Abstract: Systems and methods for musical performance are provided. In some embodiments, a system for musical performance includes a processing device to: receive performance information related to a first performance of a piece of music on a first musical instrument; generate at least one control signal based on the performance information; and produce a second performance based on the control signal, wherein to produce the second performance, the processing device is further to: control at least one tone generating device of a second musical instrument to perform the music using the control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting a delay between accompaniment audio and unaccompanied audio, and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: acquiring original audio of a target song, and extracting original vocal audio from the original audio; determining a first delay between the original vocal audio and the unaccompanied audio, and determining a second delay between the accompaniment audio and the original audio; and correcting a delay between the accompaniment audio and the unaccompanied audio based on the first delay and the second delay. Thus, the correction efficiency of the delay between accompaniment audio and unaccompanied audio is improved, and correction mistakes possibly caused by human factors are eliminated, thereby improving the accuracy.

Abstract: Marching band string instruments and wearable string instruments are described that include a stiff waist band to prevent excessive side to side movement during use, while providing easy doff and don of the string instrument. String instruments also are provided with adjustable chest braces to allow accommodation for different player sizes and for minimization of back strain when playing the electric string instrument for extended time periods. Electric string instruments optionally have soft material interposed between bridge feet and a string instrument body, to allow a more resonant sound detection from a pickup located between the bridge feet and the body. Other advances include generation of a stereo signal from bridge vibrations, and electronic processing of sound that enhances the electric string instrument playing and learning experience.

Abstract: In the present invention, performance sample passages are used as source material to drive the transducers of a controlled musical instrument, such as the strings of a violin. The performance sample passage method permits the faithful recreation of a musical performance without the limiting effects of speakers. Alternatively, analog/digital synthesizers, tape or other recording media, monophonic/polyphonic pitch recognition/MIDI conversion methods or any electrical signals are used as sources to drive the transducers of a controlled instrument. The invention uses magnets with steel pole pieces positioned on either side of a transducer, such as a metallic string or rod of a controlled instrument. Said metallic string or rod can be either double or single anchored, or utilize any combination of anchoring means. Insulation between the pole pieces and magnets is utilized to isolate the coils from the magnets and pole pieces. String dampers are used to recreate a violin bow's damping and string focusing effects.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus of an electronic musical instrument includes keys, mass members, and springs. Each key can pivot about a first pivot fulcrum. Each mass member can pivot about a second pivot fulcrum. Each spring supplies a biasing force to at least the corresponding mass member so that the mass member returns to an initial state. In this apparatus, each key has a point of application for pivoting the corresponding mass member in the same direction as a pivoting direction of each key when each key is depressed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic keyboard system capable of producing musical tones on the basis of a sequence of pieces of musical data information and comprising: a) memory for storing the pieces of musical data information grouped by time durations with respect to a beginning of a performance; b) modification range defining portion for specifying a head position and a terminational position in the pieces of musical data information; c) setting portion for establishing a variation; d) modifying portion for modifying each first musical data information between the head position and the terminational position on the basis of the variation.

Abstract: A novel capacitive pressure-sensitive sensing technique and apparatus wherein an elastomeric conductive electrode carrying a two-dimensional array of projections is pressure-deformed against a fixed coextensive cooperative electrode to generate signals, such as tones and sounds in the application to musical instruments, or visual representations, corresponding to the dynamic pressures applied over the two-dimensional surface. A novel drum-like and other musical instruments embodying such novel capacitive sensing techniques and the like are described.

Abstract: A musical keyboard having keys which carry metal spoilers that alter the resonance characteristics of tank circuits associated with the keys as the keys move toward and away from the inductance coils of the tank circuits. The tank circuits are connected sequentially to a frequency sensing circuit which develops indications of key positions by sensing the resonance frequency of each tank circuit.

Abstract: A foot-operated, bass drum pedal assembly is provided, and it includes: a base in the form of a metal plate, a first drum beater, a support for the beater mounted on the base, and a pedal pivotally mounted to the base and operatively connected to the beater to pivot same as the pedal is pivoted by the drummer's foot, and structure located proximate the pedal to sense downward movement of the pedal to predetermined downward position, and to produce an electrical signal usable to effect production of phenomena corresponding to a drum beat.

