GB2345374A

GB2345374A - Music synthesizing system

Info

Publication number: GB2345374A
Application number: GB9907326A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Edward Simon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-03-31
Filing date: 1999-03-31
Publication date: 2000-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-31
Also published as: GB9907326D0; AU3566000A; GB2345374B; WO2000058939A2; WO2000058939A3

Abstract

A music synthesizing system with features such as electronic apparatus and devices thereof has means for storing, reading, retrieving, sound processing and controlling music data indicative of a or each predetermined sequence of music data including any made up of settings and or parameters, though especially and or including a or each predetermined sequence of musical tones for sound reproduction. A or each musical tone set in a predetermined sequence or concurrent arrangement is playable in turn and in response to an output actuation (160, Fig 16a) of an actuator means of instrument section at a or each timing determined by user according to a first method of actuation and a first process of actuation (160, Fig 16a). Musical tones are actuated likewise when two or more first actuator means operable by one or more performers plays a concurrent number of predetermined sequences, simultaneously.

Description

FEATURES OF A MUSIC SYNTHESIZING SYSTEM INCLUDING ELECTRONIC APPARATUS & DEVICES The invention relates to features of a music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof for use in connection with playing music.

The inventor is aware of various programmable electronic musical instruments, apparatus, devices and processes to which the present invention may be allied.

These include the following: electronic sequencers, samplers, and more sophisticated programmable electronic keyboards, especially so-called work stations often provided with a built in sequencer section enabling these digital instruments to edit MIDI play data which has been entered and stored by the user onto one or more of the sequencer section's digital recording tracks in a so called song location. This data may be played back in digital clock time in co-operation with an internal clock pulse. Some software adapts computers to perform similarly, and an example of this is known to the inventor wherein data indicative of musical tones is made previewable in an edit mode solely for the purpose of editing; an electronic digital device wherein sequential control of playback (of play data) is given over to the manual rotation of a jog/shuttle design of wheel, of the type more frequently found on an edit controller of video-editing equipment; apparatus which comprises a light beam for use in the actuating process, wherein the light beam is broken by a reflective source such that the reflected light travels back to a light sensor which, in turn, measures the amount of reflected light it receives, or, if any reflected light has been received at all. The light beams may be assigned to a plurality of light sensors (up to sixteen) which are, in turn, assigned to MIDI channels. The apparatus also adopts a MIDI process called MIDI toggle which apparently comprises a closed circuit wherein music data may be looped, for example, to sustain a note, then the loop curtailed. The apparatus is operable in real time; a process within a music system wherein a CPU instructs a sound I/O and a DMA controller to interrupt the same CPU per sampling clock Fs which is fed from the Fs clock generator, and to thereby execute a DR routine upon every interruption so as to start the operation of writing waveform samples into a recording buffer. Also, the CPU instructs the sound I/O to directly connect between an A/D input and a D/A output, and to directly feed a musical tone signal from an external source to the sound system. Further, the CPU instructs the sound I/O and the DMA controller to interrupt the same CPU per sampling clock Fs clock generator in order to execute a DR routine upon each interruption so as to start the operation of writing a waveform sample from an external source into a recording buffer; an A/D (or analogue) music tuning apparatus capable of supplying the user with visual data (via a display) entered therein from an external sound source via line input or microphone input wherein, for example, a sound wave may be processed and converted to an electronic signal. The device receives and decodes any such signal which is converted to a digital or analogue value being found and displayed, thereby enabling the user to adjust the tuning capability of a tuneable musical instrument which produces musical tones according to a specific frequency of pitch interpreted in Hz; a number of musical games on the market (or previously) which require, for example, a real time user-input code whereby those systems (more usually under CPU command) store the incoming data which is then matched in terms of similarity to pre-stored data in the game's system ROM; and digital electronic (DG) keyboards, apparatus and devices which use microprocessor circuitry.

Programmable digital electronic musical instruments, although offering a player many technical advantages and capabilities in the industry and field of music-making, including recording and composing, are somewhat disadvantageous in that many learners and inexperienced musicians find the mechanical operation (e. g. involving coordination) and playing processes involved in performing upon such instruments (including acoustic pianos, stringed instruments and wind instruments) too technically and or physically demanding, unduly complex, time-consuming and mentally frustrating.

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technical means, wherein the process of selection of musical tones (as of a melody) is removed to a simpler process of data retrieval under system control, the data (indicative of musical tones) having been previously entered and or stored, according to one main aspect of the invention, as a predetermined sequence of notes in a digital electronic (DG) memory location. An actuator (input terminal) means (or a limited plurality of the such) operable by the user is used to play a or each musical tone in turn of the predetermined sequence at a timing determined by the user via actuation of the or each actuator means, as in a live performance, any musical tone or musical tones being of definite or indefinite pitch. A prime feature and identifiable characteristic of embodiments of the present invention is the user-friendly simplified mechanical apparatus and or method (s) of playing which, in the main, depend upon mostly rhythmic processes.

The embodiments of the present invention therefore amount to electronic apparatus and devices of a music synthesizing system which is allied to an electronic musical instrument.

Thus, the said music synthesizing system is considerably easier to manipulate than most musical instruments, and its mastery made more achievable for the wider public, including young children, and for those persons with certain types of physical disability, also for some lefthanders who experience difficulties when learning to play upon certain well known instruments. Essentially, the present invention can further offer greater access and opportunities in music to the many, including in schools, higher and further education, in the home and also in the music industry. The invention may also be used to play socalled Staff Notation, or from specialised rhythmic notation which has been specifically created for it.

According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided features of a music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof, which features comprise: means for storing, reading, retrieving, sound processing and controlling music data, the said music data being indicative of a or each sequence of said music data which is a predetermined sequence of said music data such as and especially including said sequence indicative of a predetermined sequence of musical tones for sound reproduction via said music synthesizing system; First method of actuation, wherein there is provided a said sequence and corresponding First actuator means operable by user to play a or each said musical tone in turn of corresponding said sequence at a timing determined by user, or to play any said musical tone of said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, which said sequence is further indicative of any one of the types of said sequence to include : said predetermined sequence of said musical tones; a random generation of successive musical tones ; a sequence of said music data being indicative of a tone progression which tone progression is concurrent with the concept of a said predetermined sequence.

Also, according to embodiments, the present invention further comprises: one or more said sequences of musical tones, wherein a or each said musical tone being of definite or indefinite pitch is to be played in turn and in response to an output actuation of a First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user; one or more predetermined sequences of data progressions, wherein a or each predetermined sequence of this type comprises data indicative of a predetermined sequence of both or either of settings and or parameters or similar for concurrently processing a or each actuated musical tone in turn and at a timing determined by user, when each actuation such as an actuation according to said First method or other instigates and or corresponds with either of one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters held within a sequence of the such, while a or each said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters or similar is queued such as via control during an actuation step such that a or each said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters held in said sequence of the such is stepped through in turn and at a timing determined by the user such as when a first said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding first musical tone or a corresponding first said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding first actuation, when, thereafter, a second said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding second musical tone or a corresponding second said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding second actuation, until all musical tones such as any said musical tones of said sequence have been processed similarly; a First process of actuation, wherein a or each said musical tone of a said sequence is instigated, sustained and or further articulated via the same First actuator means, which First actuator means is operable according to both or either of a said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation; two or more said First actuator means for playing a concurrent number of said sequences at the same time, which concurrent number of said sequences is indicative of parts belonging to the same musical composition playable simultaneously by one or more performers via two or more said First actuator means according to said First method of actuation and also according to said First process of actuation; random generating means for randomly generating music data indicative of a said random generation of successive musical tones; and means for user to select a or each individual said musical tone of said sequence from a store in turn at a or each timing determined by the user such that a or each said musical tone of any said sequence may be actuated according to said First method and a said First process of actuation.

Also embodiments of the present invention, wherein there is further provided: programmable and or operable means programmable and or operable by the user to thereby instigate and execute data handling processes and functions of the said music synthesizing system according to any attendant method or attendant methods of operation therein to be designated by the user when adapting said music data of said sequence or of said sequences and or when adapting apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system for either of a non automatic performance or similarly manual performance, according to said First method and said First process of actuation; one or more means installed with a system memory for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; one or more said means installed with a system memory provided for use with said music synthesizing system which said means installed with a system memory further comprises a system control also for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; or one or more said means installed with a system control for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; said programmable and or operable means programmable and or operable by user for adapting the overall command and management of said music synthesizing system to thereby instigate and execute functions and or processings in relation to music including those functions and or processings of said music synthesizing system which render the performance of any said apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system in various states of control including: a manual state of control or similarly non automatic state of control such that digital clock means, internal or other, is not engaged to control the timing of a or each said musical tone of said sequence and also not engaged to control the timing of any chord of said musical tones thereof; or an automatic state of control or similarly non manual state of control used when automatic recording and or entering and or storing means and or automatic performance means of said music synthesizing system is engaged such that said digital clock, internal or other, fully controls the timing and duration of a or each said musical tone of said sequence and or of said sequences, and or similarly controls the timing and duration of any said chord thereof during automatic recording, including the automatic entering and storing of said music data, and also during any automatic performance thereof; both of a manual state of control including a similarly non automatic state of control and partly an automatic state of control including partly a non manual state of control which automatic state of control or non manual state of control is co-operable with the setting of a or each said digital clock means such that the timing and duration of some of the said musical tones of said sequence is fully controlled via said automatic performance means and or fully controlled via said digital clock means and or the timing and duration of some said chords thereof similarly controlled while the timing and duration of other said musical tones and or other said chords of said sequence is not controlled via any said automatic performance means thereof and or not controlled via any said digital clock means thereof According to one aspect of the invention, there is also provided said First method of actuation and concept of a said sequence according to embodiments of the present invention which extends to a development wherein any said First actuator means operable by user according to said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation actuates a or each said musical tone or said chord in turn of said sequence at a timing determined by user, and including audibly in turn at a or each timing determined by user, the said development comprising tone progression types of said sequences including: (a) a said predetermined sequence of said musical tones further comprising both of a mixture of single said musical tones and also one or more said chords of musical tones; or said predetermined sequence instead comprising said chords; (b) a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form further comprising : both of a mixture of single said musical tones which are concurrent with one or more certain types of melodic scale and also one or more said chords of musical tones which are concurrent with certain types of melodic scale; or a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form comprising said chords which are concurrent with one or more certain types of melodic scale; (c) a succession of said musical tones and or said chords selected and or triggered individually, in turn, from a store and including via a screen or via similar means at a or each timing determined by the user, which subsequent ones of both of said musical tones and or said chords of the tone progression type to be actuated are automatically queued via control at a timing determined by user and optionally displayed on screen immediately after actuation of a preceding said musical tone or preceding said chord via First actuation means; (d) an inputted succession of music data originally from an external sound source or similar means which inputted succession further comprises a succession of said musical tones in the form of music data and or in the form of a or each audio signal such as a digital audio signal of a or each corresponding musical tone or similar signals of a or each corresponding chord, said music data from said external sound source or similar means and or any audio signals from said external sound source or similar means to be inputted in turn at a timing determined by the original user while control places the data a or each transmitted tone or of a or each transmitted chord from said external sound source in turn and immediately into a store of said music synthesizing system such that the resulting data of a or each said transmitted musical tone and or of a or each said transmitted chord is held temporarily or otherwise as performance or play data within said store of said music synthesizing system so as to thereby permit a or each said tone of said inputted succession in the form of said music data or said chord thereof held as said performance data in a store of said music synthesizing system to be re-actuated one or more times and at a or each timing determined by user via said First actuator means while a or each inputted musical tone or the stored data thereof and or similarly a or each inputted chord or the stored data thereof resulting from said inputted succession may be actuated concurrently and in turn at a or each timing determined by user; and or similarly the resulting said performance or play data indicative of a or each said musical tone and or similarly of a or each said chord actuated concurrently and in turn such as at a timing determined by a or each other user; (e) a predetermined sequence of data indicative of musical tones further comprising aperiodic and or non harmonic performance data such as aperiodic and or non harmonic play data to be actuated via said First method of actuation or via concurrent method, and said First process of actuation or via concurrent process of actuation; (f) any said sequences hereinbefore described, for actuation according to a process of actuation being concurrent with said First process of actuation, wherein said music data such as said music data indicative of two or more musical tones is stored in different memory locations of the same said sequence and or stored on different tracks of the same song location, or stored in a concurrent arrangement such that said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including commencing audibly at the same time by First actuator or similar means and at a timing determined by the user and perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together at a same Time Point as a chord during a corresponding actuation.

Accordingly, this invention further comprises: said First actuator means operable by user for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said predetermined sequence, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or a corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user; said First actuator means operable by user for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones randomly generated and or said chords randomly generated of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said random generation of successive musical tones, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user; said First actuator means operable by user for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said tone progression type, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or a corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user; said First process of actuation to correlate with said First method of actuation and vice versa, such as when the resulting correlation performs during an option wherein said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including commencing audibly at the same time in response to a corresponding input signal of an output actuation of said First actuator means or similar means and at a timing determined by the user, the said two or more musical tones being perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together at a same Time Point as a chord during a corresponding actuation; said music synthesizing system, wherein a or each said musical tone or said chord similarly produced via said First method and said First process of actuation and according to some voice programs continues to both sound and play sustainably for the duration a or each said First actuator means remains in actuation by the user such as when corresponding circuit is maintained in a logic one state as required; a or each said First actuator means further comprising means for controlling the sound of a said musical tone of said sequence or each said chord thereof according to dynamics, timbre and frequency, such that the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including touch sensitivity, vibrato and aftertouch to be added selectively to any said musical tone of said sequence or to any said chord thereof by the user according to said First method and said First process of actuation; a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user to thereby play the said musical tones of a plurality of said predetermined sequences, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said predetermined sequence within the overall plurality of such said sequences, at a or each timing determined by the user; a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user to thereby play the said musical tones of a plurality of said random generations from said random generating means, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said random generation within the overall plurality of said random generations of successive musical tones randomly generated by said random generating means such that a or each said musical tone of a said random generation or any said chord thereof is played in turn at a or each timing determined by the user; a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user to thereby play the said musical tones of a plurality of said tone progression types, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said tone progression type within the overall plurality of such said sequences at a or each timing determined by the user; means such as said programmable and or operable means provided for the user to specify, via attendant method or attendant methods of operation, any number and or any combination of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation; means of actuation operable by the user for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequence such as of a said predetermined sequence and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the plurality has the same effect as producing a corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by user; said means of actuation operable by the user for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequence such as of a said random generation of successive musical tones and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the plurality has the same effect as producing a said corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by the user; said means of actuation operable by the user for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequence such as of a said tone progression type and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the plurality has the same effect as producing said corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by user; said programmable and or operable means further comprising panel controls and or mode select means for user to specify and designate any concurrent and programmable requirements thereof including the number and or combination of said sequences for storage in one or more memory locations such as digital recording tracks for subsequent actuation of said musical tones of one or more said sequences and or any said chords thereof; According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system also comprising: an edit control means co-operable with control of the said music synthesizing system and operable by the user; and or an edit repeater means also co-operable with control of the said music synthesizing system and operable by the user; and or a first foot and or manual control apparatus adapted to be actuated by the user for controlling said music data of said musical tones of said sequence and or any said chord or chords thereof by co-operation with control events included in a or each said sequence; and or a said first foot and or manual control apparatus adapted to perform as a First actuator means; said first foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit control means operated in either of an independent process or in co-operation with a or each external input signal of said edit repeater means or similar, such that the said first foot and or manual control apparatus performs a corrective function when instigating and or instructing an edit control or control to shift to predetermined points in a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or similarly said chords at a or each timing determined by the user, the said predetermined points being indicative of so-called weak and or strong beats of a musical pulse, or subdivisions thereof; said edit control means co-operable with a or each skip-hold function or a part thereof or similar means for use at timings determined by user such that the corresponding control event of a or each said musical tone of a said sequence or of any chord thereof actuated by First actuator means remains unaltered until said first foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit control means is operated to thereby instigate and or instruct edit control or control to skip to the position of the next said control event within said sequence; and or said edit control or control instructed to engage and maintain control of any concurrent control event of a corresponding said musical tone or corresponding said chord via a hold function or similar means of said music synthesizing system performed at a or each timing determined by user such that any corresponding said musical tone or, similarly, any corresponding said chord of any said control event within a or each said sequence may be repeatably actuated at each timing determined by user until said edit control or control also including via said hold function or similar means is disengaged from any said control event of a corresponding said musical tone or of a corresponding said chord at a timing determined by user; means such as said programmable and or operable means to designate any concurrent operations and or operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system including attendant method or attendant methods of operation to thereby engage the edit control means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices of the said music synthesizing system; a grouping which comprises both of the said edit repeater means and also a second foot and or manual control apparatus thereof adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means for controlling music data of said musical tones of a or each said sequence and or any said chord or said chords thereof, such that the output actuation of the corresponding input and or output signal of the said edit repeater means co-operates with corresponding control events included in a or each said sequence, and or vice versa, on each occasion the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user; said edit repeater means adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means to thereby instigate a function such that control shifts backwards or forwards through a or each said sequence to said predetermined points of a or each said sequence which said predetermined points are indicative of so-called weak and or strong beats of a musical pulse or subdivisions thereof, in response to each step when the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user; means such as said programmable and or operable means to designate any concurrent operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system to thereby engage the said edit repeater means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system; said second foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit repeater means to thereby instigate a function such that control skips to the position of any next control event in a or each said sequence in response to each step when the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user; said edit repeater means adapted to co-operate with said edit control means of said music synthesizing system as required when designation means such as said programmable and or operable means co-operable with the attendant operating system of said music synthesizing system is employed; said edit repeater means for instructing an edit control or control of the said music synthesizing system to shift to said predetermined points in the said music data of a or each said sequence, the said predetermined points corresponding to the beginnings of various sub sections of a or each said sequence to be played and or repeated in any order and commencing at any timing as determined by the user via operation of the said second foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit repeater means, or via the operation of concurrent means; According to another aspect of the present invention there is also provided apparatus and or means for use with said music synthesizing system comprising: standardiser means for determining and then entering into store any music data indicative of individual said musical tones of a said sequence or of said sequences; said standardiser means which determines a standard value of a characteristic for any said musical tone entered or being entered therein; said standardiser means which enters music data resultant of one or more signals and or sound waves supplied thereto which music data is especially indicative of the pitch of any corresponding musical tone supplied thereto; Accordingly, this invention may further comprise apparatus and or means for use with said music synthesizing system further comprising: internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means for supplying sound wave or sound waves to said standardiser means such that said sound wave or said sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via similar means may be determined by a final silence or similar or other step or steps in the standardising process; said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means for supplying a or each said audio signal including a or each said digital audio signal to said standardiser means in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as when said audio signal corresponding to said musical tone is supplied singularly or otherwise thereto, including when each said audio signal is supplied simultaneously as a group thereto at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via concurrent means, till corresponding end of signal event or similar event in standardising process ensues; said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means for supplying said sound wave or said sound waves to the said standardiser means such that said sound wave or said sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via similar means may be determined by an input trigger or similar or other means in the standardising process; said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means for supplying said audio signals such as said digital audio signals to said standardiser means such that said audio data corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via similar means may be determined by an input trigger or similar means or other means in the standardising process; any or either of said line input means including concurrent means and or said microphone input means including concurrent means which may be selected for use in said standardising process by user via means such as said programmable and or operable means.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided apparatus and or means of said music synthesizing system further comprising: said programmable and or operable means of a said standardiser means which said programmable and or operable means such as programmable and or operable means of said standardiser means is programmable and or operable by user and also co-operable with control such that functions of said standardiser means including any for enabling said music synthesising system with means to carry out both or either of non automatic and or said automatic performance of said music data may be designated via attendant method or attendant methods of operation by user, or via concurrent means; said programmable and or operable means co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user to adapt the said standardiser means or other concurrent means to also enter and store said audio data of said sequence or of said sequences which audio data is initially and resultant from both or either of said audio signals such as said digital audio signals supplied thereto and or a or each transmitted said sound wave supplied from said internal and or external sound source means; or said audio data established otherwise and or via means such as said line input means and or via said microphone input means or via other concurrent means, a or each transmitted said sound wave and or said audio data supplied thereto corresponding to a or each said musical tone to be supplied to standardiser means or other concurrent means of said music synthesizing system for entering and storing therein either via rhythmic employment of an input trigger or via similar means, or via means which includes either of a final silence in standardising process or an end of signal event in said standardising or similar process such that a or each said musical tone entered and stored therein as performance data of said sequence via the employment of said standardiser or similar means and or any said chord or chords thereof entered and stored similarly may be played via said music synthesizing system either as said music data which has no attendant time elements so as to be played via said non automatic performance by user such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or said music data to be adapted so as to include said attendant time elements entered and stored therein such as via a process of said input trigger or via similar and or other means, wherein said input trigger or similar means inputs data to be stored at Time Points such that said music data initially devoid of time elements is adapted so as to comprise said attendant time elements which render the said music data as playable according to automatic performance and in digital clock time; or either data entered and stored at said Time points which data is thereafter removed, or said data entered and stored at Time Points not read such that corresponding said music data indicative of said musical tones of said sequence and or a or each said chord thereof may be performed according to said First method and said First process of actuation; said programmable and or operable means cooperable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user to instigate and thereby execute any one or more processes of the said standardiser means or said similar means such that either no said time elements are programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone and or similarly into data indicative of said chord or said chords of said sequence or of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or no said time elements are programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone of said sequence or of said sequences or of said chord or said chords of said sequence or of said sequences until at a subsequent editing stage as required by user. an automatic digital clock means for use with said standardiser means and co-operable with control which automatic digital clock means may be regulated and or set via certain said attendant method or certain said attendant methods of operation designated from said operating system via said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system ; said programmable and or operable means cooperable with control of said standardiser means to perform one or more functions and or one or more operations of said music synthesizing system via certain said attendant method or certain said attendant methods of operation designated from said operating system and via said programmable and or operable means including when control co-operates with variable said automatic digital clock means such that the same is adapted to function at a tempo or at tempos determined by the user during both or either of said automatic performance of said musical tones, including said chords, and or during said automatic performance of any other concurrent said music data entered and stored into a sequential memory or concurrent arrangement as automatic performance data such as via standardiser means or via similar means or via other means of said music synthesizing system; said programmable and or operable means cooperable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user to select a said automatic or similarly said nonmanual state of control for operation of said standardiser means, which state of control is co-operable with the setting and performance of said automatic digital clock means of the type which may be adapted by user; said programmable and or operable means cooperable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user to thereby adapt said music synthesizing system to play back a or each said musical tone of one or more said sequences supplied thereto via said standardiser means or via similar means and stored therein, including data of any said chords thereof while said music synthesizing system is in said automatic state of control or similarly in said non manual state of control, the automatic performance process being both co-operable and commensurate with any said automatic digital clock pulse speed or speeds thereof selected by user.

Accordingly, this invention is further provided with apparatus for use with said music synthesizing system comprising a variety of means for actuating a or each said musical tone or said chord of a or each said sequence including the data thereof while any of the said variety of means is controlled and acted upon by user such that there is further included: a or each logic one state or concurrent state of a or each corresponding actuation step produced via operation of any such actuator means or means of actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation; or a or each logic zero state or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved via corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation by user and also according to said First method and said First process of actuation; a or each said actuator means or said means of actuation employed to achieve aspects of output actuation which aspects include: an input voltage to commensurately control the level of a corresponding output signal for primarily modulating one or more sound characteristics of said musical tones and or of any chord of said sequence or said sequences; the instigation of a signal process which triggers either of said logic one states including any concurrent state, or triggers said logic zero states including any concurrent state of a corresponding actuator mechanism such as a switch means comprising: one moveable contact fixed to a single pole; two or more contacts fixed to a single common pole, the same to move rotatably about a pivot or said pole to move otherwise; or any concurrent feature or features for enabling said switch means to achieve said logic one or said logic zero states, or any similar and or concurrent states.

Thus, according to embodiments of the present invention, apparatus of said variety of means may more generally and or additionally comprise: any said First actuator means and or any concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with said overall command and management of the said music synthesizingsystem; any said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with said music synthesizing system via said programmable and or operable means such that a or each said First actuator means or said First means of actuation may be operated according to any relevant said attendant method or any relevant said attendant methods of operation; and any said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with any relevant said attendant method or any relevant said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system such that the said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation for actuating a or each said musical tone and or similarly a or each said chord of one or more said sequences may be adapted to play a or each said musical tone in turn and or any said chord similarly in turn of any one or more said sequences of the said music synthesizing system at a or each timing determined by the user, according to said First method and said First process of actuation.

Therefore, accordingly, there is provided apparatus of said variety of means according to the present invention further comprising: one or more piano-like keys; one or more units further comprising said foot and or manual control apparatus or one or more similar means; computer mouse means with one or more mouse buttons; and said variety of means comprising one or more push buttons and or similar means; one or more breath controlled means including: breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing within a tube or similar means, the moveable member or bearing comprising an electronic conductor or electromagnetic means which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or said bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic contact points of an open circuit such that the circuit is either made so as to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition or a concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit such that the circuit is made in order to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing such as an electronic conductor which is propelled via air flow action such that said first compressible means contracts against the resulting pressure established by said moveable member when the same is urged to move against the fixed said first compressible means in response to air flow from user so as to close a circuit and thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step while the circuit is made when said first compressible means contracts to thereby facilitate the completion of the circuit between said moveable member and also the fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit; or the original shape of said first compressible means becomes restored when said air flow is relinquished and corresponding said pressure ceases such that the said moveable member is urged in the opposite direction and away from said fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of said open circuit by the said first compressible means when the circuit is broken and a corresponding logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member which is itself a second compressible means being akin to a diaphragm means or similar means, which second compressible means further comprises a plurality of electromagnetic cells or sensor means held within a fragile membrane or similar means such that said second compressible means when compressed produces a voltage level which is commensurate with the strength of breath and, also, the density and also the measure of collective charge of the combined electromagnetic cells or sensor means during a or each corresponding actuation at a timing determined by the user while the commensurate voltage reaches or surpasses a specified level which triggers a logic one condition or a concurrent event or concurrent state of an output actuation step when said second compressible means is compressed in response to air pressure resulting from breath of user; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said commensurate voltage level and or corresponding level of signal is below or falls to below the said specified level such as when said second compressible means is not subject to said air pressure resulting from breath of user; and breath controlled means comprising a microphonic means which responds to sound waves especially produced when breath of user blows against or near to the detecting vicinity of said microphonic means such that a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step is triggered and both or either of a corresponding voltage level and or corresponding level of signal estsblished when said microphonic means detects the said sound wave; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said microphonic means fails to detect said sound wave; one or more touch detector means and or one or more ribbon control means; and or an energy medium co-operable with attendant sensor means; and or energy media co-operable with attendant sensor means; and or one or more percussion means; and or one or more mechanical means such as piston means; and or manual means such as means comprising a manually controlled electronic conductor which slides backwards or forwards past sensor means of an open circuit or past electromagnetic means or past electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit in order to make or break the same; and or manual means such as a cursor controller means and or computer mouse means; and or powered means such as electronic means in co-operation with manual means; and or electromagnetic means; and or means such as plucked means, and or, similarly, vibratible means such as a metal string or other vibratible medium or other vibratible media used so as to produce an effect of vibration which is responsible for triggering actuation events; and or one or more vocal means optionally co-operable with one or more electronic means such as computerized means; and or one or more means under rhythmic control by user to act upon any said musical tone or tones of said sequence or of said sequences stored on a or each machine readable source, such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is both fully and precisely controllable in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, any such arrangement to include one or more recording and or playback means co-operable with a or each said machine readable source such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is controllable in turn and at a or each timing determined by user; any number and or combination of said First actuator means and or concurrent means of actuation or for similarly actuating a or each said musical tone and or for similarly actuating a or each said chord of said sequence or of said sequences which number and or combination may be employed by the user for use with the said music synthesizing system.

According to certain characteristics including assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the invention, there is also provided: a process wherein a or each said musical tone or said chord of said sequence is controlled in turn and at a or each timing determined by user or users via actuators equipped with both separate and independent control of a or each said musical tone or said chord of same said sequence such that each actuator which is concurrent with said actuator means such as said actuator means of corresponding same said sequence performs both separate and independent actuation steps upon same and or upon same audible said musical tones of same said sequence, including when control via each said actuator means thereof co-operates with different control events or similar data of any said musical tone or of any said chord of corresponding said sequence; s first select means of said music synthesizing system used for performing the function of assigning both or either of a corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation to one or more means including: one or more corresponding sound processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means; and or to one or more means including one or more corresponding signal processing means or concurrent means which may include one or more digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means as required, or said first select means used for assigning sound process or signal process to corresponding said means of actuation or to corresponding said actuation means, while the arrangement of both or either of corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation is also co-operable with means comprising: one or more corresponding said sound processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of one colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means; and or one or more corresponding said signal processing means or concurrent means which may include one or more said digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of said sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means during a or each actuation of one or more said musical tones of said sequence or of said sequences including any said chords thereof, while any such actuation step may also comprise: a or each corresponding sound effect designated by user; and or a or each corresponding tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform and or similar sound characteristic designated by user; and or a or each corresponding sound FX group designated by user; and or a or each corresponding group of said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar characteristics designated by user; and or one or more concurrent said signal and or said sound processes and or any one or more concurrent digital signal processes via means further comprising: a or each corresponding said sound processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said signal processing means designated by user including any concurrent said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said concurrent means designated by user.

According to certain assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the invention, there is further provided: a second select means of said music synthesizing system for performing the function of assigning any corresponding said actuator means or any corresponding said means of actuation to one or more corresponding voice programs or vice versa while each said voice program such as preset voice is designated by user such that a or each said voice program designated by user via said second select means is included in any concurrent sound process of any concurrent and corresponding actuation step; one or more local control means of said music synthesizing system, wherein said local control means or control is assignable to both or either of corresponding said actuator means and or to corresponding said means of actuation via means such as programmable means while on-off means or similar means located on means such as corresponding said actuator means or located elsewhere enables or disables a function of said music synthesizing system which function thereby permits corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation to take over control of said musical tone or of said musical tones including said chords of a or each said sequence so as to gain local control or control of a or each same said sequence either initially, including after a power on step or after a preceding actuation step such as the same via any other said actuator means equipped with said local control or control of a or each said same sequence or via any other said means of actuation such as by means of actuation equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence, or via any other said means of actuation such that during any concurrent actuation said local control or control commences from same or next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding same or next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of a or each same said sequence or commences from same or next queued and or unprocessed chord thereof while a or each said same or said next or other queued and or other unprocessed or other processed musical tone of a or each same said sequence is to be played in turn and at a timing determined by the user either via any corresponding said actuator means equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence or via any other concurrent and corresponding said means of actuation equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence; or said local control or control may be shared between actuators, such as when one said actuator means accesses directly the said music data of another, including any parameters and or settings thereof. any number of said actuator means and or any number of said means of actuation equipped with corresponding number of said local control means or control means while said actuator means and or said means of actuation may comprise and or produce certain actuation characteristics such as various types of velocity events during an actuation of any said musical tone or said tones or any said chords thereof which velocity events include: one or more breath controlled velocity events and or concurrent events; one or more keyed velocity events and or concurrent events; or one or more other similar and or concurrent velocity events and or other concurrent events any of which velocity events and or concurrent events are co-operable with programmable parameters of said music synthesizing system which programmable parameters comprise: any corresponding ADSR parameters; and or any corresponding EG parameters; and or any similar and or other concurrent programmable parameters and or settings while said velocity events and or said programmable parameters and or programmable settings are further cooperable with such features of the said music synthesizing system including: characteristics related to signal processing, sound processing and or sound reproduction means of said music synthesizing system; and or said local control or control of said musical tones and or similarly said chords of said sequence or of said same sequences such that said velocity events and or said programmable parameters and or said programmable settings are further co-operable with such features of said music synthesizing system including: one or more types of said sound FX designated by user ; and or one or more said sound FX groups designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processes designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processes designated by user which may include any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processing means designated by user which may include any said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user when any said voice program corresponds to said preset voice designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics designated by user.

Still according to certain assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the invention, there is also provided: said local control means or control of both or either of corresponding said actuation means and or corresponding said means of actuation co-operable with any corresponding said first and or said second select means and or said programmable means to co-operate with control characteristics of said music synthesizing system as required or vice versa while said control characteristics include: any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound effect is designated by user ; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound process and or corresponding said signal process and or corresponding said digital signal process and or corresponding similar process is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound FX group is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said voice program is designated by user.

Still according to certain assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the invention, there is further provided: a or each said actuator means and or a or each said means of actuation both or either assigned and or enabled with said local control or control of such features of said music synthesizing system further comprising: any one or more said sound FX designated by user; and or any one or more said sound FX groups designated by user; and or any one or more said digital processes designated by user including any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or any similar sound characteristics designated by user for use in any concurrent actuation of same said sequence or of said sequence or of said sequences when means such as said programmable means has been programmed as required by user to predetermine any co-operation between said local control or control of said music synthesizing system and any corresponding control characteristics of a or each output actuation thereof, including any described herein; sound processing means comprising means for creating and or generating said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or any similar sound characteristics; said signal and or said sound processing means including: said digital signal processing means; and or any other contrasting and or user-modifiable means of sound and or signal processing; and or any other concurrent sound and or signal processing arrangement of said music synthesizing system including any concurrent digital signal processing arrangement thereof; and or a combination of both of a sound processing arrangement and also a signal processing arrangement assigned via means such as said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system.

