U.S. patent application number 14/704766 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for input/output controls.
This patent application is currently assigned to MISELU, INC. The applicant listed for this patent is Yoshinari Yoshikawa. Invention is credited to Yoshinari Yoshikawa.
Application Number | 20160019874 14/704766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51521448 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160019874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshikawa; Yoshinari |
January 21, 2016 |
INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROLS
Abstract
Embodiments generally relate to processing music. In one
embodiment, a system includes a base and one or more structures
coupled to the base, where the one or more structures form one or
more respective bays in the base. The system also includes one or
more input/output (I/O) modules configured to be removably received
into the one or more bays, where the one or more I/O modules are
operable to provide control information.
Inventors: |
Yoshikawa; Yoshinari; (Los
Altos, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yoshikawa; Yoshinari |
Los Altos |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MISELU, INC
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
51521448 |
Appl. No.: |
14/704766 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13841024 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
9053688 |
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14704766 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
84/609 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10H 2220/096 20130101;
G10H 5/00 20130101; G10H 1/00 20130101; G10H 2230/015 20130101;
G10H 1/32 20130101; G10H 2220/256 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G10H 1/00 20060101
G10H001/00; G10H 5/00 20060101 G10H005/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a base; one or more structures coupled to
the base, wherein the one or more structures form one or more
respective bays in the base; and one or more input/output (I/O)
modules configured to be removably received into the one or more
bays, wherein the one or more I/O modules are operable to provide
control information.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides a protective
cover for a tablet computer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides a protective
cover for a musical instrument.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides a protective
cover for another system having a similar base.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more I/O modules are
operable to communicate with a computer.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more I/O modules are
operable to communicate with other I/O modules.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one I/O module is
rearrangeable.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one I/O module includes
one or more of at least one knob, at least one slider, and at least
one button.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one I/O module includes
a musical instrument.
10. A system comprising: a base; one or more structures coupled to
the base, wherein the one or more structures form one or more
respective bays in the base; and one or more input/output (I/O)
modules configured to be removably received into the one or more
bays, wherein the one or more I/O modules are operable to provide
control information, and wherein at least one I/O module includes
one or more of at least one knob, at least one slider, and at least
one button.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the system provides a
protective cover for a tablet computer.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the system provides a
protective cover for a musical instrument.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the system provides a
protective cover for another system having a similar base.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more I/O modules are
operable to communicate with a computer.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more I/O modules are
operable to communicate with other I/O modules.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one I/O module is
rearrangeable.
17. A method comprising: providing a base; providing one or more
structures coupled to the base, wherein the one or more structures
form one or more respective bays in the base; and providing one or
more input/output (I/O) modules configured to be removably received
into the one or more bays, wherein the one or more I/O modules are
operable to provide control information.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising configuring the
system to provide a protective cover for a tablet computer.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising enabling the one or
more I/O modules to communicate with a computer.
20. The system of claim 17, further comprising enabling the one or
more I/O modules to communicate with other I/O modules.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The creation of music is a popular activity enjoyed by many
people. Various devices may be used to enable a user to create
music. For example, a user may connect a musical instrument such as
a piano keyboard to a computer system. This enables the user to
create music using the keyboard and record the music on the
computer system. The user may connect various other devices such as
speakers to a keyboard and/or computer system.
SUMMARY
[0002] Embodiments generally relate to processing music. In one
embodiment, a system includes a base and one or more structures
coupled to the base, where the one or more structures form one or
more respective bays in the base. The system also includes one or
more input/output (I/O) modules configured to be removably received
into the one or more bays, where the one or more I/O modules are
operable to provide control information.
[0003] In another embodiment, a system includes a base and one or
more structures coupled to the base, where the one or more
structures form one or more respective bays in the base. The system
also includes one or more I/O modules configured to be removably
received into the one or more bays, where the one or more I/O
modules are operable to provide control information, and where at
least one I/O module includes one or more of at least one knob, at
least one slider, and at least one button.
