Abstract: A metronome in which the actuating member which is driven by a driving mechanism through an escapement wheel to turn a graduated pendulum bar back and forth includes a copper bushing connected to the pendulum bar, 00and a circular plate 0 securely mounted on one end of the copper bushing, the circular plate having a peripheral notch fitted with staggered peripheral rows of sloping teeth at the escapement wheel, and two sloping portions symmetrically disposed at two opposite sides of the peripheral notch, the sloping portions respectively tilted inwards in X-axis direction and sloping backwards in Y-axis direction for striking by the sloping teeth of the escapement wheel alternatively.

Abstract: A tuning device for a stringed musical instrument consisting of stroboscopic light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), positioned to be seen by a musician in or near normal playing position as partially eclipsed by the strings. The LEDs are driven at standard musical frequencies by a microprocessor. To use the device, a musician observes the illusion of a moving shadow around an untuned vibrating string, and adjusts the instrument until the shadow appears to slow down and stop. The LEDs are sufficiently powerful, and their duty cycles are sufficiently large, that no special shielding or means of observation are required by the musician in normal ambient lighting conditions. A plurality of LEDs is grouped behind each string, with each LED in the group having the same frequency but different phase, which creates an illusion of movement along the string in one direction or the other indicating whether the string is sharp or flat.

Abstract: This device uses two solenoids to create a steady, tactile pulse. This pulse conveys a specific beat to the user and therefore conveys tempo in the manner of a metronome. A tempo-signal generating circuit feeds electric pulses to a "t" flip-flop. This flip-flop changes state with each pulse and through relays turns on or off the solenoids. The solenoids are spring loaded and return to place when power is off. This causes a jerk which is conveyed to the user through a belt clip, neck strap, or directly through the wall of the solenoid containing case. By using this invention, time may be kept in a precise manner without the intrusion of light or sound that occurs with other metronomes.

Abstract: An electronic metronome displays the correct beat per measure. The unit preferably includes a keyboard associated with the entry of a musical signature including the number of beats per measure, timing means to generate an electronic version of the musical signature, a memory for storing information relating to the musical signature, and an electronic controller to store information representative of the musical signature entered by way of the keyboard, convert the signal generated by the timing means into a visual representation of the musical signature suitable for viewing on the display, and update the display in accordance with beats per measure aspect of the musical signature so that a user may be visually informed as to the correct beat of the measure. In one disclosed embodiment the user is visually informed as to the correct beat per measure in the form of a digital readout of beat number.

Abstract: A performance control apparatus is provided to control a manner of performance played by an electronic musical apparatus. Herein, sensors are provided to sense a swing motion of a baton which is swung by a human operator in response to time of music to be played (e.g., triple time). Then, a peak is detected from outputs of the sensors in accordance with a peak detection process using a fuzzy inference process. A kind of the swing motion is discriminated by effecting another fuzzy inference process on a result of the peak detection process. Concretely, the kind of the swing motion is discriminated as one of predetermined motions which are determined specifically with respect to time of the music. Performance control information is created based on the discriminated kind of the swing motion. Thus, a tempo and/or dynamics of performance is controlled in response to the performance control information.

Abstract: A metronome mechanism comprises a bearing frame with a web and two limbs protruding from the web, a winding stem carrying a spring housing, a ratchet wheel stem carrying a ratchet wheel and bearing bushes arranged on the limbs of the bearing frame for receiving the ends of winding and ratchet wheel stems. The bearing bushes are formed on two separate side parts which are adapted to be pushed onto the limbs of the U-shaped bearing frame and firmly locked on the limbs.

Abstract: An electronic metronome device producing precisely timed and tuned rhythms and pitches that are pre-programmed to correspond to specific scales or modes, arpeggios, chords, and etudes. A combination of microprocessor and user interface (34, 30, 28, and 26) stores these musical exercises and retrieves them from an electronic memory (36), inputs them to a signal processor (42) for amplification and modification, and outputs (40) them to speakers (12), optical displays (24), audio outputs (18), etc. A volume control 20 and balance control 22 modify the audio signal coming from the speakers 12. The components, enabled either by an internal (battery) or external (plug) power source (44), are housed in a light and durable case for easy portability and user control.

