Abstract: The present invention is an electronic piano that includes various "easy play" features that enable a person with little musical training to play the piano producing music similar to that of a skilled musician. The "easy play" feature automatically creates musical and rhythmic piano accompaniment patterns in response to playing either one key (One Finger Chord mode) or a chord (Funchords mode) with the left hand. The player plays the melody of the desired tune with the right hand. Instead of having to move the fingers of the left hand to play complex piano accompaniment patterns, as with a conventional piano, the player only needs to play a note or chord, and move the finger or fingers of the left hand to a different playing key or keys to change chords and patterns. In the standard piano mode, this instrument resembles an acoustic piano in function. The invention also includes a set of pushbutton switches which control the "easy play" features of the instrument.

Abstract: A blind capture system for organs and other electronically actuated musical instruments enabling the setting of control switches, such as voicing tabs or keys of the keyboard, to be stored for reactivation upon command. The system includes a programmable, random access memory capable of storing data representative of the composite states of the switches and includes a plurality of storage frames in which data corresponding to a plurality of separate combinations of actuated switches can be stored. The switches are scanned by a multiplexer to produce a time division multiplexed serial data stream, which is then loaded into the memory during the store mode in such a manner that the data will be entered into the proper storage frame. The data is read out of the memory as a serial data stream, which is demultiplexed to produce a parallel format signal which is connected to the control inputs for the system controlled by the switches over a bidirectional data bus.

Abstract: An electronic organ circuit includes a multiplicity of keyers receiving control inputs from plural shift and store registers capable of operating any given keyer at different levels. The inputs for a given keyer are applied on a cyclic basis and for differing time periods in such manner that the keyer's output amplitude and waveshape vary in response to the number and duration of inputs. A processor responsive to keyboard key and stop actuation supplies information to shift register chains corresponding bit-wise to the operation of keyboard keys, and corresponding, in respect to bits destined for a given register, to the condition of organ stops. Individual registers are then operated on a duty cycle basis and provide outputs of selected duration for effecting different stop sounds.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a programmed microprocessor for controlling selected functions of the instrument and a plurality of key and tab switches responsive to a scan control signal repetitively scanning the switches for developing a serial data signal defining operated key and tab switches during each of the scans. An interface circuit is interposed between the key and tab switches and the microprocessor for developing the scan control signal and for receiving the resulting serial data signal. The serial interface circuit includes means for converting the received serial data into a number of first multibit words each representing a depressed key and a number of second multibit words each bit of which represents the operational condition of a respective one of the tab switches.

Abstract: A blind capture system for organs and other electronically actuated musical instruments enabling the setting of control switches, such as voicing tabs or keys of the keyboard, to be stored for reactivation upon command. The system includes a programmable, random access memory capable of storing data representative of the composite states of the switches and includes a plurality of storage frames in which data corresponding to a plurality of separate combinations of actuated switches can be stored. The switches are scanned by a multiplexer to produce a time division multiplexed serial data stream, which is then loaded into the memory during the store mode in such a manner that the data will be entered into the proper storage frame. The data is read out of the memory as a serial data stream, which is demultiplexed to produce a parallel format signal which is connected to the control inputs for the system controlled by the switches over a bidirectional data bus.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled electronic capture combination action system for use in an electronic organ for selecting a predetermined combination of stops to define the organ voicing. The system includes a plurality of stop tabs for setting and resetting the stops, a plurality of pistons for setting a desired combination of stops to a predetermined condition, a random access memory for storing data associated with a selected combination of stops, a read only memory containing a permanently stored operating program incorporating a plurality of operating instructions, an indicator light associated with each of the stop tabs and a microprocessor responsive to the operating instructions. The stop tab and pistons are continually and sequentially scanned to detect the contact closures. Actuated stop tabs cause the associated stops to be selected and the indicator lights illuminated.

Abstract: An electronic musical keyboard instrument that is controlled by a digital processor. Key and stops/effects statuses are sampled, during successive time intervals, and read into random access memory associated with the digital processor. After manipulation and/or supplementation of the status information to effect implementation of various features, key-representative signals are read out to tone generation and voicing circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequencing an electronic organ through a plurality of different combinations of tone settings utilizes an addressable memory to store each setting combination as a separate addressable word in which each bit of the word indicates the setting of one tone characteristic. The words are read out in predetermined sequence at times controlled by the musician, the bits of each word controlling the immediate setting of all the tone control switches. Any word in memory can be read out at any time on command of the musician independently of the sequencing to establish a selected preset status of the tone control switches. The automatic setting of any tone control switch can be manually overridden at any time and the corresponding bit in associated control word in memory changed accordingly.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument, such as a pipe organ, has a multiplicity of manually and electrically positionable knobs for selecting and restoring respective organ stops, any combination of signals representing selected and unselected stops being recordable in a nonvolatile memory from which that combination can be subsequently read out under the control of a keyboard and a set of pushbuttons. Whenever a new signal combination is called forth from the memory, switching instructions are loaded into a multiplicity of cascaded register stages whose outputs are connected via respective interface circuits to selecting or restoring coils of respective knobs. The interface circuits are unblocked simultaneously by a transfer instruction from the memory to establish the new knob positions.

Abstract: An organ stop switching system includes a plurality of stop switches and a random access memory within which combinations of stop switch settings are stored. The stop switch settings are multiplexed into a memory loop having a capacity fractionally smaller than the random access memory. This loop is used for an input and an output circuit for the random access memory during time slots corresponding to numbered pistons selected for storing and recalling stop setting combinations. A serial-to-parallel converter receives information from the memory loop and provides outputs for operating stop control circuitry of the organ.

Abstract: A non-volatile programmable memory storage system for use with electronic musical instruments is provided which utilizes an erasable and reprogrammable read only memory (EPROM). The EPROM is provided with suitable erasure means, either electrical or ultraviolet light. Also provided is means for entering and retrieving data from the EPROM and means for bidirectionally transferring data between the EPROM and the electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: The present system is a capture action system for electronically recording stop tab configurations in an electric organ, and for recalling the stop tab configurations at will, by depressing of a single control piston for each desired configuration of stop tabs. The system includes provision for setting and recalling combinations of stop tabs associated with a single division of the organ, for example, the swell manual, but not affecting tabs in other divisions, and also includes provision for recording and recalling combinations of all tabs on the organ (general stop) without regard to division. The system further includes a divisional or general cancel function, for operated tab switches, resetting these to inoperative position, and reversible stop functions in which a control piston when actuated reverses the position of its associated stop tab, the reversible stops retaining their abilities to function within the divisional and general combinations.