Practice Keyboard Having Individually Depressible Keys Patents (Class 434/231)
  • Patent number: 7507893
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for teaching music to one or more students. The instructor's manual operation of a musical instrument controls in real-time the illumination of guide lamps on each student's musical instrument. This allows the students to visually connect the note to be played with the instructor's verbal instruction and then play the visually indicated note without having to look up at the instructor or a distant display. In another embodiment, the instructor's manual operation of his musical instrument provides a score display of the played note on each student's musical instrument. The students can visually connect the played note with the musical notation on the score display. Remote teaching over a communication network is also described as well as a removable interface for the musical instrument to assist in teaching and use of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Knudsen
  • Patent number: 6709273
    Abstract: A system and method for teaching proper hand positioning for using a keyboard. The system includes not allowing a lesson for learning to operate the keyboard to begin until home keys are depressed simultaneously. Additionally, the lesson will be interrupted periodically and will not continue until the home keys are depressed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stark, Joel Stark
  • Patent number: 6382854
    Abstract: A computer keyboard enhancement kit consists of detachable key replacements made to be larger and to have more shapes and colors than the letter keys of a standard computer keyboard so as to lessen the level of difficulty for children of preschool ages in locating such keys on the keyboard as they work on educational programs. Each of these key replacements takes a specific shape and color, and displays a specific letter that is on the keyboard in either uppercase or lowercase form. The shapes and colors follow a specific pattern scheme wherein the letters of the same hand and row keys have key replacements with the same color but with varied shapes. To be in use, these key replacements are attached to the top surface of a transparent plastic jacket that goes with the kit, and are positioned on top of their corresponding letter keys on the computer keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Rossana Uy Morelos
  • Patent number: 5289389
    Abstract: A response speed and accuracy measurement device includes a multidigit code generator for generating a multidigit code of numeric or alphabetic characters or other symbols. A start switch causes a code to be generated and displayed for a limited time duration. The operator then attempts to enter the last displayed code as quickly as possible using the data entry keys of a keyboard. A timer measures the operator's response time. A comparator checks the entered code against the displayed code for detecting a match. An output is generated in the event of a match to indicate the operator's response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Keller
  • Patent number: 4867684
    Abstract: A structure for selectively displaying markers, or crayons, such selectivity being controlled by a keyboard whereby a user, on depressing an activator, may cause the selected marker to be elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: John T. Grubb, III