WO2009011647A1 - A user interface for handling dj functions - Google Patents

A user interface for handling dj functions Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009011647A1
WO2009011647A1 PCT/SE2008/050805 SE2008050805W WO2009011647A1 WO 2009011647 A1 WO2009011647 A1 WO 2009011647A1 SE 2008050805 W SE2008050805 W SE 2008050805W WO 2009011647 A1 WO2009011647 A1 WO 2009011647A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound
track
tracks
display
user interface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2008/050805
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Renck
Hans Möller
Jonas Norberg
Original Assignee
Tonium Ab
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 Tonium Ab filed Critical Tonium Ab
Priority to EP08767271A priority Critical patent/EP2181381A4/en
Publication of WO2009011647A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009011647A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11BINFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B19/00Driving, starting, stopping record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function ; Driving both disc and head
    • G11B19/02Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing
    • G11B19/022Control panels
    • G11B19/025'Virtual' control panels, e.g. Graphical User Interface [GUI]
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/60Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
    • G06F16/63Querying
    • G06F16/638Presentation of query results
    • G06F16/639Presentation of query results using playlists
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/60Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
    • G06F16/64Browsing; Visualisation therefor
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/60Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of audio data
    • G06F16/68Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10HELECTROPHONIC 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
    • G10H1/00Details of electrophonic musical instruments
    • G10H1/0008Associated control or indicating means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11BINFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B27/00Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/005Reproducing at a different information rate from the information rate of recording
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11BINFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B27/00Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/02Editing, e.g. varying the order of information signals recorded on, or reproduced from, record carriers
    • G11B27/031Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
    • G11B27/034Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals on discs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G11INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11BINFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B27/00Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/10Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
    • G11B27/34Indicating arrangements 
    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10HELECTROPHONIC 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
    • G10H2220/00Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/091Graphical user interface [GUI] specifically adapted for electrophonic musical instruments, e.g. interactive musical displays, musical instrument icons or menus; Details of user interactions therewith
    • G10H2220/101Graphical user interface [GUI] specifically adapted for electrophonic musical instruments, e.g. interactive musical displays, musical instrument icons or menus; Details of user interactions therewith for graphical creation, edition or control of musical data or parameters
    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10HELECTROPHONIC 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
    • G10H2240/00Data organisation or data communication aspects, specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2240/121Musical libraries, i.e. musical databases indexed by musical parameters, wavetables, indexing schemes using musical parameters, musical rule bases or knowledge bases, e.g. for automatic composing methods
    • G10H2240/131Library retrieval, i.e. searching a database or selecting a specific musical piece, segment, pattern, rule or parameter set
    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10HELECTROPHONIC 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
    • G10H2250/00Aspects of algorithms or signal processing methods without intrinsic musical character, yet specifically adapted for or used in electrophonic musical processing
    • G10H2250/541Details of musical waveform synthesis, i.e. audio waveshape processing from individual wavetable samples, independently of their origin or of the sound they represent
    • G10H2250/641Waveform sampler, i.e. music samplers; Sampled music loop processing, wherein a loop is a sample of a performance that has been edited to repeat seamlessly without clicks or artifacts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a data processing system, a graphical user interface and a method as defined in the preambles of the independent claims.
  • a number of computer based systems for playing music tracks or other sound files have been developed over recent years.
  • such systems comprise functions for selecting music tracks from a database, editing playlists and playing the tracks one by one or according to a playlist.
  • functions for ripping tracks from a compact disc, converting files to an appropriate format and retrieving files from commercial databases are also provided.
  • Such programs are, for example, interconnected with small portable devices, such as mp3 players and similar devices. Installed in a computer they typically enable conversion to the format used by a particular device as well as retrieval of files from commercial databases, and copying of files to the device.
  • Another example of such a program is Windows Media Player, which is arranged to run as a graphical user in- terface in a Windows environment. Windows media player, in addition to the functions mentioned above, also comprises functions for burning files to compact discs. The tracks can be played in mixed mode, which means that the program selects the order of the music files to be played in a random mode.
