Patents Assigned to Optek Music Systems, Inc.
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Publication number: 20170124898Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to music synchronization systems including an electronic artist audio database with a plurality of artist audio files and an electronic data database including a plurality of data files corresponding to the respective plurality of artist audio files. Each of the data files includes data relating to fingering positions for an instrument. The systems include a processing device configured to execute a synchronization engine that receives as input an artist audio file from the electronic artist audio database and a corresponding data file from the electronic data database, and outputs via a graphical user interface a synchronized music lesson for the artist audio file. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of music synchronization.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2016Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John Rusty Shaffer
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Patent number: 8481839Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for audio and/or visual playback. A system can include a first data encoded according to a first file format, a second data encoded according to a second file format, and a file using the first and second data to enable synchronized audio and/or visual playback of the data on one or more receiving elements. In certain instances, at least a portion of the second data includes information relating to finger positions on a musical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventors: John R. Shaffer, Ken Pletzer
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Patent number: 8263844Abstract: Described herein are fingerboards and neck assemblies for use with stringed musical instruments. The neck assembly can include a light-system disposed therein. The light system has a light matrix of light elements. The fingerboard is adapted to conceal the presence of the light elements when the light elements are not illuminated and to allow the passage of at least some illumination from the light elements when the light elements are illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John Shaffer
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Patent number: 8106288Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of for displaying on a second instrument finger positions that were played on a first instrument. A teacher, for example, can play notes and/or chords on a first stringed instrument having a sensor. A processing having a decoder and a message generator can receive signals from the sensor and generate messages that are communicated to a light-system in the second instrument. The light-system displays the finger positions on the second instrument, each finger position corresponding to a finger position played on the first instrument. The processor can receive sensor information from the second information that can be used to determine whether a displayed finger position was correctly played on the second instrument.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R Shaffer
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Publication number: 20110247478Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of for displaying on a second instrument finger positions that were played on a first instrument. A teacher, for example, can play notes and/or chords on a first stringed instrument having a sensor. A processing having a decoder and a message generator can receive signals from the sensor and generate messages that are communicated to a light-system in the second instrument. The light-system displays the finger positions on the second instrument, each finger position corresponding to a finger position played on the first instrument. The processor can receive sensor information from the second information that can be used to determine whether a displayed finger position was correctly played on the second instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Shaffer
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Patent number: 7863514Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of for displaying on a second instrument finger positions that were played on a first instrument. A teacher, for example, can play notes and/or chords on a first stringed instrument having a sensor. A processing having a decoder and a message generator can receive signals from the sensor and generate messages that are communicated to a light-system in the second instrument. The light-system displays the finger positions on the second instrument, each finger position corresponding to a finger position played on the first instrument. The processor can receive sensor information from the second information that can be used to determine whether a displayed finger position was correctly played on the second instrument.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R Shaffer
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Patent number: 7825313Abstract: Described herein are fingerboards and neck assemblies for use with stringed musical instruments. The neck assembly can include a light-system disposed therein. The light system has a light matrix of light elements. The fingerboard is adapted to conceal the presence of the light elements when the light elements are not illuminated and to allow the passage of at least some illumination from the light elements when the light elements are illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John Shaffer
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Patent number: 7732687Abstract: A fingerboard (or fretboard) for use with a stringed instrument and light-system is disclosed and has a bottom surface adapted to mate or be attached to a neck of the instrument, and has wells extending from the bottom surface toward, but not through, a top surface. The wells are sized to receive a light-emitting device, such as LEDs, and are positioned along the fingerboard according to finger positions of the instrument. Illumination from the light-emitting devices is visible to a player of the instrument, however, when the devices are not illuminated, the fingerboard appears substantially as one made without the wells. The structure is useful for learning to play the instrument, while not appearing as a learning device.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Shaffer
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Patent number: 7427707Abstract: Described herein are fingerboards and neck assemblies for use with stringed musical instruments. The neck assembly can include a light-system disposed therein. The light system has a light matrix of light elements. The fingerboard is adapted to conceal the presence of the light elements when the light elements are not illuminated and to allow the passage of at least some illumination from the light elements when the light elements are illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John Shaffer
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Publication number: 20080127808Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of for displaying on a second instrument finger positions that were played on a first instrument. A teacher, for example, can play notes and/or chords on a first stringed instrument having a sensor. A processing having a decoder and a message generator can receive signals from the sensor and generate messages that are communicated to a light-system in the second instrument. The light-system displays the finger positions on the second instrument, each finger position corresponding to a finger position played on the first instrument. The processor can receive sensor information from the second information that can be used to determine whether a displayed finger position was correctly played on the second instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R. Shaffer
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Patent number: 7323633Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of for displaying on a second instrument finger positions that were played on a first instrument. A teacher, for example, can play notes and/or chords on a first stringed instrument having a sensor. A processing having a decoder and a message generator can receive signals from the sensor and generate messages that are communicated to a light-system in the second instrument. The light-system displays the finger positions on the second instrument, each finger position corresponding to a finger position played on the first instrument. The processor can receive sensor information from the second information that can be used to determine whether a displayed finger position was correctly played on the second instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Optek Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: John R Shaffer