[0004] In another embodiment, a method includes providing a base.
The method also includes providing one or more structures coupled
to the base, where the one or more structures form one or more
respective bays in the base. The method also includes providing one
or more I/O modules configured to be removably received into the
one or more bays, where the one or more I/O modules are operable to
provide control information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example simplified flow diagram for
providing a music apparatus for creating and processing music,
according to some embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an example music apparatus in an open
state, according to some embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates music apparatus of FIG. 2 in a closed
state, according to some embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates music apparatus without a device mounted,
according to some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates music apparatus and tablet computer in an
open state and in a deployed state, according to some
embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates music apparatus with a slider module,
according to some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates music apparatus with a button module and
an empty bay, according to some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates music apparatus with mount module, button
module, slider module, and knob module, according to some
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates music apparatus as configured in FIG. 8
with a tablet computer, according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates two music apparatus positioned in
series, according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates three music apparatus positioned in
series, according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates three music apparatus positioned in
series, each with a tablet computer, according to some
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates three music apparatus positioned in
series, each with a tablet computer, according to some
embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates three music apparatus positioned in
series, each with a tablet computer, according to some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example computer system,
which may be used to implement the embodiments described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Embodiments described herein enable a user to create and
process music by providing convenient input/output (I/O) modules.
In various implementations, a system used for creating and
processing music includes a base and one or more structures coupled
to the base, where the structures form respective bays in the base.
In various implementations, the I/O modules are configured to be
removably received into the bays, where the I/O modules are
operable to provide control information (e.g., for creating and
processing music).
[0021] In various implementations, the system may provide a
protective cover for a tablet computer, for a musical instrument,
and/or for another system having a similar base. The I/O modules
are operable to communicate with a computer such as a tablet
computer and/or with other I/O modules. In various implementations,
one or more of the I/O modules are rearrangeable, each may include
one or more knobs, sliders, and/or buttons.
[0022] As a result, the user has the experience of creating and
processing music using convenient I/O modules. Embodiments enable
the user to control music variables using various I/O modules.
Embodiments also enable the user to conveniently reconfigure the
controls of a given device using the I/O modules.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example simplified flow diagram for
providing a music apparatus for creating and processing music,
according to some embodiments. In various implementations, a method
is initiated in block 102 where a base is provided in the music
apparatus. In block 104, one or more structures are provided that
couple to the base, where the one or more structures form one or
more respective bays in the base. In block 106, one or more I/O
modules are provided and configured to be removably received into
the one or more bays, where the one or more I/O modules are
operable to provide control information. The base, structures, and
I/O modules are described in more detail below in various example
implementations.
[0024] In various implementations, the system provides a protective
cover for a tablet computer. Also, the one or more I/O modules are
enabled to communicate with a computer and/or with other I/O
modules. These features are also described in more detail below in
various example implementations.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an example music apparatus 200 in an open
state, according to some embodiments. In various implementations,
music apparatus 200 is a system for creating and processing music.
As shown, music apparatus 200 includes a base 202. In various
implementations, one or more structures are coupled to the base. An
example bay is shown and described below in connection with FIG. 7.
The one or more structures form one or more respective bays in the
base.
[0026] In various implementations, the bays are configured to
receive a variety of components referred to herein as I/O modules.
As shown in this particular implementation, example I/O modules may
include a mount module 204, a knob module 206, and a keyboard
module 208. Mount module 204 is an example of an I/O module that
functions to mount an external device such as a tablet computer
210, or any other device such as a smart phone, display, etc. Knob
module 206 is an example of an I/O module that functions to control
music or sound variables. As shown, knob module 206 includes an
array of knobs, which may be arranged in any predetermined
configuration. The particular configuration or layout will depend
on the specific implementation. Keyboard module 208 is an example
of an I/O module that functions as a musical instrument. These I/O
modules and others are described in more detail below.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates music apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 in a closed
state, according to some embodiments. As shown, in the closed
state, music apparatus 200 may be configured to function as a
protective cover for tablet computer 210. As shown, in the closed
state, the backside of tablet computer 210 faces outward away from
music apparatus 200, while the display side faces inward toward
music apparatus 200. Similarly, the backside of music apparatus 200
faces outward away from tablet computer 210 tablet computer 210,
while the side of music apparatus 200 exposing the I/O modules
faces inward toward the display side of tablet computer 210.