  • a data processing system comprising a display for displaying data, user input means, a processing device and at least one memory unit for storing soundtracks, said data processing system further comprising display control means for displaying on the display a graphical user interface comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks, from which a user can select one or more sound tracks by means of the user input means, and audio processing means for playing the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, the graphical user interface further comprising a third field arranged to display a graphi- cal representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played, the user input means being operative for affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio waveform.
  • a graphical user interface for display on a computer display, comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks, user input means arranged to enable selection of one or more sound tracks from the list, user input means for initiating playback of the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, characterized in that the graphical user interface further comprises a third field arranged to display a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played and at least one user input means for affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio wave form.
  • the object is also achieved by method of displaying data in a data processing system, said data processing system comprising a display for displaying data, user input means, a processing device and at least one memory unit for storing programs and soundtracks, said method further comprising
  • a graphical user interface comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks
  • the invention provides an improved user interface for controlling the playing of music tracks and performing disc jockey functions. It also provides a control system and computer programs for controlling the user interface.
  • the playback of the at least one selected sound track is affected in dependence of at least one other selected sound track. This may involve crossfading between the tracks and/or adjusting the pitch or playback speed of a track to match another track.
  • the user interface may further comprise a second field arranged to display a list of the selected sound track or sound tracks, in addition to the graphical display pro- vided in the third field.
  • the list preferably also comprises additional information such as the name of the artist, the number of beats per minute, the genre, and other relevant information.
  • the data processing system preferably further comprises an analyzing module for analyzing the sound track in terms of beats per minute, beat start detection, normalized factor value and/or track identification for affecting the sound output provided by the audio processing means.
  • the data processing system preferably further comprises a mix unit connected to the database for creating mixes of audio files. These mixes can be stored in the database for later use, and/or shared with other users, for example, through the Internet.
  • the functions for affecting the playback of the at least one selected sound track preferably include at least one of the following:
  • the inventive application can be run in any type of computer that has a graphical user display and a sound output and processing and memory capacity to handle such an application.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a general graphical user interface according to one aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a logical overview of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 3, 4 and 5 are a more detailed example of a graphical user interface like the one shown in Figure 1.
  • Figures 6 -9 show the procedure for selecting a function to be applied to a track that is to be played.
  • FIG. 1 shows a general overview of a graphical user interface 1 for a music playing application according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • a first field 3 displays a list of the tracks that are available to the music playing application. These tracks are preferably stored in a local database, but they may also be retrieved from one or more other sources, such as a remote database and/or the Internet.
  • the list may show different types of information about each track, for example, title, performer, duration, and/or beats per minute.
  • a playlist field 5 displays a playlist, comprising the tracks that have been selected by an operator. Selection is preferably performed by drag and drop from the first field to the playlist field 5, or directly from the first field 3 to a graphical field 7, which will be discussed below.
  • the playlist field 5 can be omitted.
  • the graphical field 7 shows a graphical representation of the playlist, that is a graphical representation of the songs selected and listed in the second field 5, one after the other. In some cases, as will be explained below, there will be an overlap between the tracks.
  • Control buttons such as a play button 8 and a cue button 9 are provided for activating and pausing the playback function, or for repeating playback between a start marker and an end marker in looped playback mode.
  • a toolbox field 10 comprises control buttons for manipulating the music tracks. These buttons can be dragged and dropped onto the appropriate part of the graphical representation corresponding to the part of the track or tracks that should be manipulated.
  • the toolbox comprises the following control buttons: • XFADE 1 1 performs a crossfade between two subsequent tracks in the play- list.
  • LOOP 12 inserts a loop looping a part of the audio track a desired number of times
  • FILTER 13 performs filtering functions to produce certain sound effects.
  • buttons repre- sent typical functions that may be useful when playing music tracks, none of them are mandatory for the function. As the skilled person will realize other functions can also be added as desired.