Abstract: In the production of a desired musical waveform by combining harmonic components corresponding to respective harmonic orders, each harmonic component value is controlled by a selected cut-off harmonic order qc, level Ha and slope of the formant filter characteristic. The cut-off harmonic order qc, the level Ha and the slope values can each be varied over a predetermined range. Therefore, the slope values of the formant filter characteristic are interpolated to raise resolution, by which it is possible to prevent an abrupt change in the formant filter characteristic and suppress the generation of noise.

Abstract: A plurality of waveshapes of different characteristics are stored in a waveshape memory among which a waveshape to be read out is selected in accordance with a selected tone color or elapse of time and data of the selected waveshape is read out. At least one waveshape among the waveshapes stored in the waveshape memory is coded in a coding form different from one used for the other waveshapes. For matching characteristics of each individual waveshape, waveshapes are coded according to respectively suitable coding forms such, for example, that one waveshape is coded according to the pulse code modulation system, another waveshape according to the differential pulse code modulation system and still another waveshape according to the delta modulation system. The waveshape data read out from the waveshape memory is converted in its code to a predetermined common coding form (e.g. PCM).

Abstract: A real-time polyphonic pitch controller and process for controlling notes or tones emanating from signal synthesizers such as used in the performance of music. The controller comprises a body with key controllers, each of which activates a pre-programmed note; a strumming controller which automatically activates selected key controlled notes in a pre-programmed sequence and rate; and controls and displays used for programming and performance. Extending longitudinally from the body is a guitar-like neck graduated by fret markings and over which slides a hand controller incorporating finger levers. Sliding the hand controller creates portamento, vibrato or glissando effects on the notes activated by the key controllers. Also, each finger lever of the hand controller when depressed raises and/or lowers its own peculiar, pre-programmed combination of individually voiced notes by pre-programmed amounts.

Abstract: A portable modular music recording device which simply and unobtrusively attaches to a keyboard instrument for purposes of recording live musical performances; and an efficient music microcomputing system in which the captured musical data is digitized and further analyzed to determine note and note expression information when a key has been played. In the modular keyboard device, key and key expression data is captured by means of reflective couplers mounted in the keyboard device, and the information is transmitted to the processing unit. Microcomputer instructions refine the data to a format suitable for serial transmission via a computer-compatible link for ultimate scoring and recording.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a waveshape generator which generates first and second waveshapes having a pitch corresponding to a designated note. The first waveshape represents a complete waveshape produced by a certain musical instrument under a certain extreme condition (e.g., the hardest key touch). The second waveshape represents a complete waveshape produced by the same musical instrument under another extreme condition (e.g., the softest key touch). The electronic musical instrument further includes an interpolator which interpolates the first and second waveshapes in accordance with a playing condition (e.g., the strength of key touch) and produces and interpolated new waveshape as a waveshape of a musical tone to be produced. The introduction of this interpolator enables any waveshape under an intermediate condition to produce by preparing only two waveshapes under the two extreme conditions.

Abstract: A portable modular music recording device which simply and unobtrusively attaches to a keyboard instrument for purposes of recording live musical performances; and an efficient music microcomputing system in which the captured musical data is digitized and further analyzed to determine note and note expression information when a key has been played. In the modular keyboard device, key and key expression data is captured by means of photosensitive couplers mounted in the keyboard device, and the information is transmitted to the processing unit. Microcomputer instructions refine the data to a format suitable for serial transmission via a computer-compatible link for ultimate scoring and recording.

Abstract: A keyboard circuit for an electronic musical instrument which, with the depression of a key, couples an AC signal to an allocated multiplexer input. The output of the multiplexer is connected via a rectifier and a sample-and-hold circuit to a depression recognizing circuit. The coupling is preferably inductive.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument of the waveshape memory type including at least one waveshape memory for storing and reproducing sample values of a musical sound wave to be generated, the waveshape memory stores the sample values of the complete waveshape of a musical tone with a shaped envelope.

