displayed portion.

It is possible to generate, from the stored music data, data representing a transposition in key signature of a selected portion of the music score. A ;'sub-options" menu 24 is provided on the touch-sensitive screen 3 which, on selection, includes an option to transpose a selected portion of the music score from one key signature to another key signature. For this purpose, an extensive list of major and minor key signatures is provided for selection on the "sub-options" menu 24. When the transpose option is selected by user manipulation, the processor 9 responds by causing an image of the transposed data to be added to the displayed image on the display 2.

It is also possible to generate, from the stored music data, data representing an adjustment in musical pitch of a selected portion of the music score. In this connection, the "sub-options" menu 24 provides an option for enabling a selected portion of the music score to be shifted to a different octave. A choice of octaves is provided for selection on the "sub-options" menu 24. When this option is selected by user manipulation, the processor 9 responds by causing an image of the octave shifted data to be added to the displayed image.

Additional facilities may also be provided by the "sub-options" menu 24. For example, it is possible to derive, from the stored music data, data representing an adaptation in time signature of a selected portion of the music score. More specifically, the "sub-options" menu 24 provides an option for enabling the duration of music notes in a selected portion of the music score to be adjusted. Also, it is possible to generate new data, by way of composition of music on the keyboard 5 for example, for display as an image on the display 2.

Further, record keeping facilities are readily accessed via the "suboptions" menu 24. For example, the record data may comprise a record of music previously played/accessed on the device. Other music-related information such as a complete record of major, minor and chromatic key scales for training purposes and general music-playing tips may be included for access via the "sub-options" menu 24.

When a user has finished with a selected option, manipulation of a "clear" option 25 is interpreted by the processor 9 as a command to revert to a default condition such as display of the first page of the selected music score.

Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings shows the interface 8 used in the device 1 in greater detail. As shown, the interface 8 comprises a storing portion 40, a plurality of serial ports 41, a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) port 42, and a mobile port 43.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, it should merely be noted from Figure 4 that the storing portion 40 houses memory, for example hard disk, and that the serial ports 41 are so arranged to provide the device 1 with a number of input and output connections. The mobile port 43 is envisaged to be in the form of a personal computer memory card interface adapter (PCMCIA) slot.

Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings illustrates schematically how the device 1 embodying the invention may be connected to a mobile telecommunications unit 12. The mobile telecommunications unit 12 preferably comprises a mobile phone 52 directly connected to the mobile port 43 of the device 1 by way of a card 50 and a databus 51. Typically, the mobile port 43 is a PCMCIA slot, the card 50 is a PCMCIA card designed to connect to the PCMCIA slot, and the bus specification 51 is a PCMCIA bus.

Further as shown, the mobile telecommunications unit 12 comprises a mobile switching unit 55 in which a mobile switching centre 54 and a base station 53 are provided. The mobile switching unit 55 has two principal functions.

First. the unit 55 is arranged to access data from a computer at a remote site 57 bv establishing a connection thereto, for example, via the system of interlinked computer networks known as the internet 56. Second, the unit 55 is arranged to transmit the accessed data to the mobile phone 52 at radio frequencies, for example. Such an arrangement, advantageously, enables data such as musical score data to be readily transferred from a remote site to the device l. Conversely, it is to be noted that data can be transmitted from the mobile phone 52 back to the base station 53.

Having thus described the invention by reference to a preferred embodiment it is to be well understood that the embodiment in question is exemplary only and that modifications and variations as will occur to those possessed of the appropriate knowledge and skills may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for displaying a music score or a portion thereof, said device including means operable to receive music score data, means for displaying an image thereof; and user operable input means for generating a command signal for causing the device to replace a display of a first portion of the music score data by a display of a second portion of the music score data.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user operable input means comprises a foot-operable pedal.

A A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the user operable input means comprises a microphone.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the music score data is stored digitally in a store.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the store is removable thereby enabling selection of a music score by selection from a plurality of stores each containing data pertairiing to a respective different music score.

6. A device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the store comprises a non-volatile random access memory.

7. A device as claimed in claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein the store comprises a read only memory.

8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a processor responsive to the user operable input means for replacing said first portion of the music score data by said second portion of the music score data in response to said generated command signal.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is arranged to respond to selection from a plurality of display options, means being provided for enabling such selection.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor is arranged to respond to selection of an option by zooming in or out at a portion of the displayed image.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the processor is arranged to respond to selection of an option by generating data representing a transposition in key signature of a specified portion of the music score.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a music keyboard for perrnitting music to be played thereon.

13. A device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the music keyboard has an adjustable rest for providing support to a player when in use.

14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a speaker for enabling play-back of music score data.

15. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an interface, for example a personal computer memory card interface adapter (PCMCIA), for permitting the device to be connected to a mobile telecommunications unit.

16. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) for permitting the device to be connected to an electronic musical instrument.

17. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display comprises a thin film transistor (TFT) screen.

18. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the display comprises an LCD monitor.

19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display is back-illuminated to permit the displayed music score data to be read from a variety of angles.

20. A device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.