  • the user interface 1 also comprises a menu bar 17 as is common in the art, for selecting relevant functions.
  • a second set of control buttons 20, 22 may be provided for selection of existing mixes or playlists.
  • the available mixes or playlists, as the case may be, will then be displayed in the first field 1 and can be selected to the playlist using drag and drop.
  • a filtering function (not shown) may be provided for the first field, to display only tracks by a particular artist, or tracks belonging to a particular genre, or tracks having beats per minutes in a certain interval, or any other suitable selection criterion.
  • a marker 24 is provided in the graphical field 7, which will mark the point in the current music track being played at any given time.
  • This marker may move along the track, or the graphical representation of the track may move while the marker is kept still.
  • These two variants may be combined, for example, in such a way that as long as the marker is located left of the centre of the graphical field 7, the marker will move to the right. When the marker reaches the centre of the graphi- cal field 7 the marker will be still and the graphical representation will instead move to the left. Alternatively, the marker may move to the right until it reaches the right end of the graphical field 7, will then move to the centre of the graphical field and stay there while the graphical representation moves. If the user starts to scroll or zoom or edit values manually in the graphical field 7, the automatic scrolling of the graphical representation will stop.
  • FIG. 2 is a logical overview of the components of an embodiment of the system. As will be understood, this is merely intended as an overview of functions for illustrative purposes. The functions can be implemented in a number of different ways, in any suitable structure.
  • the components of the system are mainly computer program components arranged to generate the graphical user interface and perform the playback functions.
  • a processing unit 31 arranged to control the functions of the application according to the invention is shown schematically connected to other parts of a computer system. The communication between the processing unit 31 and other parts of the system is supported by an operating system in a way common in the art. For clarity, the operating system and some general support functions have been left out, since they are well known to the skilled person.
  • the processing unit 31 also handles functions to communicate with one or more databases 33.
  • Figure 2 shows one database 33, for simplicity.
  • the database 33 is used as a repository for audio files and meta information for audio files and also as a repository for mix instruction files, which can be created in the system according to the invention or may be imported from other units.
  • the processing unit 31 also comprises a user input unit 35 for receiving user input through one or more input means 37 such as a keyboard and/or a mouse.
  • input means 37 such as a keyboard and/or a mouse.
  • the user input affects the application in various ways. It would also be possible to output user in- formation in other ways than through the graphical user interface; however, this is not illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the processing unit 31 also comprises an audio processing unit 39 for interconnec- tion to audio hardware such as a sound card 41 to enable playback in headphones or loudspeakers.
  • the audio processing unit 39 manipulates the tracks, for example, by performing the functions discussed in connection with the buttons 11-16.
  • the processing unit 31 also comprises a device connection unit 42 for interconnec- tion to other devices, such as handheld devices, for example through USB.
  • a device connection unit 42 for interconnec- tion to other devices, such as handheld devices, for example through USB.
  • the user can select from the menu or press a sync button (not shown). Synchronizing with the device will transfer the music and mix database to the device and the tracks that are missing in the device, or in another desired way.
  • the processing unit 31 also preferably comprises an external communication component 43 for handling communication with other networks, such as the Internet. This will enable the user to publish mixes and to retrieve other data such as mixes, audio files, and software updates.
  • a login/logout function for registering with a community related to the functions of the present invention is preferably also provided in this unit. The login function may be required, for example, to be allowed to publish a mix in the community or to retrieve mixes.
  • the processing unit 31 comprises a number of components including a mix component 45 for creating mix files. This component includes constraints for creating and manipulating a mix file.
  • An analysis component 47 handles functions for analysing audio files, including functions for detecting beats per minute, calculating a normalizing value and beat start detection. In this example the analysis component also comprises functions for handling time stretch and pitch shift.
  • the analysis component 47 is connected to the audio processing unit 39 for affecting the audio output.
  • the processing unit 31 also comprises a music library module 49 arranged to handle the overall functions of the database. Both the mix component 45 and the music library module 49 are connected to the database 33.