Abstract: In an optical sensor for displacement speed/displacement of a movable element in a musical instrument, light emitted from a light-emitting element is guided to a sensor head through a transmission optical fiber and is further guided to a light-receiving element through a reception optical fiber. The sensor head is located at a position corresponding to a shutter movable in accordance with the movable element in the musical instrument. The shutter controls photocoupling and nonphotocoupling between the transmission and reception optical fibers. The sensor is of transmission or reflection type.

Abstract: A keyboard switch apparatus for an electronic musical instrument has first, second and third layers, and first and second switches. The second layer has elasticity and is separated from the first layer. The third layer has elasticity and is inserted between the first and second layers at a distance therefrom. The first switch consists of conductors respectively formed on opposite surfaces of the second and third layers. The second switch consists of conductors respectively formed on opposite surfaces of the first and third layers. The second and third layers are sequentially urged and deformed by an actuator interlocked with key depression. The first and second switches are sequentially closed. A time requred for closing the first switch is different from that for closing the second switch. The closure time difference corresponds to a key depression speed, which is used to generate a signal corresponding to the depression speed, and a musical tone signal corresponding to the depression speed.

Abstract: Waveshapes of plural periods for plural channels having characteristics different from each other are stored in a waveshape memory and read out from it when a musical tone is to be produced. Read out waveshapes are respectively weighted by weighting data supplied from a weighting data generator and thereafter a desired tone waveshape is obtained by electrically or acoustically combining these weighted waveshape. As an example, the waveshapes are composed of plural attack waveshapes equal in number to channels and only one sustain waveshape. In this case, the attack portion of the musical tone is formed by the combined one of the attack waveshapes and the sustain portion is formed by the sustain waveshape. This enables the memory capacity of the waveshape memory to be reduced and facilitates the complex tone color control in the attack portion. In another case, each of the waveshapes is composed of an attack portion and a sustain portion, sustain waveshapes forming the sustain portions being matched in phase.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument has a keyboard, a key depression speed detector and a glide pattern generator. When any key of the keyboard is depressed, the key depression speed detector detects the speed of depressing the key and produces a signal representing this speed. In accordance with this signal the glide pattern generator changes a reference glide pattern to a new pattern. The instrument generates a musical tone having the glide effect determined by the new glide pattern.

Abstract: A touch sensitive electronic musical or sound generating instrument is disclosed. The invention utilizes digital techniques to sense how hard any one of a plurality of push buttons on a keyboard is depressed or actuated. The instrument generates a desired or particular sound (such as a musical note) at a desired parameter such as volume, corresponding to how hard a specific button was depressed.

Abstract: A sound generator for an electronic musical instrument produces sounds from waveform data combinations stored in a memory. Each of the waveform data combinations is a data combination obtained from a waveform of a natural sound by digital data conversion preferably including information condensation. The selection of a waveform data combination is performed by an address generator which produces an address signal for the memory from an information from a keyboard. The information includes a touch information representing key depressing speed and/or strength, or both of the touch information and a pitch information. The loudness level of a generated tone is controlled by a loudness controller in response to the touch information, or to both of the touch information and pitch information.

Abstract: A keyboard operated musical instrument is disclosed in which the musical tones are generated by reading out a sequence of data values stored in memories. A first memory stores the musical waveshape for the attack and decay phases of the musical tone. One of a plurality of memories, each storing a period of a different waveshape, are selected by means of a touch response signal generated by the manner with which a keyswitch is actuated. At the end of the decay phase the waveshape selected by the touch response signal is read out sequentially and repetitively and is substituted for the data stored in the first memory. A means is provided to minimize the transient created in the transition between data read out of the first memory and the selected second memory. Provision is also made for a touch response loudness effect.

Abstract: A percussive action silent electronic keyboard provides electrical input signals for electronic music synthesis equipment. The keyboard includes a housing, and a keyboard array of a plurality of depressable pivoted playing keys adjacently arranged as a musical keyboard. Each key communicates with a pivoted silent hammer in a cam and follower arrangement. A stop is provided for stopping the momentum of each silent hammer which is caused to move about its pivot by following a camming surface of its corresponding key resulting from depressing of the key during playing action. An electrical switch provided for each key, and the switch is responsive to the playing action of the key for generating and supplying electrical signals indicative of the action to the electronic music synthesis equipment with which said keyboard may be used to generate music.