Still according to certain assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the present invention, and also according to embodiments, there further includes : an original signal which is an inputted signal of a corresponding actuator means or of a corresponding means of actuation; or said original signal comprising both or either of an inputted signal and or an outputted signal of same corresponding said actuator means or of same corresponding said means of actuation which original signal may be set in either of a SIGNAL ON state or SIGNAL OFF state by corresponding said means of actuation or similar means while said original signal is in concept an initial signal which may be acted upon by other signals or impulses from any other concurrent means included in said music synthesizing system; a process of actuation for use with said music synthesizing system, wherein there is created a subdivision of the said First process of actuation in order to establish, therefore, the creation of a Second process of actuation especially for use by two or more performers, which Second process further comprises: a first sub process of a said Second process of actuation which comprises: a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or of a corresponding said means of actuation being initially non audible or remaining non audible until intervention from another source and or from other corresponding said signal process; and or a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation being initially audible or remaining audible due to said intervention from another source and or from other said signal process; and or a said original signal either of a said First method and a said First process or of a said Second process which original signal is instigated via corresponding said actuator means operable by user, or instigated via corresponding said means of actuation operable by user which original signal is produced while the same corresponding said actuator means or same corresponding said means of actuation or other means instructs control either to remain co-operable with any control event of corresponding said musical tone or similarly said chord via operation of hold function or similar means, or similar means, or hold function is released such that control may be instructed either to step through said sequence to any next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of said sequence or said chord thereof at a timing determined by user such that any of the said next queued and or unprocessed control events of corresponding unprocessed said musical tones including a or each said chord of said sequence may be actuated either audibly or non audibly at a timing determined by user after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step; or the same corresponding said actuator means or same corresponding said means of actuation instructs control to step through said sequence similarly to the said next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding said next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone or said chord of said sequence at a timing determined by user such that a or each said next queued and or unprocessed control event of said corresponding unprocessed said musical tone or said chord in the said sequence may be actuated either audibly or non audibly in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, including after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step; and or said original signal controlled during either of each non audible step or during each audibly actuated step via said actuator means or similarly via said means of actuation when said original signal is controlled according to SIGNAL ON or SIGNAL OFF states and also according to any optional ones of certain actuation and or sound characteristics including velocity.

Still according to assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the invention, there further comprises: a second sub process of said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation operable by the user, which serves to provide said intervention and thereby act upon a first sub process of said Second process of actuation and similarly act upon any said original signal of corresponding said first sub process of said Second process of actuation such that characteristics mainly of time initially under control via a said first sub process of a said Second process of actuation may be further controlled via a separate said second sub process type of said Second process of actuation according to dynamics including silence, and or timbre and or frequency and or time; and a or each Second method of actuation comprising both of a or each said first sub process type of actuation and or a or each said second sub process type of actuation wherein said Second actuator means performs either of an audible or a non-audible said second sub process of actuation upon a said first sub process of actuation such that the said second sub process of actuation acts upon and articulates or further articulates the output actuation of said first sub process to produce an audible or non audible output actuation; or another said Second method of actuation to correspond with said first sub process and or said second sub process of actuation, wherein a said Second actuator means performs only an audible said second sub process upon the output actuation of said First actuator means in order to further articulate and control a or each audible output actuation of the said First actuator means or of another said First means of actuation.

According to assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of the invention, there is further provided: said first sub process to correspond with both of a said Second method and said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said Second actuator means, the corresponding said Second actuator means or similar means being an initial control means to thereby instigate a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation at a timing determined by user such that a or each corresponding actuated said musical tone of said sequence or of said sequences or any said chord thereof may be further controlled and or articulated via one or more other actuators, audibly or otherwise, while same said original signal is controlled according to characteristics of mainly time via the said initial control means and or controlled via one or more functions of the said initial control means and or other means, such as by a hold function or other similar function also of the said music synthesizing system; said second sub process of corresponding said Second process of actuation performed by a said Second actuator means, said Second actuator means of corresponding said Second process being a secondary control means to thereby further articulate audibly, or otherwise, any said musical tone of said sequence and or any said chords thereof and or articulate one or more sound characteristics of a or each corresponding output actuation, and or articulate mainly dynamics including silence and or timbre and or frequency and or time, and or articulate changes to the said original signal, and or articulate any other said signal process and or said sound process thereof; said first sub process of said Second process of actuation adapted to co-operate with said second sub process of said Second process of actuation or vice versa such that said second sub process performs upon any one or more actuated said musical tones for as long or approximately for as long as the same are in actuation, or for as long as required; and or means such as said programmable and or operable means or similar means operable and adapted to designate any concurrent operating process or processes of said music synthesizing system as required so as to adapt the signal process of said initial control means to co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, and or adapt the signal process of said First actuator means to thereby co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, such that any changes to a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation, and or any changes to the signal process and or sound process of a or each corresponding output actuation of a or each said musical tone may be achieved according to any said process or said processes, either directly, which is by direct modulation or by similar process performed via any said Second actuator means and including by any other concurrent means of actuation, or, indirectly, including via control of an actuator mechanism such as a switch by any said Second actuator means or concurrent means of actuation.

According to mainly the said Second process of actuation of the present invention there is also provided apparatus and or corresponding means mainly according to the said Second process of actuation for actuating said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences, which said apparatus and or corresponding means further comprises any of a variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding Second means of actuation to instigate and or further control a or each said musical tone or said chord similarly in turn of a or each said sequence or a part thereof while a or each said musical tone is controlled at a or each timing determined by user, or a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof similarly controlled, any said musical tone and or said chords further controlled according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency as determined by user, which variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding said Second means of actuation further includes: said breath controlled means and or similar means; and or said foot and or manual control apparatus or similar means; and or said mechanical means; and or said manual means; and or said cursor controller means of said computer mouse means; and or said vibratible means; and or said sensor means; and or said powered means; and or said percussion means; and or said piston means; and or said touch detector means ; and or said ribbon control means; and or said energy medium with said sensor means or said energy media with one or more said sensor means; and or any number and or any combination of the preceding said Second actuator means and or any other similar means to thereby enable characteristics such as touch sensitivity and or vibrato and or aftertouch to be added selectively to any said musical tone of a said sequence and also controlled as required and or added selectively to any said chord thereof by the user and also controlled as required; and, additionally, any preceding said Second actuator means or any other concurrent means employed to directly modulate a or each sound characteristic and or similarly process a or each said original signal or instigate a said original signal of an output actuation, the said variety of means further comprising said Second actuator means and or said Second means of actuation to further include: orchestral bowing means to be played by the user via method of manipulation more usually comprising mainly alternating up bow and down bow movements of a bowing means such as an electromagnetic bowing means across and upon a length such as an electromagnetic length so as to further control the actuation of any said musical tone in turn or said chord in turn of any said sequence at a or each timing determined by the user and according to said Second method and said Second process of actuation; or said orchestral bowing means may be employed For use within the said music synthesizing system as both or either of a said First means of actuation and or a said Second means of actuation; and or compressible means co-operable with any one or more apparatus and or devices of said orchestral bowing means, which compressible means is either designated to control a or each said musical tone of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user, or designated to control a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user and according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency when a said compressible means is acted upon by the user; or a said compressible means may be designated to control one or more sound characteristics including volume; and or first and second push buttons of said orchestral bowing means which first and second push buttons are operable at timings determined by the user and provided to thereby instigate and or sustain, or articulate, or fully actuate each said musical tone in turn or each said chord in turn of any said sequence according to the concurrent number of output actuations of a or each said push button operable at a or each timing determined by the user; or said first push button or said second push button designated to articulate modulation of the pitch of any said musical tone or of any said chord similarly and as required and or in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user while said second push button or said first push button is designated to articulate a legato effect of any said musical tone as required and or articulate similarly any said chord as required in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user; and or an arrangement wherein output actuations of corresponding said first and or said second push buttons and or of corresponding said compressible means of said orchestral bowing means are adapted to co-operate with each other via communication means of said music synthesizing system and according to designation via said programmable and or operable means thereof; and or one or more said push buttons and or one or more computer mouse buttons of one or more mouse control means to thereby instigate and sustain and or articulate a or each said musical tone in turn and or a or each said chord similarly and in turn of a or each said sequence such as at a timing determined by user according to corresponding number of said original signals for triggering a or each output actuation as produced via a or each said push button or similar means at a or each timing determined by the user; and or any number and or any combination of said means which includes any of said variety and or further including any number of the preceding said Second actuator means or concurrent means operable by the user which may be assigned via the relevant adaptation of means such as via said programmable and or operable means also corresponding to said attendant method or methods of operation designated from the said operating system via said programmable and or operable means such that any of the said number and or any of the said combination of said actuator means and or any of the said means of actuation may be assigned to thereby control a or each said musical tone in turn at a timing or at timings determined by user including any said chord of any said sequence or of any said sequences similarly and or according to a said Second method and said Second process of actuation, or according to any other concurrent method and or process thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided electronic apparatus for use with said music synthesizing system comprising: a sub system which further comprises a hand held section or peripheral unit of one or more said First actuator means and or one or more said Second actuator means to thereby control any said musical tone in turn and or similarly any said chord in turn of one or more said sequences at a timing or at timings determined by user, and according to any said method or any said methods of actuation and or according to any said process or any said processes of actuation; a main system which comprises apparatus and or devices including a sound source and also means mainly for the generation and or storage and or reproduction of music data indicative of one or more said sequences of said musical tones and or similarly said chords to be played according to any said methods of actuation and or according to any said processes of actuation; and or a said sub system in the form of an overlay means and or a console means and or a unit means for interfacing with a computer or computer system or computerised means, while the computer or computer system or computerised means provides the said main system to be adapted mainly or partly by computer software so as to enable computer or computer system or computerised means to perform as said main system in order to generate and or store data indicative of said musical tones and or similarly said chords of one or more said sequences to be played according to any said method or said methods of actuation and or to be played according to any one or more said processes of actuation, while computer software and or hardware is provided to adapt both of the said sub system and also the said main system as required.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided: said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system co-operable with means such as a or each device in the form of a variable pedal means thereof comprising adjustable actuators and or switch means and or concurrent means all in the form of a unit further comprising a or each pivot bar and a or each heel pedal means and a or each toe pedal means.

According to the present invention there is further provided means which comprises: said programmable and or operable means cooperable with said operating system, wherein said programmable and or operable means is provided for use in the control and designation of said attendant methods of operation for adapting the said overall command and management of said system memory and or control when facilitating the user to thereby perform and execute functions and or operations and or processings in relation to music, such that the said music synthesizing system is rendered fully adaptable via both or either of programmable means and or corresponding means such as operable means operable by user, which functions and or operations and or processings provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including: to thereby engage or disengage any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system including any one or more said First actuator means and or any one or more said Second actuator means; and or to thereby engage or disengage any one or more said methods or any said process or said processes of actuation or any said function or said functions of the said music synthesizing system including any one or more operations indicative of any said attendant method or any said attendant methods of operation thereof; and or to thereby combine any number, combination and or variety of said actuator means of the said music synthesizing system and or any similar means of actuation thereof; and or to thereby assign any number and or any combination and or any said variety of said actuator means of the said music synthesizing system to play the said music data indicative of a or each said chord and or similarly a or each said musical tone of any concurrent number and or any concurrent combination and or concurrent variety of said sequences according to any said method of actuation and according to any said process of actuation; and or to thereby select either a or each circuit of an OR logic function of the said music synthesizing system for use with any two or more said actuator means s or, alternatively, select a circuit wherein the number of said actuators and or the number of said actuator means concurs numerically with the number of said sequences of said music data for actuation according to said method or said methods of actuation and or said process or said processes of actuation; and or to thereby control the reading, retrieving, sound processing and creation of said music data indicative of said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof to be played via said method or via said methods of actuation and or via said process or via said processes of actuation; and or said means especially and or including to thereby control the reading, processing and creation of a or each said data progression indicative of a or each said predetermined sequence of said settings and or said parameters or similar for processing a or each musical tone such as of a or each said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, and or, similarly, a or each chord; and or to thereby select both or either of the said First process of actuation and or the said Second process of actuation so as to play said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof according to any said method or any said methods of actuation or according to any other concurrent method or concurrent methods of actuation; and or to thereby designate and or write and or edit and or generate data indicative or said musical tones of a or each said sequence and or said chords thereof so as to create a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or any said chords thereof for actuation via any said method or via any said methods of actuation and according to a or each said First process and or according to said Second process of actuation or any part thereof; and or to thereby assign the said music data indicative of a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or said chords to a store; and or to thereby determine the co-operation between any apparatus and or between any device or devices of the said music synthesizing system, and or determine the cooperation between a or each said First actuator means and or between any said Second actuator means; and or to thereby determine and or convert the status of any said actuator of the said music synthesizing system to become a said First actuator means or said initial control means or said secondary control means as required; and or to thereby adapt the function including of sound reproduction, and or performance of any apparatus and or any one or more devices of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby adapt any function thereof, and or any method or operation thereof; and or to thereby set any apparatus, device or operation of the said music synthesizing system to an ON or OFF state thereof; and or to thereby control START and or PLAY and or PAUSE and or STOP operations thereof; and or to thereby determine e the said manual and or said automatic states of control or concurrent states of control of any apparatus, devices, and or of any associated operations of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby control the ENTER and STORE functions of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby determine the sound of a or each said musical tone of any said sequence or of any said chords thereof according to dynamics, timbre, duration and or frequency under control by user and or according to any one or more said signal and or said sound processes and or according to any concurrent said digital signal process and or according to any concurrent means, such that the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including vibrato and or aftertouch to be added to any said musical tone or said chord by the user as required; and or to thereby select or de-select and or enable or disable powering of any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby select the said manual or similarly said non-automatic state of the said music synthesizing system to receive said sound waves and or said audio signals and or data of inputted musical tones and or data of inputted chords from said internal and or external sound source means for the creation and subsequent actuation of a or each said musical tone or said chord of said sequence of the said music synthesizing system, according to any said method and or according to any said process thereof; and or to thereby select and control the said random generating means of the said music synthesizing system; and or both or either of said programmable means of said music synthesizing system and or corresponding means such as said operable means provided and to be designated by user such that said actuator means thereof, and or similar means of or for actuating said sequences thereof may be adapted to thereby co-operate with means such as means especially comprising and or including: said local control means; and or said sound and or said signal processing means in any concurrent combination and or in any concurrent arrangement thereof; and or voice program means according to said First method and or said Second method of actuation and or according to any other concurrent method of actuation and or according to said First process and or said Second process of actuation and or according to any other concurrent and or similar process of actuation.

Accordingly, this invention provides features of said music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof substantially as herein described with reference to Figures la-20 of the accompanying drawings and according to embodiments.

Also, accordingly, this invention provides embodiments representing features of said music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof which may be omitted, added, selected, combined, exchanged, adapted and or employed for use with other features including devices and or other apparatus; and or embodiments which may be employed for use with other systems including computers and or computerised means and or computer systems; and or embodiments of said music synthesizing system including any apparatus and or devices thereof which may be adapted and or employed for use or uses including any not necessarily connected with music, the said embodiments of the invention including any apparatus and or devices thereof also extending to any new and inventive combination thus formed.

Preferably, the main structure and or overall housing of the invention comprises an outer casing which is made from plastic, or other suitable material (s) wherein a or each material weighs little and also offers the invention an optimum level of physical protection. Also, design of the outer casing may resemble, remotely or otherwise, the physical appearance of some other musical instrument.

Similarly, any other apparatus and or device of this invention may also bear some physical resemblance to a feature or features of one or more known and or more traditional musical instruments.

A transpose and or tune/detune (+/-) facility for key changes and tuning of the invention.

MIDI ports (THRU, OUT, IN) may also be provided for MIDI sequencing with other MIDI instruments and or devices.

Ideally, the invention is provided with a tonal range of approximately C2-C6/7 thereof.

The invention might also comprise a selection of automatic preset rhythm beats/accompaniments to which the actuated musical tones under control by user might be played, as required by the user.

Joy stick for pitch bend and also other known controllers for controlling various sound characteristics.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. la is a structural block diagram of a first example of a music synthesizing system embodying an overall concept of the present invention.

Fig. lb shows, conceptually, the format of a RAM memory, or similar, which comprises one digital recording track for storing play data indicative of a predetermined single line sequence of musical tones.

Fig. lc shows, conceptually, the format of a RAM memory, or similar memory comprising one digital recording track for storing play data indicative of a predetermined single line sequence of musical tones being of indefinite pitch.

Fig. ld shows, conceptually, the format of a RAM memory, or similar, which comprises two parallel digital recording tracks for storing play data indicative of a predetermined sequence of musical tones.

Fig. le shows a data progression in the form of a table of information which comprises a listing of user-modifiable data amounting to a predetermined sequence of VDF settings and or parameters or similar for processing a or each inputted musical tone of the invention, as required by user, according to a First method and also a First process of actuation, and also according to embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart which shows a first keying process of the Fig. la embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart which shows a second keying process of the Fig. la embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional relationship between an edit control program, a communication I/F, a first foot and or manual control apparatus, a communication control section, an edit repeater program, a second foot and or manual control apparatus and also a system memory and or control, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 5a and 5b show a flowchart representing the standardiser's MANUAL RECORD and or inputting routine, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6a illustrates the structure of the invention's operating system which comprises an arrangement of operating modes with corresponding options as shown, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6b shows a group of options further obtainable via the standardiser option 0/141 (O = 141) of the invention's operating system, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the overall AUTO 1 RECORD routine of the standardiser means, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates"hit"positions which correspond to certain Time Points of a melody after operation of AUTO START, input trigger and AUTO STOP operations of standardiser means by user when standardiser means is set in AUTO 1 RECORD mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 9a and 9b depict a flowchart which illustrates the computation process carried out via system memory and or control in response to such steps as AUTO START, AUTO STOP and input trigger operations as performed in the AUTO 1 RECORD mode setting, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10a shows, diagrammatically, a typical signal process of a First actuator means by way of a First method and a First process of actuation, according to an embodiment of the invention. Figs. lOb, 10c and 10d illustrate different logic states of an actuator mechanism for use with the invention, according to embodiments.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart which illustrates a complete actuation process of a corresponding output actuation according to a First Method and also First process of actuation as performed via a preferred example of a breath controller for use with the present invention.

Fig. 12a is a section drawing of an embodiment being a moveable bearing mechanism of a breath controlled means for use with embodiments.

Fig. 12b is a section drawing of another example of the moveable bearing principle with corresponding First compressible means of a corresponding breath controlled means s also for use with embodiments.

Fig. 12c shows a front view of the moveable bearing, as used in Fig. 12b.

Fig. 13 shows a further example of the moveable bearing principle for use as a manual means in a First or Second actuation process, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14a is a diagram which represents a First or Second output actuation process of an orchestral bowing means, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14b represents a First or Second output actuation process of an orchestral bowing means performed via an upbow step, according to embodiments.

Fig. 14c represents a First or Second output actuation process of an orchestral bowing means performed via a downbow step, according to embodiments.

Fig. 15 represents a range of up-bow and down-bow positions of an electromagnetic bowing means upon and across an electromagnetic length of the orchestral bowing means, according to embodiments.

Fig. 16a shows, conceptually, the subdivision of First process of actuation into a first sub process of actuation with corresponding first sub process types which subdivision further comprises a second sub process of actuation with corresponding second sub process types, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 16b shows a table of information which gives a listing of the principal first and second sub process types of said Second process of actuation, along with their respective characteristics.

Fig. 17a shows, conceptually, a visual display of a local control arrangement for a corresponding actuator of musical tones, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 17b depicts three piano-like keys set in an OR logic arrangement each being assigned with a corresponding timbre type or tone colour.

Fig. 18 illustrates the overall functional relationship between units comprising electromagnetic bowing means, electromagnetic length and compressible means of an orchestral bowing means, a system memory and or control, sound processing and sound reproduction at the output stage, and also units of same orchestral bowing means further comprising the outputs of a first and a second push button means, all according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 19 shows a block diagram illustrating an arrangement of units both of a sub system and a main system of the invention, and also the separate functional relat-onships between the individual units, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 20, illustrates the overall mechanical arrangement of an embodiment being a variable pedal means for use with the invention.

Also, throughout the drawings, the same (or similar) reference numerals are allotted to like units of the embodiments, according to the present invention.

It will be apparent to any interested in the art that digital electronic technology has rapidly developed over recent years and is continuing to advance. Specifically, at this time, and with particular relevance to embodiments of this invention, the emergence of micro controllers is becoming somewhat influential in the industry, and the presence of older more traditionally recognised discrete components in new and more sophisticated digital electronic products, seemingly in decline. It may be assumed, therefore, that the overall apparatus, devices and features of embodiments according to the present invention comprise at least one or more micro controllers. Moreover, the concept of the invention remains entirely flexible in anticipation of further developments in the field, and in others, while remaining dedicated mainly to the technology of micro electronics, including aspects of computer technology. The invention further assumes the presence of a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) system as a preferred feature of embodiments.

Details concerning embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure la of the drawings, which shows a first example of an embodiment of the invention, the structural block diagram being representative, in concept, of a music synthesizing system comprising: instrument section 1 ; CRT or backlit liquid crystal display 2; programmable and or operable means 3; program ROM 4; data memory RAM 5; digital-analogue conversion means 6; sound system 7; a first &num;1 external source 8; communication I/F 9; a second &num;2 external source 10; communication control means 11; system memory and or control 12; and data bus line 13.

The invention therefore comprises features of music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof, which features comprise: means for storing, reading, retrieving, sound processing and controlling music data, the said music data being indicative of a or each sequence of said music data which is a predetermined sequence of said music data such as and especially including said sequence indicative of a predetermined sequence of musical tones for sound reproduction via said music synthesizing system; First method of actuation, wherein there is provided a said sequence and corresponding First actuator means operable by user to play a or each said musical tone in turn of corresponding said sequence at a timing determined by user, or to play any said musical tone of said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, which said sequence is further indicative of any one of the types of said sequence to include: said predetermined sequence of said musical tones; a random generation of successive musical tones; a sequence of said music data being indicative of a tone progression which tone progression is concurrent with the concept of a said predetermined sequence; one or more said sequences of musical tones, wherein a or each said musical tone being of definite or indefinite pitch is to be played in turn and in response to an output actuation of a First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user; one or more predetermined sequences of data progressions, wherein a or each predetermined sequence of this type comprises data indicative of a predetermined sequence of both or either of settings and or parameters or similar for concurrently processing a or each actuated musical tone in turn and at a timing determined by user, when each actuation such as an actuation according to said First method or other instigates and or corresponds with either of one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters held within a sequence of the such, while a or each said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters or similar is queued such as via control during an actuation step such that a or each said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters held in said sequence of the such is stepped through in turn and at a timing determined by the user such as when a first said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding first musical tone or a corresponding first said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding first actuation, when, thereafter, a second said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding second musical tone or a corresponding second said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding second actuation, until all musical tones such as any said musical tones of said sequence have been processed similarly ; a First process of actuation, wherein a or each said musical tone of a said sequence is instigated, sustained and or further articulated via the same First actuator means, which First actuator means is operable according to both or either of a said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation; two or more said First actuator means for playing a concurrent number of said sequences at the same time, which concurrent number of said sequences is indicative of parts belonging to the same musical composition playable simultaneously by one or more performers via two or more said First actuator means according to said First method of actuation and also according to said First process of actuation; random generating means for randomly generating music data indicative of a said random generation of successive musical tones; and means for user to select a or each individual said musical tone of said sequence from a store in turn at a or each timing determined by the user such that a or each said musical tone of any said sequence may be actuated according to said First method and a said First process of actuation.

Also, referring to Fig. la, said music synthesizing system further comprises programmable and or operable means 3 programmable and or operable by user to thereby instigate and execute data handling processes and functions of the said music synthesizing system according to any attendant method or attendant methods of operation therein to be designated by the user when adapting said music data of said sequence or of said sequences and or when adapting apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system for either of a non automatic performance or similarly manual performance, according to said First method and said First process of actuation.

Further, referring to Fig. la of the drawings, the system memory and or cor. trol 12 of said music synthesizing system comprises: one or more means installed with a system memory which is provided for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; one or more said means installed with a system memory provided for use with said music synthesizing system which said means installed with a system memory further comprises a system control also for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; or one or more said means installed with a system control for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system.

Thus, according to Fig. la, the said programmable and or operable means 3 programmable and or operable by user for adapting the overall command and management of said music synthesizing system is provided to thereby instigate and execute functions and or processings in relation to music including those functions and or processings of said music synthesizing system which render the performance of any said apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system in various states of control including: a manual state of control or similarly non automatic state of control such that digital clock means (not shown) internal or other, is not engaged to control the timing of a or each said musical tone of said sequence and also not engaged to control the timing of any chord of said musical tones thereof; or an automatic state of control or similarly non manual state of control used when automatic recording and or entering and or storing means (not shown) and or automatic performance means (not shown) of said music synthesizing system is engaged such that said digital clock (not shown), internal or other, fully controls the timing and duration of a or each said musical tone of said sequence and or of said sequences, and or similarly controls the timing and duration of any said chord thereof during automatic recording, including the automatic entering and storing of said music data, and also during any automatic performance thereof; or both of a manual state of control including a similarly non automatic state of control and partly an automatic state of control including partly a non manual state of control which automatic state of control or non manual state of control is co-operable with the setting of a or each said digital clock means (not shown) such that the timing and duration of some of the said musical tones of said sequence is fully controlled via said automatic performance means (not shown) and or fully controlled via said digital clock means (not shown) and or the timing and duration of some said chords thereof similarly controlled while the timing and duration of other said musical tones and or other said chords of said sequence is not controlled via any said automatic performance means (not shown) thereof and or not controlled via any said digital clock means thereof.

Also, according to the said music synthesizing system of Fig. la, the said First method of actuation and concept of a said sequence extends to a development wherein any said First actuator means operable by user according to said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation actuates a or each said musical tone or said chord in turn of said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, and including audibly in turn at a or each timing determined by user, the said development comprising tone progression types of said sequences including : (a) a said predetermined sequence of said musical tones further comprising both of a mixture of single said musical tones and also one or more said chords of musical tones; or said predetermined sequence instead comprising said chords; (b) a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form further comprising: both of a mixture of single said musical tones which are concurrent with one or more certain types of melodic scale and also one or more said chords of musical tones which are concurrent with certain types of melodic scale; or a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form comprising said chords which are concurrent with one or more certain types of melodic scale; (c) a succession of said musical tones and or said chords selected and or triggered individually, in turn, from a store and including via a screen or via similar means at a or each timing determined by the user, which subsequent ones of both of said musical tones and or said chords of the tone progression type to be actuated are automatically queued via control at a timing determined by user and optionally displayed on screen immediately after actuation of a preceding said musical tone or preceding said chord via First actuation means; (d) an inputted succession of music data originally from an external sound source or similar means which inputted succession further comprises a succession of said musical tones in the form of music data and or in the form of a or each audio signal such as a digital audio signal of a or each corresponding musical tone or similar signals of a or each corresponding chord, said music data from said external sound source or similar means and or any audio signals from said external sound source or similar means to be inputted in turn at a timing determined by the original user while control places the data of a or each transmitted musical tone or of a or each transmitted chord from said external sound source in turn and immediately into a store of said music synthesizing system such that the resulting data of a or each said transmitted musical tone and or of said transmitted chord is held temporarily or otherwise as performance or play data within said store of said music synthesizing system so as to thereby permit a or each said tone of said inputted succession in the form of said music data or said chord thereof held as said performance data in a store of said music synthesizing system to be re-actuated one or more times and at a or each timing determined by user via said First actuator means while a or each inputted musical tone or the stored data thereof and or similarly a or each inputted chord or the stored data thereof resulting from said inputted succession may be actuated concurrently and in turn at a or each timing determined by user; and or similarly the resulting said performance or play data indicative of a or each said musical tone and or similarly of a or each said chord actuated concurrently and in turn such as at a timing determined by a or each other user; (e) a predetermined sequence of data indicative of musical tones further comprising aperiodic and or non harmonic performance data such as aperiodic and or non harmonic play data to be actuated via said First method of actuation or via concurrent method and said First process of actuation or via concurrent process of actuation; (f) any said sequences hereinbefore described, for actuation according to a process of actuation being concurrent with said First process of actuation, wherein said music data such as said music data indicative of two or more musical tones is stored in different memory locations of the same said sequence and or stored on different tracks of the same song location, or stored in a concurrent arrangement such that said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including commencing audibly at the same time by First actuator or similar means and at a timing determined by the user and perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together at a same Time Point as a chord during a corresponding actuation.

Next, Fig. lb shows, conceptually, the format of a RAM memory, such as a digital song location 0111 or similar, for entering and storing data indicative of a predetermined single line (melodic) sequence of said musical tones, wherein a digital song location 0111 comprises, conceptually, a recording track 010 being subdivided into a plurality of memory stores at positions 011, 012,013,014, 015,016,017,018 and 019 which are located at corresponding Time Points, each memory store to be read out according to an address. Thus, for example, data held at memory store O11 of corresponding Time Point O11 may comprise note number C5 and any corresponding control data to be actuated, for example, via actuator means at a timing determined by the user, and when the memory store is read out according to an address. Similarly, data held in memory store 012 of corresponding Time Point 012 may comprise note number A5 and any corresponding control data, again, the corresponding memory store to be read out according to an address. And data held at memory store 013 of corresponding Time Point 013 may comprise note number F5 along with any corresponding control data to be read out according to an address. Also, or alternatively, two (or more) items of data may be held within separate memory stores of a same digital recording track, both at the same Time Point, and the corresponding memory stores read out according to an address, such that both musical tones commence and sound audibly together.

Similarly, in Fig. lc, there is shown, again conceptually, the format of a RAM memory, such as a digital song location 0111, or similar, for entering and storing data indicative of a predetermined single line (melodic) sequence of said musical tones of indefinite pitch, wherein a digital song location 0111 comprises, conceptually, a digital recording track 010 being subdivided into a plurality of memory stores (as shown in Fig. lb) at corresponding Time Points, each corresponding memory store to be read out according to an address. However, in the present example of an embodiment, and with reference to Fig. lc, the data held in the memory stores of digital recording track 010 corresponds mainly to aperiodic and or non harmonic data, as opposed to musical notes. For example, the data T1 (or Tone 1) 011 (which might be generated from a stored plurality of user-modifiable non harmonic tones) has a different tonal quality to T6 (Tone 6) 012. But the tonal qualities of T3 015 and T3 018 are the same. Therefore, it may be understood that the present example of a predetermined sequence (single line) is, in fact, a predetermined sequence of data being indicative of said musical tones such as musical tones of indefinite or non harmonic pitch, each musical tone being held in a separate memory store and at a corresponding Time Point, to be read out according to an address.

Also, Fig. ld shows, conceptually, the format of a RAM memory, such as a digital song location 0111, or similar, for recording and storing data indicative of a predetermined double line (harmonic) sequence of said musical tones, wherein a digital song location 0111 comprises, conceptually, a digital recording track 010 and also a parallel digital recording track 0100, both subdivided into a plurality of memory stores such that each Time Point has two (or potentially more) corresponding parallel memory stores. For example, according to Fig. ld, Time Point O11 has two corresponding memory stores, the first memory store O11 corresponding to digital recording track 010, and the second memory store 0110 corresponding to digital recording track 0100. Therefore, the present arrangement allows the data of two musical tones to be actuated via the same actuator means such as at a timing determined by the user, and at a same Time Point O11 (as well as share the same control data) when the corresponding memory stores are read out according to an address while the two corresponding musical tones are actuated in an arrangement wherein both musical tones are perceived as audible at the same Time Point O11 when the corresponding memory stores are read out according to an address.

Next, Fig. le shows a table of information which is a listing of user-modifiable data amounting to a predetermined sequence (such as to be used in a computer program) of VDF (variable digital filter) settings and or parameters (VDF1-VDF9) for processing a or each inputted musical tone, which settings and or parameters (as listed in column 0113) of the said data progression are queued via control to correspond with each separate actuation of a corresponding inputted musical tone (as listed in column 0114) such as at a or each timing determined by user. For example, in a step 0101 the VDF1 setting of column 0113 is queued to process a corresponding musical tone MT1 which is shown in column 0114, wherein VDF1 of column 0113 filters MT1 of column 0114 with an assignable and or usermodifiable tonal quality (timbre) from a data bank of various timbres such that a sound charactristic which is designated by user is added to MT1 in the corresponding actuation of step 0101. Similarly, at step 0102, the VDF2 setting of column 0113 is automatically queued (after previous step) to process a corresponding musical tone MT2 (column 0114) in a subsequent actuation, wherein VDF2 of column 0113 filters MT2 of column 0114 with an assignable and or user-modifiable tonal quality (timbre) from a data bank of various timbres such that a sound characteristic which is designated by user is added to MT2 during the corresponding actuation of step 0102. Therefore, according to Fig. le, the actuation steps are performed similarly from 0101 through till 0109, with corresponding (and varying) sound characteristics (of timbre) added to each said musical tone (MT1-MT9) of a said sequence, or added to each musical tone (MT1-MT9) of a spontaneous selection of musical tones performed at a or each timing determined by user, such as via an external source, which spontaneous selection of musical tones is not necessarily held or stored in a memory.

Therefore, according to Fig. la, a data memory such as the data memory (RAM) 5 or similar may also be used to store and or accommodate the data of said sequence or said sequences of said musical tones for actuation such as by any one or more First actuator means of the invention.

Also, according to Fig. la of the invention, the instrument section 1 comprises an arrangement wherein said First actuator means operable by user is provided for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said predetermined sequence, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or a corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means of instrument section 1, at a or each timing determined by user.

