Tuning Devices Patents (Class 84/454)
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Patent number: 8642874Abstract: A resonance tuner receives and digitizes an analog signal in response to a resonance of a structure thereby creating a plurality of time samples. A series of the time samples are buffered upon burst detection. A power spectrum is estimated by computing a Time-To-Frequency-Transform of the series of time samples and a magnitude of each of the resulting frequency samples is squared. At least one subset associated with at least one spectral peak is selected from the frequency samples. Each spectral peak has at least one sample with a sufficient magnitude and being spectrally adjacent to any other sample in another spectral peak by less than a threshold. A fundamental spectral peak is determined in a fundamental subset including a spectral peak with a sample at the lowest frequency greater than zero. The fundamental spectral peak has the sample with the largest magnitude within the fundamental subset.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Overtone Labs, Inc.Inventor: David Byrd Ribner
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Publication number: 20140013927Abstract: The resonant drum head mounted speaker cone retrofit kit improves the sound of the drum on audio recordings and in live sound situations and changes the way the drum is miked in live and studio applications. The center of the resonant drumhead is cut out and a speaker cone assembly is attached thereon facing outwards. The speaker cone, which also vibrates from this pressure, now becomes the miked surface of the instrument. Using otherwise conventional miking techniques, a wider range of attack and tone characteristics can be obtained from the drumhead. Additionally, the use of varying speaker cone sizing, an audio foam dust cap, and cone composition options and differences in drum head tension, also contribute to define and tune the sound characteristics based on end user preference.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: William Edward RUFFINO
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Patent number: 8569605Abstract: Instrument having automatic fine-tuning of pitch with no moving parts. A flute is described as one embodiment. In flutes of the prior art the various notes are often slightly off pitch because of compromises in the locations of the holes, and musicians must compensate. In this invention a built-in electronic sensor picks up sound as a musician plays, and a circuit identifies the intended note. The played note is compared with, an accurate reference pitch and the frequency difference is used to generate a signal in phase quadrature with the played note. The quadrature signal is added to correct the pitch. The added vibration energizes a tuning actuator that is located in place of a conventional tuning plug of the flute. The tuning actuator pulls the pitch automatically to achieve a precisely correct pitch as each note is played. Also, a player can intentionally deflect the pitch.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Charles Henry Grace
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Patent number: 8546675Abstract: A method for tuning a musical instrument comprising: (a) digitizing the vibration of at least one vibrating element of the instrument; (b) estimating the fundamental frequency of the vibration; and (c) conditioned upon at least the estimated frequency, generate an audio signal that comprises the characteristics of the original vibration signal with a different fundamental frequency.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: David Hirshberg
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Patent number: 8546678Abstract: A compact electronic timpani configured to provide substantially the same or better performance characteristics as a conventional full-size acoustic timpani while being substantially smaller in size. A compact electronic timpani consistent with the present disclosure provides a musician with a similar playing experience as that of conventional full-size acoustic timpani or set of timpani. The compact electronic timpani may allow a performer to perform conventional timpani playing techniques and experience substantially the same acoustical properties, physical sensations and tone production as the performer would encounter when playing a full-size acoustic timpani without the limitations commonly associated with size and/or cost of a full-size acoustic timpani.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Scott Stevens
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Patent number: 8502060Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for resonance tuning. A signal is received in response to a resonance of a structure. A frequency or musical note related to an overtone is determined from the signal. The frequency or musical note related to the overtone is selected as a filter mode reference frequency or musical note. A display of frequencies or musical notes from a subsequent signal that deviate from the filter mode reference frequency or musical note by a predetermined threshold is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Overtone Labs, Inc.Inventor: David Byrd Ribner
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Publication number: 20130186253Abstract: A musical instrument tuner for string instruments is provided which comprises a signal classifier for determining a signal class of an input signal from a number of monophonic signal classes and a number of polyphonic signal classes, a signal analyzer for determining at least one representation of a pitch frequency of the input signal, and an indicator for displaying an output established on the basis of the signal class and the representation of a pitch frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: THE TC GROUP A/SInventor: The TC Group A/S
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Publication number: 20130174713Abstract: A musical electronic device to receive a wireless signal modulated with an audio signal originating from a musical instrument, to display useful information for tuning the instrument, and to provide the received audio signal as an output for other musical electronics.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: Arthur David Harvey
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Publication number: 20130145921Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for resonance tuning. A signal is received in response to a resonance of a structure. A frequency or musical note related to an overtone is determined from the signal. The frequency or musical note related to the overtone is selected as a filter mode reference frequency or musical note. A display of frequencies or musical notes from a subsequent signal that deviate from the filter mode reference frequency or musical note by a predetermined threshold is suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Overtone Labs, Inc.Inventor: Overtone Labs, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130139672Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for resonance tuning. A signal is received in response to a resonance of a structure. A frequency or musical note related to an overtone is determined from the signal. The frequency or musical note related to the overtone is selected as a filter mode reference frequency or musical note. A display of frequencies or musical notes from a subsequent signal that deviate from the filter mode reference frequency or musical note by a predetermined threshold is suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: OVERTONE LABS, INC.Inventor: OVERTONE LABS, INC.