  • the processing unit 31 also comprises a graphical user interface unit 51 , arranged to handle the graphical user interface 1, through display driver functions 53 provided in the operating system.
  • most of the components, 35, 39, 43, 45, 47, 49 and 51 are arranged to interact with each other and the processing unit 31 comprises functions to support such interaction as needed.
  • Figures 3, 4 and 5 are a more detailed example of a graphical user interface like the one shown in Figure 1.
  • three tracks have been selected from the database field 3 : Bass Booze, Set it for me and When broken consider it sold. These three tracks are shown, with some additional information, as a list in the playlist field 5 and as graphical representations in the graphical field 7. Of course more tracks may be selected, in which case not all tracks may be shown in the graphical field 7 at the same time.
  • the marker 54 indicates that Bass and Booze is being played.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the same playlist as Figure 3 after some time and with some functions added by the operator.
  • the marker 54 indicates that Bass and Booze is still being played.
  • Crossfade areas 62, 64 have been added between the tracks Bass Booze and Set it for me and between Set it for me and When broken consider it sold, respectively.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the same situation as in Figure 4 with a further a filter area 66 added in the track When broken consider it sold, to provide special effects in the corresponding part of the track when it is being played.
  • the marker 54 indicates that the track Set it for me is being played, and is currently in the middle of the loop 60 set by the operator.
  • the fade-in function for the track that is starting to be played is shown as a diagonal line.
  • the fade-out function of the track that is ending may be displayed instead.
  • the fade-out curve is the inverse of the fade-in curve.
  • the function not displayed may be indicated as a less visible line, for example, in paler colour, or as a dashed line.
  • the shape of the fade-in and/or fade-out curve can be altered by means of the mouse.
  • FIGs 6 -9 show the procedure for selecting a function to be applied to a track that is to be played.
  • the playback has not yet started and the marker is at the far left of the image.
  • the function FX 14, for advanced filter functions is selected and dragged to the desired part of the track Set it for me.
  • the position after drag and drop is shown in Figure 7 as an FX area 70.
  • the FX area 70 has been adjusted by means of the mouse to cover the desired part of the track.
  • a pulldown menu 72 has been displayed by right clicking on the arrow in the upper right corner of the FX area, to enable the selection of one or more of the filter functions provided by the FX button.
  • the corresponding pull-down menu for each of the function buttons 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 may include for example:
  • Equalizer 15 - low - to adjust the bass register
  • a track can be imported to the database 33 in several ways, known per se, for exam- pie according to the following:
  • the user may drag and drop an audio file in to the music library view from the OS file system.
  • the user may double click on an audio file in the OS file system. This will also start playing the imported track. • The user may drag and drop an audio file from OS file system in to the playlist, track list or mix window. The track will be imported and added to the mix. When a track is imported the analyzed data is stored in the library together with the other track information (meta data).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Library & Information Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Digital Computer Display Output (AREA)

Abstract

A data processing system comprises a display for displaying data comprises display control means (51, 53) for displaying on the display a graphical user interface comprising a first field (3) for displaying a list of sound tracks, from which a user can select one or more sound tracks by means of the user input means (37), and audio processing means (39) for playing the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, the graphical user interface (1) further comprising a third field (7) arranged to display a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played, the user input means (35, 37) being operative for affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio waveform. The invention provides an improved user interface for handling DJ functions.

Description

A user interface for handling DJ functions
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a data processing system, a graphical user interface and a method as defined in the preambles of the independent claims.
Background and Related Art
A number of computer based systems for playing music tracks or other sound files have been developed over recent years. Typically, such systems comprise functions for selecting music tracks from a database, editing playlists and playing the tracks one by one or according to a playlist. Usually functions for ripping tracks from a compact disc, converting files to an appropriate format and retrieving files from commercial databases are also provided.