Further, according to the present embodiment of said music synthesizing system as shown in Fig. la, said First actuator means operable by user is provided for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones randomly generated and or said chords randomly generated of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said random generation of successive musical tones, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user.

Also, according to the present embodiment of said music synthesizing system as shown in Fig. la, said First actuator means operable by user is provided for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said tone progression type, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or a corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means of instrument section 1, at a or each timing determined by user.

Next, with reference to Fig. la and according to the present embodiment, said First process of actuation correlates with said First method of actuation and vice versa, such as when the resulting correlation performs during an option wherein said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including commencing audibly at the same time in response to a corresponding input signal of an output actuation of said First actuator means or similar means and at a timing determined by the user, the said two or more musical tones being perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together at a same Time Point as a chord during a corresponding actuation.

Also, according to the present embodiment, and according to Fig. la, and according to any First actuator means of instrument section 1, a or each said musical tone or said chord similarly produced via said First method and said First process of actuation and according to some voice programs continues to both sound and play sustainably for the duration a or each said First actuator means remains in actuation by the user such as when corresponding circuit is maintained in a logic one state as required. Also, a or each said First actuator means of instrument section 1 further comprises means for controlling the sound of a said musical tone of said sequence or each said chord thereof according to dynamics, timbre and frequency, such that the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including touch sensitivity, vibrato and aftertouch to be added selectively to any said musical tone of said sequence or to any said chord thereof by the user according to said First method and said First process of actuation.

Further, according to the present embodiment of the invention as represented in Fig. la, the instrument section 1 may comprise a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user and provided to thereby play said sequences, and including: the said musical tones of a plurality of said predetermined sequences, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said predetermined sequence within the overall plurality of such said sequences, at a or each timing determined by the user; or the said musical tones of a plurality of said random generations from said random generating means, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said random generation within the overall plurality of said random generations of successive musical tones randomly generated by said random generating means such that a or each said musical tone of a said random generation or any said chord thereof is played in turn at a or each timing determined by the user; or the said musical tones of a plurality of said tone progression types, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said tone progression type within the overall plurality of such said sequences at a or each timing determined by the user.

Also, according to the present embodiment of Fig. la, said programmable and or operable means 3 is provided for the user to specify, via attendant method or attendant methods of operation, any number and or any combination of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation.

Further, with reference to Fig. la, the program ROM 4 may store programs including a musical tone-synthesizing program for synthesizing musical tone data in conjunction with, for example, a waveform memory such as the same stored in a memory device (not shown) comprising a plurality of waveform data. The communication control means 11, having A/D to D/A and or D/A to A/D conversion performance is adapted to receive and co-operate with externally inputted control signals of a first &num;1 external source 8 and a second &num;2 external source 10 which are linked via the communication I/F 9, both external sources (8,10) being further adapted to co-operate with each other via the same communication I/F 9. The output signals of a or each actuator of instrument section 1 may be converted via a D/A conversion means 6, and then directly outputted to the invention's sound system 7. The present embodiment, as shown in Fig. la, further comprises a CRT or backlit liquid crystal display 2 for visual communication, information and programming. A data bus line 13 of the invention carries signals thereof. The data memory (RAM) 5, which is, for example, a sequential memory, stores a selection and or combination of said sequences indicative of said musical tones in data form and or any said chord or chords thereof for subsequent sound reproduction.

Therefore, according lu t first embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. la of the drawings, a or each actuator means (not shown) of instrument section 1 may take the form, for example, of three piano-like keys (K171, K173, K175) which provide the or each input and or output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of any musical tone or chord produced via said First method and a said First process of actuation. The three First actuator means (K171, K173, K175) might also comprise a lesser or greater plurality, or constitute any one or more other types of First actuator means or similar means of actuation according to examples herein described.

Still according to Fig. la, and by way of a main feature of the present invention, said programmable and or operable means 3 further comprises panel controls (not shown) and or mode select means (not shown) for user to specify and designate any concurrent and programmable requirements thereof including the number and or combination of said sequences for storage in one or more memory locations such as digital recording tracks for subsequent actuation of said musical tones of one or more said sequences and or any said chords thereof.

Next, the flowchart of Fig. 2, shows a First keying process of the invention wherein any of the said piano-like keys K171, K173, K175 is depressed at a or each timing determined by the user to create a key-on condition or ON EVENT as verified by touch detection means (not shown) to thereby produce a user-input code (e. g. key code). The ON EVENT also instructs the system memory and or control 12 to read out a corresponding event of the music data (e. g. of MIDI data corresponding to said musical tone of a said sequence stored in a digital recording track) from, for example, an address via a first, second or third channel of a work register (i). After each key-off (END) 25 condition, the system memory and or control 12 awaits the next key-on (ON-EVENT) condition, or for some other user input.

The routine of a first keying process of the invention will now be described in detail, with reference to Fig. 2 of the drawings, wherein, conceptually, three piano-like keys (K171, K173, K175) operable as required are provided for the user to play said musical tones of a plurality of said sequences, such as a plurality of said predetermined sequences, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each piano-like key (First actuator) within the overall plurality is used to play (actuate) each said musical tone in turn or said chord in turn including audibly in turn of only one said predetermined sequence within the overall plurality of such said sequences, at a timing determined by user. The flowchart of Fig. 2 initially assumes an input stage 20, wherein the"manual" mode M11 (m = 11) has been pre-selected by the user for real time use, and also designation of the"polyphonic" performance mode M22 (m = 22) and further designation wherein, at previous stages (and in conjunction with other operating modes also described later with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b) three said predetermined said sequences (e. g. corresponding to three parts of the same song) have been written and stored into three separate memory locations, such as three digital recording tracks of a sequential memory which sequential memory also corresponds to sequential memory such as a data memory (RAM) 5. The input stage 20 additionally assumes that actuator means (in this case the piano-like keys) of instrument section 1 have been designated via the operating mode M101 (m = 101) which is described later with reference to Fig. 6a. In the present routine, and at a first step 21 for example, a key code for each of the keys K171, K173, K175 is set in a corresponding register KC1, or KC2 or KC3 after a key-on event has occurred, via a or any piano-like key set in a logic 1 (ON) state. Also, touch detection means (not shown) detects ON/OFF states and velocity of depression or release of a or each key, and further supplies signals indicative of sensed values to system memory and or control 12. Next, step 22 determines whether the key code set in register KCl, KC2 or KC3 at a or each timing determined by user corresponds to music data set in a corresponding (i. e. corresponding to KC1, KC2, KC3) memory location such as a digital recording track which corresponds, for example, to a data memory (RAM) 5, and or to a number set in a corresponding register ML1, ML2 or ML3, when music data of any said musical tone of the corresponding memory location exists, for example, in a data memory (RAM) 5, as shown at step 22. If no such data is found, the keying process ends with a non actuation event at key release (END) 25. If, however, the data of a stored said musical tone is found in the corresponding memory location at a step 22, then assignment of a tone generating channel (e. g. in the system memory and or control 12) is executed at step 23 and tone generation (sound reproduction of said musical tone) performed starting at the oldest time point according to the accumulation of musical tone data in a register, since, in this example, up to three musical tones may be concurrently generated (reproduced) in the present process, wherein said musical tone data indicative of any said musical tone may be assigned to a first, second or third channel, and a number of the allocated channel set in the work register (i). At step 24, any other data for executing a tone generation (sound reproduction of said musical tone) may be set in a register of the sound source, such as (ich) of an (i) channel il, i2, i3. In the ensuing actuation, any EG settings and or ADSR characteristics are executed via one or more oscillators of a hardware sound source of sound system 7 or via a specific hardware sound source such as an LSI sound source (not shown) enabled via operating mode M31 (m = 31). All operating modes will be more fully described later, with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b of the drawings.

The present routine of Fig. 2 is completed when a pianolike key of instrument section 1 is set to logic 0 (OFF) or a similar state at END 25.

Therefore, in the instrument section 1 of the present embodiment which assumes three First actuator means (pianolike keys) each of the such may be assigned (e. g. via MIDI channels) to play (actuate) one corresponding said sequence and only one of the three said sequences of music data (e. g. corresponding to play data) stored in three separate locations of the data memory (RAM) 5 or other RAM-based sequential memory. Similarly, if the invention comprises five First actuator means in the instrument section 1, then the concurrent number of said sequences could be written and assigned (e. g. via MIDI channels) to be played (actuated) by the same number of First actuator means, on this occasion the said music data indicative of said musical tones and or chords of five said sequences being stored in five separate memory locations of the data memory (RAM) 5 when each said actuator means is assigned to a corresponding said sequence, and assigned to only one of the five said sequences of music data. Thus, any specified number of First actuator means (e. g. piano-like keys) of the instrument section 1 may be assigned, for example, to play (actuate) the said music data of a concurrent plurality of said sequences stored in separate locations of the data memory (RAM) 5, when each said actuator means is both assigned to a corresponding said sequence, and assigned to only one of the said sequences of music data, according to said First process and said Second process of actuation, thereby providing the invention with polyphonic capability, wherein according to the present example, each piano-like key (playable by using individual finger key technique) within the plurality, actuates the music data of only one of the corresponding said sequences within the overall plurality, each said sequence, for example, amounting to an independent part of the same musical composition.

* Next, according to the same embodiment of the present invention, a said sequence of musical tones may be actuated according to said First method and said First process of actuation, via a configuration of First actuator means designated via the operating mode M101 (m = 101) selected via programmable and or operable means 3 such that the circuit (which carries the signal produced by said First actuator means) of the signal process is switched to an overall OR logic function, constructed from NAND or NOR or concurrent logic circuits, thereby providing the invention with a monophonic capability which allows for single melodic lines to be played via First actuator means by the user when a"manual"or simiiarly"non-automatic"operating mode M12 (m = 12) which is a performance mode, is selected by the user. Thus according to the present embodiment of this invention, as shown in Fig. la, and according to the M12 (m = 12) mode (which is more fully described later along with the rest of the operating modes of the operating system and with reference to Fig. 6a and 6b) the said instrument section 1 of said music synthesizing system may therefore comprise means of actuation operable by user provided for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequences such as of said sequences including: a said predetermined sequence and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turr. according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means (of instrument section 1) within the plurality has the same effect as producing a corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by the user; or a said random generation of successive musical tones and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means (of instrument section 1) within the plurality has the same effect as producing a said corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by the user; or said tone progression type and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means (of instrument section 1) within the plurality has the same effect as producing said corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by user.

Also, when performing in the operating mode M12 = 12) and according to the present embodiment, wherein the OR logic function is designated, and also assuming three First actuator means (K171, K173, K175j in the instrumental section 1 of the present embodiment, it is recommended that a performance technique be adopted wherein any two adjacent playing keys are depressed in alternate fashion, with the third key used occasionally (e. g. by the third finger) so as to provide a variation of fingering technique when this is suitably required. Alternatively, though in the present mode, for example, three breath controlled means might be employed in the instrument section 1 of the present embodiment, and employed via three users, wherein each plays, independently, three different sections of the same melody, one after the other.

The flowchart Fig. 3 of the drawings shows the routine of a second keying process of the invention according to the present embodiment, wherein any one of the said keys K171, K173, K175 may be depressed at a timing determined by the user to create a key-on condition, or ON-EVENT as verified by touch detection means (not shown), to thereby produce a user-input code (e. g. key code). The ON-EVENT also instructs the system memory and or control 12 to read out a corresponding event of the data (e. g. of MIDI data corresponding to said musical tone of a said sequence stored in a digital recording track) from, for example, an address via a channel of a work register (i). After each key-off (END) 35 condition, the system memory and or control 12 awaits the next key-on (ON-EVENT) condition, or for some other user input.

The routine of a second keying process will now be described in detail, with reference to Fig. 3, wherein, for example, three piano-like keys (K171, K173, K175) operable as required, are provided for the user to play (actuate) each said musical tone of a said sequence such as a said predetermined sequence of single said musical tones according to said First method and said First process of actuation, the plurality of First actuator means (pianolike keys) connected via the OR logic function to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means (piano-like key) within the plurality has the same effect of producing a single (MIDI) input signal of an output actuation while a or each said musical tone is actuated in response to the said input (MIDI) signal of an output actuation. The flowchart of Fig. 3 firstly assumes an input stage 30, wherein the"manual"mode Mll (m = 11) has been pre-selected by the user for real time use, and also designation of the"monophonic"performance mode M12 (m = 12) and further designation wherein at previous stages (and in conjunction with other operating modes also described later with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b) only one said predetermined sequence (e. g. corresponding to the said musical tones of a single line melody) has been written and stored into a single memory location such as that of a digital recording track which may also correspond to a data memory (RAM) 5. The input stage 30 further assumes that actuator means (in this case piano-like keys) have been designated via the operating mode M101 (m = 101) which is also described later with reference to Fig. 6a. In the present routine, and at a first step 31, for example, a key code for each of the keys K171, K173, K175 is set in a register KC1, KC2 or KC3 after a key-on event has occurred, via a key set in logic 1 (ON) state. Also, touch detection means (not shown) detects ON/OFF states and velocity of depression or release of a key, and further supplies signals indicative of sensed values to system memory and or control 12. Next, step 32 determines whether the key code set in register KC1, KC2 or KC3 corresponds to music tone data set, in turn, in a corresponding memory location such as a digital recording track which may also correspond, for example, to a data memory (RAM) 5, and or to a number set, for example, in the register ML1, and whether data of any said musical tone of ML1 exists in a memory such as in data memory (RAM) 5, as shown at step 32. If no such data is found, the keying process ends with a non actuation event at key release (END) 35. If, however, the data of a stored said musical tone is found in the corresponding memory location at a step 32, then assignment of a tone generating channel (e. g. in the system memory and or control 12) is executed at step 33 and tone generation (sound reproduction of said musical tone) performed. In this particular example, only one said musical tone may be concurrently generated (reproduced) in the present process, and said musical tone data indicative of any tone assigned only to a single channel of a work register (i). At step 34, any other data for executing a tone generation (sound reproduction of said musical tone) may be set in a register of the sound source, such as (ich) of an (i) channel. In the ensuing actuation, any EG settings and or ADSR characteristics are executed via one or more oscillators of a hardware sound source of sound system 7 or via a specific hardware sound source such as an LSI sound source (not shown) enabled via operating mode M31 (m = 31). The present routine of Fig. 3 is completed when a piano-like key of instrument section 1 is set to logic 0 (OFF) or a similar state at END 35.

Thus, in both keying processes of Figs. 2 and 3, when the piano-like keys are depressed alternately or otherwise, the system memory and or control 12 detects an input signal and or a user-input code, which also amounts to an enabling signal (to enable a buffer or similar means) sent through the circuit. In response, and in an example of the present embodiment, registers are read serially to detect any digital information stored therein, such as the pitch (note number) of any said musical tone to be reproduced ; the system memory and or control 12 outputs the digital information onto the data bus or similar means which is, in turn, held up by the corresponding buffer or similar means for a time period that matches the duration for which a key is depressed. The resulting digital signal is then D/A converted to a control signal which then instructs, for example, the corresponding voltage-controlled oscillator of a hardware sound source to perform at the given voltage, via the sound processing stage.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is further provided apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system also comprising: an edit control means co-operable with control of the said music synthesizing system and operable by the user; and or an edit repeater means also co-operable with control of the said music synthesizing system and operable by the user; and or a first foot and or manual control apparatus adapted to be actuated by the user for controlling said music data of said musical tones of said sequence and or any said chord or chords thereof by co-operation with control events included in a or each said sequence; and or a said first foot and or manual control apparatus adapted to perform as a First actuator means.

Therefore, accordingly, in Fig. la, there is shown a first (&num;1) external source 8 which corresponds to the foot and or manual control apparatus of the edit control means, and also a second (&num;2) external source 10 which corresponds to the foot and or manual control apparatus of the edit repeater means. Also, the edit control means and the edit repeater means both comprise programs, for example, transiently installed in the invention's operating system of the corresponding system memory and or control 12, the programs or program (transient or other) being controlled by external input control signals of the external foot and or manual apparatus (8,10). Thus, more specifically, the edit control means may be interpreted as being the relationship and or overall co-operation between elements including the first foot and or manual control apparatus 8 and a corresponding edit control program installed, for example, in the system memory and or control 12 of the invention, and or any output signal (s) resulting from the said relationship and or said overall co-operation.

Similarly, the edit repeater means may be regarded as being the relationship and or overall co-operation between elements including the second foot and or manual control apparatus 10 and a corresponding edit repeater program perhaps also installed transiently in the said operating system of the system memory and or control 12 of the invention, and or any output signal (s) resulting from that said relationship and or from that said overall cooperation.

Thus, referring to Fig. 4 of the drawings, the block diagram illustrates the whole arrangement of said overall co-operation and control between an edit control program 14, a communication I/F 9, a first foot and or manual control apparatus 8, a communication control means 11, an edit repeater program 17, a second foot and or manual control apparatus 10 and also a system memory and or control 12, according to an embodiment of the invention. The edit control program 14 and the edit repeater program 17 according to the embodiment, may be controlled via a communication I/F 9, since signals such as MIDI signals may be sent (e. g. via a foot and or manual control apparatus) to enable either program from the system memory and or control 12 via the communication I/F 9. The communication I/F 9 therefore provides a means of co-operation between the units as shown in Fig. 4, wherein line 41 carries signals either way between units 12 and 11; line 42 carries signals either way between units 12 and 10; line 43 carries signals either way between units 12 and 8; line 44 carries signals either way between units 11 and 9; line 45 carries signals either way between units 9 and 17; line 46 carries signals either way between 9 and 14; line 47 carries signals either way between units 14 and 8; line 48 carries signals either way between units 17 and 10. Also, the whole configuration of units as shown in Fig. 4 may be set up via the said operating system (not shown) of the said system memory and or control 12. Further, certain units as represented in Fig. 4 may be left out of the overall configuration and or the edit repeater means (relationship) enabled to override the edit control means (relationship) or vice versa. Alternatively, the said system memory and or control 12 might run an optional program (installed) therein to replace the said edit repeater program 17 and or the said edit control program 14, thereby providing instead a single program which combines as routines the features of both the said edit control program 14 and also the said edit repeater program 17.

Therefore, according to the invention, the said first foot and or manual control apparatus 8 of said edit control means may be operated in either of an independent process or in co-operation with a or each external input signal of said edit repeater means or similar, such that the said first foot and or manual control apparatus 8 performs a corrective function when instigating and or instructing an edit control or control to shift to predetermined points in a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or similarly said chords at a or each timing determined by the user, the said predetermined points being indicative of socalled weak and or strong beats of a musical pulse, or subdivisions thereof.

Also, the said edit control means (relationship) cooperable with a or each skip-hold function or a part thereof or similar means is provided for use at timings determined by user such that the corresponding control event of a or each said musical tone of a said sequence or of any chord thereof actuated by First actuator means remains unaltered until said first foot and or manual control apparatus 8 of said edit control means is operated to thereby instigate and or instruct edit control or control to skip to the position of the next said control event within said sequence; and or said edit control or control instructed to engage and maintain control of any concurrent control event of a corresponding said musical tone or corresponding said chord via a hold function or similar means of the invention performed at a or each timing determined by user such that any corresponding said musical tone or, similarly, any corresponding said chord of any said control event within a or each said sequence may be repeatably actuated at each timing determined by user until said edit control or control also including via said hold function or similar means is disengaged from any said control event of a corresponding said musical tone or of a corresponding said chord at a timing determined by user.

Also, according to the same embodiment, programmable and or operable means 3 is provided to designate any concurrent operations and or operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system including attendant method or attendant methods of operation to thereby engage the edit control means (relationship) with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices of the said music synthesizing system.

According to the same embodiment, a grouping which comprises both of the said edit repeater means and also a second foot and or manual control apparatus (and corresponding all round relationship) 10 thereof adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means 3 is provided for controlling music data of said musical tones of a or each said sequence and or any said chord or said chords thereof, such that the output actuation of the corresponding input and or output signal of the said edit repeater means (relationship) co-operates with corresponding control events included in a or each said sequence, and or vice versa, on each occasion the corresponding said (second) foot and or manual control apparatus 10 is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user, while, if present, a said edit repeater means (relationship) is adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means 3 to thereby instigate a function such that control shifts backwards or forwards through a or each said sequence to said predetermined points of a or each said sequence which said predetermined points are indicative of so-called weak and or strong beats of a musical pulse or subdivisions thereof, in response to each step when the corresponding said (first) foot and or manual control apparatus 8 is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user.

Also, means such as programmable and or operable means 3 is provided to designate any concurrent operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system to thereby engage the said edit repeater means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and devices of said music synthesizing system.

Further, said second foot and or manual control apparatus 10 of said edit repeater means is provided to thereby instigate a function such that control skips to the position of any next control event in a or each said sequence in response to each step when the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user while said edit repeater means is adapted to co-operate with said edit control means (if present) of said music synthesizing system as required when designation means such as said programmable and or operable means 3 co-operable with the attendant operating system of said music synthesizing system is employed.

Also, said edit repeater means (relationship) is provided for instructing an edit control or control of the said music synthesizing system to shift to said predetermined points in the said music data of a or each said sequence, the said predetermined points corresponding to the beginnings of various sub sections of a or each said sequence to be played and or repeated in any order and commencing at any timing as determined by the user via operation of the said second foot and or manual control apparatus 10 of said edit repeater means, or via the operation of concurrent means.

The invention also comprises apparatus and or means for use with said music synthesizing system comprising: standardiser means for determining and then entering into store any music data indicative of individual said musical tones of a said sequence or of said sequences; said standardiser means which determines a standard value of a characteristic for any said musical tone entered or being entered therein; said standardiser means which enters music data resultant of one or more signals and or sound waves supplied thereto which music data is especially indicative of the pitch of any corresponding musical tone supplied thereto.

The invention therefore includes apparatus and or means or the use of apparatus and or means such as and including: internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means provided for supplying sound wave or sound waves to said standardiser means such that said sound wave or said sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via similar means may be determined by a final silence or similar or other step or steps in the standardising process; and or said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means provided for supplying a or each said audio signal including a or each said digital audio signal to said standardiser means in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as when said audio signal corresponding to said musical tone is supplied singularly or otherwise thereto, including when each said audio signal is supplied simultaneously as a group thereto at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via concurrent means, till corresponding end of signal event or similar event in standardising process ensues; and or said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means provided for supplying said sound wave or said sound waves to the said standardiser means such that said sound wave or said sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via similar means may be determined by an input trigger or similar or other means in the standardising process; and or said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means provided for supplying said audio signals such as said digital audio signals to said standardiser means such that said audio data corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via similar means may be determined by an input trigger or similar means or other means in the standardising process; and or means wherein any or either of said line input means including concurrent means and or said microphone input means including concurrent means may be selected for use in said standardising process by the user via means such as said programmable and or operable means 3.

'Next, in a flowchart 5a-5b, a routine of the present invention will be fully described, which is more specifically applicable to the inputting (entering) of music data indicative of musical tones from an external source, the inputted music data being, in the present example, of such that definite pitch may be determined thereof. Also, the routine described in Figs. 5a-5b could similarly apply to the inputting of other types of musical tone data such as any consisting of aperiodic and or non harmonic data, wherein the routine described might incorporate, for example, the use of a concurrent means such as a sampler means for receiving data indicative of musical tones transmitted from internal and or external source or concurrent means, with the modification of data (such as data including aperiodic and or non harmonic data) such as a or each inputted musical tone from said internal and or external sound source or concurrent means performed via any suitably concurrent method or means of the invention, as required by user.

Thus, Option 0/143 (O = 143) of the standardiser means (as shown in Fig. 6b) according to an embodiment, will now be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figs. 5a and Fig. 5b, wherein an input stage 500 which signifies the enablement of a routine for inputting external audio data into said standardiser means assumes previous stages in which the standardiser option (as shown in Figs. 6a and 6b) 0/141 (O = 141) or similar has been designated, along with the"manual"inputting option (as shown in Fig. 6b) 0/143 (0 = 143), and wherein the"manual" inputting option 0/143 (0 143), and also wherein the "manual"Mll (m = 11) mode (as shown in Fig. 6b) has already been selected and the apparatus of the standardiser means therefore set in a"non automatic"state of operation. Initially, the routine commences when a or each of the invention's input types set to RECORD (i. e. determine, enter and store data) are assigned at a step 501 of Fig. 5a to microphone (mic) source and or line source via option 0/141 (O = 141) from the said operating system via step 502 and or via step 503 of Fig. 5a in preparation for receiving a sound wave and or one or more audio signals indicative of said musical tone of definite pitch or of subsequent musical tones of definite pitch from, for example, the external source. The initial part of the ensuing process sets mic at 503 and or line (s) at 502 in order to receive an external sound wave and or one or more audio signals. When, at 504, the external line (s) and or mic source is verified, the sound data or sound wave is transmitted from the external source to the standardiser's receiving apparatus (e. g. mic/sensor if an acoustic sound) or similar means at 505. Or, if no such verification of external mic/line source is established, the routine returns before 501. However, if verification is received at 504, and the sound data and or sound wave is received via mic/sensor or similar means at step 505, the resultant analogue signal (input voltage) is received at 506. If not received, the user may quit at 517, finish the external inputting process at 518 and return, for example, at 519 to either the"allocation"mode Mi (m = 1) or the "synthesising"mode M2 (m = 2) which are both described later with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b. If, however, the appropriate data is verified as received, for example, in Hz and or Musical Cents (MC) at 506, then the inputted data is detected at 507, read and given a detection value via a computation process of the invention. Also, a digital value may be calculated at 507, or at a later stage. If, at 508, a detection value for the inputted data has been verified as found at 508, then, for example, the detection value may be set in a register DTV at 509. The detection value in DTV is then matched (via a reading/scanning process) at step 510 against a set of stored values (e. g. voltages) which represent note numbers. If a DTV matches any of these stored values at 510, then a note number is designated at 511 and set in a register NN. If no such data match has been verified at 510, then the routine returns to 506.

Next, assuming a data match is found, the newly created NN may be audibly previewed (by processing initiated, for example, via piano-like key) at 512, then the corresponding data set in the data memory (RAM) 5 of the invention at 513 (e. g. via a MIDI channel) for storage and designation of the note number (NN) to a position within said sequence.

Subsequently, the data resulting from a newly stored note number (NN) stored in a memory at 513 such as the memory of data memory (RAM) 5 is incremented at 514 and the counter set or reset. If the allocation of data for creating a sequence of stored musical tones of definite pitch is complete at 515, then the routine ends at 516, and an option to repeat routine, or access alternative mode (s) provided.

Thus, the invention further comprises apparatus and or means including: said programmable and or operable means 3 which said programmable and or operable means such as programmable and or operable means of said standardiser means is programmable and or operable by user and also cooperable with control such that functions of said standardiser means including any for enabling said music synthesising system with means to carry out both or either of non automatic and or said automatic performance of said music data may be designated via attendant method or attendant methods of operation by user, or via concurrent means; said programmable and or operable means 3 co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user provided to adapt the said standardiser means or other concurrent means to also enter and store said audio data of said sequence or of said sequences which audio data is initially and resulatant from both or either of said audio signals such as said digital audio signals supplied thereto and or a or each transmitted said sound wave supplied from said internal and or external sound source means; or said audio data established otherwise and or via means such as said line input means and or via said microphone input means or via other concurrent means, a or each transmitted said sound wave and or said audio data supplied thereto corresponding to a or each said musical tone to be supplied to standardiser means or other concurrent means of said music synthesizing system for entering and storing therein either via rhythmic employment of an input trigger or via similar means, or via means which includes either of a final silence in standardising process or an end of signal event in said standardising or similar process such that a or each said musical tone entered and stored therein as performance data of said sequence via the employment of said standardiser or similar means and or any said chord or chords thereof entered and stored similarly may be played via said music synthesizing system either as said music data which has nc attendant time elements so as to be played via said non automatic performance by user such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or said music data to be adapted so as to include said attendant time elements entered and stored therein such as via a process of said input trigger or via similar and or other means, wherein said input trigger or similar means inputs (enters) data to be stored at Time Points such that said music data initially devoid of time elements is adapted so as to comprise said attendant time elements which render the said music data as playable according to automatic performance and in digital clock time; or either data entered and stored at said Time Points which data is thereafter removed, or said data entered and stored at Time Points not read such that corresponding said music data indicative of said musical tones of said sequence and or a or each said chord thereof may be performed according to said First method and said First process of actuation; and or said programmable and or operable means 3 co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user provided to instigate and thereby execute any one or more processes of the said standardiser means or said similar means such that either no said time elements are programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone and or similarly into data indicative of said chord or said chords of said sequence or of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or no said time elements are programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone of said sequence or of said sequences or of said chord or said chords of said sequence or of said sequences until at a subsequent editing stage as required by user; automatic digital clock means for use with said standardiser means and co-operable with control which automatic digital clock means may be regulated and or set via certain said attendant method or certain said attendant methods of operation designated from said operating system via said programmable and or operable means 3 of said music synthesizing system; said programmable and or operable means cooperable with control of said standardiser means provided to perform one or more functions and or one or more operations of said music synthesizing system via certain said attendant method or certain said attendant methods of operation designated from said operating system and via said programmable and or operable means 3 including when control co-operates with variable said automatic digital clock means such that the same is adapted to function at a tempo or at tempos determined by the user during both or either of said automatic performance of said musical tones, including said chords, and or during said automatic performance of any other concurrent said music data entered and or stored into a sequential memory or concurrent arrangement as automatic performance data such as via standardiser means or via similar means or via other means of said music synthesizing system; said programmable and or operable means 3 cooperable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user provided also to select a said automatic or similarly said non-manual state of control for operation of said standardiser means, which state of control is cooperable with the setting and performance of said automatic digital clock means of the type which may be adapted by user.

Referring next to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the standardiser's AUTO 1 (parallel processing) RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) routine will now be explained, according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the input stage 700 assumes previous designation of options and or modes including: an option (O = 141) which enables the standaradiser; option (O = 142) in which the standardiser's recording (i. e. determining, entering) input may be set to mic; option (0 = 641) which enables and sets parameters of the invention's digital clock means also according to synchronous or asynchronous time; option (O = 144) wherein the parallel processing function is enabled; and mode M21 (m = 21) which renders the corresponding equipment in an automatic or similarly non manual state. The input stage 700 further assumes that the invention's input trigger or similar means has been enabled via 0/146 (O = 146) and also a frequency range selected at 0/148 (0 = 148). After the standardiser equipment is switched on and set immediately to AUTO 1 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) and the timer set, AUTO START (e. g. synchronous clock) is next operated at 701 and concurrent data installed (e. g. in Time Cents) in the memory and at corresponding Time Points at precisely (or approximately) the same moment a sound wave is transmitted. 702 verifies whether step 701 has been carried out. If yes, timer continues, and at step 704 inputted data is verified. If no such data received then either quit mode at 711 or restart routine from after 700.

If the input trigger or similar means has been operated at 705 and the illustrated loop (begun at 706) is commenced, a fresh sound wave should be immediately transmitted and thus concurrent data installed (e. g. in Time Cents) in the memory and at a new corresponding Time Point. If, at 706, the inTRIG (input trigger) operation is verified (i. e. data has been verified as received data installed at corresponding new Time Point the data is automatically digitally stored at 707 and the timer at 703 incremented.

Thus, the loop is continued until AUTO STOP has been executed at 705. When the AUTO STOP process is verified at (708 since data allocation is deemed complete), decision to terminate the present routine is taken at 709. If no at 709, the routine may be resumed after 700, via 711, or, subsequently access to modes M2 (m = 2) or Ml (m = 1) provided, also via 711. Further, if the present routine is terminated at 709, access to the auto playback option (O = 147) is provided, or access to monophonic play (m = 12) or polyphonic play (m = 22) gained, or exit to (m = 2) or = 1), for example, via 710.

The rhythmic use of the standardiser's input trigger when employed in AUTO 1 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) 0/144 and also the creation and use of resulting data will now be described, with reference to Figs. 7,8, 9a and 9b of the drawings, beginning first with Fig. 8 wherein, for example, a stave of music 800 representing a melody is to be vocally inputted via the invention's AUTO 1 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) 0/144 process as shown in Fig. 7 as the music reads in Fig. 8. It is advisable that the melody is suitably rehearsed and initially sung (without vibrato) into the mic/sensor (not shown) at a considerably slower tempo, then speeded up (via tempo setting of digital clock) and a faster tempo permanently (or otherwise) set in preparation for auto performance. In Fig. 8, the numerals 801 through to 808 represent musical tones with time values to be recorded vocally via the AUTO 1 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) 0/144 process which commences according to the input stage as shown in Fig. 7, at 700. As soon as the AUTO START is executed and a sound wave transmitted at 701 (which corresponds to 801 in Fig. 8) via vocal source, corresponding data is installed at the first Time Point TP1 and or at corresponding position"x"above TP1 as shown in Fig. 8, wherein the AUTO START button acts as an initial input trigger or similar means. On transmission of the next vocal tone 802 (sound wave) the input trigger, for example, must be employed, as in 705 of Fig. 7, in order to insert the second Time Point TP2 at corresponding position"x"as shown in Fig. 8. The vocal tones 803 through till 808 (sound waves) are performed similarly and also the input trigger similarly employed in order to input data at remaining Time Points TP3 through till TP8. Therefore, referring to Fig. 9a (wherein the input stage 900 assumes 700 of Fig. 7) the first Time Point 901 is inserted when the AUTO START is executed, and the value (e. g. in Time Cents) set in a register TP. The counter is also set. When the input trigger proper is employed for the first time at 902 the next value (e. g. in Time Cents) of a Time Point is set in a register (N) P. At 903, a computation D1 is performed (such as TP + NP in Time Cents) via, for example, a work channel (d) then the duration found and set in a register T1, based on the D1 calculation, after which the counter is incremented. Each subsequent time the input trigger is operated, a new T (n) and D (n) is created as 904 and 905 are repeated in a loop until the last vocal tone 808 (as shown in TP8 of Fig. 8) is performed, and then finally 809 (of Fig. 8) executed via AUTO STOP function, to produce the final Time Point T9 as shown at 705 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9b shows similarly at 906 the last Time Point T9 in accordance with the routine as shown at 705 of Fig. 7 wherein AUTO STOP is selected. Also Fig. 9b shows similarly at 906 the last Time Point (inputted via AUTO STOP function) set in a register LP, and then at 907 the last computation of the duration L/D (n) with the final Time duration L/T (n) as performed. The routine ends 908 after the last computation at 907. The resulting data in the present example amounts to that whereby (n) number of Time Points provide START and STOP timings initially of inputted vocal tone, with a corresponding duration D1, D (n), L/D (n) and also pitch (note) number (s) calculated from detection values of a process that accompanies the present routine similar to that described in Figs. 5a and 5b, since elements of both time and pitch are processed simultaneously (parallel processing) in the present routine. At 908 of Fig. 9b, access to the AUTO PLAYBACK option (O = 147) is provided, or, instead, access to monophonic play (m = 12) or polyphonic play (m = 22) gained, or exit to (m = 2) or (m = 1) offered.