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Patent number: 8455748Abstract: A pitch detection device in which a frequency can be lowered after having maintained both a pitch error accuracy and a response time at practical values to reduce current consumption. Because a number of times of cumulative addition is changed in response to a pitch of a measured signal, a cumulative addition time sum equals or exceeds a constant T_SUM_MIN. Accordingly, a pitch error accuracy of the measured signal achieves a required error accuracy. Furthermore, a frequency of the clock signal is decided using a numerical formula (6) and a numerical formula (7) so that the constant T_SUM_MIN does not exceed a required response time. Accordingly, a response time is within the required response time regardless of whether the frequency of the measured signal is lowered.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Roland CorporationInventor: Masayuki Nakayama
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Publication number: 20130118335Abstract: An apparatus for tuning a stringed musical instrument is provided. The apparatus includes a saddle configured for receivably engaging one of the ends of the string, a fastener extending through a support and into the saddle, and a lug received by the fastener in abutting relationship to the support and configured for rotational movement about the fastener to translate the fastener and the saddle to alter the length of the string.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventor: David E. Galatas
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Patent number: 8440897Abstract: A guitar is played during performance by rapid change in the tension of its strings. In one embodiment, rapid, accurate, and repeatable tuning is obtained by a two-step process of adjusting the tension of the string to a stored value which may be then be corrected according to the pitch of the string obtained at later various times during the performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Keith M. Baxter
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Publication number: 20130112063Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: THE TC GROUP A/SInventor: THE TC GROUP A/S
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Patent number: 8373053Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring different levels of detail for displaying monophonic and polyphonic characteristics of an input signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: The T/C Group A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæs-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Publication number: 20130014631Abstract: Instrument having automatic fine-tuning of pitch with no moving parts. In prior flutes the notes are slightly off pitch because of compromises in locations of the holes, and musicians must compensate. In this invention a sensor picks up sound and a circuit identifies the played note. The played note is compared with a frequency reference, in a closed loop. The frequency difference generates an additional signal in phase quadrature relationship with the played note. A tuning actuator at one end adds the quadrature signal to correct the pitch by altering its phase. The closed loop causes the tone to have precisely correct pitch. A feature permits a player to intentionally deflect the pitch for artistic expression.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventor: Charles Henry Grace
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Patent number: 8350141Abstract: A musical instrument tuner for string instruments is disclosed, which comprises a signal classifier for determining a signal class of an input signal from a number of monophonic signal classes and a number of polyphonic signal classes, a signal analyzer for determining at least one representation of a pitch frequency of the input signal, and an indicator for displaying an output established on the basis of the signal class and the representation of a pitch frequency, wherein the indicator includes at least a monophonic display mode and at least a polyphonic display; and wherein the display mode is selected in dependency of the signal class determined by the signal classifier. Tuning methods, computer program products, music instruments, amplifiers and audio processors relating to the above are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: The TC Group A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæs-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Patent number: 8338683Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: The TC Group A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæs-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Patent number: 8334449Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring simultaneous display of monophonic and polyphonic characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: The TC Group A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæs-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Patent number: 8324493Abstract: In response to depressing operation of a key in a melody key range 102 of a keyboard, CPU 21 decides a pitch of musical-tone data to be produced. Concerning the depressing operation on the melody key range 102, CPU 21 specifies a jins or a predetermined temperament from maqam data or temperament-type data based on depressed keys in an accompaniment key range 101 of the keyboard. Further, CPU 21 specifies a composing tone corresponding to the depressed key in the melody range, and gives a sound source 26 an instruction of generating musical-tone data having a pitch of the composing tone.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Casio Computer Co., LtdInventor: Hiroko Okuda
