Abstract:
The present invention is method and apparatus for music performance and composition. More specifically, the present invention is an interactive music apparatus comprising actuating a signal that is transmitted to a processing computer that transmits output signals to a speaker that emits sound and an output component that performs an action. Further, the present invention is also a method of music performance and composition.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
   This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/391,838, filed Jun. 26, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of musical apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a musical performance and composition apparatus incorporating a user interface that is adaptable for use by individuals with physical disabilities. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Teaching music performance and composition to individuals with physical and mental disabilities requires special adaptive equipment. Currently, these individuals have limited opportunities to learn to perform and compose their own music because of the unavailability of musical equipment that is adaptable for their use. Teaching music composition and performance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities requires instruments and teaching tools that are designed to compensate for disabled students&#39; limited physical and cognitive abilities. 
   For example, students with physical and mental disabilities such as cerebral palsy often have extremely limited manual dexterity and thus are unable to play the typical keyboard instrument with a relatively large number of narrow keys. Similarly, a user with physical disabilities may have great difficulty grasping and manipulating drumsticks and thus would be unable to play the typical percussion device. Also, disabled users are unable to accurately control the movements of their hands, which, combined with an extremely limited range of motion, can also substantially limit their ability to play keyboard, percussion, or other instruments. Such users may, however, exhibit greater motor control using their head or legs. 
   Furthermore, the currently available musical instruments are generally inflexible in regard to the configurations of their user interfaces. For example, keyboards typically have a fixed number that cannot be modified to adapt to the varying physical capabilities of different users. In addition, individuals with cognitive delays are easily distracted and can lose focus when presented with an overwhelming number of keys. Similarly, teaching individuals with mental and physical disabilities basic music theory requires a music tutorial device that has sufficient flexibility to adjust for a range of different cognitive abilities. 
   Consequently, there is a need in the art for a music performance and composition apparatus with a user interface adaptable for use by individuals with physical and mental disabilities, such that these individuals can perform and compose music with minimal involvement by others. In addition, there is a need for an apparatus allowing disabled users to use the greater motor control available in their head or legs. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a music composition and performance tutorial system incorporating this new apparatus that allows musicians with disabilities to learn to compose and perform their own music. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention, in one embodiment, is an interactive music apparatus. The apparatus has at least one actuator, a voltage converter, a processing computer, a speaker, and an output component. The actuator is configured to transmit a signal upon actuation and the voltage converter is configured to convert the signal from the actuator into a data stream. The processing computer is configured to convert the data stream into a first output signal and a second output signal. The speaker is configured to receive the first output signal and emit sound. The output component is configured to receive the second output signal and perform an action based on the second output signal. 
   According to a further embodiment, the present invention is a method of music performance and composition. The method includes actuating transmission of a signal, converting the signal into a data stream, converting the data stream at a processing computer into a first output signal and a second output signal, emitting sound at a speaker based on the first output signal, and performing an action at an output component based on the second output signal. 
   While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart showing the operation of the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2A  is a flow chart depicting the process of launching a web browser using the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2B  is a flow chart depicting the process of displaying a graphical keyboard using the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2C  is a flow chart depicting the process of displaying a music staff using the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2D  is a flow chart depicting the process of providing a display of light using the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a voltage controller, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a user console and an optional support means, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of a user interface board according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram a music apparatus  10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the music apparatus  10  may include a user console  20  having at least one actuator  30  with an actuator button  31 , a voltage converter  100 , a processing computer  150  having a processor  154  software  152 , and an internal sound card  148 , a display monitor  180 , and a speaker  159 . In a further embodiment, the voltage converter  100  is an integral component of the user console  20 . The actuator  30  is connected to the voltage converter  100  with an actuator cable  35 . The voltage converter is connected to the processing computer  150  with a serial cable  145 . The processing computer  150  is connected to the display monitor  180  by a monitor cable  177 . The processing computer  150  is connected to the speaker  159  by a speaker line out cable  161 . 
   In an alternative aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also has an external MIDI sound card  155  and a MIDI sound module  170 . According to this embodiment, the processing computer  150  is connected to the external MIDI sound card  155  by a USB cable  156 . The MIDI sound card  155  is connected to the MIDI sound module  170  via a MIDI cable  42 . The MIDI sound module  170  is connected to the internal sound card  148  via an audio cable  158 . 