Such programs are, for example, interconnected with small portable devices, such as mp3 players and similar devices. Installed in a computer they typically enable conversion to the format used by a particular device as well as retrieval of files from commercial databases, and copying of files to the device. Another example of such a program is Windows Media Player, which is arranged to run as a graphical user in- terface in a Windows environment. Windows media player, in addition to the functions mentioned above, also comprises functions for burning files to compact discs. The tracks can be played in mixed mode, which means that the program selects the order of the music files to be played in a random mode.
Object of the Invention
It is an object of the invention to enhance the playback functions of a computer based system for playing music tracks.
Summary of the Invention This object is achieved according to the present invention by a data processing system comprising a display for displaying data, user input means, a processing device and at least one memory unit for storing soundtracks, said data processing system further comprising display control means for displaying on the display a graphical user interface comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks, from which a user can select one or more sound tracks by means of the user input means, and audio processing means for playing the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, the graphical user interface further comprising a third field arranged to display a graphi- cal representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played, the user input means being operative for affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio waveform.
The object is also achieved by a graphical user interface for display on a computer display, comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks, user input means arranged to enable selection of one or more sound tracks from the list, user input means for initiating playback of the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, characterized in that the graphical user interface further comprises a third field arranged to display a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played and at least one user input means for affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio wave form.
The object is also achieved by method of displaying data in a data processing system, said data processing system comprising a display for displaying data, user input means, a processing device and at least one memory unit for storing programs and soundtracks, said method further comprising
- displaying on the display a graphical user interface comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks,
- selecting one or more sound tracks from the list by means of first user input means, - initiating playback of the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively by means of second user input means,
- said method being characterized by the following steps:
- displaying a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played in a third field of the graphical user interface
- affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of affecting its audio wave form.
Hence, the invention provides an improved user interface for controlling the playing of music tracks and performing disc jockey functions. It also provides a control system and computer programs for controlling the user interface.
In a preferred embodiment the playback of the at least one selected sound track is affected in dependence of at least one other selected sound track. This may involve crossfading between the tracks and/or adjusting the pitch or playback speed of a track to match another track.
The user interface may further comprise a second field arranged to display a list of the selected sound track or sound tracks, in addition to the graphical display pro- vided in the third field. The list preferably also comprises additional information such as the name of the artist, the number of beats per minute, the genre, and other relevant information.
The data processing system preferably further comprises an analyzing module for analyzing the sound track in terms of beats per minute, beat start detection, normalized factor value and/or track identification for affecting the sound output provided by the audio processing means. The data processing system preferably further comprises a mix unit connected to the database for creating mixes of audio files. These mixes can be stored in the database for later use, and/or shared with other users, for example, through the Internet.
The functions for affecting the playback of the at least one selected sound track preferably include at least one of the following:
- cross fade between two tracks
- looping a part of the track
- controlling the time stretch and/or pitch - filter functions
- other sound effect functions.
The inventive application can be run in any type of computer that has a graphical user display and a sound output and processing and memory capacity to handle such an application.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will be described in more detail in the following, by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a general graphical user interface according to one aspect of the invention.
Figure 2 is a logical overview of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 are a more detailed example of a graphical user interface like the one shown in Figure 1.
Figures 6 -9 show the procedure for selecting a function to be applied to a track that is to be played.
Detailed Description of Embodiments Figure 1 shows a general overview of a graphical user interface 1 for a music playing application according to an embodiment of the invention. A first field 3 displays a list of the tracks that are available to the music playing application. These tracks are preferably stored in a local database, but they may also be retrieved from one or more other sources, such as a remote database and/or the Internet.
The list may show different types of information about each track, for example, title, performer, duration, and/or beats per minute.
A playlist field 5 displays a playlist, comprising the tracks that have been selected by an operator. Selection is preferably performed by drag and drop from the first field to the playlist field 5, or directly from the first field 3 to a graphical field 7, which will be discussed below. The playlist field 5 can be omitted.