Abstract: An electronically programmable metronome has a footswitch for allowing a user to adjust the tempo over a continuous range without taking hands off an instrument or interrupting playing. A microcontroller is pre-programmed with a metronome click pattern in any selected note duration value. The user operates a footswitch to increase the tempo automatically in continuous increments and to hold a desired tempo. A digital pulse voltage source and acoustic pulse switch are responsive to control logic to produce different amplitudes and tones for three types of clicks, i.e., Loud, Medium, and Soft, in order to provide distinctly different audible click patterns. Headphones, an audio speaker, and/or an LED indicator can be used to provide audible and visual cues of the tempo to the user. The metronome unit includes a display for menu selection, prompts, and visual cues for adjustment of the tempo and selection of types of clicks in a beat pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metronomic apparatus and MIDI sequence controller. The metronomic apparatus comprises a visual display which indicates not only the beat of a piece of music but also gives an indication of the occurence of preset between beat timing signals. The user who takes his cue from the between beat timing signals can vary his playing in advance of or behind the beat. The MIDI sequence controller comprises an easily triggerable switch device which allows a musician, during a performance, to edge a MIDI sequencer forward or backward to resynchronize with the playing of musicians who have fallen out of synchronization.

Abstract: A metronome apparatus has an electro-mechanical rhythm generator (28) in sound communication of a variable targeted optimum rhythm to a first (4) of two earphones (4,5) of a dual-earphone headset (2). In sound communication with a second (5) of the two earphones (4,5) is a manual rhythm generator (27). The manual rhythm generator (27) has preferably four adjustable finger buttons (8,9,10,11) that are operable by four fingers of a user's hand. Rhythm generated by the manual rhythm generator (27) and the targeted optimum rhythm of the electro-mechanical rhythm generator (28) are comparable in opposite earphones of the headset positioned on a user. Sound differences indicate nearness to correct rhythm. Light intensity of a light signal (35) is optional to indicate relative correctness of rhythm for increased precision of rhythm accuracy. Variations of rhythm also can be compared similarly.

Abstract: An interruption control apparatus for controlling interruptions of a performance information processor for processing performance information of a piece of music. The interruption control apparatus includes a first time control unit for regulating the length of a time interval between successive interruptions of the performance information processor according to a pre-set tempo in such a manner that the regulated time interval is limited within a predetermined constant range, and for outputting an interruption signal at the regulated time interval.

Abstract: An electronic metronome includes an adjustable oscillator driving a first frequency divider, a crystal time base driving a second frequency divider for generating a pair of audible frequencies, a standard pitch frequency and reference (time base) frequencies, a frequency counter coupled to the output of the adjustable oscillator for counting the output of the adjustable oscillator, a digital display and display stabilizer circuitry for displaying the count of the frequency counter, a gate driven by the first frequency divider for programmably serially selecting one of the pair of audible frequencies at a rate determined by the output of the frequency divider, a selector switch, three visual indicators, and a programmable counter coupled to the selector switch and visual indicators for providing various sequential time signature displays and an audio amplifier and speaker for providing an audible beat patterns.

Abstract: A timer for measuring time spent productively in an activity, with a minimum of interference with the activity, which includes a sensor and a delay circuit. The delay circuit compensates for productive time spent in an intermittent activity which may not result in the production of energy to which the sensor is responsive, as often occurs, for instance, during the practice of performing arts. Sensors preferably are responsive to energy which can be conducted through the atmosphere, such as sound and visible light. The timer may be fabricated as a free-standing unit, included within an electronic metronome or functionally combined with a variety of equipment.

Abstract: A computerized musical instrument system has a processing system for converting multiple modes of music data input into relative rhythm coded data in the format of pitch codes and relative rhythm codes for designating respective types of rhythm elements, including the pitches, as they occur in the beats or other basic music intervals of a music piece. The relative rhythm codes represent the relative proportions by which the designated rhythm elements divide each beat. In a relative rhythm coding mode, pitch and rhythm data are entered via a keyboard and relative rhythm code and control code keys. The music data may also be input in the form of MIDI formatted data, audio or digital sound input, real-time performance (keypress) data, or optically scanned data from printed music notation. The instrument system can provide various forms of outputs including synthesized sound, a display or music notation, stored music data, printed output, and related audio and/or image effects.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the tempo of an instrument generating tempo beats involves the sensing of each tempo beat, measuring the time interval between successive beats, dividing the time interval into a minute, and visually indicating the measured beats/min. between each two successive beats. The device includes a piezo transducer for sensing the beats, an electronic timer for measuring the time interval between each two successive beats, and a display associated with the timer for visually displaying the measured beats/min. time interval. The device thus provides visual feedback to a musician or user of the tempo of the instrument being played.

