Patents Examined by Marlon Fletcher
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Patent number: 9875732Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for an electronic handheld musical instrument that generates electronic signals for processing by a processor-based module to generate musical sounds adapted to replicate non-electronic traditional hand percussion and other handheld instruments, is provided. A piezoelectric-based trigger is secured in an enclosed volume or enclosure formed in the electronic handheld musical instrument. When manipulated by a musician in a normal fashion, freely moving beads float or travel within the enclosure of the electronic handheld musical instrument and strike against a sensitive face of the piezoelectric transducer device to create a desired sound effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Inventor: Stephen Suitor
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Synchronized display and performance mapping of musical performances submitted from remote locations
Patent number: 9857934Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assembling and displaying a visual ensemble of musical performances that were created and uploaded from one or more locations that are remote from a host of the network, a director or other administrator reviewing submissions for selection and assembly, or perhaps merely remote from one or more other submissions received over a computer network. The assembled performances include a plurality of submissions, the submissions including performances created and uploaded at one or more locations remote from the location of the director for the assembly and display over the computer network. Systems and methods are also included for mapping one performance against another performance qualitatively, quantitatively, in real-time, or some combination thereof, enabling a musician, or a reviewer of performances, in the assessment of one performance relative to another performance.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: JAMMIT, INC.Inventors: Scott Humphrey, Frank Gryner -
Patent number: 9858909Abstract: A detection system is provided for detecting a musical note played on a string instrument having a fretboard provided with a plurality of conductive frets and conductive strings. The system includes at least one conductor coupled to each of the frets; an inverter having a first terminal coupled to the conductor and a second terminal coupled to the conductive string, the inverter being configured to logically invert a signal transmitted therethrough, such that when the conductive string is pressed against one of the frets allowing thereby for a signal to be transmitted therethrough, the signal is sequentially inverted between two logical states at a frequency being dependent on the distance between the inverter and the fret; a frequency detector configured to measure the frequency; and a controller configured for determining the location of the fret along the fretboard in accordance with the frequency, and to thereby detect the musical note.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: O.M.B. Guitars LTDInventors: Shimon Mizrahi, Ben Zion Thee
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Patent number: 9852770Abstract: Technologies for generating a media compilation include comparing video metadata associated with a video to audio metadata associated with a plurality of digital songs to determine one or more matches between the compared metadata. The metadata defines various characteristics of the corresponding video and digital songs, and each match is indicative of a similar characteristic of the video and a corresponding digital song. One or more sync points are generated based on the determined matches and one or more songs are selected based on the sync points. The sync points may be prioritized based on the characteristics associated with the sync point and/or the degree of similarity. The video and the selected digital song(s) are subsequently compiled based on the associated sync points.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Glen J. Anderson
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Patent number: 9852651Abstract: A device that supports a performer of a wind instrument, the device including: a processor; and a memory, in which the processor acquires data indicating a myoelectric potential value measured by, a myoelectric sensor arranged on a surface of the face of a performer, the memory stores a table including a listing of conditions for the myoelectric potential value and a corresponding listing of support information for playing the wind instrument, and the processor determines whether the acquired myoelectric potential value satisfies at least a portion of a target condition included in the listing of conditions, determines support information corresponding to the target condition, when the acquired myoelectric potential value is determined to satisfy the at least a portion of the target condition, generates a support image corresponding to the determined support information, and controls a display to display the generated support image.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICAInventor: Masashi Okada
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Patent number: 9842579Abstract: A percussion instrument, in particular electronic percussion instrument, includes at least one main attack element having at least one main attack surface and with a position detecting unit which is at least provided to detect an attack position of the main attack surface. The position detecting unit comprises at least two position detecting elements which are arranged decentrally with respect to the main attack surface, at least when the main attack surface is viewed perpendicularly.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: GEWA music GmbHInventor: Dennis Pelz
