Abstract: A multimedia console incorporating an alphanumeric keyboard, and a musical key-bed is described for generating multimedia work product conveniently when coupled with a digital personal computer or optionally as a stand alone music equipment. The musical key-bed is optionally detachably coupled with a protective cover for providing ergonomic support when said musical key-bed is not being used.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard with illuminated figures being formed on the top surface of the keyboard including: a top cover, a bottom cover, a plurality of keys and an electroluminescent board. The top cover accommodates the keys and is combined with the bottom cover. The electroluminescent board is installed between the top cover and the bottom cover. The electroluminescent board includes at least one figured pattern to be displayed on a top surface of the keyboard on the top cover when the electroluminescent board is electrified to give light.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard simulates the keyboard action of one or more acoustic pianos and/or organs. Sensors associated with each key capture the force exerted on the key, the speed of the key and the position of the key to compute an amount of force to apply in feedback to the depressed key. An actuator associated with each key provides the computed feedback value as a counter-force to the player's finger pressure. Feedback may be computed in one or more processors by applying the sensor readings to a system model of the desired instruments mechanical key action. Also, feedback may be determined through a lookup table containing feedback values defining a particular instrument's action. The player can switch between different instrument action definitions as desired, and may tune certain parameters to achieve a customized action.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument which can be designed compact in longitudinal size and is excellent in acoustic characteristics. A musical instrument main body (1) has at least one keyboard device (12), and left and right lateral side panels (13 and 13?). A musical tone signal is generated by a controller (101) through operation of the keyboard device. The musical tone signal generated by the controller is acoustically converted by at least one speaker (31 or 31?). The musical instrument main body is supported by left and right front legs (2 and 2?) in the vicinity of the left and right lateral side panels of the musical instrument main body. An upper part of each front leg is secured to the musical instrument main body, and a lower part thereof extends to a floor surface on which the electronic musical instrument is placed. The speaker is held in a speaker box (3 or 3?). The speaker box serves as a supporting member that supports a rear side part of the musical instrument main body.

Abstract: A musical keyboard having associated therewith a alphanumeric keyboard having a plurality of alphanumeric keys, the musical keyboard having a musical keys each being for producing a musical sound, and music function keys for producing musical effects, At least one of the alphanumeric keys is able to be used to modify a result of one or more of the music function keys and musical keys. The music function keys have functionality to produce the musical effect. The modification is only affective while the alphanumeric key is pressed after the musical function key has been pressed. The modification is to change the musical sound produced by the musical keys, and a further modification can be effected by relatively rapid hits of the one key of the plurality of alphanumeric keys. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic piano is provided in which activation of a keyboard (7) and foot pedals (8) causes sound to be generated and output via a pair of conventional cone loudspeakers (210–212) each comprising a tweeter (214), a woofer (216) and a base (218). Simultaneously with the activation of the conventional cone loudspeakers (210, 212), sound corresponding to the notes played by using the keyboard (7) is also generated and output via two distributed mode loudspeakers (220, 222) which are arranged to output sound through the inducement of resonant vibrations. The conventional cone loudspeakers (210–212) act as a series of discrete point sound sources. The distributed mode loudspeakers (220, 222) act as diffuse point sources generating sound across the entire surface area of the panels (220, 222). The air disturbance patterns propagated by the two different types of sound source result in sound more closely emulating the sound generated by a conventional high quality acoustic grand piano.

Abstract: A key extender includes an elongated member, e.g., a deformable metal rod having a first end portion secured to a contact member, e.g., a circular disc having a contact area greater than the available touch plate surface area of the key. An opposite second end portion of the elongated member is secured to an attachment member, e.g., a binder clip. Mounting an extender on each of the keys of a device and shaping the metal rod to position the discs adjacent to and spaced from one another allows a disabled person to play a musical instrument or perform a similar function.

Abstract: An upright keyboard instrument comprises a prescribed number of keys that are interlocked with actions, hammer assemblies, and a plate spring unit, which is interlocked with a loud pedal. When the key is depressed, the action is activated to drive the hammer assembly, thus producing a musical tone. Each of plate springs is normally arranged close to an end portion of a whippen included in the action. Upon depression of the key, the end portion of the whippen comes in contact with the plate spring to cause a resistive force, which is transmitted back to a player's finger depressing the key. When the loud pedal is depressed, the plate spring departs from the end portion of the whippen, which becomes free to rotate upon depression of the key, thus realizing loudness effect on sound.

