U.S. patent application number 14/166598 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for metadata type for media data format.
This patent application is currently assigned to Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l.. The applicant listed for this patent is Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l.. Invention is credited to Arto KIISKINEN, Petri LEHTOVIRTA.
Application Number | 20140157971 14/166598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29287361 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140157971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIISKINEN; Arto ; et
al. |
June 12, 2014 |
METADATA TYPE FOR MEDIA DATA FORMAT
Abstract
A system and method are disclosed for estimating a video game's
tempo and selecting a music track that includes a track tempo
associated with the video game's tempo.
Inventors: |
KIISKINEN; Arto; (Espoo,
FI) ; LEHTOVIRTA; Petri; (Tampere, FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l. |
Luxembourg |
|
LU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Core Wireless Licensing
S.a.r.l.
Luxembourg
LU
|
Family ID: |
29287361 |
Appl. No.: |
14/166598 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10513113 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
8664504 |
|
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PCT/IB2002/001440 |
Apr 30, 2002 |
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14166598 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
84/612 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10H 2220/086 20130101;
G10H 1/0041 20130101; G09B 15/00 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101;
G10H 2240/091 20130101; G10H 1/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
84/612 |
International
Class: |
G10H 1/40 20060101
G10H001/40 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: estimating, via one or more processors, a
first tempo of a video game; selecting a first music track
including a track tempo associated with the first tempo of the
video game; playing the first music track; estimating a second
tempo of the video game, the second tempo represents a change in
the video game; selecting a second music track including a track
tempo associated with the second tempo of the video game;
terminating play of the first music track; and playing the second
music track.
2. A method comprising: estimating, via one or more processors, a
first tempo of a video game; selecting a first music track
including a track tempo associated with the first tempo of the
video game; and playing the first music track.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first tempo of the video game
is based on a video presentation of the video game.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the first tempo is estimated from
an intensity of animation of the video game.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising estimating a second
tempo of the video game, the second tempo represents a change in
the video game.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising selecting a second
music track including a track tempo associated with the second
tempo of the video game.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising playing the second
music track mixed with the first music track during a transition
period before playing of the first music track is terminated.
8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium carrying one
or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed
by one or more processors, cause a device to at least perform the
following steps: estimate a first tempo of a video game; select a
first music track including a track tempo associated with the first
tempo of the video game; play the first music track; estimate a
second tempo of the video game, the second tempo represents a
change in the video game; select a second music track including a
track tempo associated with the second tempo of the video game;
terminate play of the first music track; and play the second music
track.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium carrying one
or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed
by one or more processors, cause a device to at least perform the
following steps: estimate a first tempo of a video game; select a
first music track including a track tempo associated with the first
tempo of the video game; and play the first music track.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9
wherein the first tempo of the video game is based on a video
presentation of the video game.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9
wherein the first tempo is estimated from an intensity of animation
of the video game.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9
including further instructions that cause the device to at least
estimate a second tempo of the video game, the second tempo
represents a change in the video game.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12
including further instructions that cause the device to at least
select a second music track including a track tempo associated with
the second tempo of the video game.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13
including further instructions that cause the device to at least
play the second music track mixed with the first music track during
a transition period before playing of the first music track is
terminated.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Publication No.
2006/0112808 Filed on Jul. 15, 2005 and published on Jun. 2, 2006
(having U.S. application Ser. No. 10/513,113 and having a title:
METADATA TYPE FOR MEDIA DATA FORMAT), which is the U.S. National
Stage of International Application Number PCT/IB02/01440 filed Apr.
30, 2002 and published in English on Nov. 13, 2003 under
International Publication Number WO 03/094148 A1.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of digital media.
More particularly the invention relates to digital content metadata
in digital media.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today there are a wide set of terminals which includes means
for viewing digital media. Examples of such terminals are wireless
terminals, PCs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), consoles, CD
players, MP3 players etc. The digital media is typically stored
locally in a local storage medium of the terminal, on a CD-ROM or
downloaded to the terminal from a remote storage medium or any
combination thereof. The amount of digital media files that are
available for download to a terminal today is large and is
increasing everyday and so is the download rate. Furthermore, it is
foreseen that the available sizes of local storage mediums of
handheld terminals in the future will allow for storage of a
relatively large amount of digital media files in a single handheld
terminal.