The graphical field 7 shows a graphical representation of the playlist, that is a graphical representation of the songs selected and listed in the second field 5, one after the other. In some cases, as will be explained below, there will be an overlap between the tracks.
Control buttons, such as a play button 8 and a cue button 9 are provided for activating and pausing the playback function, or for repeating playback between a start marker and an end marker in looped playback mode.
A toolbox field 10 comprises control buttons for manipulating the music tracks. These buttons can be dragged and dropped onto the appropriate part of the graphical representation corresponding to the part of the track or tracks that should be manipulated.
In the example embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the toolbox comprises the following control buttons: • XFADE 1 1 performs a crossfade between two subsequent tracks in the play- list.
• LOOP 12 inserts a loop looping a part of the audio track a desired number of times,
• FILTER 13 performs filtering functions to produce certain sound effects.
• FX 14 performs more advanced filtering functions.
• EQ 15 performs equalizing function.
• REV. 16 reverses a part of the audio track.
Functions affecting the playback speed (time stretch) and pitch are typically also provided.
These functions will be discussed in more detail below. While these buttons repre- sent typical functions that may be useful when playing music tracks, none of them are mandatory for the function. As the skilled person will realize other functions can also be added as desired.
Preferably the user interface 1 also comprises a menu bar 17 as is common in the art, for selecting relevant functions.
A second set of control buttons 20, 22 may be provided for selection of existing mixes or playlists. The available mixes or playlists, as the case may be, will then be displayed in the first field 1 and can be selected to the playlist using drag and drop. A filtering function (not shown) may be provided for the first field, to display only tracks by a particular artist, or tracks belonging to a particular genre, or tracks having beats per minutes in a certain interval, or any other suitable selection criterion.
Preferably a marker 24 is provided in the graphical field 7, which will mark the point in the current music track being played at any given time. This marker may move along the track, or the graphical representation of the track may move while the marker is kept still. These two variants may be combined, for example, in such a way that as long as the marker is located left of the centre of the graphical field 7, the marker will move to the right. When the marker reaches the centre of the graphi- cal field 7 the marker will be still and the graphical representation will instead move to the left. Alternatively, the marker may move to the right until it reaches the right end of the graphical field 7, will then move to the centre of the graphical field and stay there while the graphical representation moves. If the user starts to scroll or zoom or edit values manually in the graphical field 7, the automatic scrolling of the graphical representation will stop.
Figure 2 is a logical overview of the components of an embodiment of the system. As will be understood, this is merely intended as an overview of functions for illustrative purposes. The functions can be implemented in a number of different ways, in any suitable structure. As will be understood the components of the system are mainly computer program components arranged to generate the graphical user interface and perform the playback functions. A processing unit 31 arranged to control the functions of the application according to the invention is shown schematically connected to other parts of a computer system. The communication between the processing unit 31 and other parts of the system is supported by an operating system in a way common in the art. For clarity, the operating system and some general support functions have been left out, since they are well known to the skilled person. The processing unit 31 also handles functions to communicate with one or more databases 33. Figure 2 shows one database 33, for simplicity. The database 33 is used as a repository for audio files and meta information for audio files and also as a repository for mix instruction files, which can be created in the system according to the invention or may be imported from other units. The processing unit 31 also comprises a user input unit 35 for receiving user input through one or more input means 37 such as a keyboard and/or a mouse. As will be understood, the user input affects the application in various ways. It would also be possible to output user in- formation in other ways than through the graphical user interface; however, this is not illustrated in Figure 2.
The processing unit 31 also comprises an audio processing unit 39 for interconnec- tion to audio hardware such as a sound card 41 to enable playback in headphones or loudspeakers. The audio processing unit 39 manipulates the tracks, for example, by performing the functions discussed in connection with the buttons 11-16.
The processing unit 31 also comprises a device connection unit 42 for interconnec- tion to other devices, such as handheld devices, for example through USB. For synchronizing the application and the handheld device, the user can select from the menu or press a sync button (not shown). Synchronizing with the device will transfer the music and mix database to the device and the tracks that are missing in the device, or in another desired way.