Abstract: A hammer sensor includes a photo-filter plate movable together with a hammer assembly and having a base plate fixed to the hammer shank and an arc pattern formed on the base plate and different in transparency from the base plate, a photo radiating element radiating a light beam toward the arc pattern and a photo detecting element disposed on the optical path of the light beam for converting the amount of transmitted light to an electric signal, wherein the photo-filter plate converts the rotational angle of the hammer assembly to the amount of light incident on the photo detecting element, and makes the photo radiating element and the photo detecting element stationary so that a suitable photo-shield case prevents the photo elements from environmental light.

Abstract: A shutter holder has a frame-like base portion and a tie plate inwardly projecting from a side portion of the base portion in a cantilever fashion, and the tie plate has a rectangular cross section smaller in thickness and/or width, i.e., second moment of inertia than the cross section of the base plate at the boundary; even if a staple is deeply driven into a moving object such as a wooden key, the tie plate is widely deflected so as to absorb the deformation of the wooden key, and permits a shutter plate to keep itself perpendicular to the lower surface of the wooden key.

Abstract: A multimedia console incorporating an alphanumeric keyboard, and a musical key-bed is described for generating multimedia work product conveniently when coupled with a digital personal computer or optionally as a stand alone music equipment. The musical key-bed is detachably coupled with a protective cover for providing ergonomic support when, said musical key-bed is not being used.

Abstract: A head mounting display of a goggle type has a display, on which a guide image representing a model performance manipulation and an eyesight image of a practitioner are displayed in a superimposed manner. The guide image is adjusted its display size and position to be displayed on the display based on an image of a keyboard portion included in the eyesight image. Further, resolution and number of colors of the eyesight image are adjusted so as to meet those of the guide image or an animation image, resulting in reduction of data to be processed. Further, a side eyesight image of a hand of the practitioner playing an instrument is taken from the side, and it is determined if the practitioner's hand in the side eyesight image coincides with a model hand posture defined by judgment data which represents model manipulation performed in synchronization with progress of a song.

Abstract: An optical sensor array includes plural sensor heads arranged on a supporting plate at intervals for monitoring moving objects such as black/white keys of a composite keyboard musical instrument; the sensor head has resiliently deformable arms on both side portions thereof and a locating hole/guide groove are formed in the reverse surface portion of the sensor head, and an expander, a grip and projections are formed in the supporting plate; when a worker slides the sensor head on the expander, the resiliently deformable arms make the gap wider so that the grip is pinched between the resiliently deformable arms and that the projections are engaged with the locating hole and guide groove, whereby the sensor head is easily fixed to and located at a predetermined position on the supporting plate.

Abstract: A musical keyboard system for an electronic musical instrument, the keyboard system including a sensor arrangement for determining the amplitude of a note produced by a key of the musical keyboard, the sensor arrangement including a first sensor for providing an indication of a first time when movement of the key activates the first sensor, a second sensor for providing an indication of a second time when movement of the key activates the second sensor, a calculating device for determining the time difference between the second time and the first time, and an amplitude determining device for determining into which range of a plurality of ranges of time differences the time difference falls, and which amplitude of a plurality of amplitudes corresponds to the range. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic keyboard musical instrument that gives the performance feeling closer to that given by an acoustic piano and enables techniques of expression closer to those used when playing the acoustic piano. Touch information is generated based on first information output when an ON event of a first (deep) SW of a switch section occurs, and a tone generator section generates a musical tone according to the touch. When an OFF event of a third (shallow) SW of the switch section occurs during key release, the musical tone being generated is progressively damped, and at the same time a musical tone having a predetermined characteristic is generated. The OFF event of the third SW is made equivalent to a damper-leaving position in a key stroke of an acoustic piano keyboard.