It is further possible in the AUTO 2 RECORD (serial processing) setting (O = 145) to firstly install the data relating to Time Points of a melody by similarly following the methods of Figs. 7,8,9a and 9b, though without recording any sound data. Then, afterwards, assign a note number (pitch) to each value of D such as to D1, D (n), L/D (n) via the invention's write/save option (0 = 341) which note number may be selected via the invention's said operable and or programmable means 3. Or, alternatively, the pitch data may be inserted in a separate process of AUTO 2 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) via employment of one of the standardiser's mic/line input means wherein, for example, the FINAL SILENCE process may be used in association with the mic input means, or, alternatively, the tones (note numbers) selected from a store (data bank).

Also, in the AUTO 1 RECORD process (parallel processing) or AUTO 2 RECORD process (serial processing) of the present invention, irrespective of the note-determining method (i. e. input trigger or similar means, final silence or similar means or other) selected via 0/146 (0 = 146), when the mic recording input means is designated there is a temporary delay (e. g. gate) in the recording process which prevents unwanted initial noise or sound (s) from being recorded, such as any which might result, for example, during the operation of an input trigger or other audible means. The length of any note recorded is unaffected during playback since duration will be calculated (e. g. in Time Cents) according to the positions of data installed at the various Time Points, the installed data resulting from operation of note determining method.

Also, the invention further comprises apparatus and or means including: said programmable and or operable means 3 cooperable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user to thereby adapt said music synthesizing system to play back a or each said musical tone of one or more said sequences supplied thereto via said standardiser means or similar means and stored therein, including data of any said chords thereof while said music synthesizing system is in said automatic state of control or similarly in said non manual state of control, the automatic performance process being both co-operable and commensurate with any said automatic digital clock pulse speed or speeds thereof selected by user.

Next, operating modes and corresponding options of the invention's operating system will be explained with reference to Figs. 6a and 6b, according to embodiments. The modes and corresponding options are organised, conceptually, as shown, into two main groups, one of which relates to playing and performing, the other devoted, mainly to a set of options and to methods of operation allocated to the invention with particular regard to the creation of said sequences, enablement of apparatus and devices and also control of sound reproduction, according to embodiments. As may be seen in Fig. 6a, the general construction of the operating modes may be subdivided into three main sub classes emanating from: synthesizing mode M2 (m = 2); allocation mode M1 (m = 1); and options select M41 (m = 41), all three being accessible from an initial or original mode MO (m = 0) which automatically boots up when the invention is switched on.

The preferred arrangement and types of operating modes of said music synthesizing system with corresponding options as shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, and according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may be designated by the user via operable and or programmable means 3 for designating each specific operating state according to installed programs under command of the system memory and or control 12 and visually accessible to the user via CRT or backlit liquid crystal display 2. The principal operating modes and corresponding options which apply more generally to embodiments include those hereunder described with particular reference to Figs. 6a and 6b of the drawings, and commencing with Fig. 6a, the operating modes and coresponding options of said music synthesizing system including: an original mode (m = 0) according, for example, to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12, being an initial mode wherein an introductory welcome and or tutor program is provided which guides the user through the invention's various methods of operation and also the principles of actuation as performed by actuators of the invention. The present mode MO (m = O) may also comprise an interactive demo for practising and or previewing routines and techniques, as required; and or an option O/141 (O = 141) as shown in Figs. 6a and 6b, according to, for example, an installed program (or programs) run by the system memory and or control 12 which enables the invention's said standardiser means. As shown in Fig. 6b, after the MIC/LINE SELECT INPUT has been selected via O/142 (0 = 142) the manual inputting process may be accessed by selecting O/143 (O = 143) and the standardiser's operating state set either in the manual Mll (m = 11) or similarly non automatic mode, or, alternatively, the automatic M21 (m = 21) or similarly non manual mode. Any note (said musical tone) data "recorded"via the standardiser means (when the same is set in a manual or similarly non automatic state) is determined, entered and stored, the note data being further indicative of one or more note numbers (as previously described in Figs. 5a and 5b) for the creation of said sequences, and the said note data subsequently rendered for further processing and also eventual synthesisation in one of the invention's three performance modes which are (m = 12), (m = 22) or (O = 147); and or an option O/241 (O = 241) as shown in Fig. 6a, according, for example, to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 and accessed via M41 (m = 41) in which a user may load data (e. g. stored on machine-readable media such as CD ROM) into the invention's data memory (RAM) 5, for example, or load in data (e. g. music data) which has already been permanently stored within the invention's system memory and or control 12. When the loading process has been executed, the resulting data (e. g. corresponding to a said sequence of musical tones) may then be further processed by one of the invention's three performance modes, (m = 12), (m = 22) or (O = 147) ; and or an option O/341 (O = 341) also as shown in Fig.

6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by the system memory and or control 12 in which the user may select, write stepwise or save data (e. g. indicative of a sequence of said musical tones and or any corresponding control events) for eventual designation to one or more song locations according to the invention's destination option O/441 (O = 441) ; and or an option O/441 (O = 441) also as shown in Fig.

6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 in which a user may assign data (e. g. indicative of said musical tones and or of corresponding control events or of tones automatically generated) directly to one or more memory locations such as one or more digital recording tracks concurrent with the number of actuator means available, the data therein corresponding, for example, to a predetermined sequence of pitch frequencies (note numbers) in memory registers to be read out serially by the system command/management of the system memory and or control 12 according to the present embodiment of the invention and according to the processes and methods of actuation and or of operation (e. g. routines) relating to any of the performance modes (m = 12), (m = 22) or (0 = 147). The"destination"mode may also be used to enable and assign the invention's random generating means after the same has been programmed in its own operating area (O = 541) and (O = 542); and or a manual performance mode M12 (m = 12) as shown in Fig. 6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) wherein any assigned (i. e. assigned to the present mode) said sequence or said sequences of said music data may be actuated, stepwise, and in real time according to said First method of actuation herein explained and or according to a said First process of actuation also hereinbefore explained. The mode (m = 12) effectively converts the invention into a musical instrument allied to a mono-synthesiser via, for example, a system program (or programs) wherein the invention's overall OR logic function is switched in via the programmable and or operable means 3. Therefore, in the present mode a full monophonic performance of the said music data (i. e. data corresponding to a succession of generated tones, and or the said musical tones or said chords of any other said sequence) is achievable in real time, also according to any of the said methods and or any of the said processes of actuation and or of operation (e. g. routines) herein explained; and or an operating mode M22 (m = 22) as shown in Fig.

6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 wherein a user may perform, stepwise, and in real time, data (e. g. corresponding to several said sequences of said musical tones) such as data obtained from the previously described (O = 441)"destination"option and or from a random generating option O/542 (0 = 542) and or from a "network"option O/941 (0 = 941) and stored within the data memory (RAM) 5 or stored within a similar unit or source of another or other system (s). Also, in M22 (m = 22) the corresponding operating program (or programs) installed in the system memory and or control 12 effectively sets up the invention as a musical instrument with polyphonic sysnthesising capabilities. The corresponding program is further assigned to also enable buffers and switch in a specific grouping of logic gate circuits via programmable and or operable means 3 from an overall configuration of the such. In this mode a plurality of said First actuator means or similar means operable as required and in concurrent way or ways determined by the user is provided to play the said musical tones of a plurality of said sequences such as two or more predetermined sequences and or any said chord or chords thereof, simultaneously while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play a or each said musical tone and or a or each said chord in turn of only one said sequence such as a predetermined sequence within the overall plurality of such sequences at a timing determined by the user, via employment, for example, of any said First actuator means or similar means; and or an option O/542 (O = 542) as shown in Fig. 6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 and accessed via 0/541 (0 = 541) wherein a user may set and or specify, for example, a tonal preference which corresponds to a particular type of melodic scale or overall tonal effect (e. g. pentatonic) to be used in the random generating option (0 = 541) and or performance in the"mono play"operating mode M12 (m = 12) or the "polyphonic play"operating mode M22 (m = 22); and or an option O/941 (O = 941) as shown in Fig. 6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 and accessed via M41 (m = 41) wherein a user may interface the invention with another or others of the like, such that one of the same may play from the stored musical data of another of the same or similar. Therefore, the present option provides the means (e. g. installed program or programs) wherein, for example, an actuator means of one system set to M12 may access the data of a said sequence from an external system. Other similar processings are possible via the present option and whole systems of instruments, apparatus and or devices may be combined to produce, for example, a real time performance of a large scale musical composition; and or an operating mode M100 (m = 100) as shown in Fig. 6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12, wherein an audio DSP or similar means for providing a plurality of digital effects and or similar and or other sound characteristics such as timbres is employable as required by user; and or an operating mode M101 (m = 101) also as shown in Fig. 6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12, wherein various configurations and or types of actuator means of instrument section 1 are designated and enabled for use with the invention and according to embodiments ; and or an operating mode Mll (m = 11) as shown in Fig.

6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 which sets the invention in a manual or similarly non automatic state of operation (control) specifically for the user's further designation of any one or more compatible modes and or one or more corresponding options; and or an operating mode M21 (m = 21) as shown in Fig.

6a, for example, according to an installed program (or programs) run by system memory and or control 12 which sets the invention in an automatic or similarly non manual state of operation (control) more specifically for use in conjunction with the invention's standardiser means and or auto playback (performance), state (0-147) as shown in Fig. 6b; and or the following modes and options similarly obtainable and as shown in Fig. 6a which include: an operating mode M31 (m = 31) being indicative of the invention's"sound source"mode which enables or disables sound source hardware and or any corresponding installed program or programs ; and or an option O/641 (0 = 641) accessible via M41 (m = 41) which enables or disables the invention's digital clock (s) and or sets digital clock parameters of either an asynchronous or synchronous type; and or an option O/741 (O = 741) accessible via M41 (m = 41) which enables or disables the invention's said edit control means (relationship) or elements of it ; and or an option O/841 (O = 841) accessible via M41 (m = 41) which enables or disables the invention's edit repeater means (relationship) or elements of it; and or an option 0&num;1/2 (O = 1041) accessible via M41 (m = 41) which enables or disables both or either of inputs &num;1 and or &num;2 for use with a first &num;1 external source 8 and or a second &num;2 external source 10, respectively.

The remaining options accessible via O/141 (O = 141) for use in connection with the invention's standardiser means as shown in Fig. 6b are similarly obtainable and comprise: an option O/142 (O = 142) which provides settings of input (mic/line) types for use with 0/143, 0/144, 0/145 ; and or an option O/143 (0 = 143) which provides a manual state of operation (control) wherein external musical sounds and or data thereof may be transmitted to the invention via mic/line input thereof, especially for the creation of certain said sequences; and or an option O/144 (O = 144) wherein an AUTO 1 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) function set in either synchronous or asynchronous time, is provided for the installation of data at Time Points (e. g. via input trigger, similar means or via the employment of a final silence or similar state) and for the simultaneous "recording" (i. e. determining, entering, storing) of said musical tone data (especially pitch) via parallel processing such that the resulting data may be used to create certain said sequences of said musical tones which are subsequently used for actuation according to said method (s) and or said process or said processes of actuation, and also for actuation in automatic performance, according to embodiments; and or an option O/145 (0 = 145) wherein an AUTO 2 RECORD (i. e. determine, enter, store) function is provided such that one or more of the invention's digital clock means (synchronous/asynchronous) is enabled for use firstly during the installation of data at specific Time Points in one or more memories, followed by, for example, secondly, a separate process which comprises the installation of data such as data resulting from transmission of one or more sound waves at a timing (or at subsequent timings) determined by the user, or processes of installation (of said music data) performed vice versa; and or an option O/146 (O = 146) wherein, for example, the determining means (of a said musical tone) of the standardiser's manual inputting process may be selected from means provided which means may comprise an input trigger or similar means, or employment of a final silence, similar event or other; and or an option O/147 (O = 147) wherein an automatic playback function is provided for the automatic performance of play data created in O/144 or O/145, the said automatic performance to be executed according to synchronous or asynchronous clock time; and or an option O/148 (O = 148) for use with 0/143, O/144 or O/145 which sets the frequency range for any inputted signal (detected via mic/line input) in units such as Hz or Musical Cents (MC), the range corresponding, for example, to a soprano, alto, tenor, bass/contra bass (i. e. SATB) setting pre-selected by user.

The invention also includes apparatus for use with said music synthesizing system comprising a variety of means for actuating a or each said musical tone or said chord of a or each said sequence including the data thereof while any of the said variety of means is controlled and acted upon by user such that there is further included: a or each logic one state or concurrent state of a or each corresponding actuation step produced via operation of any such actuator means or means of actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation; or a or each logic zero state or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved via corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation by user and also according to said First method and said First process of actuation; a or each said actuator means or said means of actuation employed to achieve aspects of output actuation which aspects include: an input voltage to commensurately control the level of a corresponding output signal for primarily modulating one or more sound characteristics of said musical tones and or of any chord of said sequence or said sequences; the instigation of a signal process which triggers either of said logic one states including any concurrent state, or triggers said logic zero states including any concurrent state of a corresponding actuator mechanism such as a switch means comprising: one moveable contact fixed to a single pole; two or more contacts fixed to a single common pole, the same to move rotatably about a pivot or said pole to move otherwise; or any concurrent feature or features for enabling said switch means to achieve said logic one or said logic zero states, or any similar and or concurrent states.

Thus, the invention comprises said variety cf means principally in the form of apparatus, wherein said variety of means may more generally and or additionally comprise: any said First actuator means and or any concurrent First means of actuation co-operabie with said overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; any said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with said music synthesizing system via said programmable and or operable means 3 such that a or each said First actuator means or said First means of actuation may be operated according to any relevant said attendant method or any relevant said attendant methods of operation; and any said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with any relevant said attendant method or any relevant said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system such that the said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation for actuating a or each said musical tone and or similarly a or each said chord of one or more said sequences may be adapted to play a or each said musical tone in turn and or any said chord similarly in turn of any one or more said sequences of the said music synthesizing system at a or each timing determined by the user, according to said First method and said First process of actuation.

Therefore, apparatus of the invention includes said variety of means which comprises: one or more piano-like keys, as hereinbefore explained; and or one or more units further comprising said foot and or manual control apparatus or one or more similar means either being operable in a similar fashion to one or more piano-like keys, as employed according to the embodiments of the present invention, and similarly functional with respect to said piano-like keys; and or computer mouse means with one or more mouse buttons, for example, operable in a similar fashion to one or more piano-like keys, as employed according to embodiments of the present invention, and similarly functional with respect to said piano-like key (s), wherein, for example, each click of a button means (of said computer mouse means) actuates a said musical tone and also simultaneously queues another for next actuation such as while the corresponding mouse screen cursor (graphic symbol) is motionless upon the corresponding screen; and or said variety of means comprising one or more push buttons and or similar means, for example, operable in a similar fashion to one or more computer mouse buttons, and similarly functional, according to embodiments.

Thus, the apparatus of said variety of means further comprises one or more breath controlled means including: breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing within a tube or similar means, the moveable member or bearing comprising an electronic conductor or electromagnetic means which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or said bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic contact points of an open circuit such that the circuit is either made so as to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition or a concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit such that the circuit is made in order to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing such as an electronic conductor which is propelled via air flow action such that said first compressible means contracts against the resulting pressure established by said moveable member when the same is urged to move against the fixed said first compressible means in response to air flow from user so as to close a circuit and thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step while the circuit is made when said first compressible means contracts to thereby facilitate the completion of the circuit between said moveable member and also the fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit; or the original shape of said first compressible means becomes restored when said air flow is relinquished and corresponding said pressure ceases such that the said moveable member is urged in the opposite direction and away from said fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of said open circuit by the said first compressible means when the circuit is broken and a corresponding logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member which is itself a second compressible means being akin to a diaphragm means or similar means, which second compressible means further comprises a plurality of electromagnetic cells or sensor means held within a fragile membrane or similar means such that said second compressible means when compressed produces a voltage level which is commensurate with the strength of breath and, also, the density and also the measure of collective charge of the combined electromagnetic cells or sensor means during a or each corresponding actuation at a timing determined by the user while the commensurate voltage reaches or surpasses a specified level which triggers a logic one condition or a concurrent event or concurrent state of an output actuation step when said second compressible means is compressed in response to air pressure resulting from breath of user; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said commensurate voltage level and or corresponding level of signal is below or falls to below the said specified level such as when said second compressible means is not subject to said air pressure resulting from breath of user; and breath controlled means comprising a microphonic means which responds to sound waves especially produced when breath of user blows against or near to the detecting vicinity of said microphonic means such that a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step is triggered and both or either of a corresponding voltage level and or corresponding level of signal established when said microphonic means detects the said sound wave; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said microphonic means fails to detect said sound wave.

The apparatus of said variety of means further comprises: one or more touch detector means and or one or more ribbon control means, wherein a or each touch detection means and or a or each ribbon control means outputs, for example, a default value in the case of a condition such as a non touch condition, and thus a detection value when operated, such that, respectively, there is provided the necessary conditions for a logic 0 status (OFF) and also a logic 1 status (ON) wherein the logic 1 status triggers an actuation event. The sensitive impact (velocity) upon, for example, a linear member (length) of a ribbon control means is also outputted as a detection value in order to create a modulation of the signal such that sound characteristics including volume may be added and or controlled by user. A similar process resulting from sensitive impact (velocity) upon touch detection means produces a similar effect; and or an energy medium co-operable with attendant sensor means, wherein the detection of energy via sensor means creates a logic 1 condition, and, therefore, a detection value for the setting (ON) of an actuation mechanism (e. g. switch) or, alternatively, a default value (for OFF) when a lower energy level or no energy level is detected by sensor or similar means. The level of the input voltage (e. g. via sensor) also controls the level of the output voltage so as to create a modulation of the signal, and, therefore, of such sound characteristics as volume; and or energy media co-operable with attendant sensor means which performs similarly to an energy medium hereinbefore described; and or one or more percussion means such as one or more drum pads with beater means, wherein a or each drum pad or similar means outputs, for example, a default value in the case of a non contact condition, and a detection value when operated (e. g. via said beater means) thus, respectively, providing the necessary conditions for a logic 0 status (OFF) and also the logic 1 status (ON) for instigating a First actuation event which is concurrent with said First method and or said First process of actuation. The touch sensitive impact (velocity) upon a or each pad (e. g. via said beater means) is also outputted as a detection value in order to create a modulation of corresponding signal such that sound characteristics including volume may be added and or controlled as required by user; and or one or more mechanical means such as piston means; and or manual means such as means comprising a manually controlled electronic conductor which slides backwards or forwards past sensor means of an open circuit or past electromagnetic means or past electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit in order to make or break the same; and or manual means such as a cursor controller means and or computer mouse means; and or powered means such as electronic means in co-operation with manual means; and or electromagnetic means; and or means such as plucked means, and or, similarly, vibratible means such as a metal string or other vibratible medium or other vibratible media used so as to produce an effect of vibration which is responsible for triggering actuation events. Also, in the case of one or more piston means, the present apparatus acts, for example, as a push-to-make switch of an actuator mechanism, the ON position providing a logic 1 setting for the corresponding actuator mechanism, and the OFF position providing the condition for logic 0 status. The present means of actuation is thus operable in a similar fashion to one or more piano-like keys as employed according to embodiments of the present invention, and similarly functional with respect to any such pianolike key (s) of the invention, also in relation to the production and or control of sound characteristics, including volume; and or said plucked means and or similarly vibratible means such as a metal string or other vibratible medium or other vibratible media which creates any required state of actuation when the vibratible medium (or a part thereof) vibrates in a magnetic field, thus causing an electronic signal to be generated, which state also sets the detection value of a logic 1 (ON) condition, and a default value when vibratible medium is in a non vibrative state and a corresponding logic 0 (OFF) status achieved. The level of input voltage created (e. g. via the vibratible medium) is further responsible for the control and level of modulation of the signal, and, therefore, of such sound characteristics including volume. Concurrently, a sensor means may detect the vibrative state of a vibratible medium, and, for example, a default value may be supplied when the sensor finds no vibrative state. The level of input voltage created (e. g. via a condition of sensor means) is responsible for the level of a corresponding modulation such that sound characteristics, including volume, may be added to any one or more musical tones of said sequence (s) or added to any one or more chords thereof.

The apparatus of said variety of means further comprises means including: one or more vocal means such as a vocoder used for triggering actuation events which vocal means is optionally co-operable with one or more electronic means such as computerized means when actuating said musical tones of said sequence (s) or any one or more chords thereof; and or one or more means under rhythmic control by user to act upon any said musical tone or tones of said sequence or of said sequences stored on a or each machine readable source, such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is both fully and precisely controllable in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, any such arrangement to include one or more recording and or playback means co-operable with a or each said machine readable source such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is controllable in turn and at a or each timing determined by user.

Therefore, the apparatus of said variety of means includes means comprising any number and or combination of said First actuator means and or concurrent means of actuation or for similarly actuating a or each said musical tone and or for similarly actuating a or each said chord of said sequence or of said sequences which number and or combination may be employed by the user for use with the said music synthesizing system.

Thus, according to the present invention, the principal role of any said First actuator is to provide an input signal for an output actuation of any said musical tone such that data indicative of a or each said musical tone may be read and reproduced audibly, according to the said First method and also a said First process of actuation as described herein. The corresponding actuator (First) may itself provide the mechanism for actuation (e. g. as might be in the case of one or more piano-like keys, or, alternatively, instigate a signal which sets some other actuation device (e. g. switch) to an ON (logic 1) or OFF (logic 0) state, such as in the case of the breath controlled means as described in Fig. 11. Further, most First actuators may also control (via variable input voltage) the level of the output voltage of an output actuation such that certain sound characteristics, including volume, may be added and or controlled accordingly. Actuator types employed within embodiments of the present invention instigate a signal proces which corresponds to the example shown in Fig. 10a, wherein, according to an embodiment, the actuator mechanism 100 triggers a digital (or initially analogue) input signal 101 which proceeds along corresponding conductor. The input signal is next processed via a debounce facility (not shown), then enters, for example, an integrated circuit 102 of the system memory and or control 12 at the process stage. The outputted digital control signal along 103 next enters, for example, a digital-to-analogue process 104. The resulting outputted analogue control signal along 105 is sound processed via 106 and reproduced as an audible note at 107.

Next, an actuator mechanism of the invention will be described with reference to Figs. lOb, 10c and 10d. In most cases the actuator mechanism of the present invention is a switch, especially of the NO (normally open) SPST or SPDT variety, or some such similar means (e. g. pedal) wherein logic 1 or logic 0 states are easily achieved. Thus, there is now described, accordingly, an actuator mechanism which has been employed by the inventor for use with embodiments and for actuating said musical tones. Figs. lOb, 10c and 10d illustrate, diagrammatically, the three operative states of the present mechanism, wherein Fig. 10b shows a first logic 1 (ON) state of the actuator mechanism with a pole 1000 when, for example, a piano-like key is depressed in the direction of 146 such that the present actuator mechanism is adapted to touch the conductor at 1010 via the contact 1007 when the piano-like key is depressed. Fig. 10b further shows the position of an insulator 1030 which, when engaged, is inserted in the position shown in the drawing when, for example, its corresponding operating pedal (not shown) is depressed. Also, when the same is raised, for example, the insulator 1030 is withdrawn. Further, when the insulator 1030 is engaged (e. g. via a corresponding pedal which is adapted to insert or extricate the insulator 1030) then successive actuation events of a like may be performed such as a succession of those actuation types which correspond to a first logic state as required by the user.

Next, Fig. 10c shows a logic 0 (OFF) state of the mechanism with pole 1000 which is further adapted such that when, for example, downward pressure is being released from the piano-like key, which key rises in the direction 145, the said actuator mechanism ceases to connect with either of 1010 or 1020 via its contacts 1007 and 1009. Fig. 10d shows a second logic 1 (ON) state of the said actuator mechanism with pole 1000, when, for example, the piano-like key is released altogether such that the said actuator mechanism connects with the conductor at 1020 via contact 1009. Other types of operation (such as those which incorporate a successive though subtle or slight lowering and then subsequent return of the piano-like key) of the present said actuator mechanism are also possible. Also, the operations as shown in Figs. 10b through till 10d may further be achieved by using other more conventional switches similarly, such as a standard SPST with a single contact.

Thus, a number of breath controlled means employed by the inventor for use within the inventive framework and suitably adapted according to embodiments will now be described. Firstly, referring to Fig. 11, the flowchart illustrates a First method and a First process of actuation performed by a breath controlled means, wherein the input stage 110 of the routine assumes enablement of the breath controlled apparatus via programmable and or operable means 3 and also via the allocation mode M101 (m = 101) for enablement of actuator means (actuators). The mouthpiece of the depicted breath controlled means of Fig. 11 further comprises a microphonic means (with grille) located within the mouthpiece, the said microphonic means being of the type with diaphragm and detector, wherein the detector also comprises a small coil of wire suspended inside a magnet, and, thus, a magnetic field. At 111 a BREATH IN event (into mouthpiece against its grille or against the grille of a microphone positioned within the mouthpiece) is created, resulting in an input voltage level which is detected by a voltage reading means and or detection means at 112 in order to establish a detection value of an input signal and or corresponding input voltage. If the input voltage of a corresponding input signal created via 111 is found at 112 and or greater than"0"volts (as denoted in the drawing by"0+") the actuator mechanism (e. g. switch) in the circuit is set to logic 1 (ON) wherein, also, the system memory and or control 12 performs an actuation, for example, via First method and First process of actuation upon music data indicative of said musical tone or said musical tones stored in the data memory (RAM) 5 or stored in some other digital memory. Further, if logic 1, the data count is incremented (not shown). Also, the input voltage (inV) of a corresponding input signal sets a corresponding output voltage (outv) at 113 which is variable according to the level of the input voltage of a corresponding input signal, wherein, for example, a high level input voltage of corresponding input signal equals a corresponding high level output signal and commensurately high corresponding output voltage, and, thus, a greater amplitude, or vice versa in response to a lower level BREATH IN event at 111. Also, at 113, if the output voltage level is high (great) then volume (amplitude) level will also be high.

Also, if the input voltage level (detection value) goes from zero volts to a high level in a short time scale, or vice versa, then a velocity condition may also be achieved, and, therefore, a corresponding sound characteristic produced at the audible output stage. If the voltage level fails to produce a detection (of volts) value of a corresponding input signal at any stage, a default value is found and the routine carries through till 114, wherein a gate condition may quickly be executed. Also, at 114, when the input voltage level of corresponding input signal falls to zero (or lower) the actuation mechanism (e. g. switch) is set to logic zero (OFF) and the routine ended at 115. A new actuation event is commenced when the routine of Fig. 11 is resumed after 110.

Further, according to the present breath controlled apparatus, the microphonic (or similar) means located within the mouthpiece of the present breath controlled means is positioned in close proximity to the user's lips (though, recommendably, no contact is made between the same and the mic at any stage) in order to facilitate the voltage detection process.

The routine as shown in Fig. 11 is also applicable to a Second process of actuation (later explained with reference to drawing) wherein, instead of actuating said musical tones according to said First method and a said First process of actuation, the present apparatus could, alternatively, be used to control the signal process of a Second method and or a Second process of actuation, later explained in detail, hereinafter.

Although the breath controlled means of Fig. 11 is the preferred example of a breath controlled means for use with the invention, three other examples of actuator types (including two other breath controlled means) have been developed by the inventor for use with embodiments, according to the present invention, wherein an electromechanical feature comprising a moveable bearing (e. g. electronic conductor) is guided backwards or forwards past the fixed position of one or more electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit in order to further provide either a logic 1 (ON) or logic 0 (OFF) switch status. For example, Fig. 12a shows a moveable bearing of a breath controlled means described hereinbefore, wherein the walls 120 and 121 of a hollow tube (shown in section) provide an airway for the metal (or metal plated) ball (being an electronic conductor) bearing 126 to move through and backwards and forwards between wedges 124 and 125 (also shown in section) which wedges may be formed from a shock absorbing material such as rubber. The ball bearing 126 is propelled backwards or forwards via breath control in either of direction 127 or 128 respectively, when either of an air blowing (129) or air drawing (suction) 1290 action is performed by user, via a mouthpiece (not shown). As the ball bearing 126 is propelled backwards or forwards in an alternating fashion according to the directions 127 or 128, it is toggled between two vertical pairs of electronic or electro-magnetic points (or about just one pair or about just one electronic or electromagnetic point) in the circuit which are fixed at positions 122 and 1220 and also at positions 123 and 1230. Whenever the ball bearing 126 is propelled (via breath control) in the direction 127 and against wedge 124 to be at a first home position 1200, the moveable bearing 126 completes the circuit between 122 and 1220, and therefore the invention's said system command (not shown) instructed to execute an actuation event, according to a said First method and also according to a said First process of actuation. Similarly, when the ball bearing 126 is propelled (via breath control) in the direction 128 till stopped against wedge 125 to be at a second home position 1210 such that the circuit between 123 and also 1230 is completed and the invention's said system command (not shown) instructed to execute an actuation event, according to a said First method and also according to a said First process of actuation. When either circuit is thus completed, the present breath controlled apparatus sets a logic 1 (ON) condition. Also, when the ball bearing 126 is away from either of a first or second home position 1200 or 1210, the present breath controlled apparatus sets a logic 0 (OFF) condition.

Further, as long as the ball bearing 126 is held in contact between the electronic or electro-magnetic points of either home position and via breath control, any actuated musical tone (or chord of said musical tones) of a said sequence may be sustained for that duration.

Additionally, control of volume may be provided, for example, via the fingered operation of two push buttons (not shown) or of similar means upon 120 and or 121 ; the first push button, for example, used to increase and or decrease volume and or level of some other sound characteristic, the second employed, perhaps, to switch volume OFF or ON, as required by the user.

Further, according to the present example of a breath controlled means, the propulsion of the ball bearing 126 may be performed irrespective of the normal breathing cycle, since the technique employed (within the present example) is more akin to the breath controlled processes of drawing in or draining out (via blowing) for example, liquid through a drinking straw.

In another example of a breath controlled means for use with embodiments especially developed by the inventor, a second example of a moveable bearing (electronic conductor) will be further explained, firstly, with reference to Fig. 12c, wherein the moveable bearing 126 is represented in the form of a ring plate with central grille section 1260 provided such that a measure of air from the supply 129 as shown in Fig. 12b, is permitted to pass through in order to counter the less controllable effects of an air block. Fig. 12c also shows the positions (broken lines) of pin 1201 (not shown in Fig. 12b) and pin 1202 (not shown in Fig. 12b) fixed to 120 and also the positions of pin 1211 (not shown in Fig. 12b) and pin 1212 (not shown in Fig. 12b) fixed in 121, all of which hold the moveable bearing 126 in place firmly against the compressible means 1261 as shown in Fig. 12b. Therefore, next, referring to Fig. 12b, the compressible means 1261 (which might be constructed from a soft sponge-like material or similar with like properties being able to contract and let through a measure of air such as from 129) contracts in the direction of 128 and against wedges 124 and 125 as the moveable bearing 126 is forced back (via contraction of compressible means 1261) to be aligned as in a home position with the electronic or electro-magnetic points (or just one pair or just one electronic or electromagnetic point) fixed at positions 123 and 1230, such that the circuit is made and, therefore, the invention's said system command (not shown) instructed to execute an actuation event, according to a said First method and also a said First process of actuation. If the air supply 129 is maintained at the appropriate pressure, then the circuit is retained in the logic 1 (ON) state. Also, when air pressure from 129 is reduced, the compressible means 1261 displaces the moveable bearing 126 from its home position and according to the direction 127 in order to break the circuit produced via the alignment of 123 and 1230 (or via other concurrent arrangement) thereby setting a logic 0 (OFF) condition. The moveable bearing (electronic or electro-magnetic conductor) 126 and also the compressible means 1261 are replaceable components. As in Fig. 12a, the present example of a breath controlled means may further be provided with two push buttons (not shown) or similar means located upon 120 and or 121, wherein, also according to the present example, the first push button or similar means may be employed, perhaps, to increase or decrease volume and or the level and or modulation of some other sound characteristic (s), the second push button employed, perhaps, to switch volume OFF or ON, as required by user.