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Publication number: 20120279380Abstract: A frequency tuning device comprising an actuator configured to receive one or more adapters, the one or more adapters adapted to engage a tuning member, and a processing unit, the processing unit in communication with the actuator, wherein the processing unit determines an actual frequency to compare with a desired frequency, wherein the actuator receives an electrical signal from the processing unit based on an error signal defined by a difference between the desired frequency and the actual frequency, wherein the actuator moves at least one of the one or more adapters until the actual frequency is approximately equal to the desired frequency. A system comprising a receiving module, a processing module, a comparison module, a drive module, and a torque control module is also provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Jonathan Daniel Ashdown, Arthur Charles Depoian
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Patent number: 8299346Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: The TC Group A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæs-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Patent number: 8299345Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring different levels of detail for displaying monophonic and polyphonic characteristics of an input signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: The TC Group A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæs-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Patent number: 8283544Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically tuning a drum are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: (a) exciting a drum head to cause it to resonate; (b) sensing a vibration frequency at one or more points relative to each tension rod; (c) determining a global average vibration frequency of the vibration frequencies for the points relative to each tension rod; (d) comparing the vibration frequencies of each of the points relative to each tension rod to the global average vibration frequency to determine a correction value for each point relative to the global average vibration frequency; (e) automatically turning each tension rod based on the correction value for the relative points; (f) automatically repeating steps (a)-(e) until each of the vibration frequencies of each of the points relative to each tension rod is substantially similar; and (g) automatically turning each tension rod in a uniform direction substantially simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Daniel Zuffante, Vishal Kumar, Reid Ellison, Edward Joseph Baronowski, Emmanuel S. Milienos
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Publication number: 20120240749Abstract: An instrument tuner for drums that has a sensing means for sensing the combined fundamental resonance and pitch from inside the drum; a measurement means for measuring a frequency of said combined fundamental resonance and pitch; and a selection means to then compare the frequency measured to a corresponding musical note of the instrument tuner. Eventhough the sensing means will be internal to the drum, the tuner or display could be external to the drum and/or separate from the sensing means; a wireless device or system is specified also that could be used with this method. A single-note tuner is specified, as well as a tuner designed to recognize more than a single-note, if a wireless device or system is used, as one example, for a complete drumset.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: John Eric Bjornson
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Patent number: 8247678Abstract: A system for changing the acoustical characteristics of a musical membranophone having a vibrating membrane or a stringed musical instrument having a sound box includes an overlay including indicia dividing a surface of the vibrating membrane or sound box into discrete zones enabling a user to position magnetic members to obtain predictable effects based on experimentation or a guide such as a diagram illustrating the position of magnetic members on the overlay, a first rare earth magnetic member is adapted to be disposed on a first side of the membrane or sound box, a second rare earth magnetic member is disposed on an opposed side of the membrane or sound box such that the first and second magnetic members are magnetically engaged on opposed sides of the membrane or sound box wherein the mass of the first and second magnetic member is sufficient to change the acoustical characteristics of the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Steven Thomas Ivy
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Publication number: 20120204702Abstract: A musical instrument tuner for string instruments is disclosed, which comprises a signal classifier for determining a signal class of an input signal from a number of monophonic signal classes and a number of polyphonic signal classes, a signal analyzer for determining at least one representation of a pitch frequency of the input signal, and an indicator for displaying an output established on the basis of the signal class and the representation of a pitch frequency, wherein the indicator includes at least a monophonic display mode and at least a polyphonic display; and wherein the display mode is selected in dependency of the signal class determined by the signal classifier. Tuning methods, computer program products, music instruments, amplifiers and audio processors relating to the above are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: THE TC GROUP A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen NIELSEN, Esben SKOVENBORG, Lars ARKNÆS-PEDERSEN, Kim Rishøj PEDERSEN
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Publication number: 20120167745Abstract: The resonant drum head mounted speaker cone retrofit kit improves the sound of the drum on audio recordings and in live sound situations and changes the way the drum is miked in live and studio applications. The center of the resonant drumhead is cut out and a speaker cone assembly is attached thereon facing outwards. The speaker cone, which also vibrates from this pressure, now becomes the miked surface of the instrument. Using otherwise conventional miking techniques, a wider range of attack and tone characteristics can be obtained from the drumhead. Additionally, use of optional speaker cone sizing, composition options and differences in tension also contribute to define and tune the sound characteristics based on end user preference.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: William E. RUFFINO