Abstract: A first waveshape memory stores a full waveshape of a tone from the start to the end of sounding of the tone or a portion thereof in plural periods. A second waveshape memory stores waveshape data of a modification waveshape for the full waveshape or the portion thereof. A tone waveshape signal read out from the first waveshape memory and a modification waveshape signal read out from the second waveshape memory are both multiplied with respective coefficients whereby these waveshape signals are weighted. These weighted waveshape signals are added together to provide a mixed tone signal. By controlling the coefficients, the tone color imparted on the mixed signal is variously determined. The coefficients for the tone color control are provided in accordance with key scaling, key touch or operation states of control knobs. Thus, tone signals having a variety of tone color changes can be realized without the necessity of many wave memories.

Abstract: A keyboard-operated tone-producing apparatus having, in combination, keyboard means the keys of which are mounted for downward depression to effect tone production in the apparatus; electronic digital signal processor means; tone-generating means; pressure sensing means responsive to key depression to produce signals corresponding thereto for application to the signal processor means to produce corresponding digital signals applied to generate tones from the tone-generating means; means for causing the pressure sensing means to provide the same signal reference, upon key depression, irrespective of the point of pressure along the path of longitudinal sliding of the key; and means controlled in response to the last-named means and cooperative with the signal processor means as it controls the tone-generating means to produce one or all of variable range bending of the tone, center compensation for differing player techniques of key depression, and second striking of the key while depressed for second tone gene

Abstract: A plurality of envelope generating circuits provide output envelope waveforms which are controlled according to the output from a plurality of timbre switches. The envelope waveform of at least one of the envelope generating circuits is modified according to a touch data output of a touch data detecting circuit for detecting a way of operation of a performance key.

Abstract: The touch dynamics of the operation of keys of an electronic musical instrument are determined through the use of pressure sensitive transducers associated with the keys, the transducers each including a magnetic field responsive semiconductor device and providing signals which are analyzed to determine their variation in magnitude as a function of time. Additionally, after a pre-selected time period, if a key remains operated and the pressure exerted thereon is varied, the output voltage of the key associated transducer will be further analyzed to determine if the player is calling for the reproduction of a secondary effect.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the monitoring of the manipulation of the keys of an instrument comprises monitoring apparatus which takes the form of a pressure sensing device, associated with each key, that can be fabricated in a configuration compatible with the instrument. According to one embodiment, the pressure sensing devices can be arranged so that the monitoring apparatus can be positioned on a balance rail of a piano keyboard. In this embodiment, the monitoring configuration can be fabricated and conveniently retrofitted to a standard keyboard. The pressure sensing device comprises a resistive element, a conducting element, and a force transducer ink layer separating the resistive and conducting elements. The resistance of the resistive element is monitored and when pressure is applied to the pressure sensing device, a change in resistance can be measured. Because the resistance is a function of pressure, the amount of pressure used to activate the key can be determined.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument which has a keyboard and creates a musical tone by striking keys of the keyboard, is provided with an operation control circuit and an adder both for effecting keyboard switch chattering prevent operation processing and touch response select operation processing, a timing control circuit for controlling the switching between the chattering preventing operation and the touch response detecting operation and the scanning of the keyboard switches to detect their status, a musical tone generator for performing a musical tone generating operation asynchronously with the keyboard switch scanning operation, the keyboard switch chattering preventing operation and the touch response detecting operation, and a transfer circuit for transferring touch response information to the musical tone generator.

Abstract: An electronic stringed musical instrument having an electrically insulating fingerboard is disclosed. The fingerboard is provided with a number of segmented frets attached across its upper surface at desired points along its length. Each of the frets includes a number of electrically conducting fret segments each of which are electrically insulated from one another. Any number of strings may be provided on the instrument each string is disposed adjacent to and associated with a single fret segment of each of the segmented frets. A top-octave generator and octave dividers are utilized to selectively provide a fret segment of one of the frets with an electrical signal of at least one known referencing frequency. The strings are attached to the instrument in a spaced relationship with respect to the fret segments. Displacing a string to contact one of the fret segments completes an electrical circuit having at least one frequency equal to a frequency of the signal provided to that fret segment.