Abstract: An array of optical fiber sensors is installed in an automatic player piano for monitoring the hammers, and a data processing system produces music data codes through the analysis on the current hammer positions reported by the optical fiber sensors, wherein each optical fiber sensor has a sensor head separable into a head body and a holder so that an assembling worker fixes the optical fiber to the sensor head by pressing the optical fiber to the head body with the holder.

Abstract: An electronic musical device having a keyboard actuated by random liquid drops. The device includes a base, a synthesizer, a keyboard having a plurality of keys pivotably attached to the base to actuate the synthesizer and a tube assembly extending above the keys that produces drops of liquid that fall periodically onto the keys to produce a melody.

Abstract: An optical sensor array includes plural sensor heads arranged on a supporting plate at intervals for monitoring moving objects such as black/white keys of a composite keyboard musical instrument; the sensor head has resiliently deformable arms on both side portions thereof and a locating hole/guide groove are formed in the reverse surface portion of the sensor head, and an expander, a grip and projections are formed in the supporting plate; when a worker slides the sensor head on the expander, the resiliently deformable arms make the gap wider so that the grip is pinched between the resiliently deformable arms and that the projections are engaged with the locating hole and guide groove, whereby the sensor head is easily fixed to and located at a predetermined position on the supporting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to change the mode of computer keyboard use from alpha-numeric language orientation to become a musical input keyboard where the keys change meaning for this purpose is provided. The apparatus and method implements a unique musical mapping for a standard computer keyboard such that the musical notes that are most often used in musical composition are mapped to keys of a home row of the standard keyboard. Musical notes that are the next most often utilized in musical composition are mapped to keys in the rows above and below the home row. All other musical notes are mapped based on their relative probability of being used in combination with the notes mapped in the home row and the rows above and below the home row.

Abstract: A silent piano includes a hammer stopper changed between a free position out of the trajectories of hammer shanks and a blocking position on the trajectories for blocking strings from being struck with the hammers and a tandem regulating button mechanism having standard regulating buttons and regulating bars used together with the hammer stopper changed in the blocking position for changing escaping speed of jacks, and an adjusting mechanism is provided between the regulating bars and a shaft for adjusting the regulating bars to appropriate angular positions, wherein the adjusting mechanism has regulating screws projecting from stationary brackets fixed to the shaft into a free space created in front of the array of action mechanisms so that a tuner easily adjusts the regulating bars to the appropriate angular positions without removing the action mechanisms from on the key bed.

Abstract: A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device comprising a case, a connector and flexible protruding plate mounted on one end of the case. A protruding plate can be inserted into an available slot in the multimedia keyboard, providing a signal connection and a flexible clip. Playing elements such as guitar strings, piano keys, or a drumhead are mounted on the exterior of the case. Several series of flexible conducting elements connected to the playing elements are mounted within the case. When the playing elements are struck or plucked, the conducting elements will deform in direct proportion to the amount of force that has been applied. One signal pickup circuit board including several carbon film resistance plates is mounted on the top or bottom of each flexible conducting elements.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument having a keyboard and a loudspeaker, wherein the loudspeaker comprises a resonant distributed mode acoustic radiator having a stiff lightweight member having capability to sustain and propagate input vibrational energy by bending waves in at least one operative area extending transversely of thickness, and a transducer mounted wholly and exclusively on the member at a predetermined location or site within the operative area.

Abstract: An electronic piano has only one set of analog key sensors/shutter plates under the keyboard, and an electronic sound generating system processes pieces of data information from the analog key sensors through different computer programs for an initial-touch and an after-touch so as to achieve a wide variety of sound control without increase of electric components.

Abstract: A dual mode keyboard system with a modified keyboard arrangement allows PC users to have real-time control of MDI data. By toggling the keyboard system between a MIDI data input mode and an alphanumeric data input mode. The key board used in the current invention may either be a separate unit connected to a PC through a keyboard port or may be integrated as a single unit with PC hardware. The keyboard preferably has keys that are capable of operating in MIDI input mode and that are positioned at the top portion of the keyboard. The MIDI input keys are arranged to represent a keyboard instrument, such as a piano. The keyboard also has a MIDI control section for toggling between the MIDI input mode and the alphanumeric input mode, wherein the control section also has keys for choosing operating transposition octave levels of MIDI input keys. The keyboard is typically interfaced with the keyboard driver program and operating system or CPU of the PC.