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Patent number: 9837060Abstract: A method for stringed instruments' pickup, the method comprising a step of: capturing mechanical vibrations of at least one string; and converting them to a signal representative of a string's current state, the method being characterized in that the capturing comprises the following steps: capturing, using an image capturing device, image frames comprising views of at least one musical instrument's string in a still state; storing the captured image as a reference of a still state; capturing (500), using the image capturing device, image frames comprising views of at least one musical instrument's string in a vibrating state; storing the captured image as a reference of a vibrating state; comparing (520) the still state reference with a vibrating state reference in order to find (530) amplitude of vibrations of each string as well as frequency of each string vibrations based on amplitude height in pixels with reference to the still state and determining a frequency of each vibrating string on the basis of thType: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: ADVANCED DIGITAL BROADCAST S.A.Inventor: Jacek Dobryniewski
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Patent number: 9836992Abstract: A piano training device is described herein. The piano training device comprising a plurality of keys which may be illuminated by a light source associated with each key. The light source associated with each key is oriented such that the light source transmits light toward the front surface of the key. The key is further manufactured so that the light transmitted toward the front surface of the key is redirected to the top surface of the key.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: McCarthy Music Corp.Inventors: Kevin Michael McCarthy, Jason Michael McVey, Jason Mark Ericson, Zachary Edwin Eveland, Mark Taylor, Thomas Hall Ruscher, David Czarnecki
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Patent number: 9830894Abstract: Finger-tracking systems and methods for virtual instruments playback. The described system tracks the position of user's ten fingers on a projection surface and can be used to play virtual instruments such as virtual piano, drums, and bells. The system tracks the movement of user's ten fingers while keeping them free of encumbrance or excessive postural constraints. More specifically, in one or more embodiments, a coded light based projector is used to send out location signal onto a flat surface, and ten light sensors are mounted on user's fingers to receive these signals and locate user's fingers. Based on their locations and relative distance to a fixed point, a printed music instrument can be used for virtual instrument music playback. With the described tracking system, various embodiments of virtual music instruments may be implemented, including a system and method for virtual piano playing as well as virtual Chinese bell playing on printed keyboard and printed Chinese bell set.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Shang Ma, Qiong Liu
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Patent number: 9805705Abstract: A musical keyboard touch sensor pad having a plurality of integrated sensors disposed in an array is disclosed. The plurality of integrated sensors represents a keyboard key. A processor is electronically coupled to the plurality of integrated sensors. The processor is programmed to receive signals from several of the plurality of integrated sensors and to generate a sound signal based on input from the several of the plurality of integrated sensors. The output is variable based on the number in the plurality and the location of the plurality in the array. An audio output device is electronically coupled to the processor to generate a sound based on the sound signal. A keyboard using a plurality of the sensor pads as well as a method of generating sounds from the keyboard are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Andrew McPherson, Youngmoo Kim
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Patent number: 9805701Abstract: For a parameter used by a tone generator unit to generate an audio signal, type of an effect to be given to the audio signal and degree of the effect to be given to the audio signal are set according to an operation of a panel strip which functions as a combination of an increase control decrease controls with an upper cursor part and a lower cursor part. This setting is made so that when an operation to further decrease the degree of the effect to be given to less than zero is detected, the type of the effect to be given to the audio signal is changed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji Yamada, Koichi Kashiwazaki, Satoshi Morita
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Patent number: 9805702Abstract: A virtual instrument can manage separate static and dynamic samples for various notes that can be played by the virtual instrument. In some cases, the static samples correspond to resonance sounds recorded for an instrument and are the same for every note. However, the dynamic samples may correspond to isolated sounds that are recorded for each variation of a note that can be played. In response to a user's selection of a note on a user interface of the virtual instrument, the virtual instrument may determine a rule for layering the various static and dynamic samples for playback.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher C. Lane, Hage van Dijk, Andrew Barrett
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Patent number: 9798974Abstract: A recommendation of at least one of multiple audio samples or sets of audio samples to combine with a particular audio sample or set of audio samples is automatically generated. The recommendation is generated by determining the rhythmic compatibility as well as the harmonic compatibility of the particular audio sample or set of samples with each of the multiple audio samples or sets of audio samples. For each of the multiple audio samples or sets of audio samples, a compatibility rating is generated based on the rhythmic compatibility and the harmonic compatibility of the audio sample or set of audio samples with the particular audio sample or set of audio samples. At least one of the multiple audio samples or sets of audio samples is presented by a computing device as a recommendation to combine with the particular audio sample or set of audio samples.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Steven J. Ball, Jorge Gabuardi Gonzalez, Tyler Brewer, Mitchell K. Rundle, Lindsay D. Verola, Mohammed Mehkri