Abstract: A key-touch value control device for an electronically operated musical instrument including a series of keys, wherein the state of each of the keys is detected to produce a succession of key-state signals each indicative of one of the key-on state, key-off state and key-fly state of the key. In response to each of the key-state signals, a key-touch value signal is produced which is variable with the velocity at which the key is being depressed toward the key-on state and which is representative of the volume of the sound to be produced after the key has reached the key-on state.

Abstract: A keyboard system in a keyboard controlled musical instrument includes a pair of spaced apart electrode members and a pickup movable in the space intermediate the electrode members. Respective voltages are impressed on the electrodes to establish an electric field therebetween and the voltage impressed on the movable pickup is a function of its position relative to the two electrodes. The pickup is actuated by the playing key which contacts a resilient, yieldable stop. The force with which the playing key is depressed is measured by sensing when the key is fully depressed, initiating a count at that point and counting a predetermined period. At the end of the predetermined period the voltage on the pickup is detected which gives an indication of the amount of overtravel of the key beyond its normal depressed position. This detected voltage is used to alter the quality of the tones produced by the musical instrument.

Abstract: A calibration system for the keyboard of an electronic musical instrument. Compression of the key causes an output signal to be generated which varies in accordance with the amount of key depression. When the key is depressed to a nominally fully depressed position, the system stores an offset value relating to the difference between the actual output signal at this point and an expected reference output signal which would occur if the keyboard were perfectly adjusted from a mechanical standpoint. The offset value is stored in the memory and added to the key output signal during the normal operate mode of the instrument so that the output signal is adjusted in accordance with the offset value stored during the calibrate mode.

Abstract: A touch response apparatus for an electronic musical instrument wherein a nonlinear analog-to-digital conversion is effected using a single A/D converter in correspondence with a plurality of keys, and wherein touch data are proportional to the period of time and amplitude value of an envelope waveform.

Abstract: A touch control apparatus for an electronic keyboard instrument, comprises a sensor having: an elongated insulating sheet having a set of conductive pattern films on a surface thereof, the elongated insulating sheet being folded and the set of conductive pattern films being formed to be spaced apart from each other; and a pressure-sensitive element sandwiched in a space defined by the folded elongated insulating sheet to be in contact with the conductive pattern films. The pressure sensitive element is deformed when a key of the instrument is depressed to deliver an electrical output through the conductive films representing the magnitude of the key depression. The apparatus is superior in easiness of handling the sensor and of assembling the apparatus.

Abstract: First and second voltages of different levels are supplied to first and second key switches, which are consecutively turned on with the depression of a performance key on a keyboard. The output terminals of the first and second key switches are commonly connected to a common connection node, which is in turn commonly connected to input terminals of first and second buffers having different input threshold levels. A tone signal with a touch response is obtained through a response data generating circuit according to the outputs of the buffer circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering the solenoid drive during playback in a reproducing piano to prevent double hammer strikes. The key is depressed by a solenoid under constant velocity until the point of let-off, and the velocity is then increased to accelerate the continued movement of the key and action so that the hammer rebounding from the string will fall without rebounding from the action against the string a second time. In a preferred embodiment, a microprocessor evaluates the key velocity drive value, and if the velocity called for is above a predetermined level, then no boost is applied to the solenoid.

Abstract: In a key board system for an electronic musical instrument, input signals for the instrument generated in response to key actuation have an electrical characteristic which varies as a function of the key actuation force. The foregoing results from the deflection of a mass-carrying leaf spring in response to a key stroke, the input signal being generated by a piezoelectric element mounted on the leaf spring and being deformed in response to the deflection thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a key which is particularly adapted for use in a musical keyboard. The key includes a top pivotable member which acts as a key surface and which is pivoted to move with respect to a reference plane. The key contains on a bottom surface a magnetic field effecting member. Located beneath the key on the reference plane is a rigid board containing a planar coil configuration. As the hinge member is moved towards the rigid board, the member affects the magnetic field of the planar coil configuration to vary the inductance as well as the magnetic coupling in other arrangements. A plurality of such keys are employed as the keys in a musical keyboard and are associated with frequency determining circuits such as oscillators to provide output frequencies necessary for the control of music.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic music instrument is made to have a "piano key feel" by bracketing an end of each key with the legs of a weighted A-shaped action arm which pivots about a single point and actuates a leaf spring switch.