The processing unit 31 also preferably comprises an external communication component 43 for handling communication with other networks, such as the Internet. This will enable the user to publish mixes and to retrieve other data such as mixes, audio files, and software updates. A login/logout function for registering with a community related to the functions of the present invention is preferably also provided in this unit. The login function may be required, for example, to be allowed to publish a mix in the community or to retrieve mixes.
For playing music tracks and creating mixes the processing unit 31 comprises a number of components including a mix component 45 for creating mix files. This component includes constraints for creating and manipulating a mix file. An analysis component 47 handles functions for analysing audio files, including functions for detecting beats per minute, calculating a normalizing value and beat start detection. In this example the analysis component also comprises functions for handling time stretch and pitch shift. The analysis component 47 is connected to the audio processing unit 39 for affecting the audio output.
The processing unit 31 also comprises a music library module 49 arranged to handle the overall functions of the database. Both the mix component 45 and the music library module 49 are connected to the database 33.
The processing unit 31 also comprises a graphical user interface unit 51 , arranged to handle the graphical user interface 1, through display driver functions 53 provided in the operating system.
Although not explicitly shown in Figure 2, most of the components, 35, 39, 43, 45, 47, 49 and 51 are arranged to interact with each other and the processing unit 31 comprises functions to support such interaction as needed.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 are a more detailed example of a graphical user interface like the one shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3, three tracks have been selected from the database field 3 : Bass Booze, Set it for me and When broken consider it sold. These three tracks are shown, with some additional information, as a list in the playlist field 5 and as graphical representations in the graphical field 7. Of course more tracks may be selected, in which case not all tracks may be shown in the graphical field 7 at the same time. In the present example in Figure 3 the marker 54 indicates that Bass and Booze is being played.
Figure 4 illustrates the same playlist as Figure 3 after some time and with some functions added by the operator. The marker 54 indicates that Bass and Booze is still being played. Crossfade areas 62, 64 have been added between the tracks Bass Booze and Set it for me and between Set it for me and When broken consider it sold, respectively. Figure 5 illustrates the same situation as in Figure 4 with a further a filter area 66 added in the track When broken consider it sold, to provide special effects in the corresponding part of the track when it is being played. The marker 54 indicates that the track Set it for me is being played, and is currently in the middle of the loop 60 set by the operator.
In the crossfade areas 62, 64 the fade-in function for the track that is starting to be played is shown as a diagonal line. By selecting a menu indicated by an arrow in the upper right corner of each crossfade area, the fade-out function of the track that is ending may be displayed instead. The fade-out curve is the inverse of the fade-in curve. The function not displayed may be indicated as a less visible line, for example, in paler colour, or as a dashed line. The shape of the fade-in and/or fade-out curve can be altered by means of the mouse.
Figures 6 -9 show the procedure for selecting a function to be applied to a track that is to be played. In Figures 6-9 the playback has not yet started and the marker is at the far left of the image. In Figure 6 the function FX 14, for advanced filter functions is selected and dragged to the desired part of the track Set it for me. The position after drag and drop is shown in Figure 7 as an FX area 70. In Figure 8 the FX area 70 has been adjusted by means of the mouse to cover the desired part of the track. In Figure 9 a pulldown menu 72 has been displayed by right clicking on the arrow in the upper right corner of the FX area, to enable the selection of one or more of the filter functions provided by the FX button.
The corresponding pull-down menu for each of the function buttons 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 may include for example:
• Crossfade 11 :
- fade-in - display the curve for the fading in of the next track - fade-out - display the curve for the fading out of the previous track • Loop 12:
- handling loop functions, such as the length of a loop and the number of repetitions
• Filter 13 :
- different types of filters to produce different types of sound effects
• FX 14: - other sound effect functions, such as for example:
■ delay - to apply a delay in the selected FX area
■ echo - to apply an echo in the selected FX area
• Equalizer 15: - low - to adjust the bass register
- middle - to adjust the middle register
- high - to adjust the treble register
A track can be imported to the database 33 in several ways, known per se, for exam- pie according to the following:
• The user may drag and drop an audio file in to the music library view from the OS file system.