[0004] If the media file is to be downloaded to a terminal and
played back, or played back directly from the local storage medium
of a terminal, this is a rather straightforward procedure, for
example using a media player such as Winamp, RealPlayer or a
browser plugin. For instance, the audio file format MP3 includes
the ID3v2 tagging system for identifying several different metadata
types associated with an audio track comprised in an MP3 file.
Examples of such metadata types are Title, Artist/Author, Album,
Year, etc. A specific audio track is played back from the local
storage medium of a terminal by searching for and selecting the
audio track that has the title or artist, etc., of that audio
track. To download a specific audio track from a remote site on the
Internet, a proper URL is entered to the browser and the audio
track is downloaded.
[0005] However, in the case where the desired digital media is not
so specifically defined as the name of a specific digital media
file or, in the MP3 case the actual title, artist, etc., prior art
offers no solution to the problem of finding the desired media
files amongst a large number of media files that are available for
download or are stored in a local storage medium. This problem
increases as the number of media files increases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the invention is to eliminate or at least
alleviate the above-described problems of the prior art.
[0007] Thus, according to the invention devices, methods, a media
data format, a propagating signal, and a computer readable medium
are provided that enhance the managing, organizing, downloading and
playing back of digital media.
[0008] The invention exploits the recognition that a tempo class of
a music track comprised in digital media is a very useful parameter
when managing, organizing, downloading and playing back digital
media.
[0009] Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, a device
is provided comprising a reading means for reading a media data
format comprising a music data portion defining a music track, and
a metadata portion defining metadata associated with the music
track. The reading means is adapted to read a tempo class value of
a tempo metadata type comprised in said metadata portion. The tempo
class value indicates a tempo class of the music track.
[0010] In the invention, the music data portion comprises data that
are used in order to control a device for playback of a music
track. Furthermore, the metadata portion comprises data that are
not specifically used for the playback of the music track, but
gives general information regarding the music track. Examples of
metadata could be Title, Artist/Author, Album, Year, Genre, etc.
Furthermore, in the invention, the tempo class value is the value
of the tempo metadata type which is comprised in said metadata.
Thus, according to the definition of metadata herein, the tempo
class value of the meta data type is intended to be used as
information regarding the playback tempo of the music track and not
to control the playback tempo of the music track. It is to be noted
that the term music track is to be interpreted as any type of audio
track which can be allotted a tempo. Furthermore, the music track
may be comprised in a media file or streamed media comprising also
other types of media, such as video, animations, pictures etc.
Furthermore, it should also be noted that the tempo class value
might also be NULL indicating that no tempo class has been assigned
to the music track.
[0011] It should be noted that even though metadata are not
specifically used for controlling the playback of a music track,
they may be used as a means for selecting a music track for
playback. For example, a device may be set to play music tracks
associated to metadata comprising a artist metadata type indicating
a specific artist only.
[0012] The tempo of a music track is usually measured in beats per
minute (BPM). In the invention the tempo class is a general
impression of the basic beat of a music track. This impression
generally coincides with the theoretical definition of tempo used
in musical theory, where the tempo is the number of basic units of
a bar per minute. For example, if the basic unit of a bar in a
musical piece is a quarter note, the number of beats per minute of
that musical piece is defined as the number of quarter notes per
minute.
[0013] Since the reading means of the device according to the
invention is adapted to read a tempo class value of a tempo
metadata type comprised in said metadata portion, where the tempo
class value indicates a tempo class of the music track, it is
possible to manage, organize, download, and play back digital media
based on such tempo class values. Thus, the possibilities to
manage, organize, download and play back digital media is enhanced.
This new metadata type proves to be very useful in various
applications of selection of digital media comprising music tracks.
The tempo class value provides a more or less objective value on
which to base the managing, organizing, downloading and playing
back of digital media.
[0014] The tempo class value is preferably one of a set of tempo
class values each defining a playback tempo range. For example the
tempo class values may be integer values from 1 to 10. Each integer
value then defines a playback tempo range where 1 corresponds to
the lowest tempo and 10 corresponds to the highest tempo.