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Publication number: 20120152086Abstract: A musical instrument tuning device includes a tuning sleeve and a tuning collar threadingly engaged to the tuning sleeve. The apparatus is mountable onto a first portion of a musical instrument which also has a second portion, the second portion being slidingly adjustable relative to the first portion to change the length of an air passage to tune that musical instrument. In one embodiment, the musical instrument tuning device is mounted on a neck portion of a saxophone to which a mouthpiece is typically engaged. Rotation of the tuning collar moves a saxophone mouthpiece relative to the neck portion and thereby enables a musician to quickly and precisely tune the saxophone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Benita Hope Slater
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Patent number: 8193431Abstract: A hand-held hammer for playing a guitar includes a handle, an arm and a head. The head has a head longitudinal axis and a striking surface that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The striking surface is curved and equal to or longer than the distance between the first and fourth string of a six-string guitar. The player holds the guitar, selects the string length by fretting one or more strings, grips the hammer by the handle and strikes the strings with the striking surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventor: Mark Engler
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Publication number: 20120067194Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring simultaneous display of monophonic and polyphonic characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: THE TC GROUP A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæ s-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Publication number: 20120067193Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: THE TC GROUP A/SInventors: Soren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknaes-Pedersen, Kim Rishoj Pedersen
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Publication number: 20120067192Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring different levels of detail for displaying monophonic and polyphonic characteristics of an input signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: THE TC GROUP A/SInventors: Søren Henningsen Nielsen, Esben Skovenborg, Lars Arknæ s-Pedersen, Kim Rishøj Pedersen
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Patent number: 8110733Abstract: A self-contained tuning stabilizer for a stringed instrument consists of a body which is attachable to the stringed instrument like a capo, the stabilizer containing mechanical members for increasing or decreasing the tension on each of the strings to keep them in tune as the instrument is played. The device contains sensors for each string, an analyzer for determining if the frequency produced by each string is correct, and a driver for each of the mechanical members for applying micro-tuning corrections to the strings. The device must first be zeroed, and the instrument tuned by hand. Thereafter, the device will maintain the original tuning.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Daniel D'Arco
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Patent number: 8049091Abstract: A wireless receiver for receiving a wireless transmitted audio signal from a wireless transmitter is provided. The wireless receiver comprises a tuning assisting unit for assisting in the tuning of a music instrument coupled to the wireless transmitter. The tuning assisting unit indicates whether the audio signal from the music instrument corresponds to a specified frequency. The wireless receiver furthermore comprises an audio amplifier for amplifying the received audio signal. The wireless receiver furthermore comprises a housing which incorporates the tuning assisting unit and the audio amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Frank Hagemeyer, Stefan Thien, Stephan Scherthan
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Patent number: 8022284Abstract: The present invention concerns itself with methods and systems for just intonation tuning of a digital/electrical piano in real time. A simple and economical solution is presented, which makes use of a PLC (i.e., Programmable Logic Controller), having 13 inputs (an octave plus one input for the pedal) and 22 outputs (22 possible frequencies per octave), relays, and parallel connections between octaves and PLC inputs, as well as, between PLC outputs and relays.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Jorge Alejandro Velez Medicis
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Publication number: 20110179939Abstract: A resonance tuner receives and digitizes an analog signal in response to a resonance of a structure thereby creating a plurality of time samples. A series of the time samples are buffered upon burst detection. A power spectrum is estimated by computing a Time-To-Frequency-Transform of the series of time samples and a magnitude of each of the resulting frequency samples is squared. At least one subset associated with at least one spectral peak is selected from the frequency samples. Each spectral peak has at least one sample with a sufficient magnitude and being spectrally adjacent to any other sample in another spectral peak by less than a threshold. A fundamental spectral peak is determined in a fundamental subset including a spectral peak with a sample at the lowest frequency greater than zero. The fundamental spectral peak has the sample with the largest magnitude within the fundamental subset.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: SI X SEMICONDUCTOR INC.Inventor: David Byrd Ribner