[0028] In various implementations, music apparatus 200 may be
configured to enable tablet computer 210 to function as a
protective cover for music apparatus 200. In some implementations,
two music apparatus may be configured to connect together, such
that each music apparatus provides a protective cover for the other
music apparatus. Because a given music apparatus may include an I/O
module that is a musical instrument, music apparatus 200 may be
configured to function as a protective cover for a musical
instrument. In various implementations, to provide such protective
covers, the dimensions and/or perimeter size of music apparatus 200
(its base) would be similar to or substantially identical to that
of the other device to which it connects. For example, music
apparatus 200 and the other device to which music apparatus 200 is
connected may both have a similar or the same type of base (e.g.,
same size/dimensions, etc.).
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates music apparatus 200 without a device
mounted (e.g., without tablet computer 210 mounted), according to
some embodiments. As shown, mount module 204 includes a slot 402
for mounting a device such as tablet computer 210. In this
particular implementation, a user may insert a device into slot
402. Slot 402 is described in more detail below in connection with
FIG. 5.
[0030] As shown, music apparatus 200 is in a stored or
collapsed/recessed state in that the knobs of knob module 206 and
the keys of keyboard module 208 are recessed such that they are
flush with the top of base 202. Such a stored/recessed state
enables music apparatus 200 to be stored and/or be covered by a
protective cover.
[0031] In various implementations, each I/O module has a user
interface, and is operable to communicate with a computer (e.g.,
computer system 1500 described below in connection with FIG. 15,
tablet computer 210, etc.) or with one or more other I/O modules.
As such, a given user may interact with the computer, tablet
computer, and/or other I/O modules via the user interface of a
given I/O module. Such communications may be achieved either via a
wired connection via terminals in a bay, or wirelessly via any
suitable wireless means (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared (IR),
etc.), or a combination of both wired and wireless connections.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates music apparatus 200 and tablet computer
210 in an open state and in a deployed state, according to some
embodiments. In various implementations, slot 402 may be configured
such that when slot 402 receives the device, slot 402 props the
device up as a predetermined angle (e.g., 45.degree., 55.degree.,
65.degree., 75.degree., 85.degree., etc.), as shown.
[0033] In some implementations, a given I/O module such as knob
module 206 may be deployed such that the I/O module elevates
relative to the top of base 202. In this particular implementation,
knob module 206 may be elevated a predetermined distance from a
predetermined point, depending on the specific implementation. For
example, in some implementations, the distance may be an absolute
distance above the top of base 202 (e.g., 0.25 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm,
etc.). In some implementations, the distance may be a relative
distance from a predetermined point (e.g., 0 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.5 cm,
etc., above the top-most level of keys of keyboard module 208,
etc.). In various implementations, a given I/O module may be
elevated by any suitable mechanism. For example, the structure that
forms a given bay may elevate up and down thereby elevating the I/O
module that sits in the elevated bay.
[0034] In some implementations, a given I/O module such as knob
module 206 may have controls (e.g., physical knobs 502, 504, etc.)
that pop up when deployed. For example, in some implementations,
the knobs (e.g., knobs 502, 504, etc.) may all pop up automatically
when knob module 206 is deployed. In some implementations, the
knobs (e.g., knobs 502, 504, etc.) may each pop up independently
when the user depresses a single button. In some implementations,
the knobs (e.g., knobs 502, 504, etc.) may each pop up
independently when the user depresses each one individually.