A further example of the moveable bearing (electronic or electro-magnetic conductor) principle applicable to the invention and for use with embodiments is shown in Fig. 13, wherein the moveable bearing 126 is manually slid backwards or forwards in the direction of either 127 or 128 via, for example, an attached implement (not shown) which is also an insulated means, past, for example, a vertical alignment of electronic or electromagnetic points (or past one pair or past just one electronic or electromagnetic point) fixed at the positions 123 and 1230 to be at a home position and in order to complete a circuit so as to thereby achieve a logic 1 (ON) condition of an actuation event, or, alternatively, achieve a logic 0 (OFF) condition in order to end an actuation event, wherein the circuit is broken.

Thus, the moveable bearing 126 produces the same outcomes as in Figs. 12a and 12b. Again, the present example is supplemented by the provision of two push buttons (not shown) or similar means located upon 120 and or 121; the first push button may be used to increase volume level or modulate some other sound characteristic (s) and the second push button (or similar means) used, for example, to switch ON or OFF a note sustain event at the same time an output actuation of a musical tone is triggered in response to a closed circuit condition when moveable bearing 126 reaches home position.

Generally, all actuators (either First or Second) for use with the invention provide input signals and, therefore, also corresponding input voltages which provide, in turn, a logic 1 (ON status if voltage present) or a logic 0 (OFF status and or default value assigned if no detection of voltage or no detection value, or voltage level below that required for the setting of ON) state, either directly, or via a voltage reading means or some other detector means, wherein a detection value (e. g. of voltage) is employed as part of the signal process. However, in the case of a First actuator or First means of actuation, the variable control level of sound characteristics such as volume, for example, are directly relative to the variable input level of voltage in the circuit. Also, in some First actuators (or similar means) an outputted detection value (e. g. via a velocity condition) may provide the means required to modulate the level of one or more sound characteristics during an output actuation process of a said musical tone. Further, a Second actuator (i. e. an actuator or similar means which performs an actuation according to a said Second method and or a said Second process of actuation) may either control one or more sound characteristics, usually via a logic 1 (ON) or logic 0 (OFF) function, or provide (or end) an input signal of an output actuation. The said Second process of actuation along with any Second methods of actuation will be explained later, with reference to drawings and according to embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention further comprises characteristics including assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of said music synthesizing system comprising: a process wherein a or each said musical tone or said chord of said sequence is controlled in turn and at a or each timing determined by user or users via actuators equipped with both separate and independent control of a or each said musical tone or said chord of same said sequence such that each actuator which is concurrent with said actuator means such as said actuator means of corresponding same said sequence performs both separate and independent actuation steps upon same and or upon same audible said musical tones of same said sequence, including when control via each said actuator means thereof co-operates with different control events or similar data of any said musical tone or of any said chord of corresponding said sequence; s first select means of said music synthesizing system used for performing the function of assigning both or either of a corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation to one or more means including: one or more corresponding sound processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means; and or one or more corresponding signal processing means or concurrent means which may include one or more digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means as required, or said first select means used for assigning sound process or signal process to corresponding said means of actuation or to corresponding said actuation means, while the arrangement of both or either of corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation is also co-operable with means comprising: one or more corresponding said sound processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means ; and or one or more corresponding said signal processing means or concurrent means which may include one or more said digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of said sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means during a or each actuation of one or more said musical tones of said sequence or of said sequences including any said chords thereof, while any such actuation step may also comprise: a or each corresponding sound effect designated by user; and or a or each corresponding tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform and or similar sound characteristic designated by user; and or a or each corresponding sound FX group designated by user; and or a or each corresponding group of said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar characteristics designated by user; and or one or more concurrent signal and or sound processes and or any one or more concurrent digital signal processes via means further comprising: a or each corresponding said sound processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said signal processing means designated by user including any concurrent said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said concurrent means designated by user.

Also the invention comprises assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means, wherein a second select means of said music synthesizing system is provided for performing the function of assigning any corresponding said actuator means or any corresponding said means of actuation to one or more corresponding voice programs or vice versa while each said voice program such as preset voice is designated by user such that a or each said voice program designated by user via said second select means is included in any concurrent sound process of any concurrent and corresponding actuation step.

The present invention also comprises assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means further comprising one or more local control means of said music synthesizing system, wherein said local control means or control is assignable to both or either of corresponding g said actuator means and or to corresponding said means of actuation via means such as programmable means while on-off means or similar means located on means such as corresponding said actuator means or located elsewhere enables or disables a function of said music synthesizing system which function thereby permits corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation to take over control of said musical tone or of said musical tones including said chords of a or each said sequence so as to gain local control or control of a or each same said sequence either initially, including after a power on step or after a preceding actuation step such as the same via any other said actuator means equipped with said local control or control of a or each said same sequence or via any other said means of actuation such as by means of actuation equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence, or via any other said means of actuation such that during any concurrent actuation said local control or control commences from same or next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding same or next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of a or each same said sequence or commences from same or next queued and or unprocessed chord thereof while a or each said same or said next or other queued and or other unprocessed or other processed musical tone of a or each same said sequence is to be played in turn and at a timing determined by the user either via any corresponding said actuator means equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence or via any other concurrent and corresponding said means of actuation equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence; or said local control or control may be shared between actuators, such as when one said actuator means accesses directly the said music data of another, including any parameters and or settings thereof; and also assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means, wherein any number of said actuator means and or any number of said means of actuation is equipped with corresponding number of said local control means or control means while said actuator means and or said means of actuation may comprise and or produce certain actuation characteristics such as various types of velocity events during an actuation of any said musical tone or said tones or any said chords thereof which velocity events include: one or more breath controlled velocity events and or concurrent events; one or more keyed velocity events and or concurrent events ; or one or more other similar and or concurrent velocity events and or other concurrent events any of which velocity steps and or concurrent events are co-operable with programmable parameters of said music synthesizing system which programmable parameterscomprise: any corresponding ADSR parameters; and or any corresponding EG parameters; and or any similar and or other concurrent programmable parameters and or settings while said velocity events and or said programmable parameters and or programmable settings are further co-operable with such features of the said music synthesizing system including: characteristics related to signal processing, sound processing and or sound reproduction means of said music synthesizing system; and or said local control or control of said musical tones and or similarly said chords of said sequence or of said same sequences such that said velocity events and or said programmable parameters and or said programmable settings are further co-operable with such features of said music synthesizing system including: one or more types of said sound FX designated by user; and or one or more said sound FX groups designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processes designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processes designated by user which may include any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processing means designated by user which may include any said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user when any said voice program corresponds to said preset voice designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics designated by user.

Also, the present invention comprises assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means, wherein said local control means or control of both or either of corresponding said actuation means and or corresponding said means of actuation co-operable with any corresponding said first and or said second select means and or said programmable means is provided to co-operate with control characteristics of said music synthesizing system as required or vice versa while said control characteristics include: any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound effect is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound process and or corresponding g said signal process and or corresponding said digital signal process and or corresponding similar process is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each said corresponding said sound FX group is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said voice program is designated by user.

Also the invention includes assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means including : a or each said actuator means and or a or each said means of actuation both or either assigned and or enabled with said local control or control of such features of said music synthesizing system further comprising: any one or more said sound FX designated by user; and or any one or more said sound FX groups designated by user; and or any one or more said digital processes designated by user including any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or any similar sound characteristics designated by user for use in any concurrent actuation of same said sequence or of said sequence or of said sequences when means such as said programmable means has been programmed as required by user to predetermine any co-operation between said local control or control of said music synthesizing system and any corresponding control characteristics of a or each output actuation thereof, including any described herein; sound processing means comprising means for creating and or generating said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics; said signal and or said sound processing means s including: said digital signal processing means; and or any other contrasting and or user-modifiable means of sound and or signal processing; and or any other concurrent sound and or signal processing arrangement of said music synthesizing system including any concurrent digital signal processing arrangement thereof; and or a combination of both of a sound processing arrangement and also a signal processing arrangement assigned via means such as said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also a process of sound reproduction provided for use with said music synthesizing system according to embodiments, wherein, conceptually, both and or either of the input signal and or corresponding output signal (separately or together referred to hereinafter as the original signal) of an output actuation and or the control of said original signal are rendered as separate sub processes to be performed independently via, for example, a Second method of actuation which often employs two different actuators (any such actuator of said musical tones being a Second actuator to correspond with either a Second method and or a Second Process of actuation) while each actuator performs a specific sub process. In the said First process of actuation, the original signal (conceptually"A") of an output actuation and the control (conceptually"B") of a said original signal are both performed via a said First method of actuation, and via the employment of one and the same said First actuator means or similar means of actuation.

Therefore, conceptually, and with reference to Fig.

16a of the drawings, the said First process of a First actuator may be represented as AB 160. However, since the original signal and control of a Second process are considered as separate sub processes, each performed independently, for example, by different actuators (called Second actuators), the relationship between the two sub processes may be represented, conceptually, as"a"162 and "b"164. Further, any said original signal of a first sub process type such as al 166 or a2 167 (as explained herein later) may remain unprocessed until an intervention from a different source such as a second sub process type bl 168 or b2 169 (as explained herein later) is acted upon the said original signal of a first sub process"a"162.

With reference to the drawings of Figs. 16a and Fig.

16b, a subdivision of said First process of actuation AB 160 as shown in Fig. 16a amounts to the creation of said Second process of actuation which comprises: a first sub process type as shown in Fig. 16a and Fig. 16b, according to said Second process of actuation, and being conceptually al 166 which comprises a said original signal (dry) to be controlled by same actuator (initial controller) or same actuation means (e. g. initial controller/s) so as to perform mainly SIGNAL ON, SUSTAIN or SIGNAL OFF events of corresponding output actuations. However, other sound characteristics such as velocity may also be performed via same actuator (initial controller) or via same actuator means (e. g. initial controller/s). The original signal of al 166 may also be patched through to external FX apparatus and or devices and processed accordingly. Further, the said original signal of al 166 may be set to either of an audible or inaudible state via the interruption of another said Second process such as a second sub process"b"164 performed via a secondary controller which secondary controller curtails, facilitates or articulates (acts upon e. g. modulates) the said original signal al 166; another first sub process of actuation as shown in Fig. 16a and also Fig. 16b, according to said Second process of actuation, and being conceptually a2 167 which comprises a processed (e. g. via sound FX) said original signal a2 167 having two states, the first being inaudible due to an intervention via another said second sub process such as a second sub process"b"164 performed via a said secondary controller, wherein the said original signal a2 167 is curtailed via the logic 0 (OFF) setting of a device such as a CMOS switch (4066) or other concurrent means of a said second sub process"b"164, such as, conceptually, bl 168 as shown in the drawings 16a and 16b, which is included as part of the circuit, though in a position prior to the audible sound reproduction stage, while bl 168 triggers no sound effect (s)/algorithm/s (user-modified or other) to further act upon a2 167 though bl 168 may be used to modulate the said original signal a2 167 and or any corresponding sound characteristic (s) thereof; the second state of a2 167 is an audible state, achieved when said CMOS switch (4066) or other concurrent means of said second sub process, conceptually bl 168 is set to logic 1 (ON) in order to facilitate the said original signal of, for example, a2 167 while, again, no sound effect (s)/algorithm/s (user-modified or other) would be triggered by bl 168 to further act upon a2 167 though bl 168 may be used to modulate the said original signal of a2 167 and or any corresponding sound characteristics thereof; a second sub process of actuation"b"164 as shown in Figs. 16a and 16b, according to said Second process of actuation, and being conceptually b2 169 which may trigger (e. g. via Second actuator such as a secondary controller) any designated sound effect (s)/algorithm/s, user-modified or other, in order to further act upon the said original signal of al 166 (and or a2 167) and or modulate the said original signal of al 166 (and or a2 167). However, the second sub process type b2 169 may be curtailed and so become inaudible whenever the source of the said original signal is set to logic 0 via a first sub process"a"162, including via a first sub process type al 166 or via a first sub process type a2 167.

Also, with reference to Figs. 16a and 16b, both or either of the sub process types bl i68 and or b2 169 may be acted upon AB 160 of said First process of actuation, in any way or in any ways concurrent with any hereinbefore described.

Thus, there is also created a said second method of actuation, wherein a Second actuator means performs said second sub process type bl 168 or said second sub process type b2 169 upon the said original signal of an output actuation of corresponding said First actuator means so as to further articulate and control the sounded output actuation of the said First actuator means.

Therefore, more generally, the invention comprises assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means further including: an original signal which is an inputted signal of a corresponding actuator means or of a corresponding means of actuation; or said original signal comprising both or either of an inputted signal and or an outputted signal of same corresponding said actuator means or of same corresponding said means of actuation which original signal may be set in either of a SIGNAL ON state or SIGNAL OFF state by corresponding said means of actuation or similar means while said original signal is in concept an initial signal which may be acted upon by other signals or impulses from any other concurrent means included in said music synthesizing system; a process of actuation for use with said music synthesizing system, wherein there is created a subdivision of the said First process of actuation in order to establish, therefore, the creation of a Second process of actuation especially for use by two or more performers, which Second process further comprises: a first sub process"a"162 of a said Second process of actuation which comprises: a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or of a corresponding said means of actuation being initially non audible or remaining non audible until intervention from another source and or from other corresponding said signal process; and or a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation being initially audible or remaining audible due to said intervention from another source and or from other said signal process; and or a said original signal either of a said First method and a said First process or of a said Second process which original signal is instigated via corresponding said actuator means operable by user, or instigated via corresponding said means of actuation operable by user which original signal is produced while the same corresponding said actuator means or same corresponding said means of actuation or other means instructs control either to remain co-operable with any control event of corresponding said musical tone or similarly said chord via operation of hold function or similar means, or hold function is released such that control may be instructed either to step through said sequence to any next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of said sequence or said chord thereof at a timing determined by user such that any of the said next queued and or unprocessed control events of corresponding unprocessed said musical tones including a or each said chord of said sequence may be actuated either audibly or non audibly at a timing determined by user after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step; or the same corresponding said actuator means or same corresponding said means of actuation instructs control to step through said sequence similarly to the said next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding said next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of said sequence at a timing determined by user such that a or each said next queued and or unprocessed control event of corresponding unprocessed said musical tone or said chord in the said sequence may be actuated either audibly or non audibly in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, including after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step; and or said original signal controlled during either of each non audible step or during each audibly actuated step via said actuator means or similarly via said means of actuation when said original signal is controlled according to SIGNAL ON or SIGNAL OFF states and also according to any optional ones of certain actuation and or sound characteristics including velocity; and also assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means further comprising : a second sub process"b"164 of said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation operable by the user, which serves to provide said intervention and thereby act upon a first sub process of said Second process of actuation and similarly act upon any said original signal of corresponding said first sub process of said Second process of actuation such that characteristics mainly of time initially under control via a said first sub process of a said Second process of actuation may be further controlled via a separate said second sub process type (e. g. bl or b2) of said Second process of actuation according to dynamics including silence, and or timbre and or frequency and or time; and a or each Second method of actuation comprising both of a or each said first sub process type of actuation and or a or each said second sub process type of actuation wherein said Second actuator means performs either of an audible or a non-audible said second sub process of actuation upon a said first sub process of actuation such that the said second sub process of actuation acts upon and articulates or further articulates the output actuation of said first sub process to produce an audible or non audible output actuation; or another said Second method of actuation to correspond with said first sub process and or said second sub process of actuation, wherein a said Second actuator means performs only an audible said second sub process upon the output actuation of said First actuator means in order to further articulate and control a or each audible output actuation of the said First actuator means or of another said First means of actuation; and also assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means further comprising: said first sub process to correspond with both of a said Second method and said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said Second actuator means, the corresponding said Second actuator means or similar means being an initial control means to thereby instigate a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation at a timing determined by user such that a or each corresponding actuated said musical tone of said sequence or of said sequences or any chord thereof may be further controlled and or articulated via one or more other actuators, audibly or otherwise, while same said original signal is controlled according to characteristics of mainly time via the said initial control means and or controlled via one or more functions of the said initial control means and or other means, such as by a hold function or other similar function also of the said music synthesizing system; said second sub process of corresponding said Second process of actuation performed by a said Second actuator means, said Second actuator means of corresponding said Second process being a secondary control means to thereby further articulate audibly, or otherwise, any said musical tone of said sequence and or any said chords thereof and or articulate one or more sound characteristics of a or each corresponding output actuation, and or articulate mainly dynamics including silence and or timbre and or frequency and or time, and or articulate changes to the said original signal, and or articulate any other said signal process and or said sound process thereof; said first sub process of said Second process of actuation adapted to co-operate with said second sub process of said Second process of actuation or vice versa such that said second sub process performs upon any one or more actuated said musical tones for as long or approximately for as long as the same are in actuation, or for as long as required; and or means such as said programmable and or operable means 3 or similar means operable and adapted to designate any concurrent operating process or processes of the said music synthesizing system as required so as to adapt the signal process of said initial control means to co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, and or adapt the signal process of said First actuator means to thereby co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, such that any changes to a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation, and or any changes to the signal process and or sound process of a or each corresponding output actuation of a or each said musical tone may be achieved according to any said process or said processes, either directly, which is by direct modulation or by similar process performed via any said Second actuator means and including by any other concurrent means of actuation, or, indirectly, including via control of an actuator mechanism such as a switch by any said Second actuator means or concurrent means of actuation.

Therefore, the various sub process types mentioned hereinbefore may be represented, conceptually, in various configurations which include : al + bl al + b2 a2 + bl a2 + b2 AB + bl AB + b2 Also, the following Second methods are therefore available, according to the present invention which Second methods include: al performed upon bl bl performed upon al a2 performed upon bl bl performed upon a2 bl performed upon AB b2 performed upon AB Thus, the Second methods hereinbefore described, according to both of the said first sub process and the said second sub process of actuation are herein provided in order to facilitate another object of the present invention, wherein two or more users (performers) may play (control) independently, a or each sound characteristic of any output actuation and also the corresponding signal of a or each said musical tone at a timing or at timings determined by each user or player (when, more usually, such sound characteristics performed on one musical instrument are controlled simultaneously by just one player or user) while, for example, each said sub process is the performance responsibility of a single player or user when a or each said sub process is carried out via the employment of corresponding said Second actuator (s) and or said Second actuator means.

Next, Fig. 17a shows, in concept, a typical visual display of a local control arrangement for a corresponding actuator means of said musical tones. Numerals 170-178 show, by way of example, the local control status (ON/OFF) of five parameters (1700-1780) assignable to such an actuator means, wherein there comprises: The selection L/ON 170 (as opposed to L/OFF) which enables the invention's DSP as shown in the display window 1700 where, for example, MIDI channel six has been selected as the MIDI receiving channel for corresponding algorithm; selection L/ON 172 (as opposed to L/OFF) which enables a specific preset voice or preset multi voice as shown in the display window 1720, where, for example, MIDI channel 2 has been selected as the MIDI receiving channel for a corresponding program; selection L/ON 174 (as opposed to L/ON) which disables the invention's bank of timbre types by way of a zero selection (MIDI receive channel) as shown in the display window 1740, which means that, for example, there is a default setting for the preset voice designation; selection L/ON 176 (as opposed to L/OFF) which enables the signal process a2 for the present actuator, as shown in the window 1760; selection L/ON 178 which sets the status (e. g. via MIDI channel) of the actuator to that of a said First actuator as opposed to a said Second actuator (initial controller or secondary controller) in the present example; and the L/ON 178 setting of the present actuator further equips the same with local control over any other actuator (or any other actuator's parameters assigned to corresponding local control) when the present actuator is in operation.

Fig. 17b depicts, also conceptually, three piano-like keys (K171, K173, K175) set in an OR logic function with a common conductor 179 which carries any output signal of an output actuation resulting from operation of K171, K173 or K175. Moreover, each key is assigned with a corresponding timbre type. If, for example, the overall preset voice setting is that of"vocoder", then TT1 (Timbre Type 1) 171 might correspond to a vocal"oooh"sound, TT2 (Timbre Type 2) 173 might correspond to a vocal"eee"sound and TT3 (Timbre Type 3) 175 might correspond to an"ay"sound.

Thus, each piano-like key controls, for example, a contrasting tone colour (timbre) of the overall"vocoder" preset, or of any other preset voice (s) selected by user.

Therefore, the invention further comprises various types of apparatus and or corresponding means, according to any said Second process or said Second method for use with embodiments of the invention, which types of apparatus and or corresponding means are employed, principally, to supply a said original signal for the instigation of an actuation event, or employed to supply an original signal (ON/OFF) which (directly or otherwise) queues a or each next musical tone in turn of a said sequence for actuation at a timing determined by user, or employed to enable and control or disable certain sound effects and or signal processes, and or employed to modulate the original signals of other actuators. Thus, the invention comprises apparatus and or corresponding means mainly according to the said Second process of actuation for actuating said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences, which said apparatus and or corresponding means further comprises any of a variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding Second means of actuation to instigate and or further control a or each said musical tone or said chord similarly in turn of a or each said sequence or a part thereof while a or each said musical tone is controlled at a or each timing determined by user, or a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof similarly controlled, any said musical tone and or said chords further controlled according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency as determined by user, which variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding said Second means of actuation further includes: said breath controlled means and or similar means; and or said foot and or manual control apparatus or similar means; and or said mechanical means; and or said manual means; and or said cursor controller means of said computer mouse means; and or said vibratible means; and or said sensor means; and or said powered means; and or said percussion means ; and or said piston means; and or said touch detector means; and or said ribbon control means; and or said energy medium with said sensor means or said energy media with one or more said sensor means.

The invention also includes apparatus and or corresponding means wherein any number and or any combination of the preceding said Second actuator means and or any other similar means is provided to thereby enable characteristics such as touch sensitivity and or vibrato and or aftertouch to be added selectively to any said musical tone of a said sequence and also controlled as required, and or added selectively to any said chord thereof by the user and also controlled as required; and, additionally, any preceding said Second actuator means or any other concurrent means employed to directly modulate a or each sound characteristic and or similarly process a or each said original signal or instigate a said original signal of an output actuation, the said variety of means further comprising said Second actuator means and or said Second means of actuation to further include: orchestral bowing means to be played by the user via method of manipulation more usually comprising mainly alternating up bow and down bow movements of a bowing means such as an electromagnetic bowing means across and upon a length such as an electromagnetic length so as to further control the actuation of any said musical tone in turn or said chord in turn of any said sequence at a or each timing determined by the user and according to said Second method and said Second process of actuation ; or said orchestral bowing means may be employed for use within the said music synthesizing system as both or either of a said First means of actuation and or a said Second means of actuation; and or compressible means co-operable with any one or more apparatus and or devices of said orchestral bowing means, which compressible means is either designated to control a or each said musical tone of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user, or designated to control a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user and according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency (pitch) when a said compressible means is acted upon by the user; or a said compressible means may be designated to control one or more sound characteristics, including volume; and or first and second push buttons of said orchestral bowing means which first and second push buttons are operable at timings determined by the user and provided to thereby instigate and or sustain, or articulate, or, fully actuate each said musical tone in turn or each said chord in turn of any said sequence according to the concurrent number of output actuations of a or each said push button operable at a or each timing determined by the user; or said first push button or said second push button designated to articulate modulation of the pitch of any said musical tone or of any said chord similarly and as required and or in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user while said second push button or said first push button is designated to articulate a legato effect of any said musical tone as required and or articulate similarly any said chord as required in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user; and or an arrangement wherein output actuations of corresponding said first and or said second push buttons and or of corresponding said compressible means of said orchestral bowing means are adapted to co-operate with each other via communication means such as communication I/F means of said music synthesizing system and according to designation via said programmable and or operable means 3; and or one or more said push buttons and or one or more computer mouse buttons of one or more mouse control (computer mouse) means to thereby instigate and sustain and or articulate a or each said musical tone in turn and or a or each said chord similarly and in turn of a or each said sequence such as at a timing determined by user according to corresponding number of said original signals for triggering a or each output actuation as produced via a or each said push button or similar means at a or each timing determined by the user.

An example of an actuator type specifically developed by the inventor for use with embodiments will now be explained, firstly, with reference to Fig. 14a, wherein the actuation process of an orchestral bowing means is represented by the co-operation between two electromagnetic means. The first represented by an"x"axis 140 which comprises, for example, a linear member (electromagnetic length) with a fixed alignment of electromagnetic cells in close proximity, the alignment also corresponding to co-ordinate positions. The Second electromagnetic means, represented by the axis"y"142 is a bowing implement (electromagnetic bowing means) to be manipulated somewhat like a violin bow"up"145 and"down" 146 as shown in the drawing (Fig. 14a) and in contact with the linear member (electromagnetic length) as represented by 140. The bowing implement (as represented by 142) also comprises a fixed alignment of electromagnetic cells in close proximity, further corresponding to co-ordinate positions of"y"142. As the bowing implement is moved upward 145 across and in contact with the length"x"140 the detection value (given in co-ordinates) is assigned, for example, a"positive"reading, or a reading that progresses, for example, toward the"positive". Similarly, as the bowing implement 142 is drawn downward 146 over and in contact with the length"x"140 the detection value (given in co-ordinates) is assigned a"negative"reading, or a reading that progresses, for example, toward the "negative."Thus, the overall positive detection value and also the overall negative detection value both provide two alternative conditions required for setting a logic 1 (ON) status for actuation according to, for example, a First method and also a First process of actuation. When operating the bowing implement 142, a logic 0 (OFF) status is achieved at any time the bowing implement 142 is perceived as stationary, especially for that fraction of a second in between bowing which is a bowing in-action when, for example, the direction of a bowing action 146 is about to change to that of 145, or vice versa, which bowing inaction is further subject to time settings and conditions so as to facilitate the control thereof.

Fig. 14b represents an up bow event achieved via movement 145, and Fig. 14c represents a down bow event achieved via movement 146. A sustained note event may be achieved by moving the bowing implement 142 against 140 in the direction of either 145 or 146 for a protracted duration. Also, a velocity effect may be achieved via rapid modulation wherein multiple detection values (e. g. in coordinates) are outputted in a short period of time. The overall volume of the present example may be controlled, for example, via operation of one or more push buttons or similar means. Further, one or more push buttons (or similar means) may also be used to control one or more other sound characteristics, especially those which correspond to sounds specifically associated with those produced on a violin or other similarly related instrument.

Fig. 15 of the drawings illustrates, conceptually, a number of hypothetical playing positions of a bowing implement 142 across and in contact with length"x"140, the positions relative to numerals 1420,1421,1422,1423 which may occur during operation. Such playing positions should not effect the switching conditions 145 and 146 since, generally the bowing movements upon and across length 140 will, to a lesser or greater extent, produce, for example, the positive or negative detection values needed to achieve an actuation event. However, it may be seen that such bowing movements would produce a variety of co-ordinate readings, each concurring with (or resembling) a certain overall algorithm. Therefore, each reading may correspond, characteristically, or at ieast in part thereof to one of the algorithms of the said orchestral bowing means which further corresponds to a certain sound characteristic. Also, when the bowing implement 142 is removed from contact with 140, a default value is outputted and a logic 0 (OFF) status set. Thus, it is further possible to play (actuate) notes using a col legno technique.

Thus, the orchestral bowing means, which comprises both of a length 140 (electromagnetic length) and also a bowing implement 142 (electromagnetic bowing means) is a co-ordinate detecting apparatus which outputs a co-ordinate flow of data (such as a scrolled list) including, or, alternatively, outputs a static (stationary) detection value (default), for example, between positive (+) and negative (-) values such as between direction changes 145 and 146 or vice versa, of the bowing implement 142 or when no contact between 140 and 142 occurs.

Next, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the overall functional relationship between units comprising electromagnetic bowing means, electromagnetic length and compressible means of an orchestral bowing means, a system memory and or control, sound processing and sound reproduction at the output stage, and also units of same orchestral bowing means further comprising the outputs of a first and a second push button means will now be described, with reference to Fig.

18 of the drawings, wherein both of an electromagnetic length 140 and also an electromagnetic bowing means 142 of an orchestral bowing means enabled via M101 (m = 101) are adapted to co-operate electromagnetically in order to provide separate output signals 1406 and 1426 respectively, which are inputted into a co-ordinate-detecting area (not shown) of the system memory and or control 12 via the communication I/F 9 or similar means, the output signals 1408 and 1428 (corresponding to outputs 1406 and 1426) also giving outputted values for co-ordinates"x"and"y" respectively. The corresponding output signal is then sound processed at 180 by the invention's sound processing 180 and in accordance with, for example, a process instigated via a first push button 183 in order to add and or control a sound characteristic of an output actuation, also in accordance with a process instigated via a second push button 186 in order to add and or control a second sound characteristic of the output actuation, and, further, in accordance with a process instigated via compressible means 189 to add (and or control) a third sound characteristic to the effect of an output actuation of musical tones.

Therefore, the invention further comprises apparatus and or corresponding means wherein any number and or any combination of said means includes any of said variety and or further includes any number of the preceding said Second actuator means or concurrent means operable by the user which may be assigned via the relevant adaptation of means such as via said programmable and or operable means 3 also corresponding to said attendant method or methods of operation designated from the said operating system via said programmable and or operable means 3 such that any of the said number and or any of the said combination of said actuator means and or any of the said means of actuation may be assigned to thereby control a or each said musical tone in turn at a timing or at timings determined by user, including any said chord of any said sequence or of any said sequences similarly and or according to a said Second method and said Second process of actuation, or according to any other concurrent method and or process thereof.

The invention also comprises electronic apparatus for use as said music synthesizing system, wherein a sub system is provided which further comprises a hand held section or peripheral unit of one or more said First actuator means and or one or more said Second actuator means to thereby control any said musical tone in turn and or similarly any said chord in turn of one or more said sequences at a timing or at timings determined by user, and according to any said method or any said methods of actuation and or according to any said process or any said processes of actuation; and wherein a main system is provided which comprises apparatus and or devices including a sound source and also means mainly for the generation and or storage and or reproduction of music data indicative of one or more said sequences of said musical tones and or similarly said chords to be played according to any said methods of actuation and or according to any said processes of actuation; and electronic apparatus wherein a said sub system in the form of an overlay means and or a console means and or a unit means is provided for interfacing with a computer or computer system or computerised means, while the computer or computer system or computerised means provides the said main system to be adapted mainly or partly by computer software so as to enable computer or computer system or computerised means to perform as said main system in order to generate and or store data indicative of said musical tones and or similarly said chords of one or more said sequences to be played according to any said method or said methods of actuation and or to be played according to any one or more said processes of actuation, while computer software and or hardware is provided to adapt both of the said sub system and also the said main system as required.

There is now shown a block diagram in Fig. 19 of the drawings which illustrates, conceptually, an arrangement and functional relationship between a main system of the invention and also a sub system of the invention, according to an embodiment, wherein the sub system 190 represents a hand held peripheral which is joined via a connector lead 199 to a communication I/F 9 of a main system 191, the main system 191, in the present example, being representative of a computerised unit mainly for the creation and storage of data including the same indicative of the said musical tones of one or more certain said sequences. Therefore, with reference to Fig. 19, the sub system 190, which, in the present example of the embodiment is specifically designed to be instrument-like (e. g. imitative of the acoustic genre of musical instruments in terms of physical appearance) is usually hand held and or portable and, thus, comprises an instrument section 1. In keeping with the present concept, the sub system 190 further comprises panel controls 3a of programmable and or operable means 3 for manual control of actuation, and also a sound apparatus of sound system 7, wherein, for example, an electronic speaker apparatus may appear at one end of a sub system 190 apparatus giving the visual impression, for example, of a wind intstrument's bell. The sub system 190 may also be provided with a digital-to-analogue conversion means 6 on board 190, or the same digital-to-analogue conversion means 6 may be located within the main system 191 and connected to the sound system 7 of sub system 190 via connector means (not shown). The main system 191 generally comprises those features and functions which are more usually responsible or useful, for example, when creating data indicative of said musical tones of one or more said sequences.

Therefore, the main system 191 comprises display section 2, programmable and or operable means 3b, system memory and or control 12 a communication control means 11 for use with external sources &num;1 8 (not shown) and or &num;2 10 (not shown), data memory (RAM) 5, a program memory (ROM) 4 and, according to the present example, a communication I/F 9 which is for co-operation of control between both of a sub system 190 and a main system 191 via cord 199. In other examples of the present embodiment, the sub system 190 and or main system 191 may comprise different combinations of the units as shown in Fig. 19 and or Fig. la, depending on the exact role and or function of the sub system 190 and or the main system 191, as required by user.

The invention also comprises said programmable and or operable means 3 of said music synthesizing system cooperable with means such as a or each device in the form of a variable pedal means thereof comprising adjustable actuators and or switch means and or concurrent means all in the form of a unit further comprising a or each pivot bar and a or each heel pedal means and a or each toe pedal means.

Referring next to Fig. 20 of the drawings, any said variable (adjustable) pedal means of the invention comprises an arrangement such as a plurality of raised input terminals 201,203,205 and 209 (or similar means) being pedals (or switches) operable by the toe or heel section of the user's foot when the same is positioned about its central base (i. e. between the user's toe section and heel) upon the raised pivot bar 207. Thus, the foot (which acts like a lever) position may be adjusted freely upon the pivot bar 207 as reauired such hat the toe section of the user's foot may operate any toe pedal 201, 203,205. Or, alternatively, the user's toe section lifted as the heel section is lowered (with contact at the central base of the foot maintained at 207) to operate the heel pedal 209. Any of the toe pedals 201,203,205 may be rendered in a logic 1 or logic 0 state, as well as the heel pedal 209. The principal function of the present apparatus is to instigate the edit control process and or the edit repeater process as described hereinbefore (with reference to Fig. 4). However, the present apparatus may also be employed as a First or Second actuator for use with the invention. Thus, one or more units of variable pedal means may be provided for use with embodiments, and enabled via 0/741, O/841 or via M101 (m = 101) of the invention's operating system (modes) which is described hereinbefore, with reference to Fig. 6a. The units 201 through till 209 are also adjustable so as to fit a range of foot sizes and types.