Abstract: There is provided an electric keyboard assembly having a construction which is capable of reducing a height of a keyboard and at the same time facilitating key scaling to key-touch response while maintaining the degree of freedom in designing the keyboard. A key is pivotally moved by a key depressing operation. A seesaw-type mass member having a front extension and a rear extension each extending from a pivot-receiving portion thereof, and a tone-generating position adjustment screw fitted in the front extension is pivotally moved about the pivot-receiving portion by a driving force generated by depression of the key and received via the tone-generating position adjustment screw. The front extension of the mass member pops up to a level higher than the key when the key is depressed. A front weight and a back weight are arranged separately in the front extension and in the rear extension, respectively.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments include a jack holder 48 that is free to swing in accordance with the depression operation of a key 10, a first elastic member 52 that impels the jack holder 48 and applies the first counter force to the key 10 against the key depression action, the jack 42 that, together with being established so that it is not possible for it to swing with respect to the jack holder 48 during the depression operation of the key 10, is also established so that it is free to swing with respect to the jack holder 48 during the releasing operation of the key 10 and the second elastic member 56 that impels the jack 42 and applies the second counter force, which is smaller than the first counter force, to the key 10 against the key releasing action.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument stores first key touch data codes representative of a first reaction component and grouped into first data groups by a key velocity, second key touch data codes representative of a second reaction component and grouped into second data groups by a key position and third key touch data codes representative of a third reaction component and grouped into third data groups by the key position, and produces a digital key position signal representative of current key position, a digital key velocity signal representative of current key velocity and a digital key acceleration signal representative of current key acceleration so that a solenoid-operated actuator generates a resistance against the key motion on the basis of the first key touch data code selected by using the digital key position signal and the digital key velocity signal, the second key touch data code selected by using the digital key velocity signal and the digital key position signal and the third key touch

Abstract: A musical instrument, comprising a neck and a body. A chord selector is present on the neck, and a note selector is present on the body. The chord selector comprises a plurality of locations, each having a tonic and a quality. The note selector is a touch sensitive strip that is linearly arranged like a piano keyboard. A note is sounded only if it is simultaneously pressed on the note selector, and is present in one of the chords selected on the chord selector. Thus, once a chord is selected, it may be picked, strummed, or arpeggiated by employing different hand motions upon the note selector.

Abstract: An economical simulated string instrument system that facilitates a performance both visually and aurally similar to a real string instrument performance. One particular embodiment is a simulated guitar implemented on a personal computer where standard personal computer keyboard keys are mapped to guitar controls so that the performer can hold and manipulate the keyboard in much the same way as a real guitar. This embodiment, however, provides flexibility and ease of play not offered by the real instrument.

Abstract: A stopper, a driver unit, key and pedal sensors, a sound processing unit and a sound system are installed in an acoustic piano so as to remodel the acoustic piano into a keyboard musical instrument performable with either acoustic or electronic sounds.

Abstract: The present invention is a piano-style attachment apparatus for a computer keyboard comprising a base, a plurality of piano-styled keys hinged to said base, and anchors for anchoring the apparatus over the computer keyboard. Each piano-styled key has a protrusion extending downwardly for striking a corresponding computer key. The anchors comprise walls which extend deep in between computer keys in order to secure the apparatus to the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard system for an electronic musical instrument includes: a keyboard having a number of keys; a keyboard central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the keyboard; a switch connected to each key on the keyboard; a pull-up resistor serially connected to each switch; a unit for applying voltage to a serial circuit of each switch and each pull-up resistor; and a unit for parallel supplying a signal at an intersection point between each switch and each pull-up resistor to the CPU. The operation states of a plurality of keys can be independently detected by sequentially detecting the potential at the interconnection points.