[0035] In various implementations, the one or more I/O modules are
operable to communicate with a computer. For example, knob module
206 and keyboard module 208 may be operable to communicate with
tablet computer 210, where physical knobs of knob module 206 may
control virtual dials (e.g., corresponding to volume, balance,
reverb, etc.) provided by a music software application on tablet
computer 210. In some implementations, one or more I/O modules may
be adapted to operate with specific software that is run on a
computer (e.g., computer system 1500 described below in connection
with FIG. 15, tablet computer 210, etc.).
[0036] As indicated above, keyboard module 208 is an I/O module
that functions as a musical instrument (e.g., a piano keyboard).
While the keys of keyboard module 208 are shown in a
collapsed/recessed state in FIG. 4, keys of keyboard module 208 may
be converted to a deployed or popped up state, as shown in FIG. 5,
where a first level of keys (e.g., the black keys) elevates to a
first level from a predetermined point, and second level of keys
(e.g., the white keys) elevates to a second level from a
predetermined point, depending on the specific implementation. For
example, in some implementations, the levels may each independently
elevate to absolute distances above the top of base 202 (e.g., 0.25
cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, etc.), where the first level (e.g., black keys)
is different (e.g., higher) than the second level (e.g., white
keys). In some implementations, one level (e.g., black keys) may
elevate to a relative distance (e.g., 0.25 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, etc.)
above the other level (e.g., white keys).
[0037] In some implementations, the one or more I/O modules are
operable to communicate with other I/O modules. In some
implementations, the controls of a given I/O module may provide
additional and/or supplemental controls to another I/O module. For
example, signals from some controls (e.g., knobs 502, 504, etc.) of
knob module 206 may control or influence controls (e.g., black
and/or white keys) of keyboard module 208.
[0038] In another example, a pedal module (not shown) may include
pedal controls. Such pedal controls may include an una corda pedal
(softens notes), a sostenuto pedal (sustains only notes that are
held down when the sostenuto pedal is depressed), and the
sustaining (damper) pedal (moves all the dampers away from the
strings enabling them to vibrate freely). In some embodiments, some
I/O modules may operate separately from music apparatus 200 (e.g.,
may be placed on the floor). In various implementations, a given
I/O module may communicate directly with another I/O module and/or
with a computer such as tablet computer 210 that in turn
communicates with one or more I/O modules.
[0039] In some implementations, where one or more I/O modules
operate separately from music apparatus 200, such I/O modules may
communicate with an I/O module such as keyboard module 208 and/or
with a computer such as tablet computer 210 via a wired connection
or wirelessly. As indicated above, such connections may be achieved
using any suitable connection means (e.g., hard wire, Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, IR, etc.).
[0040] In various implementations, the one or more I/O modules are
configured to be removably received into the one or more bays. As
indicated herein, each of the one or more I/O modules is operable
to provide control information (e.g., to a computer, to a tablet
computer such as tablet computer 210, to another I/O module, etc.).
As described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 6, knob
module 206 is removed and replaced with a slider module.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates music apparatus 200 with a slider module
602, according to some embodiments. As shown, slider module 602
includes an array of sliders, which may be arranged in any
predetermined configuration. The particular configuration or layout
will depend on the specific implementation.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates music apparatus 200 with a button module
702 and an empty bay 704, according to some embodiments. As
indicated above, one or more I/O modules may be configured to be
removably received into the one or more bays such as bay 704. In
various implementations, the bays may also be referred to as
docking bays, tray bays, receptacles, etc. In this particular
implementation shown in FIG. 7, music apparatus 200 has four bays
(only bay 702 can be seen, as the other three bays are filled with
mount module 204, button module 702, and knob module 206). In
various implementations, there may be any number of bays, depending
on the specific implementation.
[0043] In various implementations, a given bay may expand or
contract to accommodate different sized I/O modules (e.g., deeper
I/O modules such as a keyboard module 208 described above, or
smaller I/O modules such as a knob module 206 described above).