• The user may double click on an audio file in the OS file system. This will also start playing the imported track. • The user may drag and drop an audio file from OS file system in to the playlist, track list or mix window. The track will be imported and added to the mix. When a track is imported the analyzed data is stored in the library together with the other track information (meta data).

Claims

Claims
1. A data processing system comprising a display for displaying data, user input means (35, 37), a processing device and at least one memory unit (33) for stor- ing soundtracks, said data processing system further comprising display control means (51, 53) for displaying on the display a graphical user interface comprising a first field (3) for displaying a list of sound tracks, from which a user can select one or more sound tracks by means of the user input means (37), and audio processing means (39) for playing the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, the graphical user interface (1) further comprising a third field (7) arranged to display a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played, and a further user input means (35, 37) being operative for affecting a playback function of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio waveform by being applied in the part of the third field corresponding to the track or tracks to be affected.
2. A data processing system according to claim 1, wherein the playback of the at least one selected sound track is affected in dependence of at least one other selected sound track.
3. A data processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user interface further comprises a second field (5) arranged to display a list of the selected sound track or sound tracks.
4. A data processing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an analyzing module for analyzing the sound track in terms of beats per minute, beat start detection, normalized factor value and/or track identification for affecting the sound output provided by the audio processing means (39)
5. A data processing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mix unit (45) connected to the database (33) for creating mixes of audio files.
6. A data processing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functions for affecting the playback of the at least one selected sound track includes at least one of the following:
- cross fade between two tracks
- looping a part of the track - controlling the time stretch and/or pitch
- filter functions
- other sound effect functions.
7. A graphical user interface (1) for display on a computer display, comprising a first field (3) for displaying a list of sound tracks, user input means arranged to enable selection of one or more sound tracks from the list, user input means for initiating playback of the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively, characterized in that the graphical user interface further comprises a third field (7) arranged to display a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecu- tively in the order they will be played and at least one user input means for affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of its audio wave form by applying it in the part of the third field corresponding to the track or tracks to be affected.
8. A graphical user interface according to claim 1, arranged to display the graphical representation including altering a sound track in dependence of at least one other selected sound track.
9. A graphical user interface according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a second field (5) arranged to display a list of the selected sound track or sound tracks.
10. A method of displaying data in a data processing system, said data processing system comprising a display for displaying data, user input means, a processing device and at least one memory unit for storing programs and soundtracks, said method further comprising - displaying on the display a graphical user interface comprising a first field for displaying a list of sound tracks,
- selecting one or more sound tracks from the list by means of first user input means,
- initiating playback of the selected sound track or sound tracks consecutively by means of second user input means,
- said method being characterized by the following steps:
- displaying a graphical representation of the sound tracks consecutively in the order they will be played in a third field of the graphical user interface
- affecting the playback of at least one selected sound track in terms of affect- ing its audio waveform by applying a further user input means to the part of the third field corresponding to the track or tracks to be affected.
1 1. A method according to claim 10, wherein in the playback of the at least one selected soundtrack is affected in dependence of at least one other selected sound track by means of third user input means.
12. A method according to claim 10 or 1 1 , further comprising the step of displaying the selected soundtrack or soundtracks in a second field of the graphical user interface.
13. A method according to any one of the claims 10-12, wherein the functions for affecting the playback of the at least one selected sound track includes at least one of the following:
- cross fade between two tracks
- looping a part of the track
- controlling the time stretch and/or pitch
- filter functions
- other sound effect functions.
PCT/SE2008/050805 2007-07-16 2008-06-30 A user interface for handling dj functions WO2009011647A1 (en)

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Citations (1)

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