Abstract: An electronic metronome comprises circuitry for setting a desired tempo, a circuit for generating a tempo signal corresponding in time to the desired tempo, circuitry for setting a desired time period and a circuit for generating a time-up signal corresponding in time to the end of the desired time period. A sound generator receives the tempo signal and the time-up signal for generating a tempo sound for each tempo signal and a time-up sound for the time-up signal. A control circuit terminates the generation of the tempo sounds after the generation of the time-up sound.

Abstract: The invention provides a metronome for electronic instruments, which has memory means, event data output means and control means. The control means instructs the event data output means to output code data for generating beat sound for a certain time period. The code data is outputted at pitches and volumes based on beat data and at time intervals according to tempo data both stored in the memory means. The metronomre of the invention outputs beat sound together with main sound for a tune, without any specific devices attached to electronic instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable electronic metronome, capable of registering all meter and speed characteristics of any musical work and of producing, when the musical work is to be performed, substantially sharp, perceivable, e.g. acoustic, signals representing said characteristics in the appropriate succession. The metronome comprises a keyboard for producing signals associated with at least three variables, which are bar number, speed and meter, and defining digital values for said variables, which values are stored in at least one volatile electronic memory, comprising segments severally correlated to each of said variables, to define digital data sequences. The metronome further comprises a reader for the data sequences, whereby to associate to each bar number digital values of speed and meter, and a transducer for transforming said values into electric impulses, which produce a corresponding succession of perceivable signals.

Abstract: A computerized music notation system includes a first keyboard having pitch keys, a second keyboard for entering relative rhythm codes representing the relative proportions by which the entered pitches and other rhythm types divide a beat and a terminator code to mark the end of each beat, and a computer executing a processing program for generating output music notation in beat units based upon the pitch data and the rhythm data. The pitch and rhythm data sets are independent of each other. The computer processes the pitch data assigning pitch names in the selected key of music, and the rhythm data in beat units by assigning computed fixed duration values to the rhythm types in accordance with the selected time signature. The pitch and rhythm data are combined and processed for output with other notation features, such as staff lines, stems, flags, beams, articulation marks, etc.

Abstract: A method and system for transcribing musical information that allows a musician or composer to enter both rhythmic and melodic information directly from a musical instrument, such that the rhythmic information may be entered simultaneously with the entry of melodic information, during a subsequent pass after the entry of melodic information, or automatically either during or after the entry of melodic information using a companded approximation of a single unit of rhythmic information. Rhythmic information is entered as absolute and relative beat unit values from which relative note values (i.e. quarter note, half note) are assigned to the melodic information to create the proper graphic symbols to transcribe the musical information into musical notation or sheet music.

Abstract: A visual indicator of temporal accuracy of compared percussive transient signals having a receiver for a reference input signal, a receiver for a performance or test input signal. An electronic circuit determines whether the first signal received is received by the reference input signal receiver or the performance input signal receiver. Further, the circuit determines the time difference between when the reference signal and the performance signals are received. A visual display indicates to the user whether the test signal is ahead or behind the reference signal and by how much it is ahead or behind. The indicator further displays an indication of when the two signals are received at substantially the same time.

Abstract: In a metronome, a toothed wheel and a bell drum each comprise toothings facing each other, by means of which the toothed wheel and the bell drum are in positive engagement with each other in defined angular positions. The toothed wheel and the bell drum are axially displaceable relative to each other on the toothed wheel shaft in order to release their positive engagement and to alter their angular position. When the metronome is in operation, the toothed wheel and the bell drum are kept in mutual positive engagement by releasable holding means.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled metronome in which the type (strong or weak), pattern (order and number of strong and weak) and frequency of beats are determined by data stored in a memory manually programmable by means of a keyboard or the like and capable of storing information to produce metronome beats of different types, patterns and relative frequencies combined in various sequences to produce metronome passages consisting of one or more of those sequences, the memory being capable of storing a plurality of such passages and to produce beats corresponding thereto on command.