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Publication number: 20110132172Abstract: The object of the invention is a conductor centric electronic music stand system (1) comprising a master electronic music stand (10) and one or more slave electronic music stands (50). An interactive user interface (100) for use in at 1 electronic music stand (10 or 50) and a computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions (SI) are also provided. The conductor centric electronic music stand system (I), the interactive user interface (100) and the computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions (SI). The instructions (SI) enable the transmission of annotations and or changes to the sheet music between the master electronic music stand (10) and slave electronic music stands (50); and to enable the master electronic music stand (10) to transmit sheet music retrieved from its storage medium (12) to one or more slave electronic music stands (50).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Roland Raphael Guéneux
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Patent number: 7935876Abstract: A method and apparatus for string load reduction and real-time pitch alteration on stringed instruments. A string load is substantially reduced with a camming surface actuator so that the pitch can be rapidly manipulated by an input force which is generated by human power or an electronically controlled motor. Various types of camming surfaces are provided as well as a load optimization calculation which determines the shape of a variable ratio camming surface. Multiple embodiments are described including a constant force pitch alteration device, a motorized control system with pitch compensation and real-time tracking of string pitch to multiple relative input signals, a control signal generator based on real-time position measurement of a control object relative to an electromagnetic radiation sensor, and methods for generating mechanical looping, vibrato, and polyphonic chorus effects which can be automated or dynamically controlled by a user. Other embodiments are described and shown.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: John Raymond West
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Publication number: 20110094366Abstract: A self-contained tuning stabilizer for a stringed instrument consists of a body which is attachable to the stringed instrument like a capo, the stabilizer containing mechanical members for increasing or decreasing the tension on each of the strings to keep them in tune as the instrument is played. The device contains sensors for each string, an analyzer for determining if the frequency produced by each string is correct, and a driver for each of the mechanical members for applying micro-tuning corrections to the strings. The device must first be zeroed, and the instrument tuned by hand. Thereafter, the device will maintain the original tuning.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Daniel D'Arco
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Patent number: 7915510Abstract: A tuning device includes an input terminal configured to receive an input electrical signal and a pitch detector to detect a pitch of the input electrical signal. A manual pitch designator designates a standard pitch from pitches of a scale. An automatic pitch designator designates a standard pitch from a scale that is closest to the pitch of the input electrical signal. A mode selector selects either a manual mode where the standard pitch is designated by the manual pitch designator, or an auto mode where the standard pitch is designated by the automatic pitch designator. A pitch comparator compares the pitch of the input electrical signal and the standard pitch and a display device displays the results of the comparison. The display device is configured such that when the standard pitch is designated by the automatic pitch designator, the standard pitch is not displayed.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Roland CorporationInventors: Masato Ueno, Kosuke Takata, Yoshinobu Morimoto
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Publication number: 20110017048Abstract: A tuning device receives the electrical output of an instrument that reflects sound at a first tone level. The tuning device digitizes electrical output. The user has switches operable to generate control signals that are processed to effect a bypass of the device or to digitally drop the tone level in half steps up to an octave and to selectively mix the drop tone level with the input tone level. The user may then broadcast one of the bypassed signal, the drop tone signal or a mixed signal of the drop tone and the input tone level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Richard Bos
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Patent number: 7875784Abstract: A musical instrument support strap is integrated with a tuning sensor having of a body configured at one end for attachment to the musical instrument. The body carries the pitch of a musical note struck on the musical instrument and is detected by a pickup. A printed circuit board converts the detected pitch for display on a liquid crystal display module, preferably having a needle indicator and a color indicator. The sensor may be provided independently for attachment to an existing strap. The method of using the strap for tuning a musical instrument includes attaching the musical instrument support strap to a musical instrument; striking a note on the musical instrument; reading the measurement of the frequency of vibration on the liquid crystal display module; and, adjusting the musical instrument to change the frequency of vibration.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventors: Andrew Moyle, Craig Lloyd Upfold, Warren McAlister
