Abstract: In an automatic music playing apparatus, musical data entered at a keyboard are temporarily stored in a RAM and are sequentially recorded on a magnetic tape. The RAM has a memory capacity larger than the longest musical data to be recorded on the magnetic tape and has memory areas which are all accessed by a CPU. The musical data is then recorded in a predetermined data area on the magnetic tape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote control system for a musical instrument or instruments. In particular the control system comprises at least one keyboard having a plurality of keys each coupled to means for sensing key operation and key velocity or force, a signal generator for producing a string percussing signal, transmission means for transmitting the signal to at least one remote instrument having a string percussing arrangement coupled to a receiver circuit in the instrument for receiving the string percussing signal, the arrangement being operable in response to the signal to produce an audible sound corresponding to the operation of the keyboard.

Abstract: An automatic performing apparatus for use in an electronic musical instrument stores chord name data and chord generation timing data to carry out an automatic chord performance. In spite of frequent variations of a chord during the progression of a music piece, repetitive storage of a same chord name data is not required so that the amount of stored data can be reduced, allowing utilization of a memory of a small capacity.

Abstract: An automatic playing musical instrument is provided in which the amount of storage medium to be used is substantially decreased. The automatic playing musical instrument is provided with a key information generating circuit for generating key information corresponding to a depressed key among the plurality of keys. A change of the key information is then detected, and a time interval between one of the change and the other which follows immediately after the one of the change is measured so as to generate a time period data representative of the time interval. Each time the change is detected, a musical performance data comprising the key information and the time period is stored in the storage medium, while on the other hand if the change is not detected, no musical performance data is stored thereby saving the amount of the storage medium to be used.

Abstract: A musical score printing apparatus comprises: storing means for storing a musical score data; read-out controlling means for successively reading out the musical score data from the storing means; converting means for converting the musical score data read out from the storing means to a musical score print and paper feed data; and printing means for printing out the musical score on a printing sheet based on the musical score print and paper feed data delivered from the converting means, wherein arrangement is so provided that where printing of a musical score is suspended at halfway of a measure block and thereafter a reprint command is given, the printing of the musical score is resumed from the beginning of the measure block in which the suspension of the printing has been taking place.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of processing data for a musical score display system for displaying a musical score in accordance with depression of keys on a keyboard of a musical instrument. Key information containing a key depression timing, a key release timing and a name of key is detected with respect to two keys depressed one after another. When a period between the key depression timings of the two keys is very short, the two keys are displayed as depressed simultaneously. When the succeeding key is depressed before release of the preceding key and the difference in depression timing of the two keys is greater than a certain period, a rest note is displayed before a musical note corresponding to the succeedingly depressed key.

Abstract: A recording and playback system for keyboard musical instruments in which data characterizing the operation of a keyboard of the instrument is recorded in solid-state memory in the form of words specifying keys to which changes of state have taken place together with data words specifying the time intervals between such changes, both types of data words being recorded in a continuous sequence of addresses in memory and the timing signals being distinguishable from the change-of-state signals by the use of pre-arranged codes, different for each type, within the range of codes available for use as data codes; such data being subsequently played back by the system in such a manner as to cause the musical instrument to reproduce the original performance.

Abstract: A system and method for instruction in the operation of a keyboard musical instrument, namely, an organ or piano. The system and method teaches the proper fingering for chord triads in the root, first, and second positions so as to play chord triads in the space of a single octave. The system may be operated manually by the student or, in some embodiments thereof, the system may be operated automatically by means of an external storage media device such as a video disc player.

Abstract: A music transcription apparatus and method are shown which do not require the use of a special electronic keyboard. A microphone picks up the musical sounds which a pitch detector array breaks down into their component pitches. A data processing system then eliminates harmonics and transients, and selects the proper notes, rests and accidental signs to represent the music. The music is then displayed on a conventional music score.

Abstract: A musical instrument comprises an input circuit for entering pitch information and duration information of a note, a counting circuit for counting the time when the input means continues to be actuated in order to fix the duration information, a memory circuit for storing the pitch information and the duration information, and an output circuit for actuating the memory circuit so as to develop the pitch information and the length information.

Abstract: A grand piano or a vertical piano is equipped with a proportional sensor and a proportional actuator, both connected to the damper lifter tray (in a grand piano) or damper actuator bar (in a vertical piano). During a piano performance the instantaneous position of the lifter tray or actuator bar as the case may be is sensed and recorded, in addition to the keyboard activity. At a later time when the performance is reproduced, the actuator positions the lifter tray or actuator bar, as the case may be, in such a way that the dampers are positioned in an imitation of the way they were positioned during the original performance. The result is that subtle pedalling effects formerly lost are accurately reproduced. The method and apparatus of the invention apply equally well to the soft pedal as to the sustaining pedal, both of which affect the vibrating characteristics of the piano strings.