Abstract: In a key depression indicating device for an electronic musical instrument capable of visually indicating which keys are to be depressed on a keyboard, the device includes a plurality of indicators provided correspondingly to a plurality of keys of the keyboard. Illumination of each indicators is so controlled by an illumination control means that an indicator corresponding to a succeeding note is lighted up at a timing, for example, a 4-th note's length ahead of the timing to depress the key irrespective of any length of the preceding note. Thus, even when a complicated music performance including a train of a plurality of consecutive short notes as a 32nd note is required, the indicators corresponding to the preceding as well as the succeeding notes in the train are each lighted up at a timing, i.e. the 4-th note's time length ahead of each actual key depression timing for the music performance.

Abstract: A visual electronic metronome comprises a plurality of LED's arranged in a first V-shaped column and a second column extending downwardly from the top of the V. The LED's are actuated in turn so as to produce the appearance of a block of light moving along the V-shaped column and then down the second column until a leading edge of the block of light reaches the bottom of the column. At that point a strobe light produces a flash indicative of the intended beat. The user can thus observe the approach of the beat and meet it exactly preparing the muscles for playing the instrument according to the visually observed position of the block of light approaching the beat.

Abstract: The electronic metronome has a baton reciprocatingly driven by a pulse-drive stepper motor powered by a varying voltage source. Drive circuitry generates and applies drive pulses to the stepper motor, each drive pulse being composed of a plurality of individual pulses having a pulse width which varies in accordance with variations of the voltage source and with the selected tempo at which the baton reciprocates. The stepper motor is thus driven at a constant torque-frequency characteristic despite fluctuations in the power source voltage and the tempo of the metronome.

Abstract: A gated electronic metronome including an oscillator generating pulses for a counter that divides them to the fundamental tempo which is gated with a switch-selectable binary division of the fundamental tempo to produce an interrupted pattern of the fundamental tempo so a singer, player, drummer, etc. can monitor the error in his or her ability to maintain tempo without a reference.

Abstract: An electronic metronome for training musical students in various rhythm patterns is disclosed. The electronic metronome is battery powered and completely contained within a hand held component case for ease in transport and storage. A solid state memory device which may be selectively programmed with a plurality of digital logic signals by means of manual switches is automatically and repetitively accessed in a selected sequential order and at a selected rate and the digital logic signals stored therein are converted to audible "clicks" or tones and inaudible pauses. Variable amplification circuitry coupled to the output of the memory device permits the volume of the clicks or tones to be selected by the operator and a pair of light emitting diodes permits the output of the memory device to be simultaneously converted to a visual signal.

Abstract: The present invention not only accumulates the number of steps walked, but also sounds delightful music to entertain the walker's body and mind, and further, it can make a sound with beats to inspire the walker's spirit and vigor.

Abstract: An input audio signal is analog-to-digital (AD) converted into digital data which is processed by a central processing unit (CPU) for determining pitch of each sound by effecting Fast Fourier Transform (FET) operation and power spectrum calculation. The determination of the sound pitch is effected twice in sequence, and by using frequency and level data resulted from two consecutive determinations, the time length of the sound is detected. After the pitch and the time length are determined, data indicative of a given musical note pattern is produced so that a musical note indicative of time value is indicated at an appropriate position on a staff displayed on a screen of a display unit. Such data from the CPU is fed via a video display processor to a video RAM to be stored therein where the video display processor produces a video signal fed to the display unit in turn.

Abstract: A trigger-type oscillator circuit, which can be adjusted to a predetermined frequency, is connected to a circuit for generating audible and/or visual bips at the predetermined frequency. A pedal-type synchronized triggering remote control unit is connected to the oscillator such that the metronome can be triggered or stopped by an instrumentalist without releasing the instrument.

Abstract: An electronic metronome is presented which utilizes a microcomputer adapted to permit precise selection of a beat frequency via a digital keyboard or alternately by way of a stop watch timer which measures an interval between first and second beats activated by the metronome operator and causes the metronome to duplicate the beat frequency timing thus measured. The device has the added capability of providing a selected one of a plurality of tones for pitch comparison and providing a stop watch function via a digital indicating panel which serves the dual function of indicating selected beat frequency during normal metronome functions.