[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, button module 702 includes an array of
buttons, which may be arranged in any predetermined configuration.
The particular configuration or layout will depend on the specific
implementation. In various implementations, the buttons may be of
various types (e.g., pressure-sensitive buttons, drum pads,
etc.).
[0045] In various implementations, a given I/O module may be
inserted into a bay and held in place by any suitable mechanism
(e.g., mechanical fastening mechanism, magnetic mechanism,
etc.).
[0046] In various implementations, each I/O module may be
electrically charged using batteries (e.g., regular batteries,
rechargeable batteries, etc.). In some implementations, each I/O
module may be electrically charged via a bay and/or via any
suitable conductive and/or inductive method.
[0047] In various implementations, a given I/O module may include
one or more of a variety of electrical interfaces (e.g., USB
connections, MIDI interface, etc.).
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates music apparatus 200 with mount module
204, button module 702, slider module 602, and knob module 206,
according to some embodiments. For ease of illustration, some I/O
modules shown each have one type of physical control element. For
example, button module 702 includes buttons, slider module 602
includes sliders, and knob module 206 includes knobs. In various
implementations, any given I/O module may have any combination of
types of controls. For example, a given I/O module may have a
combination of one or more of buttons, sliders, knobs, pedals,
etc., as well as other types of physical control elements. In other
words, in various implementations, a given I/O module may include
one or more of at least one knob, at least one slider, and at least
one button.
[0049] In some implementations, one or more I/O modules may be
configured such that the controls are rearrangeable by the user.
For example, in some implementations, a given I/O module may be
configured such that the user may add and/or remove individual
physical control elements (e.g., buttons, sliders, knobs, pedals,
etc.) to and/or from that I/O module.
[0050] Furthermore, a given I/O module may be configured to include
various electrical interfaces. For example, in various
implementations, a given I/O module may include any combination of
one or more of a control voltage interface, a universal serial bus
(USB) interface, etc., as well as any other type of electrical
interface.
[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates music apparatus 200 as configured in FIG.
8 with tablet computer 210, according to some embodiments. As
indicated above, one or more I/O modules may be operable even when
removed from a bay. For example, an I/O module may be held in the
hand of a user or may be set on a table top, placed on the floor,
etc. In various implementations, a given I/O module may be operable
with one or more computers such as tablet computer 210 even when
attached to a different music apparatus. Example implementations of
multiple, combined music apparatus are described in detail below in
connection with FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates two music apparatus 1000 and 1010
positioned in series, according to some embodiments. As shown,
music device 1000 includes a keyboard module 1002, and music device
1010 includes a keyboard module 1012, where keyboard modules 1002
and 1012 are daisy-chained. As such, the user may operate the keys
of keyboard modules 1002 and 1012 together to provide an
effectively larger keyboard with more keys. In other words, music
apparatus 1000 and 1010 may function together as a single music
apparatus (e.g., a single keyboard which may provide a larger range
of keys).
[0053] Also shown is a mount module 1014 that elevates a tablet
computer 1016. In various implementations, mount module 1014 may
elevate tablet computer 1016 using any suitable mechanism. The
mechanism may position tablet computer 1016 at any predetermined
position (e.g., height) and at any predetermined angle (e.g.,
45.degree., 55.degree., 65.degree., 75.degree., 85.degree., etc.),
as shown.
[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates three music apparatus 1000, and 1010,
and 1020 positioned in series, according to some embodiments. As
shown, the combination of music apparatus 1000 and 1010 is similar
to that shown in FIG. 10, and music apparatus 1020 has a similar
configuration to that of FIG. 8. In this particular example
implementation, music apparatus 1000 and 1010 may function together
as a single music apparatus (e.g., a single keyboard), and music
apparatus 1020 may function as a disc jockey mixer or other music
device.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates three music apparatus 1000, and 1010,
and 1020 positioned in series, and with two tablet computers 210
and 1016, according to some embodiments. As shown, music apparatus
1000 and 1010 are similar to those shown in FIG. 10, and music
apparatus 1020 has a similar configuration to that shown in FIG.
