Patents by Inventor Alan Zak

Alan Zak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8692101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument that includes a plurality of strings and a pickup to which each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled that is connectable to a computer to implement DSP modeling. A serial interface circuit is coupled to the pickup and to a digital connector that formats each digital string vibration signal received from the pickup into a digital serial protocol. A computer is coupled by a serial link to the digital connector such that the computer receives each serially formatted digital string signal (SFDSS). The computer operates at least one audio DSP-based software module to process each received SFDSS wherein each SFDSS is processed in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of stringed instruments to create an emulated digital string tone signal (EDSTS). Each EDSTS is then transmitted back over the serial link to the stringed instrument for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Line 6, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Michel A. Doidic, Peter J. Celi, Alan Zak
  • Publication number: 20100313740
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument that includes a plurality of strings and a pickup to which each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled that is connectable to a computer to implement DSP modeling. A serial interface circuit is coupled to the pickup and to a digital connector that formats each digital string vibration signal received from the pickup into a digital serial protocol. A computer is coupled by a serial link to the digital connector such that the computer receives each serially formatted digital string signal (SFDSS). The computer operates at least one audio DSP-based software module to process each received SFDSS wherein each SFDSS is processed in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of stringed instruments to create an emulated digital string tone signal (EDSTS). Each EDSTS is then transmitted back over the serial link to the stringed instrument for playback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Line 6, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Michel A. Doidic, Peter J. Celi, Alan Zak
  • Patent number: 7799986
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument that includes a plurality of strings and a pickup to which each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled that is connectable to a computer to implement DSP modeling. A serial interface circuit is coupled to the pickup and to a digital connector that formats each digital string vibration signal received from the pickup into a digital serial protocol. A computer is coupled by a serial link to the digital connector such that the computer receives each serially formatted digital string signal (SFDSS). The computer operates at least one audio DSP-based software module to process each received SFDSS wherein each SFDSS is processed in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of stringed instruments to create an emulated digital string tone signal (EDSTS). Each EDSTS is then transmitted back over the serial link to the stringed instrument for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Line 6, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Michel A. Doidic, Peter J. Celi, Alan Zak
  • Publication number: 20070227344
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument that includes a plurality of strings and a pickup to which each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled that is connectable to a computer to implement DSP modeling. A serial interface circuit is coupled to the pickup and to a digital connector that formats each digital string vibration signal received from the pickup into a digital serial protocol. A computer is coupled by a serial link to the digital connector such that the computer receives each serially formatted digital string signal (SFDSS). The computer operates at least one audio DSP-based software module to process each received SFDSS wherein each SFDSS is processed in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of stringed instruments to create an emulated digital string tone signal (EDSTS). Each EDSTS is then transmitted back over the serial link to the stringed instrument for playback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Michel Doidic, Pete Celi, Alan Zak
  • Patent number: 5541781
    Abstract: A method for synchronously operating two or more rotary head digital audio tape recorders without having to dedicate a separate timing track. The present invention synchronizes the machines in three steps. First, the slave unit reads the time code value from the data stream and compares this time code to the master's time code, examining the difference in time code values and adjusting the transport speed so that the values are approximately equal. Next, the slave's capstan motors are slowed down (or sped up) so that the slave and master units are within one drum revolution of each other. Finally, the slave's microprocessor adjusts the speed of the entire system to skip individual samples until the master and slave units are synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Alesis
    Inventors: Keith Barr, Alan Zak, Marcus Ryle, David Brown
  • Patent number: 5321561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording multiple channels of digital audio data onto one-half inch tape using a rotary head recorder. The tape format includes sector spaces and a write timing sector to provide reduced susceptibility to errors arising from head misalignment, provides improved punch-in and punch-out capabilities using overdub identification values recorded within each channel of audio information, and provides a unique time code word that facilitates accurate high-speed scan and search operations, as well as multiple device synchronization. Each pair of audio tracks terminates with a write timing sector that serves as an absolute location marker for the rotary head, and allows the digital audio system to determine precise head location with respect to the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Alesis
    Inventors: Keith Barr, Alan Zak, Marcus Ryle, David Brown
  • Patent number: 5297181
    Abstract: A digital audio interface protocol carries multiple channels of digital audio information serially between a transmitting digital audio tape recorder and a plurality of receiving recording units. Using a three stage process, the circuitry of the present invention allows the receiving VCO's to "lock on" to the sampling rate of the serial digital data stream without any explicit sampling information. In a first stage, the VCO frequency is adjusted until a sync pattern is properly received. In a second stage, the VCO frequency is adjusted to oscillate a preselected number of times between sync pattern occurrences. In a third stage, the VCO phase is adjusted to match the phase of the serial data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Alesis
    Inventors: Keith Barr, Alan Zak, Marcus Ryle, David Brown, Carl Lafky