Abstract: Metronomic signalling devices and method for generating and transmitting silent and nonvisible metronomic impulses by sense of touch, i.e., to the skin of a user so that the user thereby receives tempo guidance by feeling the impulses through the skin.

Abstract: The sound to be identified is converted into an electrical signal which is applied to an amplifier (11), a filtering circuit (13) and a calculation device (20); the calculation device comprises a microprocessor (21) and associated memories (22,23) comprising a table of the identifiable notes and octaves, so as to work out a representative value of the frequency of the sound to be identified, to control the reading in the table of notes (23a) in relation to the said worked out value and so as to control the display of the note read on display means (27) connected to the calculation device (20).

Abstract: An electronic percussion synthesizer is disclosed which includes a plurality of pressure transducers, each representing a different percussive musical instrument. Each transducer is responsive to an external striking force for generating analog pulses, each pulse representing one beat of the respective musical instrument. The transducers are mounted to a synthesizer housing in a manner which mechanically isolates the transducers from each other. Sound signal generating circuits are provided which are responsive to the analog pulses for generating sound signals comprising the beat of the respective musical instrument. The amplitude of the signal representing each beat is proportional to the magnitude of the force used to generate the respective analog pulse. The synthesizer also includes storage and playback circuitry for digitally storing a series of pulses, each pulse representing a percussive beat; for playing back the stored pulses; and for storing additional pulses in an interleaving manner.

Abstract: An operator programmable rhythm variation system comprises a shift register for storing rhythm variation signals in a sequence specified by the operator. Variation select signals are generated by the operator of the musical instrument and provided to an input/output circuit which converts them to binary coded rhythm variation signals for storage in the shift register. The input/output circuit includes an output data latch, a visual display circuit and a gating circuit for gating the rhythm variation signals to the input of the shift register. The shift register is connected through a gate circuit such that data stored in the shift register can be rotated through the shift register for readout of stored rhythm variation sequences.

Abstract: A music teaching device for coordinating oscillatory downward and upward foot movement with basic musical time divisions includes a platform providing a primary foot impact surface. The platform has a detachable subassembly including a pair of upstanding posts and a removable heel block. The posts support an upper and a lower horizontal resistance bar in adjustably spaced relationship above the platform. The lower resistance bar is spring urged toward the platform and provides a secondary impact surface for use in teaching duple meter. An upper resistance bar functions as a tertiary impact surface when used together with the lower resistance bar for demonstrating triple meter.

Abstract: A talking metronome is disclosed which is programmable to generate a human voice pattern of a sequence of numbers at a selected tempo (mm) and time signature (cadence) at one or more beat patterns. The time signatures are produced from quarter, eighth and sixteenth note beat patterns and all other varied combinations of beat patterns known to music. The voice pattern in the preferred embodiment is generated by synthesized speech.

Abstract: An electronic piano has a keyboard and an electronic piano circuit connected to a micro-processor used to control a CRT device to provide a video note display concurrently with the depression of one or more keys. A keyboard representation located adjacent the screen of the CRT device is associated with lights used to indicate the key or keys that are played. Manually operated controls cooperate with the micro-processor to allow the back clearing of the screen one note at a time, remove all the notes, retain all the notes, indicate sharp or flat mode of each note, and indicate the duration that a key is depressed by elongating the note on the screen. A metronome unit is used with the micro-processor to provide a visual beat marker on the screen that sequentially moves across the screen. A movable frame connects the CRT device to the piano.

Abstract: In an automatic performing apparatus, an amount of change in a motion of a moving element provided in a baton is detected, and the detected change amount is converted into an electrical signal. A tempo clock signal generator provided in the apparatus is driven by the electrical signal to produce a tempo clock signal for reading out musical data preset in a memory. A volume level of a musical tone is set by a control section on the basis of the data of a peak level of the change amount in the motion of the baton. The tone data stored in the memory is read out on the basis of the tempo clock and is automatically sounded as a musical sound, at the set volume level.