11, except that music apparatus 1020 of FIG. 12 has tablet computer
210 attached. In this particular example implementation, music
apparatus 1000 and 1010 may function together as a single music
apparatus (e.g., a single keyboard), and music apparatus 1020 may
function as a disc jockey mixer or other music device.
[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates three music apparatus 1000, and 1010,
and 1020 positioned in series, and with two tablet computers 210
and 1016, according to some embodiments. Music apparatus 1000, and
1010, and 1020 shown in FIG. 13 are configured similarly to music
apparatus 1000, and 1010, and 1020 of FIG. 12, except that music
apparatus 1020 of FIG. 13 has a mount module 1314 similar to mount
module 1014 of FIG. 10 (instead of a mount module similar to mount
module 204 of FIG. 8).
[0057] FIG. 14 illustrates three music apparatus 1000, and 1010,
and 1020 positioned in series, and with two tablet computers 210
and 1016, according to some embodiments. Music apparatus 1000, and
1010, and 1020 shown in FIG. 14 are configured similarly to music
apparatus 1000, and 1010, and 1020 of FIG. 13, except that music
apparatus 1010 of FIG. 14 has button module 702 instead of a slider
module.
[0058] Embodiments described herein provide various benefits. For
example, embodiments enable professional and non-professional
musicians to quickly and conveniently control music variables using
various I/O modules. Embodiments also enable the user to
conveniently reconfigure the controls of a given device using the
I/O modules.
[0059] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example computer system
1500, which may be used to implement the embodiments described
herein. In some embodiments, computer system 1500 may include a
processor 1502, an operating system 1504, a memory 1506, a music
application 1508, a network connection 1510, a microphone 1512, and
a speaker 1514. For ease of illustration, the blocks shown in FIG.
15 may each represent multiple units. In other embodiments, system
1500 may not have all of the components shown and/or may have other
elements including other types of elements instead of, or in
addition to, those shown herein.
[0060] In various implementations, computer system 1500 may
represent a computer system that resides in any one or more I/O
modules, or in any other computer system that communicates with one
or more I/O modules.
[0061] Music application 1508 may be stored on memory 1506 or on
any other suitable storage location or computer-readable medium.
Music application 1508 provides instructions that enable processor
1502 to perform the functions described herein. In various
embodiments, music application 1508 may run on any electronic
device including smart phones, tablets, computers, etc.
[0062] In some implementations, system 1500 may include an
integrated touchscreen for various input/output functionality. Such
a touchscreen may include any suitable interactive display surface
or electronic visual display that can detect the presence and
location of a touch within the display area. The touchscreen may
support touching the display with a finger or hand, or any suitable
passive object, such as a stylus. Any suitable display technology
(e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED),
etc.) can be employed in the touchscreen. In addition, the
touchscreen in particular embodiments may utilize any type of touch
detecting technology (e.g., resistive, surface acoustic wave (SAW)
technology that uses ultrasonic waves that pass over the
touchscreen panel, a capacitive touchscreen with an insulator, such
as glass, coated with a transparent conductor, such as indium tin
oxide (ITO), surface capacitance, mutual capacitance,
self-capacitance, projected capacitive touch (PCT) technology,
infrared touchscreen technology, optical imaging, dispersive signal
technology, acoustic pulse recognition, etc.).
[0063] In various embodiments, processor 1502 may be any suitable
processor or controller (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a
general-purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, a
microprocessor, etc.). Further, operating system 1504 may be any
suitable operating system (OS), or mobile OS/platform, and may be
utilized to manage the operation of processor 1502, as well as to
manage execution of various application software. Examples of
operating systems include Android from Google, iPhone OS (iOS),
Berkeley software distribution (BSD), Linux, Mac OS X, Microsoft
Windows, and UNIX.