Abstract: An electronic piano, comprises: a sound box having a configuration as in a stringed piano; an electronic keyboard carried by the sound box; an amplifying system; and, a control system for the electronic keyboard and the amplifying system. In a configuration corresponding to an upright piano, the sound box has first and second tweeters mounted through the top and directed upwardly, first and second mid-range speakers mounted through the rear wall and directed rearwardly, and first and second woofers directed angularly toward respective front-bottom corners of the sound box. The front wall has two openings through which sound reverberating inside the sound box is emitted.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus for an electronic musical instrument includes a key displacement detection unit. The key displacement detection unit includes a first resilient member, a movable member connected to the first resilient member, a second resilient member connected to the movable member, and a base fixing member connected to the second resilient member. The base fixing member may be directly or indirectly fixed to a keyboard musical instrument so that the key displacement detection unit is mounted to the keyboard musical instrument. A first displacement detection sensor is coupled with the first resilient member for detecting a key depression force in a key depression-release direction, and a second displacement detection sensor is coupled with the second resilient member for detecting a key depression force in a key arrangement direction. Both the first displacement detection sensor and the second displacement sensor are mounted on the key displacement detection unit.

Abstract: A polyphonic electronic musical instrument is provided including a keyboard, an information processing system, e.g., a microprocessor-controlled computer system, and a tone generating device. The processing system processes data received from the keyboard and sends note-on/note-off commands to the tone-producing device. The processing system groups keys of the keyboard into "key sets". Keys within each set occupy different rows of the keyboard. The processing system commands the tone generating device to effectively produce not more than one tone corresponding with each key set at any one time regardless of how many keys within the set are depressed. A key set may operate in "sustain mode," in which depression of a first key produces a tone which sustains without interruption as long as at least any one key of the same set is in depressed position. Alternately, a key set may operate in "repetition mode.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a key which drives a swing arm. The swing arm transfers return force from a coil spring or other return force mechanism to the key. The rotational axis of the swing arm is perpendicular to the length of the keyboard. Various key position sensing means utilizing the swing arm are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a key support portion, a plurality of keys pivotally supported on the key support portion, a musical tone signal generator, after sensors, and a musical tone signal control unit. The musical tone signal generator generates a musical tone signal corresponding to each of the plurality of keys. Each after sensor has a plurality of sensors and is arranged in correspondence with the plurality of keys and operated near key depression end positions to for independently generate pieces of key information. The musical signal control unit controls the musical tone signal generator on the basis of the key information.

Abstract: A new electronic musical instrument and an associated notational method are disclosed. The new musical instrument is played using the right hand for depression of keys, as in conventional instruments, and also by applying finger pressure onto special sensing areas using the left hand. The left hand sensing areas or keys are located so as to be accessed without any significant lateral movement of the left hand. "Instructions" for playing the new instrument are conveyed to the user via directly translatable notational symbols printed on an associated surface. This cooperating system removes the mental translational and physical movement problems of conventional notation and conventional instruments by having the notational method directly convey the physical actions that are required and by simplifying the physical actions themselves. Such a cooperative system allows users to quickly play this instrument at advanced levels.

Abstract: A loudspeaker apparatus for an electronic keyboard musical instrument has a shelf board constituting a casing of the musical instrument. The shelf board has a sound emission opening and a first port. A loudspeaker is mounted on an upper side of the shelf board in alignment with a fringe of the sound emission opening. A first speaker box is mounted on the upper side of the shelf board so as to enclose the loudspeaker and the first port. A second speaker box is mounted on a lower side of the shelf board in fluid communication with the first speaker box via the first port. The second speaker box has a second port.

Abstract: A wireless piano-touch electric sound producer comprises a keyboard assoicated with key action mechanisms and hammers driven for rotation upon depressing the assoicated keys, and a board accompanied with an absorber is shared between the hammer units for scaling down of the electric sound producer, wherein a memory unit stores pieces of vibratory information for reproducing sounds from vibrations on musical wires and board members of an acoustic piano so that a driver unit produces vibrations on a sound board of the electric sound producer on the basis of one of the pieces of vibratory information selected upon detecting actions of the keys to the hammers.

Abstract: A movable musical instrument support apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a central vertical support. A musical instrument is positioned at one end of the central vertical support. A boom assembly supporting a microphone is positioned at the same end of the central support. A base support including a number of wheels is positioned at the other end of the central support. A push cable is attached to the base support, this push cable enclosed a cable used in relation with the musical instrument. The push cable extends from the leg and therefore prevents the wheels from running over the cable. Lights are positioned along the central support for illuminating the area adjacent to the musical instrument.