[0015] By introducing a set of playback tempo ranges defined by the
tempo class values, the selection criteria on tempo will become
more straightforward. Furthermore, using a set of integer values as
the tempo class values, where the lowest integer value corresponds
to the lowest tempo, and the highest integer value corresponds the
highest tempo, will make the selection criteria even more
straightforward. Of course this is just an example and any other
similar schemes for uniquely identifying the tempo class values,
such as a set of characters, such as A, B, C, or free text values,
such as slow, medium, fast, etc. are equally applicable.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a
selection means. The selection means is adapted to select a music
track on the basis of the tempo class value associated with the
music track.
[0017] The selection means allows the device to select a music
track on the basis of the tempo class of the music track. Thus, the
download and/or playback of desired music tracks is enhanced since
the tempo of the music track is an important parameter for
selecting amongst different music tracks in several situations. By
adding the selection means, media files comprising music tracks
with a desired tempo class can be selected from a large set of
media files without any knowledge of the name, artist, etc. of the
music tracks.
[0018] The selection means may be operable to select one or more
music tracks associated with a first set of tempo class values
during a first period of time and to select one or more music
tracks associated with a second set of tempo class values during a
second period of time. The first set of tempo class values are
preferably different from the second set of tempo class values.
This functionality enhances the download and playback of desired
music tracks in cases where music tracks with different tempos are
desired during different time periods. The need for manual control
by the user between the first and the second time period is
eliminated.
[0019] Alternatively, the selection means is adapted to select a
music track associated with a set of tempo class value in response
to a current value of an external tempo signal. This functionality
enhances the download and/or playback of desired music tracks in
cases where music tracks associated with different tempo classes
are desired at different times in an way that is determined by an
external tempo signal. The external tempo signal is a measurement
or an estimation of the tempo of an external factor. The external
factor is typically an activity or some other media to which the
music tracks should be played. For example, music tracks with a
similar tempo to the external factor could be selected, i.e. a high
tempo of the external factor would result in the selection of a
high tempo music track. Alternatively, music tracks with an
"opposite" tempo to the external factor could be selected, i.e. a
high tempo of the external factor would result in the selection of
a low tempo music track. This functionality also enhances the
retrieval of desired music tracks in cases where the desired tempo
class of the music tracks alters over time in a way that is
determined by an external tempo signal. The need for manual control
by the user is eliminated since suitable music tracks will be
selected in accordance with the current value of the external tempo
signal.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the device is provided with
a writing means. The writing means is adapted to write a tempo
class value associated with the music track to the media data
format.
[0021] According to second aspect of the invention a device for
writing to in a media data format is provided. The device comprises
a writing means for writing to a media data format comprising a
music data portion defining a music track, and a metadata portion
defining metadata associated with said music track. Furthermore,
the writing means is adapted to write a tempo class value of a
tempo metadata type comprised in said metadata portion, said tempo
class value indicating a tempo class of said music track.
[0022] The device according to the second aspect can be used to
alter or add a tempo class value in a media data format. For
example in the case where the tempo class type has a NULL value a
proper tempo class value can be added using the device. Thus, the
possibilities to manage, organize, download and play back digital
media is enhanced.
[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention a method of
reading a media data format comprising a music data part defining a
music track, and a metadata part defining metadata associated with
the music track, is provided. The method comprises the step of
reading a tempo class value of a tempo metadata type comprised in
said metadata part. The tempo class value indicates a tempo class
of the music track.
[0024] Preferably the tempo class value is one of a set of tempo
metadata type values each defining a playback tempo range. For
example, the playback tempo class values may be integer values from
1 to 10. Each integer value then defines a tempo range where 1
corresponds to the lowest tempo and 10 corresponds to the highest
tempo. Of course this is just an example and any other similar
schemes for uniquely identifying the tempo class values, such as a
set of characters, such as A, B, C, or free text values, such as
slow, medium, fast, etc. are equally applicable.
[0025] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises the
step of selecting a music track on basis of the tempo class value
associated with the music track.
[0026] The step of selecting may comprise the steps of selecting
one or more music tracks associated with a first set of tempo class
values during a first period of time, and selecting one or more
music tracks associated with a second set of tempo class values
during a second period of time. Preferably, the first set of tempo
class values is different from the second set of tempo class
values.