Abstract: An automatic musical performance device including storage circuits, read out control circuits, and conversion circuits, wherein the storage circuits store a series of musical note data. Each of the musical note data is represented by multi-bits whose number is dependent on its own use frequency which means a degree of repetitive use of the data in a music. The read out control circuits read out the musical note data from said storage circuits and supply the musical note data to the conversion circuits. Then, the conversion circuits perform the code conversion of the musical note data to other musical note data whose number of bits are independent of their own use frequency. In the automatic musical performance device, musical sounds are produced or key depressing positions are indicated in accordance with the musical note data from the conversion circuits.

Abstract: A system for transcribing a sequence of input analog signals having characteristic frequencies and durations into indicia which visibly reflect the frequencies and durations of the input analog signals. The system uses the principles that the frequency of an analog signal can be determined from the number of zero crossings the signal makes in a predetermined time period and that the durations of the input analog signals can be determined from the number of successive time periods that the determined frequencies remain the same.In the preferred embodiment, the system transcribes successive musical tones into corresponding musical notes. A microphone produces electrical signals corresponding to the musical tones and a frequency digitizer circuit produces a digital signal train comprising a digital pulse for each zero crossing of the electrical signals.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for recording electric signals corresponding to piano key operation and for reproducing the piano key operation. The process includes switching a discrete frequency oscillator corresponding to each piano key, algebraically adding the outputs of each oscillator, filtering the algebraic sum of the oscillator outputs through a low pass filter, recording the filtered signal, reproducing said filtered signal through a high pass filter, detecting each frequency in the high pass filtered signal, and energizing an electromechanical device so as to actuate the piano key which had switched the discrete frequency oscillator.

Abstract: A very inexpensive computer input device for music information includes a piano-type keyboard unit adapted to be fastened on to a standard alpha-numeric computer keyboard so that manual "playing" of music on the piano keyboard results in actuation of alpha-numeric keys and the recording of the music in the computer memory, for later playback in audible form, or print-out in sheet music form.

Abstract: A player piano recording system has photosensor flags secured to the undersides of the piano keys, vertical movement of which is detected by horizontally adjustable photosensors to produce "key played" and key velocity signals which supplied to a microprocessor for deriving expression signals for recording on magnetic tape. The microprocessor provides output expression values and key play information. According to the invention, the expression values are a direct function of key velocity and key play information and switch selected boost (an enhanced initial frame expression for overcoming solenoid inertia) and add (for trill) values. Key play data is dependent upon key play inputs and the frame extension switch value. The unique structure of the key flag permits horizontal adjustment of the photosensors for vertical misalignments etc. of the piano keys.

Abstract: The dynamics of a piano performance are measured by measuring the dynamics of each individual note played. This measurement is accomplished by measuring the "near terminal velocity" of the hammer shank associated with each note, the velocity determining the "loudness" of the note. In order to make this velocity measurement without affecting appreciably the "feel" of the piano, a notched shutter is secured to the hammer shank for the particular hammer associated with each note for cooperation with an optical switch (light source and photo cell). When any one note is played, the corresponding hammer shank will move upwardly to cause the hammer to strike the appropriate piano string and in the upward movement, the top of the shutter will intercept the optical switch to generate an initiating signal. This initiating signal starts a count in an electronic counter.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for teaching and reading music comprises: a tone generator connected, via logic control gates, to a system for reproducing the sound; a keyboard for selecting the notes of the scale to be generated each key of which may be compared to a symbol of the corresponding note which is located on or adjacent to that key; and at least one set of control buttons for selecting the time duration of each scale or rest note, with each control button designated by a symbol of the time duration of the scale or rest note. Each key or button also has a corresponding electronic visual display (LED) to indicate its selection. A multichannel, pluriaddress, memory device is provided for WRITING-in and READING-out musical data. The apparatus also includes a mode selection switch with which to select operation of the device for reading or writing. A variable frequency generator sets the timing of the music to be played.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is capable of processing, by the same processing circuit, parameter control analog information signals defining the shape of control waveforms for the modulation of musical tone signals, and analog musical tone signal generation mode select signals for selecting, for example, a musical tone signal waveform and filter characteristic. The parameter control analog information signals and generation mode analog select signals are both optionally set by a player and are multiplexed in a time sharing manner by an analog multiplexer. The multiplexed analog signals are converted into digital signals, which are converted into analog signals, and further demultiplexed. In a write mode, the digital signals are stored in a memory, while, in a read mode, the digital signals are read out of the memory, converted into analog signals, and demultiplexed.