   In a further alternative embodiment, the apparatus has a lighting controller  160  controlling a set of lights  162 . The lighting controller  160  is connected to the processing computer  150 . The lighting controller  160  is also connected to each light of the set of lights  162 . The lighting controller  160  can be any known apparatus for controlling a light or lighting systems. The set of lights  162  can be one light. Alternatively, the set of lights  162  can be comprised of any number of lights. 
   In one embodiment, the actuator  30  may be any known mechanical contact switch that is easy for a user with disabilities to operate. Alternatively, different types of actuators, for example, light sensors, may also be used. In one aspect of the present invention, the number of actuators  30  can vary according to factors such as the user&#39;s skill level and physical capabilities. While  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment having a single actuator  30  on the user console  20 , further embodiments may have a plurality of actuators  30 . 
   According to one embodiment, the processing computer  150  may be any standard computer, including a personal computer running a standard Windows® based operating system, with standard attachments and components (e.g., a CPU, hard drive, disk and CD-ROM drives, a keyboard and a mouse). The processor  154  may be any standard processor such as a Pentium® processor or equivalent. 
     FIG. 1A  depicts a schematic diagram of a music apparatus  11 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  11  has a user console  20  with eight actuators  30  and a wireless transmitter  19 , a converter  100  with a wireless receiver  17 , and a processing computer  150 . The actuators  30  are connected to the wireless transmitter  19  with actuator cables  31 . In place of the electrical connection between the actuator  30  and the voltage converter  100  according to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the wireless transmitter  19  shown in  FIG. 1A  can transmit wireless signals, which the wireless receiver  17  can receive. 
     FIG. 2  is a flow diagram showing the operation of the apparatus  10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The user initiates operation by pressing the actuator button  31  (block  60 ). Upon engagement by the user, the actuator  30  transmits an actuator output signal to a voltage converter  100  through the actuator cable  35  (block  62 ). Alternatively, the actuator  30  transmits the output signal to the wireless transmitter  19 , which transmits the wireless signal to the wireless receiver  17  at the voltage converter. The voltage converter  100  receives the actuator output signal  36  and converts the actuator output signal  36  to a voltage converter output signal  146  (block  64 ). The voltage converter output signal  146  is in the form of a serial data stream which is transmitted to the processing computer  150  through a serial cable  145  (block  66 ). At the processing computer  150 , the serial data stream is processed by the software  152 , converted into an output signal, and transmitted to the speaker  159  to create sound (block  68 ). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the serial data contains further information that is further processed and additional appropriate action is performed (block  70 ). That is, the additional action message information contained in the data stream is read by the software  152 , which then activates the appropriate hardware to perform the additional required action. 
   According to one embodiment, the step of processing the serial data stream, converting it into an output signal, and transmitting the signal to a speaker  159  to create sound (block  68 ) involves the use of a known communication standard called a musical instrument digital interface (“MIDI”). According to one embodiment, the software  152  contains a library of preset MIDI commands and maps serial data received from the voltage converter output signal  146  to one or more of the preset commands. As is understood in the art, each MIDI command is sent to the MIDI driver (not shown) of the processing computer  150 . The MIDI driver directs the sound to the internal sound card  148  for output to the speaker  159 . 
   Alternatively, the MIDI command is transmitted by the MIDI sound card from the processing computer  150  to the MIDI sound module  170 . The MIDI sound module may be any commercially-available MIDI sound module containing a library of audio tones. The MIDI sound module  170  generates a MIDI sound output signal which is transmitted to the processing computer  150 . A signal is then transmitted to the speaker  159  to create the predetermined sound. 
     FIG. 2A  is a flow chart depicting the activation of the additional action of launching a web browser, according to one embodiment. The software  152  processes the further information in the serial data stream relating to launching a web browser (block  72 ). A signal is then transmitted to the browser software  152  indicating that the browser should be launched (block  74 ). The browser is launched and displayed on the monitor  180  (block  76 ). According to one embodiment, the browser then displays images as required by the data stream (block  78 ). For example, photographs or pictures relating a story may be displayed. Alternatively, the browser displays sheet music coinciding with the music being played by the speaker  159  (block  80 ). In a further alternative, the browser displays text (block  82 ). The browser may display any known graphics, text, or other browser-related images that may relate to the notes being played by the speaker  159 . In an alternative aspect of the present invention, the browser is an embedded control within the software  152  of the processing computer  150 . 