Abstract: A keyboard system for an electronic musical instrument of the keyboard type, such as an electronic organ, synthesizer or electronic piano. The keyboard is responsive to the velocity with which the key is depressed and controls the tone generation circuitry to produce tones of higher amplitudes for higher key depression velocities. The keyboard also includes an aftertouch control whereby further depression of the key past its normal limit against a compressible medium, such as a foam rubber or felt washer, alters the quality of the tone produced. For example, the aftertouch control could be used to vary vibrato, change pitch, change decay, and the like. A pickup for each key is positioned in an electric field set up between two electrodes, and the voltage impressed on the pickup will change depending on the position of the pickup within the field as determined by the amount of depression of the key.

Abstract: A touch response apparatus for an electronic musical instrument wherein a nonlinear analog-to-digital conversion is effected using a single A/D converter in correspondence with a plurality of keys, and wherein touch data are proportional to the period of time and amplitude value of an envelope waveform.

Abstract: A touch responsive apparatus in an electronic musical instrument for controlling a musical tone of the instrument detects an after-touch of a key touch such as the depth or force of a key depression after the key has been depressed, and generates an after-touch control signal to perform an after-touch control which varies quickly toward a predetermined target value independently of an detected after-touch to such an extent as will not generate a click, and which thereafter follows the detected after-touch.

Abstract: The touch dynamics of the operation of keys of an electronic musical instrument are determined through the use of pressure sensitive transducers associated with the keys, the transducers providing signals which are analyzed to determine their variation in magnitude as a function of time. Additionally, after a preselected time period, if a key remains operated and the pressure exerted thereon is varied, the output voltage of the key associated transducer will be further analyzed to determine if the player is calling for the reproduction of a secondary effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a touch response apparatus for an electronic keyboard instrument wherein, in controlling a touch response state by detecting a key depression speed in the electronic keyboard instrument, the touch response states of keys are detected by detection means smaller in number than the keys, and the difference of detection outputs attributed to the different mounting positions of the contacts of a white key and a black key is also compensated.

Abstract: A new, performer played, real time, multitonal, multimbral musical instrument consists of speed and force sensitive keys in which time domain multiplexing is used to find and associate one and only one tone generator, not otherwise busy, with any key that is depressed. The sound generator disclosed can provide very realistic simulations of the flute, oboe, trumpet, French horn, trombone through the provision of various types of modulations in amplitude and frequency of the various partials, as is characteristic of each instrument simulated, and filtered noise. Glissandi are provided from one note to another and are controlled from the pair of keys involved by the relative pressure with which they are depressed. For the nonpercussive tonalities, the speed with which a key is depressed, which is determined by differentiating the force, may be used to cause the attack transient to behave in a manner very characteristic of the instrument being simulated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic percussion-type musical instrument, such as an electronic piano, capable of producing electronically sounds simulating a piano, harpsichord or other keyboard percussion instrument. The keyboard is multiplexed to produce a serial time division multiplexed data stream having tri-level encoded signals in time slots corresponding to the keys, wherein the encoded signals indicate whether the key is undepressed, partially depressed or fully depressed. The amount of time for the key to travel in its undepressed to its fully depressed state is detected and a binary representation of the key velocity correlated to this timing is stored in a memory for readout synchronized with the scanning of the keyboard. In each time slot, a portion of the percussion envelope for the pertaining key is calculated and generated together with the discrete amplitude levels for the percussion envelope in a digital to analog conversion circuit.

Abstract: A programmable music synthesizer has a keyboard which also generates an expression signal representing the pressure on the keyboard and utilizes the change in an infrared path length for producing this expression signal.