Abstract: The musical tone control apparatus detects a movement of a player, such as a holding, touching, beating, depressing, pulling, lifting up or down movement. Then, the musical tone control apparatus generates musical tone control data based on a detecting result of the movement of the player. The musical tone control data control a tone pitch, a tone color or a tone volume of a musical tone to be generated.

Abstract: A modular retroactive keyboard fitted with keys permitting to send back to the user a perception characteristic of the key. Each key is an element of an independent flat and parallelepipedic module that includes a motor, a position detector and an electric connector. Each module further includes arrangement for fixing it to the adjacent module, and the keys are connected to a central processing unit for giving them the desired response by acting on the motor and for processing the detector signals.

Abstract: A removably mountable multiple effects device for an electronic signal processor for an electric guitar having an output socket is disclosed which includes a selection panel for accessing and selecting multiple effects from the signal processor contained therein, a jack for plugging into the output socket of the guitar, a power source for supplying power to the signal processor and an output signal device for communicating the signals. The selection panel may be a keyboard which is mounted on the guitar face having easy accessibility to the fingers of the guitar player. The keyboard provides the guitar player with access to any multiple effect accessible by the signal processor, such as tremelo, echoing, and many others, on the face of the guitar rather than having an access to such multiple effects in a remote location.

Abstract: A piano action device for electronic keyboard musical instruments includes a key arranged on a keyboard chassis so as to be swingable up and down, a first hammer arm swung in response to the depression of the key, switch unit for indicating a start of generating musical sounds to be generated when it is pushed, and a second hammer arm swung in response to the swinging of the first hammer arm to push the switch unit.

Abstract: A vibrator for vibrating an electronic musical instrument in accordance to the generated tone being produced. In this manner, a player of the electrical musical instrument will have the sensation of playing a conventional musical instrument due to the feedback of vibrational energy into the input device of the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A fingerboard and a neck for an electronic musical instrument according to the present invention are used for an electronic musical instrument, such as an electronic guitar, an electronic violin, and a guitar synthesizer. A flexible sheet made of a slippery material is formed on the upper surface of a fingerboard incorporating a plurality of pitch designating means so as to allow smooth and quick fingering. A plurality of frets are formed on the upper surface of the flexible sheet so as to partition the pitch designating means.

Abstract: An electronic drum has two or more batons, each baton having a transmitter which transmits a distinct radio frequency signal at a position in space. The electronic drum determines the current X, Y, and Z coordinates of each baton transmitter. To determine the position of each baton transmitter, the drum includes a tablet which has a flat support member at a predefined position, with at least two pairs of electrodes coupled to the flat support member. A first pair of the electrodes is shaped so that the amount of capacitive coupling between each baton transmitter and one of the first pair of electrodes corresponds to the position of the baton transmitter with respect to the X axis. A second pair of electrodes is shaped so that the amount of capacitive coupling between each baton transmitter and one of the second pair of electrodes corresponds to the position of the baton transmitter with respect to the Y axis.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard system according to the present invention has a plurality of key sensor units associated with the keys, respectively, and the key sensor units are paired to form a plurality of sensor pairs to which bidirectional current driving units respectively supplies currents periodically changed in direction for selectively actuating the sensor units, so that the interconnections between the bidirectional current driving units and the sensor units are simplified, thereby decreasing the occupation area in the keyboard system.

Abstract: The invention presented consists of an electric violin having (a) a body shaped so as to have a fingerboard indentation along an upper end in a location to the right of a fingerboard extending therefrom; a first bow indentation along a right side; an arcuate-shaped lower end; and a second bow indentation along a left side; (b) a fingerboard having a lower portion mounted on the body and an upper portion extending from an upper end of the body, the fingerboard having sufficient width to accomodate a plurality of strings (c) a head disposed on the end of an upper portion of the fingerboard, the head having a plurality of pegs, each corresponding to a string; (d) a plurality of strings, each removably attached to the body, extending along the fingerboard and removably attached to each of the pegs on the head; and (e) a magnetic pickup associated with the body and having an upper portion mounted on the body so as to be operatively connected with each of the plurality of strings and a lower portion mounted in the