DPT - Delta Parser Timeline

Overview

DPT (Delta Parser Timeline) is a PyQt5-based desktop application for creating and managing musical timelines with parameterized behaviors. It provides an intuitive interface for arranging and manipulating clips with various musical parameters, designed specifically for composition and analysis.

Key Features

• Multi-track timeline interface with intuitive drag-and-drop
• Parameter-based clip manipulation with real-time updates
• Intelligent grid system with adjustable zoom levels
• Advanced parameter editing with support for numeric and list values
• YAML export/import for timeline data
• Integration with external make commands for processing
• Customizable appearance with track and timeline colors
• Comprehensive search functionality across clip parameters

System Requirements

• Python 3.11
• PyQt5
• PyYAML
• macOS 10.15 or later (for compiled application)

Installation

Running from Source

1. Clone the repository
2. Install dependencies:

pip install PyQt5 PyYAML

3. Run the application:

cd src && python3.11 main.py

Running the Compiled Application (macOS)

1. Download the latest release
2. Move DPT.app to your Applications folder
3. Launch DPT from Applications

Quick Start Guide

Basic Controls

• Add Clip: Click "Add Item" or press Ctrl/Cmd + T
• Select Clips: Click or drag selection rectangle (with Ctrl/Cmd)
• Move Clips: Drag or use arrow keys with Ctrl/Cmd
• Edit Parameters: Double-click clip or press Ctrl/Cmd + Return
• Zoom: Use Ctrl/Cmd +/- or pinch gesture
• Save/Load: Use File menu or Ctrl/Cmd + S/O

Timeline Navigation

• Pan: Alt + Arrow keys
• Track Navigation: Ctrl/Cmd + Up/Down arrows
• Quick Zoom: Alt + Up/Down arrows

Clip Parameters

Each clip contains musical parameters:

• cAttacco: Starting time
• durataArmonica: Harmonic duration
• ritmo: Rhythm values (list)
• durata: Duration
• ampiezza: Amplitude (single value or range)
• frequenza: Frequency parameters (list)
• posizione: Position parameter

File Management

YAML Structure

Timeline data is stored in YAML format with standardized parameter structure:

comportamenti:
  - cAttacco: 0.0
    durataArmonica: 35.0
    ritmo: [3.0]
    durata: 10.0
    ampiezza: -14.0
    frequenza: [2.0, 5.0]
    posizione: [-2.0, GEN06]

Settings

Application settings are stored in settings.json and include:

• Directory preferences
• Visual customization options
• Default timeline configuration

Keyboard Shortcuts

File Operations

• New Timeline: Ctrl/Cmd + N
• Open: Ctrl/Cmd + O
• Save: Ctrl/Cmd + S
• Save As: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + S

Edit Operations

• Add Clip: Ctrl/Cmd + T
• Delete Selection: Delete/Backspace
• Duplicate Clips: Ctrl/Cmd + D
• Rename Clip: Return
• Show Parameters: Ctrl/Cmd + Return

View Controls

• Zoom In: Ctrl/Cmd + Plus
• Zoom Out: Ctrl/Cmd + Minus
• Increase Width: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Right
• Decrease Width: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Left

Make Integration

The application integrates with external make commands through a configurable make directory setting. Timeline data can be processed using:

make SEZIONE=<yaml_filename>

Support and Documentation

For detailed documentation, see the /docs directory.

License

MIT License

---

For technical documentation and development details, please refer to /docs/README.md