[0027] Alternatively, the step of selecting comprises the steps of
receiving a current value of an external tempo signal and selecting
a music track associated with a tempo class value in response to
the current value of the external tempo signal.
[0028] According to another embodiment, the method further
comprises the step of writing to the media data format a tempo
class value associated with the music track.
[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the invention a method of
writing to a media data format is provided. The media data format
comprises a music data portion defining a music track, and a
metadata portion defining metadata associated with the music track.
The method comprises the step of writing to the media data format a
tempo class value of a tempo metadata type comprised in the
metadata portion. The tempo class value indicates a tempo class of
the music track.
[0030] According to a fifth aspect of the invention a media data
format is provided. The media data format comprises a music data
portion defining a music track, and a metadata portion defining
metadata associated with the music track. The metadata portion
comprises a tempo metadata type intended to have a tempo class
value indicating a tempo class of the music track.
[0031] The tempo class value is preferably one of a set of tempo
class values each defining a playback tempo range. For example the
tempo class values may be integer values from 1 to 10. Each integer
value then defines a playback tempo range where 1 corresponds to
the lowest tempo and 10 corresponds to the highest tempo. Of course
this is just an example and any other similar schemes for uniquely
identifying the tempo class values, such as a set of characters,
such as A, B, C, or free text values, such as slow, medium, fast,
etc. are equally applicable.
[0032] Said music data are preferably intended for use in music
track playback.
[0033] According to a sixth aspect of the invention a computer
readable medium is provided having stored thereon media data in a
media data format comprising a music data portion defining a music
track, and a metadata portion defining metadata associated with the
music track. The metadata portion comprises a tempo metadata type
intended to have a tempo class value indicating a tempo class of
the music track.
[0034] According to a seventh aspect of the invention a propagating
signal is provided comprising media data in a media data format
comprising a music data portion defining a music track, and a
metadata portion defining metadata associated with the music track.
The metadata portion comprises a tempo metadata type intended to
have a tempo class value indicating a tempo class of the music
track.
[0035] According to an eighth aspect of the invention a computer
readable medium comprising computer executable instructions for
performing the steps of the method of reading a media data format
or the method of writing values of metadata in a media data format
described above.
[0036] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a device is
provided comprising
[0037] a reading means for reading a media data format comprising a
music data portion defining a music track, and a metadata portion
defining metadata associated with the music track. The device
further comprises selection means for selecting a music track on
basis of a metadata type value comprised in said metadata
associated with said music track.
[0038] Hence, according to this aspect music tracks can be selected
on basis of a metadata type value. For example music tracks from a
certain era, of a certain genre, etc., can be selected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0039] In the following, the present invention is illustrated by
way of example and not limitation with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
device according to the invention,
[0041] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method
according to the invention,
[0042] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of another embodiment of a method
according to the invention, and
[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
media data format according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
device 10 according to the invention. The device 10 includes
functionality for storage and playback of MP3 music files. Examples
of devices that may include such functionality are a PC, a CD
(compact disc) player, an MD (mini disc) player, portable MP3
player, and a mobile communication terminal etc. The basics of MP3
are well known within the art and is not described further
herein.
[0045] The device 10 in FIG. 1 comprises a reading means 11
functionally connected to a storage medium 12. Furthermore, a
selection means 13 and a playback means 14 are functionally
connected to the reading means 11. Furthermore the reading means 11
is functionally connected to an RF portion 15 and the RF portion is
functionally connected to an antenna 16. The reading means 11 are
adapted to read a media data format comprising music data defining
a music track and metadata defining metadata associated with the
music track. The media data format in this embodiment is the data
format of MP3 files stored in the storage medium 12. The music data
is the music data as defined in the MP3 standard and the metadata
is the metadata as defined by the ID3v2 tagging system in MP3. The
ID3v2 tagging system identifies several different metadata types
associated with a music track comprised in an MP3 file. Examples of
such metadata types are Title, Artist/Author, Album, Year, Genre,
etc. Moreover, the MP3 files stored in the storage medium 12 of
this embodiment each also include the novel metadata type referred
to as tempo class.