Abstract: A musical keyboard instrument is disclosed for recording and storing a musical performance and then automatically playing back the performance. As is conventional, a keyboard having a plurality of keys is provided, along with musical tone generators that are associated with the keys. In accordance with the disclosed invention, means are provided for sensing, at a sensing time, those of the keys which are activated. A sequence of frames are generated, each frame including digital information representative of the keys that are activated at a given sensing time. The duration of each frame is a function of the relative locations of the keys activated at a given sensing time, and is therefore a duration which can vary from frame to frame. Each sensing time is determined by the previously completed frame, i.e., when a frame is complete, the statuses of the keys are again sensed so that the next frame can be generated. The sequences of frames are stored on magnetic tape.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for encoding of bass and treble expression effects while recording from the keyboard of an electronic player piano wherein the intensity of the music being recorded is reflected in variations in the power of the acoustic waveform produced thereby. The key note or key switch actuations are multiplexed in a serial bit stream of data and stored in a shift register and then separately combined with the bass and treble expression data bits in a format which, upon re-creation of the original musical presentation, results in a more faithful rendition of the original performance.

Abstract: Apparatus to be used in conjunction with the practicing of a musical instrument is described. The circuit contains and interconnects an electronic metronome, a timer, a tape recorder, a tone generator, earphones, and the electronics for integrating these elements, as well as an internal power supply. This apparatus is particularly well suited to the needs of the advanced student who plays well and desires to progress to the professional level since the interaction of the elements forces the student to play the instrument with speed and accuracy while under time pressure. The combination of elements also leads to a flexibility of functions. Finally, all elements are implemented from electronic components, resulting in a small, low cost, reliable system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit for controlling the expression of an electronically controlled keyboard instrument and is an improvement on the circuit disclosed in application Ser. No. 680,996. The circuit works on the principle that by switching a solenoid on and off at a rapid rate and then varying the time on versus the time off, the energy supplied to the solenoid varies and therefore the striking force of the piano is changed. In accordance with the present invention, precise control over the width of the pulses is achieved by first setting a set voltage level and then adding thereto increments of set voltage according to a binary weighting. These voltages are then added and compared with a triangular voltage in a comparator. Both the up ramp portion and the down ramp portion of the triangular waveform are utilized and compared against the sum voltages. The pulse width of the comparator output is thus a function of the intersection of the ramp voltage, both up and down ramps, with the sum voltage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for reproducing a musical presentation wherein musical data, from such presentation, such as keyboard actuations of a keyboard-type musical instrument, is encoded and stored in a code which has information contained in the transitions only and the sense and direction of such transitions are ignored. This avoids several major drawbacks of bi-phase level code previously disclosed in the prior art because the (1) phase of the signal need not be maintained and, (2) the bi-phase level code cannot be recovered following a dropout until a 1-0 or a 0-1 transition occurs.There is also disclosed a data dropout detection system for assuring that the wrong music is not played.

Abstract: A system for transcribing musical notations onto paper as corresponding notes are played on a piano includes a housing disposable on the piano above the keyboard to produce electrical signals representing the piano keys which are depressed, and a typewriter adapted to type musical notations representing notes onto paper rolled onto a cylindrical, rotatable platen of the typewriter. Also included is a type key actuating device disposable on the typewriter above the type keys and responsive to the electrical signals for depressing type keys corresponding to the musical notes represented by the signals. The type key actuating device includes a plurality of solenoids, each coupled to a different one of the type keys for depressing the key when energized by one of the signals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for demultiplexing and storing time division multiplexed frames of musical data encoded ina bi-phase mark/space code. Data in sequential groups of data bit cells is stored in a shift register while a counter counts the data bit cells. A plurality of latch circuits, each capable of storing one said group of data, are sequentially enabled to receive and store the data, in the groups, respectively. After all of the data bit cells in a given time frame are stored, they are simultaneously gated to transistor driver circuits for operating solenoids which, in turn, re-create the music.

Abstract: A musical instrument which comprises (i) a portable transmitter unit, (ii) a receiver unit, and (iii) a standard or modified piano, electronic organ, or other keyboard musical device. The transmitter unit has sixty keys, each of which corresponds to a key of the remote piano, organ, or other keyboard musical device, and also has eight auxiliary switches for controlling the receiver and auxiliary functions of the musical device to be remotely played. The transmitter includes electronic circuitry which scans the keys and auxiliary switches, and transmits an FM signal modulated by a serial digital pulse train identifying the transmitter keys which are depressed and the auxiliary switches which have been actuated. The receiver unit decodes the transmitted pulse train, eliminates erroneous data, and generates output signals to control the corresponding keys and auxiliary functions.

Abstract: Music encoding and decoding apparatus which divides a keyboard instrument into groupings of designated lengths such as octaves wherein each octave is scanned, either in sequence or on triggering of a key in that octave; the apparatus includes a master encoder which encodes a key closure, the encoding being in the form of a word of multiple bits having a specified word length. The apparatus further encodes the expression of the note. The expression constitutes a portion of the word. Decoding apparatus is likewise incorporated. It reverses the sequence and drives a solenoid for operation of a keyboard instrument.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with simplifying the performance of musical compositions and the like by triggering the release of successive electronically stored coded data corresponding to the successive notes of the musical composition and in accordance with the rhythm thereof, and, upon such release, decoding the successive data to generate electrical oscillations which are then converted into corresponding audible tones of the notes of the composition.