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AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsRonald J. Lisle, Daniel J. Moore, Steven C. Penn, Michael D. Wilkes
Estimating the term…
A method and apparatus are disclosed for the audio editing of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files. MIDI files make it possible to exchange information such as: musical notes, program changes, expression control and channel information between musical instruments, sequencers, computers, lighting controllers and mixers. MIDI files generally consist of serially listed channel and system messages which include at least program status messages and matching note on and note off messages. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be utilized to ensure the integrity of a source file, a copied or lifted section or a target file by automatically inserting matching note on or note off messages into a file or file section to correct inconsistencies created by such editing. Additionally, program status messages are automatically inserted into source files, copied or lifted sections, or target files to yield results which are consistent with the results which may be obtained by editing digital audio data. Timing information is selectively added or maintained such that MIDI files may be selectively edited without requiring a user to learn a complex MIDI sequencer.
A method for editing a MIDI file having a plurality of serially listed program status messages and matched note on and note off messages contained therein, said method comprising the steps of:
An apparatus for editing a MIDI file having a plurality of serially listed program status messages and matched note on and note off messages contained therein, said apparatus comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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Transmission between separate instruments or between individual components of a musical system: using a MIDI interface
Details of electrophonic musical instruments: associated control or indicating means
Music Composition or musical creation; Tools or processes therefor: composing aid, e.g. for supporting creation, edition or modification of a…
File editing, i.e. modifying musical data files or streams as such: for MIDI-like files or data streams
Term ended 1 Nov 2010 (estimated)
USPTO file history isn’t available for this patent, so only indexed dates are shown.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to the field of musical synthesis and in particular to the field of digital musical synthesizers which utilize Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) files. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for permitting the efficient editing of MIDI files utilizing traditional "cut and paste" techniques.
2. Description of the Related Art
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a computer system which may be utilized to edit MIDI files in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a computer display depicting an audio editor function in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention;
With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block diagram which illustrates a computer system which may be utilized to edit MIDI files in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention. As is illustrated, a computer system 10 is depicted. Computer system 10 may be implemented utilizing any state-of-the-art digital computer system having a suitable digital signal processor disposed therein which is capable of implementing a MIDI synthesizer. For example, computer system 10 may be implemented utilizing an IBM PS/2 type computer which includes an IBM Audio Capture and Playback Adapter (ACPA).
Also included within computer system 10 is a display 14. Display 14 may be utilized, as will be illustrated in greater detail herein, to display the audio editor capabilities of the method and apparatus of the present invention. Also coupled to computer system 10 is a computer keyboard 16 which may be utilized to designate sections of MIDI files for editing in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a graphical pointing device, such as a mouse or light pen, may also be utilized to designate sections of a MIDI file for editing in accordance with the method and apparatus of the presently invention.
Referring now to digital processor 12, the implementation of a MIDI synthesizer utilizing a digital signal processor within a computer system is illustrated. As depicted, data contained within a MIDI file 18 is coupled to an interface 20. Interface 20 is preferably implemented utilizing any suitable audio application programming interface which permits the accessing of MIDI protocol files and the coupling of those files to an appropriate device driver. Device driver 22 is also preferably implemented in software and serves to process the MIDI file data in a manner which permits that data to be utilized to create synthesized music. Thereafter, the output of driver 22 is coupled to synthesizer 24. Synthesizer 24 is preferably a subtractive synthesizer which is implemented utilizing a suitable digital signal processor, such as the digital signal processor which is contained within the IBM Audio Capture and Playback Adapter (ACPA). Thereafter, the output of synthesizer 24 may be coupled to an audio output device, such as speaker 26.