Abstract: A metronome cartridge comprises a cartridge body adapted to be removably mounted in a cassette player having a pickup head, and tape free mechanical means carried by the cartridge body generates metronomic time signals to the pickup head for amplification by the amplifier system of the cassette player. Visual time or tempo signals, pause control, multiple beat capability, and beat adjustment are provided for.

Abstract: An electronic device for use in aiding the instruction of musical students. The device is comprised of a metronome and a plurality of tone generators, all under the control of a microprocessor computer. Input devices for the system take the form of a musical keyboard and a microphone. The metronome produces an audible regularly repeated sound in the loudspeaker of the device and causes a visual display of a plurality of indicator lights to be lit simultaneously. Pitch error information is displayed on a plurality of indicator lights which indicate musical sharp, flat or correct pitch. The tone generators produce tones in the loudspeaker under the control of the program in the microprocessor. The device has the capability of interacting with the student to exchange musical responses which each is capable of understanding and judging.

Abstract: A music teaching apparatus, useful for requiring the student to play notes in correct relative timing and suitable for employment on a piano, includes a holder for sheet music, a continuous transparent web having a plurality of opaque covering sections thereon, such as strips of pressure sensitive tape of substantial width, so as to be capable of covering at least one note "width" and preferably more, with such opaque sections being positioned to permit (and require) continuous reading and playing of the music by the player ahead of the covering sections when the web is moved across the music, and means, such as a pair of vertical cylinders about which the web is held in tension, for continuously moving the web across the music and in contact with it or close to it (so as to prevent optical distortions). Preferably, individual opaque sections extend over a treble staff and a corresponding bass staff but do not extend to other treble and bass staffs. A method of teaching music is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metronome is disclosed including a casing accommodating a driving device for a pendulum, the casing having an elongate trough-like body covered by a cover plate. The driving device is mounted on the inside of the cover plate. An imprinted scale plate associated with the pendulum is mounted on the outside of the cover plate. The pendulum is fixed on a shaft mounted in a bridge on the cover plate and driven by the driving device. Two screws fix both the bridge and a frame of the driving device to the cover plate. Holders integrally formed on the inside of the cover plate, at a location spaced above the fixing screws, engage with and retain the frame of the driving device. The scale plate can thus present a wide uninterrupted surface on which tempi and beat rates can be imprinted and related to each other.

Abstract: An electronic metronome has a visual indicator, a loudspeaker, and a duty time setting circuit for setting the visual time of a visual indicator corresponding to each speed of various tempos. Accordingly, it is easy for a singer, a player, etc. to precisely see the predetermined tempo by using the duty time setting circuit.

Abstract: An electronic type music learning aid includes an input unit for the introduction of musical information such as duration and pitch of a tone, etc., in a digital fashion, a storage to and from which digital information can be written and read in sequence, a musical note display which provides a visual display of digital information read from the storage, and a sound generator which produces sounds in response to the digital information provided from the storage.

Abstract: A teaching aid for musicians has a circular disc eccentrically mounted on a motor-driven shaft which is rotatable at a constant, selected speed. The peripheral edge of the disc is eccentrically disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and portions of that edge provide a visual indication of musical rhythm or tempo as the disc rotates. A sounding device is associated with the disc to beat out time and augment the visual indication of tempo with an audible, repetitive sound.

Abstract: An electronic metronome comprises a displaying means controlled by a down-beat signal and an up beat signal. And the displaying time of the down-beat signal is different from that of the up beat signal so that the down-beat signal is distinguished clearly from the up beat signal.

Abstract: A programmable metronome includes two variable rate time pulse generators (10 and 12) which are alternatively used, audible and visible transducers including separate visible transducers (MM and Downbeat), and a tone transducer (55) capable of emitting different sounds for beats and downbeats.A divider circuit (40) receives pulses from the generators. Selectors (61 and 62) connected between the divider and the transducers pass different numbers of pulses per measure from the active generator to the transducers according to manual selection of desired beats/measure. A downbeat emphasis circuit (56, 57) adds emphasis to each downbeat in a measure of beats. Each generator can be preset individually to a different metronome beat desired, and these are shown in numerical dipslays (66 and 67). The tone output of the audible transducer can be modified, and external output connections are provided for remote audible and visible transducers.