[0046] The storage medium 12 is any suitable storage medium
depending on the type of device. For example, in the case of a CD
player the storage medium would typically be a CD, in the case of a
mobile communication terminal the storage medium would typically be
a RAM. More specifically, the reading means 11 is adapted to read a
tempo class value of a tempo metadata type comprised in a novel
metadata frame of the ID3v2 tagging system for MP3 files. In the
device 10 the MP3 files are stored on the storage medium 12, and
the tempo class value of each MP3 file on the storage medium 12 is
one of the integer values 1-10 and indicates a tempo of said music
track. The tempo class value 1 indicates a lowest tempo range, the
tempo class values 2-9 each indicate a higher tempo range, and the
tempo class value 10 indicates a highest tempo range. It should be
noted that the number tempo ranges is for illustrational purposes
only. The tempo is measured in beats per minute.
[0047] The playback means 14 are any well known means for playback
of the music track defined by the music data in an MP3 file read by
the reading means 11 from the storage medium 12.
[0048] The selection means 13 includes functionality to select MP3
files having different tempo class values during different periods
of time. For example, the selection means 13 can be programmed to
select MP3 files having different tempo class values during
different periods of time. Such a programming can be used in order
to make the device 10 automatically select music tracks suitable
for different periods of times, such as different parts of a
training session. For example, medium tempo music tracks are
selected during a warm up period, high tempo music tracks are
selected during an exercise period, and low tempo music tracks are
selected during a stretching and relaxation period. The device 10
further comprises means (not shown) for storing a number of
different programs. For example, this is applicable for exercise
sessions like spinning, aerobics, circuit training etc.
[0049] The device will deliver a more enjoyable and more healthy
training experience, and also improve the training results. For
example, a very low tempo music during stretching will motivate for
long enough stretching time.
[0050] Furthermore, the device 10 can be combined with downloadable
training programs that can be stored in the mobile terminal and the
training programs can be combined with the terminal calendar,
creating a training calendar, adding the possibility of alerts for
alerting the user that it is time for a training session and
storage of a training log.
[0051] In an alternative, the selection means 13 can be controlled
by an external tempo signal such that MP3 files having a certain
tempo class value are selected by the selection means 13 in
response to the current value of the external tempo signal. Such an
external tempo signal could for example be a measurement or an
estimation of the tempo of an external factor, such as a heart rate
signal or a video or computer game tempo signal. In the case of
using a heart rate signal the MP3 files selected for playback is
adapted in accordance with the measured heart rate such that the
listener adapts his or her behaviour in a way that results in a
desired heart rate. I.e., if the heart rate is higher than the
desired level MP3 files with a lower tempo class value are selected
and vice versa. This is applicable for example for exercise where a
listener adapts the exercise tempo to the music, but it may also be
applicable in situations where the listener is subjected to
different levels of nervous tension, such as while driving a car.
The level of nervous tension can either be measured directly in the
form of a heart rate measurement of the driver. It can also be
measured indirectly by measuring the vehicle telematics information
or by sensing the behaviour of the driver, such as how the often
and fast the driver changes gear, etc. Another example where this
is applicable is when working with a computer. In this case the
external factor might be the speed or strength used when hitting
the keys on the keyboard, the number of windows opened etc. In the
video or computer game application the external tempo signal can be
a measurement or estimation of the tempo of the video or computer
game. Thus, when the tempo is high in the video or computer game
high tempo music tracks will be selected and played. Alternatively,
some other factor of the video or computer game can be measured
such as the intensity of animation, the heart rate of the user etc.
This enables the selection between a variety of music tracks
without any manual operation, whilst the music tracks being played
will still be suitable to the current stage of the video or
computer game. Thus, when playing a game, different music tracks
may be played during the same stage of the game at separate times
the game is played.
[0052] In case the external tempo information input changes, the
player can be set to react to the change either immediately or
change after a while. Further it is possible that during the tempo
input change, the player reacts in a way that two music files of
the old tempo and new tempo are mixed.
[0053] For example the adaptation of which music track is selected
for playback based on a tempo change of the external factor can
take place during a game when the "gaming situation" changes.
[0054] In the case of other media files than MP3, such as MPEG2,
WAV or any other existing or future media format, the addition of
the metadata type tempo class will be readily apparent to the
skilled person in view of the description above for MP3.