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Patent number: 7858865Abstract: A self-contained tuning stabilizer for a stringed instrument consists of a body which is attachable to the stringed instrument like a capo, the stabilizer containing mechanical members for increasing or decreasing the tension on each of the strings to keep them in tune as the instrument is played. The device contains sensors for each string, an analyzer for determining if the frequency produced by each string is correct, and a driver for each of the mechanical members for applying micro-tuning corrections to the strings. The device must first be zeroed, and the instrument tuned by hand. Thereafter, the device will maintain the original tuning.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Daniel D'Arco
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Patent number: 7851686Abstract: Among other things, a tuning device is used with a musical wind instrument. The tuning device includes a linear actuator, a first mounting assembly attached to the linear actuator and adapted for releasable mounting to the first portion of the musical wind instrument to be tuned, a second mounting assembly attached to the linear actuator and adapted for releasable mounting to the second portion of the musical wind instrument to be tuned, a sensor for a frequency of a note played on the musical wind instrument, a comparator of the played frequency to a reference frequency, and a transmitter for issuing a movement signal to the linear actuator for changing spacing between the first and second mounting assemblies to adjust relationship between first and second tubular portions, and for ceasing the movement signal when the comparator determines that the played frequency has approximately matched the reference frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventor: Benjamin Davidson
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Patent number: 7807908Abstract: A method for automatic real-time performance intonation (ARPI) of electronic, digital, or computer-based musical instruments automatically adds the intonation characteristics of a variable-intonation instrument performance to an equal-tempered chromatic instrument performance. The method emphasizes the directional lead-in quality, upwards, or downwards, of certain notes in relation to the musical context. Notes, which are musically desirable to resolve upwards in a harmonic progression receive a slightly raised pitch, and notes that generally are resolved downwards receive a slightly lowered pitch. The method identifies major thirds and major sevenths in the harmonic context and raises their pitch slightly. It identifies minor thirds and minor sevenths in the harmonic context and lowers their pitch slightly. Fourth and fifth intervals are given a pure perfect tuning and octaves are made slightly wide. All is done automatically in real-time by identifying the harmonic context from a few preceding notes.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Hans Carl-Axel Adamson
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Publication number: 20100236380Abstract: A vocal tuning device for use with a microphone is provided, comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a first connector operably matable with a microphone and capable of receiving an input signal from the microphone in response to a user's voice; a display on the housing capable of providing a visual indicia to a user; processing circuitry within the housing and operably connected between the first connector and the display, wherein the processing circuitry compares the frequency of the input signal to a natural note frequency, and causes the visual indicia to indicate whether the natural note frequency is matched by the frequency of the input signal. In one embodiment, the second end of the device includes a second connector operably matable with a microphone cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: JCT Products, LLCInventors: Jack J. R. Miele, Chad D. Gilmore
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Publication number: 20100218661Abstract: A wireless receiver for receiving a wireless transmitted audio signal from a wireless transmitter is provided. The wireless receiver comprises a tuning assisting unit for assisting in the tuning of a music instrument coupled to the wireless transmitter. The tuning assisting unit indicates whether the audio signal from the music instrument corresponds to a specified frequency. The wireless receiver furthermore comprises an audio amplifier for amplifying the received audio signal. The wireless receiver furthermore comprises a housing which incorporates the tuning assisting unit and the audio amplifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Frank Hagemeyer, Stefan Thien, Stephan Scherthan
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Publication number: 20100212475Abstract: A device for tuning a percussion instrument or training a voice has a processor which is adapted to receive an electronic signal corresponding to an acoustic impulse produced by the percussion instrument or voice. The processor is further adapted to analyse the signal to generate one or more characteristics of the signal. The device also has a display connected to the processor which displays the generated characteristics. The one or more characteristics include any one or any combination of a time-domain characteristic of the signal, a plurality of fundamental and/or harmonic frequencies of the signal, and a frequency spectrum of the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITYInventor: Rob Toulson
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Patent number: 7777116Abstract: The present invention refers to a method used to automatically tune, thanks to the presence of a suitably designed electronic device, an electronic organ with the air organ pipes associated with it; it being provided, in particular, that the said operation is performed based on the tuning variations detected in real time on the air pipes based on parameters referring to the frequency of the emitted sound and to environmental temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Viscount International S.p.A.Inventor: Rolando Luciani