According to the present invention there is further provided means which comprises said programmable and or operable means co-operable with said operating system, wherein said programmable and or operable means is provided for use in the control and designation of said attendant methods of operation for adapting the said overall command and management of said system memory and or control when facilitating the user to thereby perform and execute functions and or operations and or processings in relation to music, such that the said music synthesizing system is rendered fully adaptable via both or either of programmable means and or corresponding means such as operable means operable by user, which functions and or operations and or processings provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including: to thereby engage or disengage any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system including any one or more said First actuator means and or any one or more said Second actuator means; and or to thereby engage or disengage any one or more said methods or any said process or said processes of actuation or any said function or said functions of the said music synthesizing system including any one or more operations indicative of any said attendant method or any said attendant methods of operation thereof; and or to thereby combine any number, combination and or variety of said actuator means of the said music synthesizing system and or any similar means of actuation thereof; and or to thereby assign any number and or any combination and or any said variety of said actuator means of the said music music synthesizing system to play the said music data indicative of a or each said chord and or similarly a or each said musical tone of any concurrent number and or any concurrent combination and or concurrent variety of said sequences according to any said method of actuation and according to any said process of actuation; and or to thereby select either a or each circuit of an OR logic function of the said music synthesizing system for use with any two or more said actuator means or, alternatively, select a circuit wherein the number of said actuators and or the number of said actuator means concurs numerically with the number of said sequences of said music data for actuation according to said method or said methods of actuation and or said process or said processes of actuation; and or to thereby control the reading, retrieving, sound processing and creation of said music data indicative of said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof to be played via said method or via said methods of actuation and or via said process or via said processes of actuation; and or said means especially and or including to thereby control the reading, processing and creation of a or each said data progression indicative of a or each said predetermined sequence of said settings and or said parameters or similar for processing a or each musical tone such as of a or each said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, and or, similarly, a or each chord; and or to thereby select both or either of the said First process of actuation and or the said Second process of actuation so as to play said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof according to any said method or any said methods of actuation or according to any other concurrent method or concurrent methods of actuation; and or to thereby designate and or write and or edit and or generate data indicative of said musical tones of a or each said sequence and or said chords thereof so as to create a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or any said chords thereof for actuation via any said method or via any said methods of actuation and according to a or each said First process and or according to said Second process of actuation or any part thereof; and or to thereby assign the said music data indicative of a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or said chords to a store; and or to thereby determine the co-operation between any apparatus and or between any device or devices of the said music synthesizing system, and or determine the cooperation between a or each said First actuator means and or between any said Second actuator means; and or to thereby determine and or convert the status of any said actuator of the said music synthesizing system to become a said First actuator means or said initial control means or said secondary control means, as required; and or to thereby adapt the function including of sound reproduction, and or performance of any apparatus and or any one or more devices of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby adapt any function thereof, and or any method or operation thereof; and or to thereby set any apparatus, device or operation of the said music synthesizing system to an ON or OFF state thereof; and or to thereby control START and or PLAY and or PAUSE and or STOP operations thereof; and or to thereby determine the said manual and or said automatic states of control or concurrent states of control of any apparatus, devices, and or of any associated operations of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby control the ENTER and STORE functions of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby determine the sound of a or each said musical tone of any said sequence or of any said chords thereof according to dynamics, timbre, duration and or frequency (pitch) under control by user and or according to any one or more said signal and or said sound processes and or according to any concurrent said digital signal process and or according to any concurrent means, such that the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including vibrato and or aftertouch to be added to any said musical tone or said chord by the user as required; and or to thereby select or de-select and or enable or disable powering of any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system; and or to thereby select the said manual or similarly said non-automatic state of the said music synthesizing system to receive said sound waves and or said audio signals and or data of inputted musical tones and or data of inputted chords from said internal and or external sound source means for the creation and subsequent actuation of a or each said musical tone or said chord of said sequence of the said music synthesizing system, according to any said method and or according to any said process thereof; and or to thereby select and control the said random generating means of the said music synthesizing system; and or both or either of said programmable means of said music synthesizing system and or corresponding means such as said operable means provided and to be designated by user such that said actuator means thereof, and or similar means of or for actuating said sequences thereof may be adapted to thereby co-operate with means such as means especially comprising and or including: said local control means; and or said sound and or said signal processing means in any concurrent combination and or in any concurrent arrangement thereof; and or voice program means according to said First method and or said Second method of actuation and or according to any other concurrent method of actuation and or according to said First process and or said Second process of actuation and or according to any other concurrent and or similar process of actuation.

* Accordingly, this invention provides features of said music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof substantially as herein described with reference to Figures la-20 of the accompanying drawings and according to embodiments.

Also, accordingly, this invention provides embodiments representing features of said music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof which may be omitted, added, selected, combined, exchanged, adapted and or employed'or use with other features including devices and or other apparatus; and or embodiments which may be employed for use with other systems including computers and or computerised means and or computer systems; and or embodiments of said music synthesizing system including any apparatues and or devices thereof which may be adapted and or employed for use or uses including any not necessarily connected with music, the said embodiments of the invention including any apparatus and or devices thereof also extending to any new and inventive combination thus formed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Features of a music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof which features comprise: means for storing, reading, retrieving, sound processing and controlling music data, the said music data being indicative of a or each sequence of said music data which is a predetermined sequence of said music data such as and especially including said sequence indicative of a predetermined sequence of musical tones for sound reproduction via said music synthesizing system; First method of actuation, wherein there is provided a said sequence and corresponding First actuator means operable by user to play a or each said musical tone in turn of corresponding said sequence at a timing determined by user, or to play any said musical tone of said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, which said sequence is further indicative of any one of the types of said sequence to include: said predetermined sequence of said musical tones; a random generation of successive musical tones; a sequence of said music data being indicative of a tone progression which tone progression is concurrent with the concept of a said predetermined sequence; one or more said sequences of musical tones, wherein a or each said musical tone being of definite or indefinite pitch is to be played in turn and in response to an output actuation of a First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user; one or more predetermined sequences of data progressions, wherein a or each predetermined sequence of this type comprises data indicative of a predetermined sequence of both or either of settings and or parameters or similar for concurrently processing a or each actuated musical tone in turn and at a timing determined by user, when each actuation such as an actuation according to said First method or other instigates and or corresponds with either of one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters held within a sequence of the such, while a or each said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters or similar is queued such as via control during an actuation step such that a or each said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters held in said sequence of the such is stepped through in turn and at a timing determined by the user such as when a first said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding first musical tone or a corresponding first said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding first actuation, when, thereafter, a second said one or group of both or either of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding second musical tone or a corresponding second said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding second actuation, until all musical tones such as any said musical tones of said sequence have been processed similarly; a First process of actuation, wherein a or each said musical tone of a said sequence is instigated, sustained and or further articulated via the same First actuator means, which First actuator means is operable according to both or either of a said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation; two or more said First actuator means for playing a concurrent number of said sequences at the same time, which concurrent number of said sequences is indicative of parts belonging to the same musical composition playable simultaneously by one or more performers via two or more said First actuator means according to said First method of actuation and also according to said First process of actuation; random generating means for randomly generating music data indicative of a said random generation of successive musical tones ; and means for user to select a or each individual said musical tone of said sequence from a store in turn at a or each timing determined by the user such that a or each said musical tone of any said sequence may be actuated according to said First method and a said First process of actuation.
2. The music synthesizing system of Claim 1, wherein there is provided programmable and or operable means programmable and or operable by the user to thereby instigate and execute data handling processes and functions of the said music synthesizing system according to any attendant method or attendant methods of operation therein to be designated by the user when adapting said music data of said sequence or of said sequences and or when adapting apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system for either of a non automatic performance or similarly manual performance, according to said First method and said First process of actuation.
3. The music synthesizing system of Claim 2, wherein one or more means installed with a system memory is provided for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system.
4. The music synthesizing system of Claim 3, wherein one or more said means installed with a system memory is provided for use with said music synthesizing system which said means installed with a system memory further comprises a system control also for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; or one or more said means installed with a system control for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system.
5. The music synthesizing system of Claim 2,3 or 4, wherein said programmable and or operable means programmable and or operable by user for adapting the overall command and management of said music synthesizing system is provided to thereby instigate and execute functions and or processings in relation to music including those functions and or processings of said music synthesizing system which render the performance of any said apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system in various states of control including: a manual state of control or similarly non automatic state of control such that digital clock means, internal or other, is not engaged to control the timing of a or each said musical tone of said sequence and also not engaged to control the timing of any chord of said musical tones thereof; or an automatic state of control or similarly non manual state of control used when automatic recording and or entering and or storing means and or automatic performance means of said music synthesizing system is engaged such that said digital clock, internal or other, fully controls the timing and duration of a or each said musical tone of said sequence and or of said sequences, and or similarly controls the timing and duration of any said chord thereof during automatic recording, including the automatic entering and storing of said music data, and also during any automatic performance thereof; or both of a manual state of control including a similarly non automatic state of control and partly an automatic state of control including partly a non manual state of control which automatic state of control or non manual state of control is co-operable with the setting of a or each said digital clock means such that the timing and duration of some of the said musical tones of said sequence is fully controlled via said automatic performance means and or fully controlled via said digital clock means and or the timing and duration of some said chords thereof similarly controlled while the timing and duration of other said musical tor. es and or other said chords of said sequence is not controlled via any said automatic performance means thereof and or not controlled via any said digital clock means thereof.
6. The music synthesizing system of Claim 1, wherein the said First method of actuation and concept of a said sequence extends to a development wherein any said First actuator means operable by user according to said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation actuates a or each said musical tone or said chord in turn of said sequence at a timing determined by user, and including audibly in turn at a or each timing determined by user, the said development comprising tone progression types of said sequences including: (a) a said predetermined sequence of said musical tones further comprising both of a mixture of single said musical tones and also one or more said chords of musical tones; or said predetermined sequence instead comprising said chords; (b) a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form further comprising: both of a mixture of single said musical tones which are concurrent with one or more certain types of melodic scale and also one or more said chords of musical tones which are concurrent with certain types of melodic scale; or a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form comprising said chords which are concurrent with one or more certain types of melodic scale; (c) a succession of said musical tones and or said chords selected and or triggered individually, in turn, from a store and including via a screen or via similar means at a or each timing determined by the user, which subsequent ones of both of said musical tones and or said chords of the tone progression type to be actuated are automatically queued via control at a timing determined by user and optionally displayed on screen immediately after actuation of a preceding said musical tone or preceding said chord via First actuation means; (d) an inputted succession of music data originally from an external sound source or similar means which inputted succession further comprises a succession of said musical tones in the form of music data and or in the form of a or each audio signal such as a digital audio signal of a or each corresponding musical tone or similar signals of a or each corresponding chord, said music data from said external sound source or similar means and or any audio signals from said external sound source or similar means to be inputted in turn at a timing determined by the original user while control places the data of a or each said transmitted tone or of a or each transmitted chord from said external sound source in turn and immediately into a store of said music synthesizing system such that the resulting data of a or each said transmitted musical tone and or of a or each said transmitted chord is held temporarily or otherwise as performance or play data within said store of said music synthesizing system so as to thereby permit a or each said tone of said inputted succession in the form of said music data or said chord thereof held as said performance data in a store of said music synthesizing system to be re-actuated one or more times and at a or each timing determined by user via said First actuator means while a or each inputted musical tone or the stored data thereof and or similarly a or each inputted chord or the stored data thereof resulting from said inputted succession may be actuated concurrently and in turn at a or each timing determined by user; and or similarly the resulting said performance or play data indicative of a or each said musical tone and or similarly of a or each said chord actuated concurrently and in turn such as at a timing determined by a or each other user; (e) a predetermined sequence of data indicative of musical tones further comprising aperiodic and or non harmonic performance data such as aperiodic and or non harmonic play data to be actuated via said First method of actuation or via concurrent method and said First process of actuation or via concurrent process of actuation; (f) any said sequences hereinbefore described, for actuation according to a process of actuation being concurrent with said First process of actuation, wherein said music data such as said music data indicative of two or more musical tones is stored in different memory locations of the same said sequence and or stored on different tracks of the same song locatior., or stored in a concurrent arrangement such that said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including commencing audibly at the same time by First actuator or similar means and at a timing determined by the user and perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together at a same Time Point as a chord during a corresponding actuation.
7. The music synthesizing system of Claims 1 to 6, Wherein said First actuator means operable by user is provided for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said predetermined sequence, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or a corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user.
8. The music synthesizing system of Claim 7, wherein said First actuator means operable by user is provided for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones randomly generated and or said chords randomly generated of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said random generation of successive musical tones, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user.
9. The music synthesizing system of Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein said First actuator means operable by user is provided for use in the retrieval of said music data of said sequence including said performance data thereof, which said music data is indicative of any or either of said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences such as of a or each said tone progression type, while any said chord of said sequence or any said musical tone thereof is retrieved in turn and in response to an input signal and or a corresponding output signal of a or each corresponding output actuation of said First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user.
10. The music synthesizing system of Claim 1 or Claim 6, wherein said First process of actuation correlates with said First method of actuation and vice versa, such as when the resulting correlation performs during an option wherein said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including commencing audibly at the same time in response to a corresponding input signal of an output actuation of said First actuator means or similar means and at a timing determined by the user, the said two or more musical tones being perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together at a same Time Point as a chord during a corresponding actuation.
11. The music synthesizing system of Claim 10, wherein a or each said musical tone or said chord similarly produced via said First method and said First process of actuation and according to some voice programs continues to both sound and play sustainably for the duration a or each said First actuator means remains in actuation by the user such as when corresponding circuit is maintained in a logic one state as required.
12. The music synthesizing system of Claim 6,7,8, 9,10 or 11, wherein a or each said First actuator means provided further comprises means for controlling the sound of a said musical tone of said sequence or each said chord thereof according to dynamics, timbre and frequency, such that the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including touch sensitivity, vibrato and aftertouch to be added selectively to any said musical tone of said sequence or to any said chord thereof by the user according to said First method and said First process of actuation.
13. The music synthesizing system of Claim 7,8,9, 10,11 or 12, wherein a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user is provided to thereby play the said musical tones of a plurality of said predetermined sequences, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said predetermined sequence within the overall plurality of such said sequences, at a or each timing determined by the user.
14. The music synthesizing system of Claim 13, wherein a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user is provided to thereby play the said musical tones of a plurality of said random generations from said random generating means, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said random generation within the overall plurality of said random generations of successive musical tones randomly generated by said random generating means such that a or each said musical tone of a said random generation or any said chord thereof is played in turn at a or each timing determined by the user.
15. The music synthesizing system of Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein a plurality of said First actuator means operable as required by the user is provided to thereby play the said musical tones of a plurality of said tone progression types, and or any said chord or said chords thereof, simultaneously, while each said First actuator means within the overall plurality is used to play each said musical tone in turn or each said chord similarly in turn including audibly in turn of only one said tone progression type within the overall plurality of such said sequences at a or each timing determined by the user.
16. The music synthesizing system of Claim 13,14 or 15, wherein means such as said programmable and or operable means is provided for the user to specify, via attendant method or attendant methods of operation, any number and or any combination of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation.
17. The music synthesizing system of Claim 16, wherein means of actuation operable by the user is provided for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequence such as of a said predetermined sequence and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the plurality has the same effect as producing a corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by user.
18. The music synthesizing system of Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein said means of actuation operable by the user is provided for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequence such as of a said random generation of successive musical tones and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the plurality has the same effect as producing a said corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by the user.
19. The music synthesizing system of Claim 18, wherein said means of actuation operable by the user is provided for actuating a or each said musical tone in turn of said sequence such as of a said tone progression type and or any said chord or chords thereof in turn including audibly in turn according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said means of actuation further comprises a plurality of said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via similar means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the plurality has the same effect as producing said corresponding input signal of an output actuation while a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuated in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, such as at a timing determined by user.
20. The music synthesizing system of any preceding Claim, wherein said programmable and or operable means further comprises panel controls and or mode select means for user to specify and designate any concurrent and programmable requirements thereof including the number and or combination of said sequences for storage in one or more memory locations such as digital recording tracks for subsequent actuation of said musical tones of one or more said sequences and or any said chords thereof.
21. Apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system also comprising: an edit control means co-operable with control of the said music synthesizing system and operable by the user; and or an edit repeater means also co-operable with control of the said music synthesizing system and operable by the user; and or a first foot and or manual control apparatus adapted to be actuated by the user for controlling said music data of said musical tones of said sequence and or any said chord or chords thereof by co-operation with control events included in a or each said sequence; and or a said first foot and or manual control apparatus adapted to perform as a First actuator means.
22. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 21, wherein said first foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit control means operated in either of an independent process or in co-operation with a or each external input signal of said edit repeater means or similar is provided such that the said first foot and or manual control apparatus performs a corrective function when instigating and or instructing an edit control or control to shift to predetermined points in a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or similarly said chords at a or each timing determined by the user, the said predetermined points being indicative of so-called weak and or strong beats of a musical pulse, or subdivisions thereof.
23. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein said edit control means co-operable with a or each skip-hold function or a part thereof or similar means is provided for use at timings determined by user such that the corresponding control event of a or each said musical tone of a said sequence or of any chord thereof actuated by First actuator means remains unaltered until said first foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit control means is operated to thereby instigate and or instruct edit control or control to skip to the position of the next said control event within said sequence; and or said edit control or control instructed to engage and maintain control of any concurrent control event of a corresponding said musical tone or corresponding said chord via a hold function or similar means of said music synthesizing system performed at a or each timing determined by user such that any corresponding said musical tone or, similarly, any corresponding said chord of any said control event within a or each said sequence may be repeatably actuated at each timing determined by user until said edit control or control also including via said hold function or similar means is disengaged from any said control event of a corresponding said musical tone or of a corresponding said chord at a timing determined by user.
24. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 23, wherein means such as said programmable and or operable means is provided to designate any concurrent operations and or operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system including attendant method or attendant methods of operation to thereby engage the edit control means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices of the said music synthesizing system.
25. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 21,22, 23 or 24, wherein a grouping which comprises both of the said edit repeater means and also a second foot and or manual control apparatus thereof adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means is provided for controlling music data of said musical tones of a or each said sequence and or any said chord or said chords thereof, such that the output actuation of the corresponding input and or output signal of the said edit repeater means cooperates with corresponding control events included in a or each said sequence, and or vice versa, on each occasion the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user.
26. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 25, wherein said edit repeater means is adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means to thereby instigate a function such that control shifts backwards or forwards through a or each said sequence to said predetermined points of a or each said sequence which said predetermined points are indicative of so-called weak and or strong beats of a musical pulse or subdivisions thereof, in response to each step when the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user.
27. The apparatus and or devices of any one of Claims 21 to 26, wherein means such as said programmable and or operable means is provided to designate any concurrent operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system to thereby engage the said edit repeater means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system.
28. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 27, wherein said second foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit repeater means is provided to thereby instigate a function such that control skips to the position of any next control event in a or each said sequence in response to each step when the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user.
29. The apparatus and or devices of Claim 28, wherein said edit repeater means is adapted to co-operate with said edit control means of said music synthesizing system as required when designation means such as said programmable and or operable means co-operable with the attendant operating system of said music synthesizing system is employed.
30. The apparatus and or devices of any of Claims 25 to 29, wherein said edit repeater means is provided for instructing an edit control or control of the said music synthesizing system to shift to said predetermined points in the said music data of a or each said sequence, the said predetermined points corresponding to the beginnings of various sub sections of a or each said sequence to be played and or repeated in any order and commencing at any timing as determined by the user via operation of the said second foot and or manual control apparatus of said edit repeater means, or via the operation of concurrent means.
31. Apparatus and or means for use with said music synthesizing system comprising: standardiser means for determining and then entering into store any music data indicative of individual said musical tones of a said sequence or of said sequences; said standardiser means which determines a standard value of a characteristic for any said musical tone entered or being entered therein; said standardiser means which enters music data resultant of one or more signals and or sound waves supplied thereto which music data is especially indicative of the pitch of any corresponding musical tone supplied thereto.
32. The apparatus and or means of Claim 31, wherein internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means is provided for supplying sound wave or sound waves to said standardiser means such that said sound wave or said sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via similar means may be determined by a final silence or similar or other step or steps in the standardising process.
33. The apparatus and or means of Claim 31 or Claim 32, wherein said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means is provided for supplying a or each said audio signal including a or each said digital audio signal to said standardiser means in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as when said audio signal corresponding to said musical tone is supplied singularly or otherwise thereto, including when each said audio signal is supplied simultaneously as a group thereto at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via concurrent means, till corresponding end of signal event or similar event in standardising process ensues.
34. The apparatus and or means of Claim 33, wherein said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means is provided for supplying said sound wave or said sound waves to the said standardiser means such that said sound wave or said sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via similar means may be determined by an input trigger or similar or other means in the standardising process.
35. The apparatus and or means of Claim 31,32,33 or 34, wherein said internal and or external sound source means or concurrent means is provided for supplying said audio signals such as said digital audio signals to said standardiser means such that said audio data corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, at a timing determined bv user either via said line input means or via similar means may be determined by an input trigger or similar means or other means in the standardising process.
36. The apparatus and or means of Claim 35, wherein any or either of said line input means including concurrent means and or said microphone input means including concurrent means may be selected for use in said standardising process by user via means such as said programmable and or operable means.
37. The apparatus and or means of Claim 36, wherein said programmable and or operable means is provided, which said programmable and or operable means such as programmable and or operable means of said standardiser means is programmable and or operable by user and also cooperable with control such that functions of said standardiser means including any for enabling said music synthesising system with means to carry out both or either of non automatic and or said automatic performance of said music data may be designated via attendant method or attendant methods of operation by user, or via concurrent means.
38. The apparatus and or means of Claims 31 to 37, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user is provided to adapt the said standardiser means or other concurrent means to also enter and store said audio data of said sequence or of said sequences which audio data is initially and resultant from both or either of said audio signals such as said digital audio signals supplied thereto and or a or each transmitted said sound wave supplied from said internal and or external sound source means; or said audio data established otherwise and or via means such as said line input means and or via said microphone input means or via other concurrent means, a or each transmitted said sound wave and or said audio data supplied thereto corresponding to a or each said musical tone to be supplied to standardiser means or other concurrent means of said music synthesizing system for entering and storing therein either via rhythmic employment of an input trigger or via similar means, or via means which includes either of a final silence in standardising process or an end of signal event in said standardising or similar process such that a or each said musical tone entered and stored therein as performance data of said sequence via the employment of said standardiser or similar means and or any said chord or chords thereof entered and stored similarly may be played via said music synthesizing system either as said music data which has no attendant time elements so as to be played via said non automatic performance by user such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or said music data to be adapted so as to include said attendant time elements entered and stored therein such as via a process of said input trigger or via similar and or other means, wherein said input trigger or similar means inputs data to be stored at Time Points such that said music data initially devoid of time elements is adapted so as to comprise said attendant time elements which render the said music data as playable according to automatic performance and in digital clock time; or either data entered and stored at said Time Points which data is thereafter removed, or said data entered and stored at Time Points not read such that corresponding said music data indicative of said musical tones of said sequence and or a or each said chord thereof may be performed according to said First method and said First process of actuation.
39. The apparatus and or means of Claim 38, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user is provided to instigate and thereby execute any one or more processes of the said standardiser means or said similar means such that either no said time elements are programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone and or similarly into data indicative of said chord or said chords of said sequence or of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or no said time elements are programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone of said sequence or of said sequences or of said chord or said chords of said sequence or of said sequences until at a subsequent editing stage as required by user.
40. The apparatus and or means of Claim 38 or Claim 39, wherein an automatic digital clock means for use with said standardiser means is also co-operable with control which automatic digital clock means may be regulated and or set via certain said attendant method or certain said attendant methods of operation designated from said operating system via said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system.
41. The apparatus and or means of Claim 38,39 or 40, wherein said programmable and or operable means cooperable with control of said standardiser means is provided to perform one or more functions and or one or more operations of said music synthesizing system via certain said attendant method or certain said attendant methods of operation designated from said operating system and via said programmable and or operable means including when control co-operates with variable said automatic digital clock means such that the same is adapted to function at a tempo or at tempos determined by the user during both or either of said automatic performance of said musical tones, including said chords, and or during said automatic performance of any other concurrent said music data entered and or stored into a sequential memory or concurrent arrangement as automatic performance data such as via standardiser means or via similar means of said music synthesizing system.
42. The apparatus and or means of Claim 41, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user is provided also to select a said automatic or similarly said non-manual state of control for operation of said standardiser means, which state of control is co-operable with the setting and performance of said automatic digital clock means of the type which may be adapted by user.
43. The apparatus and or means of any one of Claims 39 to 42, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with said attendant method or said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system by user is provided also to thereby adapt said music synthesizing system to play back a or each said musical tone of one or more said sequences supplied thereto via said standardiser means or via similar means and stored therein, including data of any said chords thereof while said music synthesizing system is in said automatic state of control or similarly in said non manual state of control, the automatic performance process being both cooperable and commensurate with any said automatic digital clock pulse speed or speeds thereof selected by user.
44. Apparatus for use with said music synthesizing system comprising a variety of means for actuating a or each said musical tone or said chord of a or each said sequence including the data thereof while any of the said variety of means is controlled and acted upon by user such that there is further included: a or each logic one state or concurrent state of a or each corresponding actuation step produced via operation of any such actuator means or means of actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation; or a or each logic zero state or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved via corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation by user and also according to said First method and said First process of actuation; a or each said actuator means or said means of actuation employed to achieve aspects of output actuation which aspects include: an input voitage to commensurately control the level of a corresponding output signal for primarily modulating one or more sound characteristics of said musical tones and or of any chord of said sequence or said seauences ; the instigation of a signal process which triggers either of said logic one states including any concurrent state, or triggers said logic zero states including any concurrent state of a corresponding actuator mechanism such as a switch means comprising: one moveable contact fixed to a single pole; two or more contacts fixed to a single common pole, the same to move rotatably about a pivot or said pole to move otherwise; or any concurrent feature or features for enabling said switch means to achieve said logic one or said logic zero states, or any similar and or concurrent states.
45. The apparatus of Claim 44, wherein said variety of means may more generally and or additionally comprise: any said First actuator means and or any concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with said overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; any said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with said music synthesizing system via said programmable and or operable means such that a or each said First actuator means or said First means of actuation may be operated according to any relevant said attendant method or any relevant said attendant methods of operation; and any said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation co-operable with any relevant said attendant method or any relevant said attendant methods of operation designated via said operating system such that the said First actuator means and or any said concurrent First means of actuation for actuating a or each said musical tone and or similarly a or each said chord of one or more said sequences may be adapted to play a or each said musical tone in turn and or any said chord similarly in turn of any one or more said sequences of the said music synthesizing system at a or each timing determined by the user, according to said First method and said First process of actuation.
46. The apparatus of Claim 44 or Claim 45 which comprises: one or more piano-l ke keys; one or more units further comprising said foot and or manual control apparatus or one or more similar means; computer mouse means with one or more mouse buttons; and said variety of means comprising one or more push buttons and or similar means.
47. The apparatus of Claim 44,45 or 46, wherein there is provided one or more breath controlled means including: breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing within a tube or similar means, the moveable member or bearing comprising an electronic conductor or electromagnetic means which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or said bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic contact points of an open circuit such that the circuit is either made so as to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition or a concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit such that the circuit is made in order to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing such as an electronic conductor which is propelled via air flow action such that said first compressible means contracts against the resulting pressure established by said moveable member when the same is urged to move against the fixed said first compressible means in response to air flow from user so as to close a circuit and thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step while the circuit is made when said first compressible means contracts to thereby facilitate the completion of the circuit between said moveable member and also the fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit; or the original shape of said first compressible means becomes restored when said air flow is relinquished and corresponding said pressure ceases such that the said moveable member is urged in the opposite direction and away from said fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of said open circuit by the said first compressible means when the circuit is broken and a corresponding logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved; breath controlled means comprising a moveable member which is itself a second compressible means being akin to a diaphragm means or similar means, which second compressible means further comprises a plurality of electromagnetic cells or sensor means held within a fragile membrane or similar means such that said second compressible means when compressed produces a voltage level which is commensurate with the strength of breath and, also, the density and also the measure of collective charge of the combined electromagnetic cells or sensor means during a or each corresponding actuation at a timing determined by the user while the commensurate voltage reaches or surpasses a specified level which triggers a logic one condition or a concurrent event or concurrent state of an output actuation step when said second compressible means is compressed in response to air pressure resulting from breath of user; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said commensurate voltage level and or corresponding level of signal is below or falls to below the said specified level such as when said second compressible means is not subject to said air pressure resulting from breath of user; and breath controlled means comprising a microphonic means which responds to sound waves especially produced when breath of user blows against or near to the detecting vicinity of said microphonic means such that a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step is triggered and both or either of a corresponding voltage level and or corresponding level of signal established when said microphonic means detects the said sound wave; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said microphonic means fails to detect said sound wave.
48. The apparatus of Claim 44,45,46 or 47 further comprising: one or more touch detector means and or one or more ribbon control means; and or an energy medium co-operable with attendant sensor means; and or energy media co-operable with attendant sensor means; and or one or more percussion means ; and or one or more mechanical means such as piston means; and or manual means such as means comprising a manually controlled electronic conductor which slides backwards or forwards past sensor means of an open circuit or past electromagnetic means or past electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit in order to make or break the same; and or manual means such as a cursor controller means and or computer mouse means; and or powered means such as electronic means in co-operation with manual means; and or electromagnetic means; and or means such as plucked means, and or, similarly, vibratible means such as a metal string or other vibratible medium or other vibratible media used so as to produce an effect of vibration which is responsible for triggering actuation events; and or one or more vocal means optionally co-operable with one or more electronic means such as computerized means; and or one or more means under rhythmic control by user to act upon any said musical tone or tones of said sequence or of said sequences stored on a or each machine readable source, such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is both fully and precisely controllable in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, any such arrangement to include one or more recording and or playback means co-operable with a or each said machine readable source such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is controllable in turn and at a or each timing determined by user.
49. The apparatus of any one of Claims 44 to 48, comprising any number and or combination of said First actuator means and or concurrent means of actuation or for similarly actuating a or each said musical tone and or for similarly actuating a or each said chord of said sequence or of said sequences which number and or combination may be employed by the user for use with the said music synthesizing system.
50. Characteristics including assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of said music synthesizing system comprising: a process wherein a or each said musical tone or said chord of said sequence is controlled in turn and at a or each timing determined by user or users via actuators equipped with both separate and independent control of a or each said musical tone or said chord of same said seauence such that each actuator which is concurrent with said actuator means such as said actuator means of corresponding same said sequence performs both separate and independent actuation steps upon same and or upon same audible said musical tones of same said sequence, including when control via each said actuator means thereof co-operates with different control events or similar data of any said musical tone or of any said chord of corresponding said sequence; w first select means of said music synthesizing system used for performing the function of assigning both or either of a corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation to one or more means including: one or more corresponding sound processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means; and or one or more corresponding signal processing means or concurrent means which may include one or more digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means as required, or said first select means used for assigning sound process or signal process to corresponding said means of actuation or to corresponding said actuation means, while the arrangement of both or either of corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation is also co-operable with means comprising: one or more corresponding said sound processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means; and or co-operable with means comprising one or more corresponding said signal processing means or concurrent means which may include one or more said digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a plurality of said sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other, assignable via said first select means during a or each actuation of one or more said musical tones of said sequence or of said sequences including any y said chords thereof, while any such actuation step may also comprise: a or each corresponding sound effect designated by user; and or a or each corresponding tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform and or similar sound characteristic designated by user; and or a or each corresponding sound FX group designated by user; and or a or each corresponding group of said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar characteristics designated by user; and or one or more concurrent signal and or sound processes and or any one or more concurrent digital signal processes via means further comprising: a or each corresponding said sound processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said signal processing means designated by user including any concurrent said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said concurrent means designated by user.
51. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 50, wherein a second select means of said music synthesizing system is provided for performing the function of assigning any corresponding said actuator means or any corresponding said means of actuation to one or more corresponding voice programs or vice versa while each said voice program such as preset voice is designated by user such that a or each said voice program designated by user via said second select means is included in any concurrent sound process of any concurrent and corresponding actuation step.
52. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 50 or Claim 51 further comprising one or more local control means of said music synthesizing system, wherein said local control means or control is assignable to both or either of corresponding said actuator means and or to corresponding said means of actuation via means such as programmable means while onoff means or similar means located on means such as corresponding said actuator means or located elsewhere enables or disables a function of said music synthesizing system which function thereby permits corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation to take over control of said musical tone or of said musical tones including said chords of a or each said sequence so as to gain local control or control of a or each same said sequence either initially, including after a power on step or after a preceding actuation step such as the same via any other said actuator means equipped with said local control or control of a or each said same sequence or via any other said means of actuation such as by means of actuation equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence, or via any other said means of actuation such that during any concurrent actuation said local control or control commences from same or next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding same or next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of a or each same said sequence or commences from same or next queued and or unprocessed chord thereof while a or each said same or said next or other queued and or other unprocessed or other processed musical tone of a or each same said sequence is to be played in turn and at a timing determined by the user either via any corresponding said actuator means equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence or via any other concurrent and corresponding said means of actuation equipped with said local control or control of a or each same said sequence; or said local control or control may be shared between actuators, such as when one said actuator means accesses directly the said music data of another, including any parameters and or settings thereof.
53. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 50,51 or 52, wherein any number of said actuator means and or any number of said means of actuation is equipped with corresponding number of said local control means or control means while said actuator means and or said means of actuation may comprise and or produce certain actuation characteristics such as various types of velocity events during an actuation of any said musical tone or said tones or any said chords thereof which velocity events include: one or more breath controlled velocity events and or concurrent events; one or more keyed velocity events and or concurrent events; or one or more other similar and or concurrent velocity events and or other concurrent events any of which velocity events and or concurrent events are co-operable with programmable parameters of said music synthesizing system which programmable parameters comprise: any corresponding ADSR parameters; and or any corresponding EG parameters; and or any similar and or other concurrent programmable parameters and or settings while said velocity events and or said programmable parameters and or programmable settings are further co-operable with such features of the said music synthesizing system including: characteristics related to signal processing, sound processing and or sound reproduction means of said music synthesizing system; and or said local control or control of said musical tones and or similarly said chords of said sequence or of said same sequences such that said velocity events and or said programmable parameters and or said programmable settings are further co-operable with such features of said music synthesizing system including: one or more types of said sound FX designated by user; and or one or more said sound FX groups designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processes designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processes designated by user which may include any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processing means designated by user which may include any said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user when any said voice program corresponds to said preset voice designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics designated by user.
54. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 53, wherein said local control means or control of both or either of corresponding said actuation means and or corresponding said means of actuation co-operable with any corresponding said first and or said second select means and or said programmable means is provided to co-operate with control characteristics of said music synthesizing system as required or vice versa while said control characteristics include: any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound effect is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound process and or corresponding said signal process and or corresponding said digital signal process and or corresponding similar process is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound FX group is designated by user; and or any concurrent said control characteristics designated by user and or included in any corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said voice program is designated by user.
55. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 50,51,52,53 or 54 including: a or each said actuator means and or a or each said means of actuation both or either assigned and or enabled with said local control or control of such features of said music synthesizing system further comprising: any one or more said sound FX designated by user; and or any one or more said sound FX groups designated by user ; and or any one or more said digital processes designated by user including any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or any similar sound characteristics designated by user for use in any concurrent actuation of same said sequence or of said sequence or of said sequences when means such as said programmable means has been programmed as required by user to predetermine any co-operation between said local control or control of said music synthesizing system and any corresponding control characteristics of a or each output actuation thereof, including any described herein; sound processing means comprising means for creating and or generating said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics; said signal and or said sound processing means including: said digital signal processing means; and or any other contrasting and or user-modifiable means of sound and or signal processing; and or any other concurrent sound and or signal processing arrangement of said music synthesizing system including any concurrent digital signal processing arrangement thereof; and or a combination of both of a sound processing arrangement and also a signal processing arrangement assigned via means such as said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system.
56. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 55, further including: an original signal which is an inputted signal of a corresponding actuator means or of a corresponding means of actuation; or said original signal comprising both or either of an inputted signal and or an outputted signal of same corresponding said actuator means or of same corresponding said means of actuation which original signal may be set in either of a SIGNAL ON state or SIGNAL OFF state by corresponding said means of actuation or similar means while said original signal is in concept an initial signal which may be acted upon by other signals or impulses from any other concurrent means included in said music synthesizing system; a process of actuation for use with said music synthesizing system, wherein there is created a subdivision of the said First process of actuation in order to establish, therefore, the creation of a Second process of actuation, especially for use by two or more performers, which Second process further comprises: a first sub process of a said Second process of actuation which comprises: a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or of a corresponding said means of actuation being initially non audible or remaining non audible until intervention from another source and or from other corresponding said signal process; and or a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation being initially audible or remaining audible due to said intervention from another source and or from other said signal process; and or a said original signal either of a said First method and a said First process or of a said Second process which original signal is instigated via corresponding said actuator means operable by user, or instigated via corresponding said means of actuation operable by user which original signal is produced while the same corresponding said actuator means or same corresponding said means of actuation or other means instructs control either to remain co-operable with any control event of corresponding said musical tone or similarly said chord via operation of hold function or similar means, or hold function is released such that control may be instructed either to step through said sequence to any next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone of said sequence or said chord thereof at a timing determined by user such that any of the said next queued and or unprocessed control events of corresponding unprocessed said musical tones including a or each said chord of said sequence may be actuated either audibly or non audibly at a timing determined by user after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step; or the same corresponding said actuator means or same corresponding said means of actuation instructs control to step through said sequence similarly to the said next queued and or unprocessed control event of a corresponding said next queued and or unprocessed said musical tone or said chord of said sequence at a timing determined by user such that a or each said next queued and or unprocessed control event of said corresponding unprocessed said musical tone or said chord in the said sequence may be actuated either audibly or non audibly in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, including after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on ; and or said original signal controlled during either of each non audible step or during each audibly actuated step via said actuator means or similarly via said means of actuation when said original signal is controlled according to SIGNAL ON or SIGNAL OFF states and also according to any optional ones of certain actuation and or sound characteristics including velocity.
57. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of any one of Claims 50 to 56, further comprising: a second sub process of said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation operable by the user, which serves to provide said intervention and thereby act upon a first sub process of said Second process of actuation and similarly act upon any said original signal of corresponding said first sub process of said Second process of actuation such that characteristics mainly of time initially under control via a said first sub process of a said Second process of actuation may be further controlled via a separate said second sub process type of said Second process of actuation according to dynamics including silence, and or timbre and or frequency and or time; and a or each Second method of actuation comprising both of a or each said first sub process type of actuation and or a or each said second sub process type of actuation wherein said Second actuator means performs either of an audible or a non-audible said second sub process of actuation upon a said first sub process of actuation such that the said second sub process of actuation acts upon and articulates or further articulates the output actuation of said first sub process to produce an audible or non audible output actuation ; or another said Second method of actuation to correspond with said first sub process and or said second sub process of actuation, wherein a said Second actuator means performs only an audible said second sub process upon the output actuation of said First actuator means in order to further articulate and control a or each audible output actuation of the said First actuator means or of another said First means of actuation.
58. A combination of the features of said music synthesizing system as claimed in any one or more of the previous Claims.