[0055] In another alternative the device 10 receives media data
from an external source instead of retrieving locally stored media
data from the storage medium 12. Thus, the reading means 11 is
further adapted to read a media data format from the RF portion 16,
the media format being received in an radio signal via the antenna
15. The device 10 could for example be a mobile communication
terminal adapted to store and receive digital media.
[0056] In still another alternative the device could be adapted to
receive media data broadcasted via radio or a cable TV network,
media data streamed over the Internet or other data network, or any
other existing or future broadcasting or streaming technique. The
receiving means are any suitable known receiving means depending on
the application. The addition of the metadata type tempo class will
be readily apparent to the skilled person in view of the
description above for MP3.
[0057] In FIG. 2 a flow chart of an embodiment of a method
according to the invention is shown. The embodiment is adapted for
selecting MP3 files for playback in accordance with a predetermined
program. The method is applicable for example in selecting MP3
files for playback during physical exercise, such a single training
session or a series of training sessions.
[0058] According to the method a program is selected for the
selection means of a device in step 21, such as the device 10
described in relation to FIG. 1. The program controls the selection
means so that it during different time periods or for a number of
consecutive times selects MP3 files having different tempo class
values. In step 22 a music track is selected for playback based on
the current selection condition of the program. For example, the
selection condition could be that MP3 files having a tempo class
value between 2-3. In step 23 it is determined if the selection
condition has been altered by the program. This will typically be
the case after a period of time or a number of consecutive music
tracks. If the selection condition should not be altered and the
program has not reached its end, a new music track will be selected
in step 22 based on the same condition. If the selection condition
should be altered and the program has not reached its end, the
selection condition is changed in step 23. A new music track will
be selected in step 22 based on the changed condition. The steps
22-23 are repeated until the program has reached its end.
[0059] Thus, the selected music tracks for playback can be adapted
to suit and/or inspire different intensity levels of the exercise
during different periods of time. Hence, by using such a method,
the selected music will vary between training sessions using the
same program without any need for manual control.
[0060] In FIG. 3 another embodiment of a method according to the
invention is shown. The embodiment is adapted for selecting MP3
files for playback in accordance with an external tempo signal. The
method is applicable for example in selecting MP3 files for
playback during physical exercise, or a video (or a computer)
game.
[0061] According to the method an external tempo signal is
received. The external tempo signal is a measurement or an
estimation of the tempo of an external factor depending on the
application, such as the heart rate in the case of physical
exercise and the tempo of the visual presentation in the case of a
video game. A current value of the tempo signal is used to control
the selection means of a device, such as the device 10 described in
relation to FIG. 1. For example, the selection means can be
controlled to select MP3 files in step 31 having high tempo class
values when the current value of the external tempo signal is high
and vice versa. Alternatively, the selection means can be
controlled to select MP3 files in step 31 having low tempo class
values when the current value of the external tempo signal is low
and vice versa. The steps 31-32 will be performed until the
playback is ended. Hence, by using such a method, the selected
music will vary without any need for manual control.
[0062] In FIG. 4 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
media data format. The media data format is the format of a MP3
file and comprises music data 41 and metadata 42. The music data
comprises music data, such as the music data frame 43, and the
metadata comprises metadata frames, such as the metadata frame 44.
The metadata frames are defined by a modified version of the ID3v2
tagging system in MP3. Note that the relation between the metadata,
music data, metadata frames and music data frames are for
illustrational purposes only and does not indicate any preferred
relation. The ID3v2 tagging system identifies several different
metadata types associated with a music track comprised in an MP3
file. Examples of such metadata types are Title, Artist/Author,
Album, Year, Genre, etc. Moreover, the modification of the data
format of this embodiment is that each MP3 file also includes a
metadata frame for the metadata type tempo class. This frame
comprises a tempo class value having one of the integer values 1-10
indicating a tempo of said music track. The tempo class value 1
indicates a lowest tempo range, the tempo class values 2-9 each
indicate a higher tempo range, and the tempo class value 10
indicates a highest tempo range. It should be noted that the number
tempo ranges is for illustrational purposes only. The tempo is
measured in beats per minute.
[0063] In addition to the applications of the invention described
above a multitude of applications of the invention are anticipated,
such as mobile terminals capable to stream radio broadcasts,
digital TV Broadcast, music at music clubs, music at the work
place, existing and future broadcasting, leisure, pastime and
gaming services, etc.
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