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Patent number: 9799312Abstract: An approach is provided in which an information handling system configures a reinforcement learning model based inspiration selections received from a user. The information handling system performs training iterations using the configured reinforcement learning model, which generates multiple actions and multiple rewards corresponding to multiple actions. The information handling system determines that the multiple rewards reach an empirical threshold and, in turn, generates a musical composition based on the multiple actions.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alyson T. Cabral, Richard B. Daskas, Christopher M. Durham, Janani Mukundan
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Patent number: 9792889Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for generating a prediction of a next musical note by a computer having at least a processor and a memory. A computer processor system is also provided for generating a prediction of a next musical note. The method includes storing sequential musical notes in the memory. The method further includes generating, by the processor, the prediction of the next musical note based upon a music model and the sequential musical notes stored in the memory. The method also includes updating, by the processor, the music model based upon the prediction of the next musical note and an actual one of the next musical note. The method additionally includes resetting, by the processor, the memory at fixed time intervals.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Yachiko Obara, Shohei Ohsawa, Takayuki Osogami
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Patent number: 9793831Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a stopping circuit includes a detection circuit connected to a subtraction amount determination circuit. A subtraction circuit is connected to the subtraction circuit and the subtraction circuit is coupled for receiving an output signal from the subtraction amount determination circuit. A duty determination is connected to the subtraction circuit and a state controller is connected to the duty determination circuit. A counter is connected to a state controller. In accordance with another embodiment a method for stopping a motor is provided by decreasing a duty of a drive signal. The duty of the drive signal is lowered from a first level to a predetermined level. A braking state is entered in response to the duty of the pulse width modulation signal achieving the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Takashi Ogawa
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Patent number: 9785322Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method including accessing data comprising a primary program comprising media suitable for linear playback, enabling access to a secondary program, made up of a plurality of channels and associated with the primary program, the secondary program time-synchronized to the primary program, and accepting user interaction identifying at least one of the plurality of channels for playback in synchronicity with the primary program. The method further includes accepting user interaction including configuration characteristics of the playback of the at least one of the plurality of channels on one or more displays, and enabling playback of the primary program in conjunction with the at least one of the plurality of channels as directed by the configuration characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: LITTLE ENGINES GROUP, INC.Inventor: Howard David Soroka
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Patent number: 9779708Abstract: Systems and methods for collectively generating sound are provided. A sound composition can include multiple component pieces and those component pieces can be divided amongst devices so that the devices can collectively generate the sound composition. For example, each component piece may be assigned to a different device and the each device may provide its assigned component pieces in a synchronized manner so that the overall sound composition is collectively generated. By generating a sound composition in this manner, the network may create new and exciting spatial effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: SHINDING, INC.Inventor: Steven M. Gottlieb
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Patent number: 9773426Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate tone challenged singers to sing intended notes. In one aspect, the singer determines a note to sing corresponding to an intended frequency fi. The singer utters a note continuously with fundamental frequency fu into a microphone of the natural ear apparatus. The note is processed by the apparatus to produce sound emphasizing the fundamental frequency fu and output through a speaker to the auditory organs of the singer. The singer detects differences between intended frequency fi and uttered fundamental frequency fu. The singer adjusts his vocal organs as he utters the note with the intention of changing fu to reduce difference between fi and fu.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Eric A. Freudenthal, Eric M. Hanson, Bryan E. Usevitch
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Patent number: 9773488Abstract: A pickup for a musical instrument includes a first assembly, a housing, and a magnet. The first assembly comprises a base plate, a pole that extends from the base plate, and a coil of wire wrapped around the pole. A first lead wire extends from a first coil end and a second lead wire extends from a second coil end. The housing is user attachable to, and detachable from, the top of the first assembly, independently of any electrical connections made to electronics of the musical instrument. Moreover, the housing attaches to and detaches from the first assembly such that when attached, the pole of the first assembly is in magnetic cooperation with the magnet. Also, the housing is removable, thus allowing the magnet to be changed out to another magnet without removing strings or other hardware of the musical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Inventor: Rick Wolf