     FIG. 2B  is a flow chart depicting the activation of the additional action of displaying a graphical keyboard, according to one embodiment. The software  152  processes the further information in the serial data stream relating to displaying a graphical keyboard (block  84 ). A signal is then transmitted to the appropriate software  152  indicating that the keyboard should be displayed (block  86 ). The keyboard is displayed on the monitor  180  (block  88 ). According to one embodiment, interaction is then provided between the sounds emitted by the speaker  159  and the keyboard (block  90 ). According to one embodiment, the interaction involves the highlighting or otherwise indicating the appropriate key on the keyboard for the note currently being emitted by the speaker  159 . Alternatively, any known interaction between the sound and the keyboard is displayed. 
     FIG. 2C  is a flow chart depicting the activation of the additional required action of displaying a music staff, according to one embodiment. The software  152  processes the further information in the serial data stream relating to displaying a music staff (block  92 ). A signal is then transmitted to the appropriate software  152  indicating that the music staff should be displayed (block  94 ). The music staff is displayed on the monitor  180  (block  96 ). According to one embodiment, interaction is then provided between the sounds emitted by the speaker  159  and the music staff (block  98 ). According to one embodiment, the interaction involves the displaying the appropriate note in the appropriate place on the music staff corresponding to the note currently being emitted by the speaker  159 . Alternatively, any known interaction between the sound and the music staff is displayed. 
     FIG. 2D  is a flow chart depicting the activation of the additional action of displaying lights, according to one embodiment. The software  152  processes the further information in the serial data stream relating to displaying lights (block  200 ). A signal is then transmitted to the lighting controller  160  indicating that certain lights should be displayed (block  202 ). Light is displayed at the set of lights  162  (block  204 ). According to one embodiment, interaction is then provided between the sounds emitted by the speaker  159  and the lights (block  206 ). According to one embodiment, the interaction involves the flashing a light for each note emitted by the speaker  159 . Alternatively, any known interaction between the sound and the lights is displayed. 
     FIG. 3  depicts the structure of a voltage converter  100 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The voltage converter  100  has a conversion section  102 , a microcontroller section  120 , a RS232 output  140 , and a power supply  101 . In operation, the conversion section  102  receives the actuator output signal  36  from a user console  20 . According to one embodiment, the conversion section  102  recognizes voltage change from the actuator  30 . The microcontroller section  120  polls for any change in voltage in the conversion section  102 . Upon a recognized voltage change, the microcontroller section  120  sends an output signal to the RS232 output  140 . According to one embodiment, the output signal is a byte representing an actuator identifier and state of the actuator. According to one embodiment, the state of the actuator information includes whether the actuator is on or off. The RS232 output  140  transmits the output signal to the processing computer  150  via  146 . 
     FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the present invention in one embodiment includes a user console  20 , mounted on an adjustable support  50 . In this embodiment, the user may adjust the height of the user interface table by raising or lowering the support. Alternatively, the music apparatus may utilize any other known support configuration. 
     FIG. 5  shows a cross-section of a user console  20  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The console  20  has a console bottom portion  21  sized to store a plurality of actuators. In one embodiment, a console top portion  22  with cutout  28  is attached to the user console bottom portion  21 . Cutout  28  provides access to the interior  24  of the user console  20  through an opening  29  in the user console top portion  22 . At least one actuator  30  is attached to the user console top surface  34  by an attachment means  23  that holds the actuator  30  in place while the apparatus is played but allows the musician to remove or relocate the actuator  30  to different positions along the user console top surface  34  and thus accommodate musicians with varying physical and cognitive capabilities. In one embodiment, attachment means  23  may be a commercially-available hook-and-loop fastening system, for example Velcro®. In other embodiments, other attachment means  23  may be used, for example, magnetic strips. An actuator cable  35  is routed into the interior  24  of the user console  20  through the opening  29 . Alternatively, a plurality of actuators  30  can be used, and unused actuators can be stored in the user console interior  24  to avoid cluttering the user console top surface  34 . 
   According to one embodiment in which the user console top portion  22  is rigidly attached to the user interface table bottom portion  21 , the user console  20  is attached to an upper support member  51  at the table support connection  26  located on the bottom surface  27  of the user console top portion  22 . 
   Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.