[0064] In various embodiments, memory 1506 may be used for
instruction and/or data memory, as well as to store music and/or
video files created on or downloaded to system 1500. Memory 1506
may be implemented in one or more of any number of suitable types
of memory (e.g., static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM
(DRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), etc.). Memory 106 may also include or be combined with
removable memory, such as memory sticks (e.g., using flash memory),
storage discs (e.g., compact discs, digital video discs (DVDs),
Blu-ray discs, etc.), and the like. Interfaces to memory 1506 for
such removable memory may include a universal serial bus (USB), and
may be implemented through a separate connection and/or via network
connection 1510.
[0065] In various embodiments, network connection 1510 may be used
to connect other devices and/or instruments to system 1500. For
example, network connection 1510 can be used for wireless
connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) to the Internet (e.g.,
navigable via a touchscreen), or to another device. Network
connection 1510 may represent various types of connection ports to
accommodate corresponding devices or types of connections. For
example, additional speakers (e.g., Jawbone wireless speakers, or
directly connected speakers) can be added via network connection
1510. Also, headphones via the headphone jack can also be added
directly, or via wireless interface. Network connection 1510 can
also include a USB interface to connect with any USB-based
device.
[0066] In various embodiments, network connection 1510 may also
allow for connection to the Internet to enable processor 1502 to
send and receive music over the Internet. As described in more
detail below, in some embodiments, processor 1502 may generate
various instrument sounds coupled together to provide music over a
common stream via network connection 1510.
[0067] In various embodiments, speaker 1514 may be used to play
sounds and melodies generated by processor 1502. Speaker 1514 may
also be supplemented with additional external speakers connected
via network connection 1510, or multiplexed with such external
speakers or headphones.
[0068] Although the description has been described with respect to
particular embodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are
merely illustrative, and not restrictive. Any suitable programming
language can be used to implement the routines of particular
embodiments including C, C++, Java, assembly language, etc.
Different programming techniques can be employed such as procedural
or object oriented. The routines can execute on a single processing
device or multiple processors. Although the steps, operations, or
computations may be presented in a specific order, this order may
be changed in different particular embodiments. In some particular
embodiments, multiple steps shown as sequential in this
specification can be performed at the same time.
[0069] Particular embodiments may be implemented in a
computer-readable storage medium for use by or in connection with
the instruction execution system, apparatus, system, or device.
Particular embodiments can be implemented in the form of control
logic in software or hardware or a combination of both. The control
logic, when executed by one or more processors, may be operable to
perform that which is described in particular embodiments.
[0070] Particular embodiments may be implemented by using a
programmed general purpose digital computer, by using application
specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field
programmable gate arrays, optical, chemical, biological, quantum or
nanoengineered systems, components and mechanisms may be used. In
general, the functions of particular embodiments can be achieved by
any means as is known in the art. Distributed, networked systems,
components, and/or circuits can be used. Communication or transfer
of data may be wired, wireless, or by any other means.
[0071] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application. It is also within the spirit and scope to
implement a program or code that can be stored in a
machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform any of the
methods described above.
[0072] A "processor" includes any suitable hardware and/or software
system, mechanism or component that processes data, signals or
other information. A processor can include a system with a
general-purpose central processing unit, multiple processing units,
dedicated circuitry for achieving functionality, or other systems.
Processing need not be limited to a geographic location, or have
temporal limitations. For example, a processor can perform its
functions in "real time," "offline," in a "batch mode," etc.
Portions of processing can be performed at different times and at
different locations, by different (or the same) processing systems.
A computer may be any processor in communication with a memory. The
memory may be any suitable processor-readable storage medium, such
as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic or
optical disk, or other tangible media suitable for storing
instructions for execution by the processor.
[0073] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0074] Thus, while particular embodiments have been described
herein, latitudes of modification, various changes, and
substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it
will be appreciated that in some instances some features of
particular embodiments will be employed without a corresponding use
of other features without departing from the scope and spirit as
set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the essential scope and
spirit.
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