Natural human timing interface

• US 8,017,853 B1
• Filed: 07/21/2008
• Issued: 09/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Allen Rice
• Original Assignee: Robert Allen Rice
• Inventors: Rice, Robert Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): Fletcher; Marlo
• Application Number:
  US12/177,009
• Time in Patent Office: 1,149 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 84/615
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 5/025 Electronic metronomes rhytem generation for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/36
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 15/04 with sound emitters
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/42 comprising tone forming circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2210/165 Humanizing effects, i.e. causing a performance to sound less machine-like, e.g. by slightly randomising pitch or tempo

Abstract

Methods and systems for simulating the natural tempo of humans are provided. The method utilizes multiples of a basic unit of duration, or quantum unit, of human timing. Unconscious, but precise, compensations occur through imperceptible changes in the timing quantum level. An application of natural human tempo to improve the basic metronome function by humanizing it is also provided. Other ramifications of human tempo simulation are also discussed, including robots and computer games and graphics.

Claims

1. A timing device, comprising:

(a) A signal generator that generates signals according to a selected desired timing scheme; and

(b) a converter capable of converting said signals to a format perceptible by humans;

wherein said desired timing scheme is selected from the group consisting of intervals of 110 ms (136.36 bpm), 122 ms (122.95 bpm), 135 ms (111.11 bpm), 147 ms (102.04 bpm), 159 ms (94.34 bpm), 171 ms (87.72 bpm), 183 ms (81.97 bpm), 195 ms (76.92 bpm), 208 ms (72.12 bpm), 220 ms (68.18 bpm), 231 ms (64.94 bpm), 244 ms (61.48 bpm), 256 ms (58.59 bpm), 269 ms (55.76 bpm), 282 ms (53.19 bpm), 294 ms (51.02 bpm), 305 ms (49.18 bpm), 318 ms (47.17 bpm), 330 ms (45.45 bpm), 342 ms (43.86 bpm), 355 ms (42.25 bpm), 367 ms (40.87 bpm), 147 ms (204.08 bpm), 159 ms (188.68 bpm), 171 ms (175.44 bpm), 183 ms (163.94 bpm), 195 ms (153.84 bpm), 208 ms (144.24 bpm), and 220 ms (136.36 bpm), or multiples thereof.

2. The timing device of claim 1 wherein the signal generator comprises a metronome.

3. The timing device of claim 1 wherein the signal generator comprises a guitar trainer.

4. The timing device of claim 1 wherein the signal generator comprises a drum machine.

5. The timing device of claim 1 wherein the signal generator comprises a robot.