58. The assignable characteristics and or attendant means and or corresponding means of Claim 57, further comprising: said first sub process to correspond with both of a said Second method and said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said Second actuator means, the corresponding said Second actuator means or similar means being an initial control means to thereby instigate a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation at a timing determined by user such that a or each corresponding actuated said musical tone of said sequence or of said sequences or any said chord thereof may be further controlled and or articulated via one or more other actuators, audibly or otherwise, while same said original signal is controlled according to characteristics of mainly time via the said initial control means and or controlled via one or more functions of the said initial control means and or other means, such as by a hold function or other similar function also of the said music synthesizing system; said second sub process of corresponding said Second process of actuation performed by a said Second actuator means, said Second actuator means of corresponding said Second process being a secondary control means to thereby further articulate audibly, or otherwise, any said musical tone of said sequence and or any said chords thereof and or articulate one or more sound characteristics of a or each corresponding output actuation, and or articulate mainly dynamics including silence and or timbre and or frequency and or time, and or articulate changes to the said original signal, and or articulate any other said signal process and or said sound process thereof; said first sub process of said Second process of actuation adapted to co-operate with said second sub process of said Second process of actuation or vice versa such that said second sub process performs upon any one or more actuated said musical tones for as long or approximately for as long as the same are in actuation, or for as long as required; and or means such as said programmable and or operable means or similar means operable and adapted to designate any concurrent operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system as required so as to adapt the signal process of said initial control means to co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, and or adapt the signal process of said First actuator means to thereby cooperate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, such that any changes to a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation, and or any changes to the signal process and or sound process of a or each corresponding output actuation of a or each said musical tone may be achieved according to any said process or said processes, either directly, which is by direct modulation or by similar process performed via any said Second actuator means and including by any other concurrent means of actuation, or, indirectly, including via control of an actuator mechanism such as a switch by any said Second actuator means or concurrent means of actuation.

59. Apparatus and or corresponding means mainly according to the said Second process of actuation for actuating said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences, which said apparatus and or corresponding means further comprises any of a variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding Second means of actuation to instigate and or further control a or each said musical tone or said chord similarly in turn of a or each said sequence or a part thereof while a or each said musical tone is controlled at a or each timing determined by user, or a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof similarly controlled, any said musical tone and or said chords further controlled according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency as determined by user, which variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding said Second means of actuation further includes: said breath controlled means and or similar means; and or said foot and or manual control apparatus or similar means; and or said mechanical means; and or said manual means; and or said cursor controller means of said computer mouse means; and or said vibratible means; and or said sensor means; and or said powered means; and or said percussion means; and or said piston means; and or said touch detector means; and or said ribbon control means; and or said energy medium with said sensor means or said energy media with one or more said sensor means.

60. The apparatus and or corresponding means of Claim 59, wherein any number and or any combination of the preceding said Second actuator means and or any other similar means is provided to thereby enable characteristics such as touch sensitivity and or vibrato and or aftertouch to be added selectively to any said musical tone of a said sequence and also controlled as required, and or added selectively to any said chord thereof by the user and also controlled as required; and, additionally, any preceding said Second actuator means or any other concurrent means employed to directly modulate a or each sound characteristic and or similarly process a or each said original signal or instigate a said original signal of an output actuation, the said variety of means further comprising said Second actuator means and or said Second means of actuation to further include: orchestral bowing means to be played by the user via method of manipulation more usually comprising mainly alternating up bow and down bow movements of a bowing means such as an electromagnetic bowing means across and upon a length such as an electromagnetic length so as to further control the actuation of any said musical tone in turn or said chord in turn of any said sequence at a or each timing determined by the user and according to said Second method and said Second process of actuation; or said orchestral bowing means may be employed for use within the said music synthesizing system as both or either of a said First means of actuation and or a said Second means of actuation; and or compressible means co-operable with any one or more apparatus and or devices of said orchestral bowing means, which compressible means is either designated to control a or each said musical tone of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user, or designated to control a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user and according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency when a said compressible means is acted upon by the user; or a said compressible means may be designated to control one or more sound characteristics, including volume; and or first and second push buttons of said orchestral bowing means which first and second push buttons are operable at timings determined by the user and provided tc thereby instigate and or sustain, or articulate, or, fully actuate each said musical tone in turn or each said chord in turn of any said sequence according to the concurrent number of output actuations of a or each said push button operable at a or each timing determined by the user; or said first push button or said second push button designated to articulate modulation of the pitch of any said musical tone or of any said chord similarly and as required and or in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user while said second push button or said first push button is designated to articulate a legato effect of any said musical tone as required and or articulate similarly any said chord as required in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user; and or an arrangement wherein output actuations of corresponding said first and or said second push buttons and or of corresponding said compressible means of said orchestral bowing means are adapted to co-operate with each other via communication means of said music synthesizing system and according to designation via said programmable and or operable means; and or one or more said push buttons and or one or more computer mouse buttons of one or more mouse control means to thereby instigate and sustain and or articulate a or each said musical tone in turn and or a or each said chord similarly and in turn of a or each said sequence such as at a timing determined by user according to corresponding number of said original signals for triggering a or each output actuation as produced via a or each said push button or similar means at a or each timing determined by the user.

61. The apparatus and or corresponding means of Claim 59 or Claim 60, wherein any number and or any combination of said means includes any of said variety and or further includes any number of the preceding said Second actuator means or concurrent means operable by the user which may be assigned via the relevant adaptation of means such as via said programmable and or operable means also corresponding to said attendant method or methods of operation designated from the said operating system via said programmable and or operable means such that any of the said number and or any of the said combination of said actuator means and or any of the said means of actuation may be assigned to thereby control a or each said musical tone in turn at a timing or at timings determined by user including any said chord of any said sequence or of any said sequences similarly and or according to a said Second method and said Second process of actuation, or according to any other concurrent method and or process thereof.

62. Electronic apparatus for use with said music synthesizing system, wherein a sub system is provided which further comprises a hand held section or peripheral unit of one or more said First actuator means and or one or more said Second actuator means to thereby control any said musical tone in turn and or similarly any said chord in turn of one or more said sequences at a timing or at timings determined by user, and according to any said method or any said methods of actuation and or according to any said process or any said processes of actuation; and wherein a main system is provided which comprises apparatus and or devices including a sound source and also means mainly for the generation and or storage and or reproduction of music data indicative of one or more said sequences of said musical tones and or similarly said chords to be played according to any said methods of actuation and or according to any said processes of actuation.

63. The electronic apparatus of Claim 62, wherein a said sub system in the form of an overlay means and or a console means and or a unit means is provided for interfacing with a computer or computer system or computerised means, while the computer or computer system or computerised means provides the said main system to be adapted mainly or partly by computer software so as to enable computer or computer system or computerised means to perform as said main system in order to generate and or store data indicative of said musical tones and or similarly said chords of one or more said sequences to be played according to any said method or said methods of actuation and or to be played according to any one or more said processes of actuation, while computer software and or hardware is provided to adapt both of the said sub system and also the said main system as required.

64. Programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing system co-operable with means such as a or each device in the form of a variable pedal means thereof comprising adjustable actuators and or switch means and or concurrent means all in the form of a unit further comprising a or each pivot bar and a or each heel pedal means and a or each toe pedal means.

65. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 64, co-operable with said operating system, wherein said programmable and or operable means is provided for use in the control and designation of said attendant methods of operation for adapting the said overall command and management of said system memory and or control when facilitating the user to thereby perform and execute functions and or operations and or processings in relation to music, such that the said music synthesizing system is rendered fully adaptable via both or either of programmable means and or corresponding means such as operable means operable by user.

66. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 64 or Claim 65, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby engage or disengage any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system including any one or more said First actuator means and or any one or more said Second actuator means; and or to thereby engage or disengage any one or more said methods or any said process or said processes of actuation or any said function or said functions of the said music synthesizing system including any one or more operations indicative of any said attendant method or any said attendant methods of operation thereof.

67. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 66, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby combine any number, combination and or variety of said actuator means of the said music synthesizing system and or any similar means of actuation thereof.

68. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 64,65,66 or 67, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby assign any number and or any combination and or any said variety of said actuator means of the said music synthesizing system to play the said music data indicative of a or each said chord and or similarly a or each said musical tone of any concurrent number and or any concurrent combination and or concurrent variety of said sequences according to any said method of actuation and according to any said process of actuation.

69. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 68, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby select either a or each circuit of an OR logic function of the said music synthesizing system for use with any two or more said actuator means or, alternatively, select a circuit wherein the number of said actuators and or the number of said actuator means concurs numerically with the number of said sequences of said music data for actuation according to said method or said methods of actuation and or said process or said processes of actuation.

70. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 68 or Claim 69, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby control the reading, retrieving, sound processing and creation of said music data indicative of said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof to be played via said method or via said methods of actuation and or via said process or via said processes of actuation; and or said means especially and or including to thereby control the reading, processing and creation of a or each said data progression indicative of a or each said predetermined sequence of said settings and or said parameters or similar for processing a or each musical tone such as of a or each said sequence at a or each timing determined by user, and or, similarly, a or each chord.

71. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 70, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby select both or either of the said First process of actuation and or the said Second process of actuation so as to play said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof according to any said method or any said methods of actuation or according to any other concurrent method or concurrent methods of actuation.

72. The programmable and or operable means of any one of Claims 64 to 71, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby designate and or write and or edit and or generate data indicative of said musical tones of a or each said sequence and or said chords thereof so as to create a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or any said chords thereof for actuation via any said method or via any said methods of actuation and according to a or each said First process and or according to said Second process of actuation or any part thereof.

73. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 72, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby assign the said music data indicative of a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or said chords to a store.

74. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 72 or Claim 73, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and including to thereby determine the co-operation between any apparatus and or between any device or devices of the said music synthesizing system, and or determine the co-operation between a or each said First actuator means and or between any said Second actuator means.

75. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 74, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby determine and or convert the status of any said actuator of the said music synthesizing system to become a said First actuator means or said initial control means or said secondary control means, as required.

76. The programmable and or operable means of any one of Claims 64 to 75, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby adapt the function including of sound reproduction, and or performance of any apparatus and or any one or more devices of the said music synthesizing system.

77. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 76, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby adapt any function thereof, and or any method or operation thereof.

78. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 76 or Claim 77, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby set any apparatus, device or operation of the said music synthesizing system to an ON or OFF state thereof.

79. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 78, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby control START and or PLAY and or PAUSE and or STOP operations thereof.

80. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 79, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby determine the said manual and or said automatic states of control or concurrent states of control of any apparatus, devices and or of any associated operations of the said music synthesizing system.

81. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 78,79 or 80, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby control the ENTER and STORE functions of the said music synthesizing system.

82. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 81, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby determine the sound of a or each said musical tone of any said sequence or of any said chords thereof according to dynamics, timbre, duration and or frequency under control by user and or according to any one or more said signal and or said sound processes and or according to any concurrent said digital signal process and or according to any concurrent means, such that the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including vibrato and or aftertouch to be added to any said musical tone or said chord by the user as required.

83. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 81 or Claim 82, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby select or de-select and or enable or disable powering of any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system.

84. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 78, 79,80,81,82 or 83, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby select the said manual or similarly said non-automatic state of the said music synthesizing system to receive said sound waves and or said audio signals and or data of inputted musical tones and or data of inputted chords from said internal and or external sound source means for the creation and subsequent actuation of a or each said musical tone or said chord of said sequence of the said music synthesizing system, according to any said method and or according to any said process thereof.

85. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 84, wherein both or either of said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means provide said music synthesizing system with means such as means designated by user especially and or including to thereby select and control the said random generating means of the said music synthesizing system.

86. The programmable and or operable means of Claim 84 or Claim 85, wherein both or either of said programmable means of said music synthesizing system and or corresponding means such as said operable means provided are designated by user such that said actuator means thereof, and or similar means of or for actuating said sequences thereof may be adapted to thereby co-operate with means such as means especially comprising and or including: said local control means; and or said sound and or said signal processing means in any concurrent combination and or in any concurrent arrangement thereof; and or voice program means according to said First method and or said Second method of actuation and or according to any other concurrent method of actuation and or according to said First process and or said Second process of actuation and or according to any other concurrent and or similar process of actuation. 87. Features of said music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof substantially as herein described with reference to Figures la-20 of the accompanying drawings and according to embodiments.

88. Features of said music synthesizing system including electronic appparatus and devices thereof which may be omitted, added, selected, combined, exchanged, adapted and or employed for use with other features including devices and or other apparatus; and or said features of said music synthesizing system which may be employed for use with other systems including computers and or computerised means and or computer systems; and or said features of said music synthesizing system including any apparatus and or devices thereof which may be adapted and or employed for use or uses including any not necessarily connected with music, the said features of said music synthesizing system including any apparatus and or devices thereof also extending to any new and inventive combination thereof.

89. A combination of the features of said music synthesizing system as claimed in any one or more of the previous Claims.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A music synthesizing system comprising : means for reading, retrieving, sound processing and controlling music data, which music data is provided for sound reproduction via said music synthesizing system and stored in the format of a or each sequence, to include: predetermined sequence of musical tones; a random generation of successive musical tones; any other music data which is stored in a memory and concurrent with the concept of a predetermined sequence; one or more sequences of musical tones, wherein a or each said musical tone being of definite or indefinite pitch is to be played in turn and in response to an output actuation of a First actuator means, at a or each timing determined by user ; said First actuator means operable by user employed tc play a or each said musical tone according to a corresponding First method of actuation, wherein the said First actuator means is used to play a or each said musical tone of corresponding said sequence in determined by user, or to play any sain musical tone of said s quence at a or each timing determined by user ; said First actuator means operable by user also employed to play a or each musical tone according to a First process of actuation, wherein a or each said musical tone of a said sequence is instigated, sustained and or further articulated via the same First actuator means, which First actuator means is operable according to both or either cf a said First method of actuation and or according to said First process cf actuation ; two or more said First actuator means for playing concurrent number of said sequences at the same time, which concurrent number of said sequences is indicative of parts belonging to the same musical composition playable simultaneously by one or more performers via two or more said First actuator means according to said First method of actuation and also according to said First process of actuation; random generating means for randomly generating music data indicative of a said random generation of successive musical tones; means for user to select a or each individual said musical tone of said sequence from a store in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user such that a cr each said musical tone of any said sequence may be actuated according to said First method and a said First process of actuation; and means for further storing, reading, retrieving, sound processing and controlling said sequences for use with said music synthesizing system, also including : one or more predetermined sequences of data progressions, wherein a or each predetermined sequence of this type comprises data such as data indicative ofa predetermined sequence of settings and or parameters for concurrently processing a or each actuated musical tone in turn and at a timing determined by user, when each actuation corresponds with a or each one or group of designated settings and or designated parameters held within the sequence, while a or each said one or group of designated settings and or designated parameters is queued such as via control during an actuation step such that a or each said one cr group of designated settings and or designated parameters held in said sequence is stepped through in turn and at a timing determined by the user such as when a first said one or group of designated settings and or designated parameters processes a corresponding first musical tone or a corresponding first said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding first actuation, and thereafter, when a second said one or group of designated settincs and or designated parameters processes a corresponding second musical tone or a corresponding second said musical tone of said sequence and in a corresponding second actuation, until all musical tones have been processed similarly.

2. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein there is provided programmable and or operable means programmable and or operable by the user to thereby perform the following including : instigate and execute data handling processes and functions of the said music synthesizing system according to a or each program and or according to a or each routine thereof to be instigated by the user so as to edit said music data of one or more said sequences and or adapt apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system for either of a non automatic performance or similarly manual performance, according to said First method and said First process of actuation; and or specify any number and or any combination of said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation when said programmable and or operable means further comprises panel controls and or mode select means for user to specify and designate any concurrent and programmable requirements of said music synthesizing system, including the number and or combination of said sequences for storage in one or more memory locations such as digital recording tracks for storage of said musical tones of one or more said sequences and or any one or more said chords thereof for subsecuent actuation.

3. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein one or more means installed w--h a system memory overall command and management or the said music synthesizing system is either further installed with system control, or system control also for overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system installed in separate means.

4. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein said programmable and or operable means for adapting the overall command and management of said music synthesizing system is provided to thereby instigate and execute both or either of functions and or processings in relation to music including those functions and or processings of said music synthesizing system which render the performance of said apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system in various states of control including : a manual state of control or similarly non automatic state of control such that digital clock means, including internal digital clock means is not engaged to control the timing cf a or each said musical tone of said sequence and also not engaged to control the timing ovf any chord of said musical tones; or an automatic state of control or similarly non manual state of control used when means such as automatic recording and or entering meands and or stering means and or automatic performance means of said music synthesizing system is engaged such that said digital clock means fully controls the timing and duration of musical sounds including a or each said musical tone of one or more said sequences, and or the timing and duration of any said chord thereof during operations such as automatic recording, and or the entering and or storing of said music data, and also any automatic performance of the said music data; or both of a manual state of control including a similarly non automatic state of control and partly an automatic state of control including partly a non manual state of control which automatic state of control or non manual state of control is co-operable with the setting of a or each said digital clock means such that the timing and duration of some of the said musical tones of said sequence and or of some said chords thereof is fully controlled via said automatic performance means and or fully controlled via said digital clock means while the timing and duration of other said musical tones of said sequence and or other said chords thereof is not controlled via any said automatic performance means and not controlled via any said digital clock means.

5. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein both of the said First method of actuation and concept of a said sequence extend to a development such that any said First actuator means operable by user according to both or either of said First method of actuation and or according to said First process of actuation actuates a or each said musical tone or said chord of corresponding said sequence in and at a timing determined by user, including audibly in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, the said development comprising types of said sequences for use wirh said music synthesizing system, further including : (a) a said predetermined sequence of said musical tones further comprising both of a mixture cf single said musical tones and also one or more said chords cf musical tones; or said predetermined sequence instead comprising said chords; (b) a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random, generation of successive musical tones in data form further comprising : both of a mixture of single said musical tones which are concurrent with those musical tones derived from certain types of melodic scale and also one or more said chords of musical tones which are also concurrent with those musical tones derived from certain types of melodic scale; or a said random generation of successive musical tones such as said random generation of successive musical tones in data form comprising said chords which are concurrent with those chords derived from certain types of melodic scale; (c) a succession of said musical tones and or said chords selected from a store and triggered in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user via use of a screen or similar means while any said musical tones and or said chords of said succession being for imminent actuation are automatically queued via control and displayed on screen immediately after actuation cf a said musical tone or said chord, which actuation is via First actuation means; (d) an inputted succession of music data originally from an external sound source and further comprising a succession of said musical tones in the form of music data and or in the form of a or each audio signal such as a digital audio signal of a or each corresponding musical tone or similar signals of a or each corresponding chord, which signals or data of a or each corresponding musical tone or corresponding chord are inputted in turn at a timing determined by the original user while control places the data of a or each transmitted tone or transmitted chord from said external sound source in turn anc immediately into a store of said music synthesizing system such that the resulting data of a or each said transmitted musical tone and or of a or each said transmitted chord is held temporarily or otherwise as performance data or play data within said store of said music synthesizing system so as to thereby permit a or each said tone or said chord of said inputted succession in the form of said music data held as said performance data in a store of said music synthesizing system which said performance data is to be re-actuaed one or more times and a a or each timing determined by user via said actuator means, including when the stored data of each inputted musical tone or chord may be actuated in turn and at a or each timing determined by user; and or the resulting said performance data or play data indicative of a or each said musical tone or said chord actuated in turn and at a timing determined by a or each user; (e) a predetermined sequence of data further comprising aperiodic and or non harmonic performance data such as aperiodic and or non harmonic play data including stored events to be actuated via said First method of actuation or via concurrent method and said First process of actuation or via concurrent process of actuation ; (f) any said sequences hereinbefore described, for actuation according to both of a process of actuation and also a method of actuation to be concurrent with both of a said First process of actuation and said First method of actuation, including when said music data such as said music data indicative of two or more musical tones is stored in ways which include n different memory locations of the same said sequence and or on different tracks of the same song location, or in a concurrent arrangement such hat said two or more musical tones are actuated at the same time including audibly at the same time when actuated via said First actuator means and at a timing determined by the user such as in both of a developed said First method and also a developed said First process, such that the corresponding actuations of said two or more musical tones are perceived as occurring together as a chord and or perceived audibly as occurring together and at a same Time Point and therefore as a chord during a corresponding output actuation.

6. The music synthesizing system as claimed-n Claim 1 or Claim 5, wherein said First actuator means is co-operable with said First process of actuation while sain process further correlates with said First method of actuation and vice versa, such as when the resulting correlation performs during an operation wherein said two or more musical tones are actuated at r. he same time and at a timing determined by the user, and commence audibly at the same time and in responsetoa correspondin input signal of an output actuation of said First actuator means.

7. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein a or each said First actuator means further comprises means for controlling the sound of a said musical tone or said chord of said sequence according to dynamics, timbre and frequency, such ta the said music synthesizing system is further provided with means to thereby enable characteristics including touch sensitivity, vibrato and aftertouch to be added selectively o any said musical tone of said sequence or to any said chord thereof by the user according tc said First method and said First process of actuation.

The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 2, 3 or 7, wherein a number of said First actuator means operable as required by one or more users are provided to whereby play the said musical tones cf each said sequence while each said Firs' : actuator means within the circuit is used to actuate each said musical tone or said chord in turs and at a or each timing determined by e user, including audibly in turn and at a or each timing determined by user such that each said First actuator means within the circuit plays the following: a said predetermined sequence; or a random generation; or a said sequence which is concurrent with the concept of a said predetermined sequence.

9. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein means of actuation operable by the user is provided for actuating a or each said musical tone or said chord in turn and including audibly in turn of said sequence such as one of the following: a said predetermined sequence; or a said random generation of successive musical zones ; or a said sequence which is concurrent with the concept o a said predetermined sequence when actuation is according to said First method and said First process of actuation while said means of actuation further comprise each said First actuator means connected either via the OR logic function or connected via concurrent means to an output such that operation of any said First actuator means within the circuit has the same effect as producing a corresponding input signal of an output actuation since a or each corresponding said musical tone thereof or a or each corresponding said chord thereof is actuatec in turn and in response to a or each said corresponding input signal of an output actuation, at a or each timing determined by user.

1C. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claims 1 to 9, including apparatus and or devices comprising : both of an operable device and one or more corresponding programs which combine as edit control means c~ the said music synthesizing system; and or both of an operable device and one or more corresponding programs which combine as edit repeater means said music synthesizing system; and or a first foot and or manual control device adapted for a@tuation and control of said music data which said first foot and or manual device co-operates with control eventsincludedina or eac@ said sequence; and or a said first foot and or manual control device adapted to perform as s a said First actuator means.

11. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 10, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein means such as said programmable and or operable means is provided to designate a or each concurrent operation and or a or each operating process of the said music synthesizing system such as any used to thereby engage the said edit control means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices and or means of the said music synthesizing system, including when said apparatus and or devices thereof further comprise a said first foot and or manual control device operated according to either of an independent process or in co-operation with a or each external input signal such that the said first foot and or manual control device instigates a corrective function when instructing an edit control or control to shift to predetermined points in a or each said sequence at a or each timing determined by the user.

12. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 9, 10 or 11, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein said edit control means cooperable with a or each skip-hold function means is provided for use at timings determined by user such ; -t the corresponding ccr. trol event of a or each said musical zozo one a said sequence or of any chord thereof actuated by said First actuator means remains uncontrolled by said edi control means until said first fool and or manual control device of said edit control means is engaged by user to thereby instigate and or instruct edit control or control o skip to the position of the next said control event within said sequence.

-3. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim : 2, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein said edit control or control is engaged so as to cc-operate with and maintain control of any concurrent control event of a corresponding said musical tone or corresponding said chord via a hold function means of said music synthesizing system operated at a or each timing determined by user such that any corresponding said musical tone and or any corresponding said chord of any said control event within a or each said sequence may be repeatably actuated at each timing determined by user until said hold function means is disengaged from any said control event of a correspcnding said musical tone and or of a corresponding said chord at a timing determined by user.

14. The said music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1, 5 or 13, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein a said edit repeater means comprises a said operable device being a second foot and or manual control device being adapted via means such as said programmable and cr operable means while said ed@@ repeater means is provided for controlling music data of said sequence such that the output actuation of the corresponding input and or output signal of the said edit repeater means co-operates with corresponding control events included in a or each said sequence, and or vice versa, on each occasion the corresponding said foot and or manual control device is either temporarily set to logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user.

15. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 10,11,12,13 or 14, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein said edit repeater means is adapted via means such as said programmable and or operable means to thereby instigate a function such that control shifts backwards or forwards through a or each said sequence to said predetermined points of a or each said sequence in response to each step when the corresponding said foot and or manual control apparatus is temporarily set to either of a logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user, while means such as said programmable and or operable means is provided to designate any concurrent operating process or operating processes of the said music synthesizing system so o thereby engage the said edit repeater means with or disengage the same from co-operation with any other apparatus and or devices of said music synthesizing system, as required by user.

16. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 15, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein said edit repeater means is provided to thereby insu-gatte a function such that control skips to the position of any next control event in a or each said sequence in response to each step when the corresponding said second foot and or manual control device is temporarily set to either of a logic one or concurrent state at a or each timing determined by the user, while said edit repeater means may be adapted to co-operate with said edit control means cf said music synthesizing system as required when designation means such as said programmable and or operable means co-operable with he attendant t operating system of said music synthesizing system is employed to designate such a co-operation.

17. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 12,13, 14,15 or 16, including said apparatus and or devices thereof, wherein said edit repeater means is provided for instructing an edit control or control of the said music synthesizing system to shift to said predetermined points in the said music data of a or each said sequence, the said predetermined points corresponding to the beginningsofvarious sub sections of a or each said sequence to be played and or repeated in any order and commen@ing at any timing as determined by the user via operation of the said second foot and or manual control device of said edit repeater means, or via the operation of concurrent means.

18. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 15,16 or 17, including apparatus and or means further comprising : standardiser means for determining and then entering into store any music data indicative of individual said musical tones of a said sequence or of said sequences ; said standardiser means which determines a standard value of a characteristic for any said musical tone entered or being entered therein; said standardiser means which establishes music data resultant of one or more signals and or sound waves supplied thereto which music data is especially indicative of the pitch of any corresponding musical one supplied thereto.

19. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 18, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein ~nternal and or external sound source means is provided for supplying one or more sound waves to said standardiser means such that a or each resultant standard value derived from one or more sound waves corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, and at a or each timing determined by user either via said microphone input means or via concurrent means may be determined by means such as an input trigger means or by a final silence or by alternative steps in the standardising process.

20. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 18 or Claim 19, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein said internal and or external sound source means is provided for supplying a or each said audio signal including a or each said digital audio signal to said standardiser means in turn and at a timing determined by user, such as when audio signal corresponding to said musical tone is supplied either singularly or when each said signal is supplied simultaneously as a group thereto at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via concurrent means, till corresponding corresponding of signal event or concurrent event in standardising process ensues, such that a or each said standard value derived from a or each said audio signal including a or each said digital audio signal and or said audio data corresponding to a or each said musical tone supplied thereto, including in turn, and at a timing determined by user either via said line input means or via concurrent means may be determined by an input trigger means or by other concurrent means of the standardising process.

21. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 20, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein said programmable and or operable means is provided, which said programmable and or operable means such as programmable and or operable means of said standardiser means s is programmable and or operable by user and also co-operable with control such that functions of said standardiser means including any for enabling said music synthesising system with means to carry out both or either of non automatic and or said automatic performance of said music data may be designated by user via said attendant operating system of said music synthesizing system.

22. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claims 18 to 21, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof designated from said attendant operating system by user instructs the said standardiser means or other concurrent means to also enter and store said music data of said sequence or of said secuences which music data results from both or either of said audio signals such as said digital audio signals supplied thereto and or a or each transmitted said sound wave supplied from said internal and or external sound source means ; or said music data established otherwise and or via means such as said line input means and or said microphone input means cr other concurrent means when a or each transmitted said sound wave and or said audio data supplied thereto corresponding to a or each said musical tone to be supplied to standardiser means or other concurrent means of said music synthesizing system for entering and storing therein either via rhythmic employment of said input trigger means s or via concurrent means, might include an ever. such as both or either of a final silence or an end of signal event t in said standardising process such that a or each said musical tone or said chord entered and stored therein as performance data of said via the employment of said standardiser may be played via said music synthesizing system either as said music data which has no attendant time elements, sc as to be played via said non automatic performance by user such as according to said First method and said First process cf actuation ; or said music data to be adapted so as to include said attendant time elements entered and stored therein such as via a process of said input trigger means or via other concurrent means, wherein said input trigger means or concurrent means inputs data to be stored at Time Points such that said music data initially devoid of time elements is adapted so as to comprise said attendant time elements which render the said music data as playable according to automatic performance and in digital clock time; or either time elements entered and stored at said Time Points which time elements are thereafter removed, or said time elements entered and stored at Time Points not rea@ such that corresponding said music data indicative of said musical tones of said sequence and or a or each said chord thereof may be performed according to said First method and said First process of actuation.

23. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 22, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein said programmable and or operable means cc-operable with a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof designated from said attendant operating system by user is provided to instigate functions of the said standardiser means such that either no said time elements are programmed into the data indicative cf a or each said musical tone or a or each said chord of cne or more said sequences for actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation, or no said time elements programmed into data indicative of a or each said musical tone or of a or each said chord of one or more said sequences until at a subsequent editing stage as required by user.

24. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 19,20,21,22 or 23, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with control of said standardiser means is provided to instigate one or more functions and or one or more operations of said music synthesizing system via the enablement and execution of a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof as designated from said attendant operating system while said one or more functions and or one or more operations include when control co-operates with variable automatic digital clock means such that the same is adapted to function at a tempo or at tempos determined by the user including during both or either of said automatic performance of said musical tones, including said chords, and or during said automatic performance of any other concurrent said music data entered and or stored into a sequential memory means as automatic performance data such as via standardiser means of said music synthesizing system.

25. The said music synthesizing system as claimed in any one of Claims 22 to 24, including said apparatus and or means thereof, wherein said programmable and or operable means co-operable with a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof designated via said attendant operating system by user is provided also to thereby adapt said music synthesizing system to play back the music data of a or each said musical tone or said chord of one or more said sequences such as one or more said sequences established standardiser means and stored therein, while said music synthesizing system is in said automatic state of control or similarly in said non manual state of control.

26. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 25, including apparatus such as a variety of means for actuating a or each said musical tone or a or each said chord of a or each said sequence including the data thereof while any of the said variety of means is controlled and acted upon by user such that said music synthesizing system further includes: said variety of means comprising a range of actuator means and or means of actuation as required and adapted to perform a or each logic one state or concurrent state of a or each corresponding actuation step which actuation step is produced via operation of any such actuator means or means of actuation according to said First method and said First process of actuation ; or said actuator means and or said means of actuation adapted to perform a or each logic zero state or concurrent state of a non actuation step according to said First method and said First process of actuation ; a or each said actuator means or said means of actuation employed to achieve aspects or output actuation which aspects include: an input voltage to commensura e : y conWrcl the level of a corresponding output signal which input voltage is also for primarily modulating one or more sound characteristics of said musical tones and or of any said chord of said sequence cr said sequences; the instigation of a signal process which triggers either of said logic one states including any concurrent state, or triggers said logic zero states including ar. concurrent state of a corresponding'actuator mechanism which corresponding actuator mechanism may comprise means such as switch means further comprising : one moveable contact fixed to a single pole ; two or more contacts fixed to a single common pole, the same to move rotaiably about a pivot or said pole to move otherwise ; or any concurrent means for enabling said switch means to achieve said logic one or said logic zero states,orconcurrentstates.

27. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 26, including said apparatus thereof, wherein said variety of means may more generally and or additionally comprise : both or either of said First actuator means and or First means of actuation co-operable with said overall command and management of the said music synthesizing system; and both or either of said First actuator means and or said First means of actuation co-operable with said music synthesizing system via said programmable and or operable means such that a or each said First actuator means or said First means of actuation may be operated according to any relevant said program and or routine thereof as designated from said attendant operating system; and both or either of said First actuator means and or said First means of actuation for actuating a or each said musical tone of one or more said sequences, including any chord or any chords thereof; and both or either of said First actuator means and or said First means of actuation co-operable with a or each relevant program and or each relevant routine thereof as designated via said attendant operating system such that the said First actuator means and or said First means of actuation may be adapted to play a or each said musical zone or said chord in turn of a or each said sequence and according to said First method and said process actuation.

28. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claims 25 to 27, including said apparatus thereof which further comprises: one or more piano-like keys; a or each unit further comprising said foct and or manual control device or one or more concurrent means; and or computer mouse means with one or more mouse buttons ; and or said variety of means comprising one or more push buttons and or concurrent means ; and or 29. The music synthesizing system as claimedin Claim 26,27 or 28, including said apparatus thereof, wherein there is provided one or more breath controlled means including: breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing within a hclow tube or similar means, the moveable member or bearing comprising an electronic conductor or electromagnetic means which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards orforwards direction to urge said moveable member or said bearing past or against one or electronic or electromagnetic contact points of an open circuit such that the circuit is either made so as to thereby trigger a corresponding logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a corresponding logic zero condition, concurrent event or concurrent state; and or breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing which is propelled via air flow from user which air flow travels in either a backwards or forwards direction to urge said moveable member or bearing past or against one or more electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit such that the circuit is made in order to thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step, or the circuit broken to thereby achieve a logic zero condition, concurrent event or concurrent state of non actuation step.

30. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 29, including said apparatus thereof, wherein there is further provided one or more breath controlled means including: breath controlled means comprising a moveable member or bearing such as an electronic conductor is propelled via air flow action such that said first compressible means contracts against the resulting pressure established by said moveable member when : e same is urged to move against the fixed said first compressible means in response to air flow from user so as to close a circuit and thereby trigger a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step while the circuit is made when said first compressible means contracts to thereby facilitate the completion the circuit between said moveable member and also the fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit; or the original shape of said first compressible means becomes restored when said air flow is relinquished and corresponding said pressure ceases such that the said moveable member is urged in the opposite direction and away from said fixed electronic or electromagnetic points of said open circuit by the said first compressible means when the circuit is broken and a corresponding logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step achieved; and or breath controlled means comprising a moveable member which is itself a second compressible means being akin to a diaphragm means, which second compressible means further comprises a plurality of electromagnetic cells or sensor means held within a fragile membrane or similar means such that said second compressible means when compressed produces a voltage level which is commensurate wilh the s. reng~h of breath and, alsc,. he density and a~so the measure of collective charge of either of the combined electromagnetic cells or sensor means during a or each corresponding actuation at a timing determined by the user while the commensurate voltage reaches or surpasses a specified level which triggers a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an output actuation step when said second compressible means is compressed in response to air pressure resulting from breath of or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said commensurate voltage level and or corresponding level of signal is below or falls to below the said specified level such as when said second compressible means is not subject to said air pressure resulting from breath of user.

31. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claims 26,27,28,29 or 30, including said apparatus thereof, wherein there is further provided one or more breath controlled means including: breath controlled means comprising a microphonic means which responds to sound waves especially produced when breath of user blows against or near to the detecting vicinity of said microphonic means such that a logic one condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of an actuation step is triggered and both or either of a corresponding voltage level and or corresponding level of signal established when said microphonic means detects the said sound wave; or a logic zero condition or concurrent event or concurrent state of a non actuation step is achieved when said microphonic means fails to detect said sound wave.

32. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 31, including said apparatus thereof further comprising : one or more touch detector means and or one or more ribbon control means; and or an energy medium co-operable with attendant sensor means; and or energy media co-operable with attendant sensor means; and or one or more percussion means ; and or one or more mechanical means such as piston means ; and or manual means such as means comprising a manually controlled electronic conductor which slides backwards or forwards past sensor means of an open circuit or past electromagnetic means or past electronic or electromagnetic points of an open circuit in order to make and then break the same ; and or manual means such as a curscr controller means and or computer mouse means ; and or powered means such as electronic means in co-operation with manual means; and or electromagnetic means; and or means such as plucked means, and or, similarly, vibratible means s such as a metal string or other vibratible medium or other vibratible media used so as to produce an effect of vibration which is responsible for triggering actuation events ; and or one or more vocal means cc-operable with or. or more electronic means such as computerized means; and or one or more means under rhythmic control by user to act upon either of said musical tone or said musical tones of either of said sequence or of said sequences stored on a or each machine readable source, such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is both fully and precisely controllable in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, such as according to said First method and said First process of actuation, while any such arrangement should include one or more recording and or playback means co-operable with a or each said machine readable source such that a or each said musical tone stored thereon is controllable in turn and at a or each timing determined by user.

33. The music synthesizing system as claimed in any one of Claims 28 to 32, including said apparatus thereof comprising any number and or combination of both or either of said First actuator means and or concurrent means of actuation for actuating a or each said musical tone and or for similarly actuating a or each said chord of said sequence or of said sequences, which number and or combination may be employed by he ser fcr use the said music synthesizing system.

34.Themusicsynthesizingsystemasclaimedin Claim 1, 26 or 33, including additional means of the said music synthesizing system comprising : said additional means co-operable with characteristics including assignable characteristics, which assignable characteristics are further co-operable with a process for use with said music synthesizing system, wherein a or each said musical tone or said chord of said secuence is controlled in turn and a~ 2 cor timing determined by user or users via actuators equipped with both separate and independent control cf a or each said musical tone or said chord of same said séquence when each actuator such as each said actuator means of corresponding same said sequence performs both separate and independent actuation steps upon same said sequence and or audibly upon same said musical tones of same said sequence, including when an assignable characteristic such as control instigated via each said actuator means thereof co-operates with different control events or with concurrent data of any said musical tone or of any said chord of corresponding said same sequence; and said additional means further comprising first select means of said music synthesizing system used for performing the function of assigning both or either of a corresponding said actuator means and or corresponding said means of actuation to means including: one or more corresponding sound processing means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a number of tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other as required; and or one or more corresponding signal-processing means which may include one or more digital signal processing means or concurrent means for providing the said music synthesizing system with a number of sound FX and or similar sound characteristics, preset or other as required ; or said first select means used for assigning sound process and signal process ro either of a corresponding said means of actuation or to corresponding said actuation means, while any corresponding actuation step may comprise and or trigger any of the following, including : a or each corresponding sound effect designated by user ; and or a or each corresponding tone colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform and or similar sound characteristic designated by user ; and or a or each corresponding sound FX group designated by user; and or a or each corresponding group of said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar characteristics designated by user ; and or one or more concurrent signal and or sound d processes and or any one or-more concurrent digital signal processes which may also include : a or each corresponding said sound d processing means designated by user; and or a or each corresponding said signal processing means designated by user including any concurrent said digital signal processing means designated by user ; and or alternative processing means as designated by @ser.

* 35. music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 34, including additional means such as second select means of said music synthesizing system provided for performing the function of assigning any corresponding said actuator means or any corresponding said means of actuation to one or more corresponding voice programs or vice versa while each said voice program such as preset voice program is designated by user for use in any concurrent sound process of a corresponding actuation step.

36. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 34 or Claim 35, including said additional means further comprising one or more local control means which local control means provides a function of said music synthesizing system, wherein said local control means or control is assignable to both or either of corresponding said actuator means and or to corresponding said means of actuation via means such as programmable means while onoff means located on means such as corresponding said actuator means or located elsewhere enables or disables said local control means of said music synthesizing system which said local control means thereby permits corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation to take over control of one or more said musical tones of a or each said sequence including one or more said chords thereof such that corresponding sa actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation gains local control or control of a or each same said sequence either initially, including after a power on step, or corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation ~a^. es over control o same one or more said sequences after a preceding actuation step via any other active n-c. ve sa d actuator means which other active or inactive said actuator means may also be equipped with said local control or control of a or each same sequence when local control according to said First method and said First Process mav commence from the next cueued and or next unprocessed control event of a corresponding said musical tone of a or each same said sequence or said local control or control may commence from the processed control event of a corresponding actuated said musical tone or said chord already controlled by another actuator ; and or said local control or control may be shared between actuators, such as when one said actuator means accesses directly the said music data of another actuator means, including any parameters-and or settings thereof.

37. The said music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 34,35 or 36, including said additional means, wherein a or each said actuator means and or a or each said means of actuation equipped with said additional means such as local control means or control means is further adapted to act upon characteristics such as data including various types of events during actuations of a or each said musical tone or or a or each said chord of said sequence while a or each event including in data form is co-operable with programmable parameters of said music synthesizing system which programmable parameters comprise : any corresponding ADSR parameters; and or any corresponding EG parameters; and or any concurrent programmable parameters and or settings while said events and or said programmable parameters and or programmable settings are further co-operable with the following, including: characteristics such as data related to signal processing, sound processing and or sound reproduction of said music synthesizing system; and or said local control or control of both or either of said musical tones and or said chords of both or either of said sequence or of said same sequences such that said events and or said programmable parameters and or said programmable settings are further co-operable with the following, which include: one or more types of said sound FX designated by user ; and or one or more sa sound RX groups designated by user; and or any one or more said sound processes designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processes designated by user which may include any y one or more said digital s ; gnal processes designated by user ; and or any one or more said sound processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said signal processing means designated by user which may any said digital signal processing means designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user when any said voice program corresponds to said preset voice designated by user ; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or similar sound characteristics designated by user.

38. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 37, including said additional means such as said local control means or control, wherein both cr either of corresponding said actuation means and or corresponding said means of actuation being co-operable with means such as said first select means and or said second select means and or said programmable means may further co-operate with control characteristics as required or vice versa while said control characteristics include: said control characteristics such as data designated by user and or included in either of a corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound effect is designated by user ; and or said control characteristics such as data designated by user and or included in either cf a corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding process such as corresponding said sound process and or corresponding said signal process and or corresponding said digital signal process and or concurrent process is designated by user; and or said control characteristics such as data designated by user and or included in either of a corresponding said actuation step orapartthereofwhena or each characteristic such as corzespcnci-s-id s > . e colour or timbre, envelope and or waveform is designated by user; and or said control characteristics such as data designated by user and or included in either of a corresponding said actuation step or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said sound FX croup is designated by user; and or said control characteristics such as data designated by user and or included in either of a corresponding said actuation sep or a part thereof when a or each corresponding said voice program is designated by user.

39. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 35,36,37 or 38, including additional means, wherein one or more said actuator means and or one or more said means of actuation assigned and or enabled with said additional means such as said local control or control is co-operable with the following for use with said music synthesizing system, including: any y one or more said sound FX designated by user ; and or any one or more said sound FX groups designated user @ser; and or any one or more said digital processes designated by user including any one or more said digital signal processes designated by user; and or any one or more said voice programs designated by user; and or any one or more said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or any similar sound characteristics designated by user for use in any concurrent actuation of said sequence or of said sequences when means such as said programmable means has been programmed by user to predetermine any cooperation between said local control or control and corresponding control characteristics, including any said control characteristics; sound processing means comprising means for creating and or generating said tone colours or timbres, envelopes and or waveforms and or concurrent sound characteristics ; said signal processing means and or said sound processing means including : means such as said digital signal processing means; and or any other contrasting and or user modifiable means of sound and or signal processing ; and or any other concurrent sound and or signal processing arrangement of said music synthesizing system including any concurrent digital signal processing arrangement thereof ; and or a combination of both of a sound processing arrangement and also a signal processing arrangement assigned via means such as said programmable and or operable means of said music synthesizing systems.

4C. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 39, including said additional means further cooperable with the following including : an original signal which is an inputted signal of a corresponding actuator means or of a corresponding means Or actuation, or said original signal comprising both or either of an inputted signal and or a corresponding outputted signal of said actuator means or of corresponding saidd means of actuation which original signal may be set in either of a SIGNAL ON state or SIGNAL OFF state by corresponding said means of actuation while said original signal is in concept an initial signal which may be acted upon by other signals or impulses from any other concurrent means included in said music synthesizing system ; a process of actuation for use with said music synthesizing system, wherein there is created a subdivision of the said First process of actuation in order to establish, therefore, the creation of a Second process of actuation, especially for use by two or more performers, which Second process further comprises: a first sub process of a said Second process of actuation for use with said music synthesizing system, which first sub process being a first sub process of actuation comprises: a signal process in which a or each said original signal results in a corresponding actuation being initially non audible such as when a or each musical sound is muted or corresponding signal of actuation set to logic zero, or corresponding actuation remains non audible until intervention from another source such as from other corresponding said signal process, which other corresponding said signal process may further act upon the original signal ; and cr a signal process in which a or each said original signal of a corresponding said actuator means or corresponding said means of actuation initially audible or remains audible due to said intervention from another source and or from other said signal process ; and or a signal process in which a said original signal of a said First method and a said First process is either instigated via corresponding said actuator means operable by user, or instigated via corresponding said means of actuation operable by user when said original signal is produced while means instructs control either to remain co-operable with any control event of corresponding said musical tone or said chord via operation of said hold function means, or said hold function means is released such that control may be instructed either to step through said sequence to any next queued and or any next unprocessed control event of both or either of a corresponding next queued and or next unprocessed said musical tone of said chord of said sequence at a timing determined by user such @ that any said next queued and or any said next unprocessed control events of both or either of corresponding unprocessed said musical tones or corresponding unprocessed said chords of said sequence may be actuated either audibly when a or each musical sound of a corresponding actuation remains unmuted or corresponding signal process remains in logic 1, or the actuation may be rendered non audible such as when a or each musical sound of a corresponding actuation is muted, or corresponding signal curtailed when actuation is set to logic zero, while either audible or non audible actuation is performed at a timing determined by user after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step ; or the same corresponding said actuator means s or same corresponding said means of actuation instructs control to step through said sequence to the said next queued and or next unprocessed control event of both or either of a corresponding said next queued and or next unprocessed said musical one or corresponding said nex queued and or said next unprocessed said chord of said sequence at a timing determined by user such that a or each said next queued and or said next unprocessed control event of both or either of said corresponding unprocessed said musical tone or corresponding unprocessed said chord in the said sequence may be actuated audibly so as to be unmuted, or non audible event performed in turn and at a or each aiming determined by user, including after the step of any preceding actuation event or after some other step such as after a power on step ; and or a signal process in which said original signal is controlled during either o each non audible step of a corresponding actuation such as when sound is muted, or during each audible step of a corresponding actuation via said actuator means or similar via said means of actuation when said original signal is controlled according to mainly SIGNAL ON or SIGNAL OFF states and also according to b-h or either r characteristics of actuation such as velocity, and or sound characteristics as required by user.

41. The music synthesizing system as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 40, including said additional means further co-operable with means comprising: a second sub process of actuation being a second sub process of the said Second process of actuation which second sub process is for use with said music synthesizing system and which second sub process is performed via either of a corresponding said actuator means or via corresponding said means of actuation operable by the user so as to provide said intervention and thereby act upon a first sub process of said Second process of actuation and similarly act upon any said original signal of corresponding said first sub process of said Second process of actuation when said intervention is initiated via a or each corresponding signal process of said second sub process, such that characteristics mainly of time initially under control via a said first sub process of a said Second process of actuation may be further controlled via a separate second sub process type of signal process of said Second process of actuation according to such sound characteristics as dynamics including silence, and or timbre and cr frequency and or time ; and a or each Second method of actuationforusewirh said music synthesizing system which Second method comprises both of a said first sub process type of signal process and said second sub process type of signal process, wherein said Second actuator means performs either of an audible or a non-audible said second sub process of actuation upon a said first sub process of actuation so as to perform a non audible event cf a corresponding actuation which may result in a or each corresponding musical sound being muted, or corresponding signal set to logic zero such that the said second sub process of actuation acts upon and articulates or further articulates the output actuation of said first sub process to produce an audible or non audible event cf an output actuation ; or another said Second method of actuation to correspond with said sub process and said second sub process of actuation, wherein a said Second actuator means performs only an audible said second sub process upon the output actuation of said First actuator means in order to further articulate and control a or each audible event of a or each corresponding output actuation of the said First actuator means or the said First means of actuation.

42. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 41, including said additional means further co operable with the following which in : ci @th the following which include: said first sub process, which first sub process also corresponds with both of a said Second method and said Second process of actuation performed via corresponding said Second actuator means, the corresponding said Second actuator means being an initial control means of said music synthesizing system to thereby instigate a said original signal of a corresponding output actuation at a timing determined by user such that a or each corresponding actuated said musical tone or said chord of one or more said sequences may be further controlled and or articulated via one or more other actuators, audibly or otherwise, while same said original signal is controlled accord-nu to characteristics of mainly time via the said initial control means and or controlled via one or more functions of the said initial control means such as by said hold function means of the said music synthesizing system mi said second sub process of corresponding said Second process of actuation performed by-a said Second actuator means, said Second actuator means of corresponding said Second process being a secondary control means of said music synthesizing system to thereby further articulate audibly, or otherwise, any said musical tone of said sequence and or any said chords thereof and or articulate one or more sound characteristics of a or each corresponding output actuation, and or articulate mainly dynamics including silence and or timbre and or frequency and or time, and or articulate changes to the said original signal, and or articulate any other said signal process and or sa sound process thereof; said first sub process of actuation for use with said music synthesizing system which said first sub process of actuation is adapted to co-operate with said second sub process of actuation or vice versa such that said second sub process performs a or each corresponding signal process and or corresponding sound process upon any one or more corresponding actuated said musical tones for a duration determined by user; and or means such as said programmable and or operable means for designating either of any one or more concurrent operating processes of the said music synthesizing system as required so as to adapt the signal process of said initial control means to co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, and or adapt the signal process of said First actuator means to thereby co-operate with the signal and or sound process of said secondary control means, or vice versa, such that any changes to a or each said original signal and or signal process and or sound process may be achieved according o any said process or any said processes either directly by means such as said direct modulationperformedviasaidSecondactuatormeans,or, indirectly, including via control of an actuator mechanism such as by a switch controlled by either of a said Second actuator means or concurrent means of actuation.

43. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 42, including said additional means further co-operable with said Second process of actuation, which said Second process may be used to actuate said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences via means further comprising any of a variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding Second means of actuation to instigate and or further control a or each said musical tone or one or more said chords of a or each said sequence, or a part thereof, while a or each said musical tone is controlled in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, or a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof similarly controlled, any one or more corresponding said musical tones and or any one or more corresponding said chords being further controlled according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency as determined by user when said variety of corresponding said Second actuator means and or corresponding said Second means of actuation includes: said breath controlled means; and or a or each said foot and or manual control device or similar means; and or said mechanical means; and or said manual means; and or said cursor controller means such as said computer mouse means s ; and or said vibratible means s ; and or said sensor means; and or said powered means; and or said percussion means; and or said piston means; and or said touch detector means ; and or said ribbon control means ; and or said energy medium with said sensor means or said energy media with one or more said sensor means.

44. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 41,42 or 43, including said additional means, wherein any number and or any combination of the preceding said Second actuator means cc-operable with said additional means is provided to thereby enable characteristics such as touch sensitivity and or vibrato and or aftertouch to be added selectively to both or either of any said musical tone and or said chord of a said sequence while characteristics are controlled as required by user; and, additionally, any preceding said Second actuator means or any other concurrent means employed to directly modulate a or each sound characteristic and or similarly process a or each said original signal or instigate a original signal of a corresponding output actuation, the said variety of means further comprising said Second actuator means s and or said Second means of actuation and means which include : orchestral bowing means to be played by the user via method cf manipulation more usually comprising mainly alternating up bow and down bow movements cf a bowing means such as an electromagnetic bowing means to be applied across and upon a length such as an electromagnetic length so as to further control the actuation of a or each said musical tone and or a or each said chord of any said sequence in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user and according to said Second method and said Second process of actuation; or said orchestral bowing means s may be employed for use within the said music synthesizing system as both or either of a said First means of actuation and or a said Second means of actuation ; and or pressible means co-operable with one or more means of said orchestral bowing means, which pressible means is either designated to control a or each said musical tone of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a timing or at timings determined by user and or designated to control a or each said chord of a or each said sequence or a part thereof at a or each timing determined by user and according to dynamics and or time and or timbre and or frequency when a said pressible means is acted upon by the user; or a said pressible means may be designated to control one or more sound characteristics of said orchestral bowing means, including volume ; and or first and second push buttons of said orchestral bowing means which first and second push buttons are operable at timings determined by the user and provided o thereby instigate and or sustain and or articulate and or fully actuate a or each said musical tone or a or each said chord of any said sequence in turn and at a or each timing determined by user according to the concurrent number of output actuations of a or each said push button operable at a or each timing determined by the user; or said first push : z button or said second push button may be designated o articulate modulation of the pitch of a or each said musical tone or of a or each said chord similarly and as required, both in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user while said second push button or said first push button may be designated to articulate a iegato effect of any said musical tone as required and or articulate similarly any said chord as required, both-in turn and at a or each timing determined by the user ; and or means of an arrangement comprising said first and or said second push buttons and said pressible of said orchestral bowing means which means are adapted to cooperate with each other via communication means of said music synthesizing system and according to designation via said programmable and or operable means ; and or one or more said push buttons and or one or more computer mouse buttons of one or more mouse control means to whereby instigate and sustain and or articulate a or each said musical tone and or a or each said chord of a or each said sequence in turn and at a or each timing determined by user and according to corresponding number of said original signals for triggering a or each output actuation as produced via a or each said push button or concurrent means.

45. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 26 or Claim 44, including said additional means, wherein any number and or any combination of said means for actuating said musical tones and or said chords of one or more said sequences includes any of said variety and or further includes any number of the preceding said Second actuator means or concurrent means operable by the user which may be assigned via the relevant adaptation of means such as via said programmable and or operable means also corresponding to a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof as designated from the said attendant operating system via said programmable and or operable means such that any of the said number and or any of the said combination of said actuator means and or any of the said means of actuation may be assigned as required to thereby control a or each said musical tone and or a or each said chord in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, and according to both of a said Second method and said Second process of actuation, or according zo any other said method and or said process thereof.

46. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 45, also including electronic apparatus, wherein a sub system is provided which further comprises a hand held section or peripheral unit of one or more said First actuator means and or one or more said Second actuator means to thereby control a or each said musical tone or a or each said chord of one or more said sequences in turn and at a or each timing determined by user, also according to any said method or any said methods of actuation and or according tc any said process or any said processes of actuation; and a main system provided with means including sound source means and also means mainly for the generation and or storage and or reproduction of mus-c data indicative of one or more said sequences o be played according to one or more said methods of actuation and or according to one or more said processes of actuation ; and or sub system comprising an overlay means and or a console means and or a unit means provided for interfacing with a computer or computer system or computerised means, while the computer or computer system or computerised means provides corresponding said main system to be adapted mainly or partly by computer software w re so as to enable computer or computer system or computerised means to perform as said main system in order to generate and or store data indicative of said musical rones and or sa d chords of one or more said sequences to be played according to a or each said method of actuation and or to be played according to a or each said process of actuation, while computer software and or hardware is provided to adapt both of the said sub system and also the said main system as required.

47. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1,44,45 or 46, wherein programmable and or operable means is co-operable with means such as a or each device in the form of a variable pedal means thereof comprising adjustable actuators and or switch means and or concurrent means all in the form of a unit further comprising a or each pivot bar and a or each heel pedal means and a or each toe pedal means.

48. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 47, including said programmable and or operable means thereof co-operable with said attendant operating system, wherein said programmable and or operable means is provided for use in the control and designation of a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof such as for adapting the said overall command and management of said system memory and or said system control including when a or each said program and or a or each said routine thereof facilitates the user to thereby perform and execute functions and or operations and or processings in relation to music, such that the said music synthesizing system is both or either programmable and or operable by one or more users.

49. The music synthesizing system as claimed in any previous claim, wherein both or either cf said programmable means and or corresponding means such as said operable means instigate one or more means designated by user to thereby perform both and or either of functions and or operations according to any one or more said methods and or according to any one or more said processess, when said one or more means designated by user enable said music synthesizing system to thereby perform the said functions and or operations especially and or including : engage or disengage any corresponding apparatus and or device or devices for use with the said music synthesizing system including any one or more said First actuator means and or any one or more said Second actuator means; and or engage or disengage any operations allied to said methods or said processes of actuation or one or more said functions for use with the said music synthesizing system ; and or combine any number, combination and or variety of said actuator means of the said music synthesizing system and or any concurrent means of actuation thereof; and or assign any number and or any combination and or any of both or either of said variety of means and or corresponding said Second actuator means of the said music synthesizing system to play the said music data indicative of a or each said chord and or a or each said musical tone of any concurrent number and or any concurrent combination and or concurrent variety of said sequences.

50. The music synthesizing system as claimed n Claim 48 or Claim 49, including both or either of system memory and or system control thereof, wherein said one or more means designated by user enables said music synthesizing system to thereby perform said functions and or operations, also especially and including : select either a or each circuit of an OR logic function of the said music synthesizing system for use with any two or more said actuator means or, alternatively, select a circuit wherein the number of said actuators and or the number of said actuator means concurs numerically with the number of said sequences of said music data for actuation ; and or control the reading, retrieving, sound processing and creation of said music data indicative of said musical tontes of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof ; and or control the reading, processing and creation of one or mere said predetermined sequences of data progressions being indicative of a or each said predetermined sequence of said settings and or said parameters or concurrent data such as for processing a or each said musical tone and or said chord of a or each said sequence at a or each timing determined by user; and or select both or either of said First process cf actuation and or the said Second process of actuatior. so as to play said musical tones of a or each said sequence or said chords thereof.

51. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 50, including both or either of system memory and or system control thereof, wherein said one or more means s designated by user to enable said music synthesizing system to thereby perform said functions and or operations, also especially and including : designate and or write and or edit and or generate data indicative of said musical tones of a or each sadd sequence and or said chords whereof so as to create a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or any said chords thereof for actuation by said music synthesizing system ; and or assign the said music data indicative of a or each said sequence of said musical tones and or said chords to a sucre ; an--'or determine the co-operation between any apparatus and or between any device or devices of the said music synthesizing system, and or determine the co-operation between both or either of said First actuator means and or any said Second actuator means; and or determine and or convert the status and or performance of any said actuator of the said music synthesizing system to become a said First actuator means or said initial control means or said secondary control means, as required.

52. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 51, including both or either of system memory and or system control thereof, wherein said one or more means is designated by user to enable said music synthesizing system to thereby perform said functions and or operations, also especially and including : adapt sound reproduction means and or performance of any apparatus and or any one or more devices of the said music synthesizing system; and or adapt any function thereof, and or any method or operation thereof ; and or set any apparatus, device or operation of the said music synthesizing system to an ON or OFF state thereof ; and or control START and or PLAY and or PAUSE and or STOP operations thereof ; and or select both or either of said line input means and or said microphone input means such as for use in said standardising process thereof 53. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 52, including both or either of system memory and or system control thereof, wherein said one or more means is designated by user to enable said music synthesizing system to thereby perform said functions and or operations, also especially and including: determine the states of control of any apparats, devices and or cf any associated operations of the said music synthesizing system ; and or control the ENTER and STORE functions of the said music synthesizing system ; and or determine the sound of a or each said musical tone of any said sequence or of any said chords thereof according to dynamics, timbre, duration and or frequency under control by user and or according to any one or more said sound and or said signal processes including any concurrent said digital signal process.

54. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 49,50,51,52 or 53, including both or either os system memory and or system control thereof, wherein said one or more means is designated by user to enable said music synthesizing system to thereby perform said functions and or operations, also especially and including : select or de-select and or enable or disable powering of any apparatus and or device or devices of the said music synthesizing system; and or adapt said music synthesizing system to receive said sound waves and or said audio signals and or data of inputted musical tones and or data including audio data of inputted chords from said internal and or external sound source means for the creation and subsequent actuation of a or each said musical tone or said chord of one or more said secuences of the said music synthesizing system ; and or select and control the said random generating means of the said music synthesizing system.

55. The said music synthesizing systemasclaimedin Claim 54, including both or either of system memory and or system control thereof, wherein both or either of said programmable means of said music synthesizing system and or corresponding means such as said operable means instigate means such that said actuator means thereof, and or concurrent means of or for actuating said sequences thereof may be adapted to thereby co-operate w-th means such as voice program means and also various other means such as means especially comprising and or including said local control means and or said sound processing means s and or said signal processing means and which various other means are for use in any concurrent combination thereof and or in any concurrent arrangement thereof and for use in actuation accord nu to said First method and or said Second method cf actuation and or according to any other concurrent method of actuation and or according to said First process and or said Second process of actuation and or according to any other concurrent and or similar process of actuation.

56. The music synthesizing system as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 55, wherein electronic apparatus and devices thereof may be omitted, added, selected, combined, exchanged, adapted and or employed for use with other means including other devices and or other apparatus; and or means of said music synthesizing system which may be employed for use with other systems including computers and or computerised means and or computer systems; and or said means of said music synthesizing system including any apparatus and or devices thereof which may be adapted and or employed for use or uses including any not necessarily connected with music, the said means of said music synthesizing system including any apparatus and or devices thereof also extending to any new and inventive combination thereof.

57. A music synthesizing system including electronic apparatus and devices thereof substantially as herein described with reference to Figures la-20 of the accompanying drawings and according to embodiments.