Abstract: The invention pertains to devices utilized by artists that produce musical sounds and aesthetic lights, including lights that correspond to the sounds. More specifically, the invention pertains to a modular system comprising modules of a play device, such as a smart phone, a fingerboard comprising a keyboard and lights corresponding to the keys and a docking station for mounting and joining the play device and fingerboard together. Using music and light control application software loaded on the play device and the keys of the fingerboard, the play device and fingerboard exchange and communicate sound and light information and instructions with each other. The play device plays sounds and the fingerboard displays lights.

Abstract: The object of the present invention concerns a control device (100) for a generation module (GM) of sound effects (EFA, EFB) of a musical instrument (MI), such device comprising computer software configured for: —the capture, using a digital camera (10), of at least one digital image (I) comprising at least one portion of the user's (U) face; —processing of such at least one image (I) to define expression data (D_EXi, i being a positive integer) containing information relating to facial expressions (EXa, EXb) of the user (U); —an analysis of such expression data (D_EXi) using a predefined first database (DB1) to determine a sound effect data (D_EFj, j being a positive integer) containing information relating to at least one sound effect (EFA, EFB) corresponding to the facial expression (EXa, EXb) of the user (U).

Abstract: An electric violin comprises a head, a body and a bowstring module; the head is attached to the body via a connecting rod. The head includes a display screen and several string-buttons mounted at a side of the display screen. Each string-button is corresponding in position with one line of string-related instructions. The body includes a main CPU module, a data storage device, an audio circuit, a sound amplifier and a speaker therein. The body includes a control button and a bowstring-holding mechanism. The bowstring-holding mechanism includes a mounting groove in the body and a signal interface mounted in the bottom of the mounting groove. The bowstring module includes a base and a playing element; the playing element and the connection terminal are mounted on the base; the base is attached to the mounting groove by snap joint; and the connection terminal is connected with the signal interface.

Abstract: A device for providing feedback to a user of a string instrument is described. The device comprises receiving circuitry operable in use to communicate with at least one finger sensor capable of detecting the force of a finger on a string, a camera operable in use to capture an image and a display operable in use to display data, wherein the receiving circuitry, camera and display are connected to processing circuitry which is operable to: detect, from the receiving circuitry, the force of a user's finger on at least one string at a given time; detect, from the camera, the position of the user's finger on the at least one string at the given time; compare the detected force of the user's finger and the position of the user's finger on the at least one string at the given time with a predetermined value of force and position at the given time; and generate, on the basis of the said comparison, feedback to display on the display.

Abstract: A vehicle operator may activate turn signals without interfering with his/her enjoyment of ambient music. A turn signal system has a tempo extractor to determine the tempo of the ambient music and a trigger generator to transmit to a turn signal controller a trigger that causes the system's turn signaling mechanism to produce a repetitive sound that coincides with the ambient music. As the repetitive sound does not interfere with the vehicle operator's music enjoyment, the system increases diligence in the use of turn signals and thus increases safety of the vehicle operator and the safety of those proximate the vehicle operator who would be affected by a vehicle turn or lane change.

Abstract: An electronic guitar pick, system, system and method may include an enclosure forming a cavity, the enclosure having a first end that is substantially pointed and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially flat, the enclosure having a thickness proximate the cavity greater than a thickness proximate the first end. The electronic guitar pick, system, and method may further include a sensor contained, at least in part, within the cavity and configured to generate a sensor output based on an interaction with the enclosure and a sensory output device, communicatively coupled to the sensor, configured to output a sensory output based, at least in part, on the sensor output.

Abstract: An electronic stringed instrument 1 includes a string-pressing sensor 44 that detects a state of contact between each of a plurality of frets 23 and each of a plurality of strings 22. A CPU 41 detects that picking of any of the plurality of strings 22, provides a sound generation instruction to a connected sound source 45 to produce musical sound of a pitch determined based on the detected state of contact, detects a vibration pitch of the string 22 of which picking was detected, and corrects the pitch of the musical sound generated by the connected sound source 45 based on the detected vibration pitch.

Abstract: Notwithstanding practical limitations imposed by mobile device platforms and applications, truly captivating musical instruments may be synthesized in ways that allow musically expressive performances to be captured and rendered in real-time. In some cases, synthetic musical instruments can provide a game, grading or instructional mode in which one or more qualities of a user's performance are assessed relative to a musical score. By constantly adapting to such modes to actual performance characteristics and, in some cases, to the level of a given user musician's skill, user interactions with synthetic musical instruments can be made more engaging and may capture user interest and economic opportunities (e.g., for in-app purchase and/or social networking) over generally longer periods of time.

Abstract: An audio output circuit for driving an electro-acoustic transducer includes first and second D-class amplifiers, a pulse modulator to receive an audio signal and generate first and second pulse signals for driving first and second D-class amplifiers, first and second drivers to drive first and second D-class amplifiers in response to first and second pulse signals, respectively, a common mode choke coil, and a delay setting circuit to apply a relative delay to output signals of the first and second D-class amplifiers.

Abstract: A CPU 41 determines whether or not the detected level of string picking strength exceeds a predetermined first level, and in a case of determining that the predetermined first level is exceeded, determines whether or not a condition is satisfied that the number of the frets 23 in contact with the string 22 detected as a picked string is a predetermined number or more (10 or more) while the frets in contact therewith as above are located within a predetermined area from the bridge 16 (the fret number 18 or higher). In a case where it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 instructs the connected sound source 45 to generate a predefined slap sound.

Abstract: A stringed instrument is equipped with an electrical conductor electrically connected to the frets mounted in the fretboard of said stringed instrument. Said stringed instrument is also equipped with a power source, light emitting members in electrical contact with the strings of the instrument (in one embodiment light emitting diodes) and electrical conductors electrically connecting together the components of the invention. By means of pressing down anyone of the strings capable of transmitting electric current against anyone of the frets capable of transmitting electric current connected to the electrical circuit comprised of said electrical components, said circuit closes and the light emitting member(s) associated with the string that is pressed down against the fret is lit. Preferably each string of the stringed instrument has at least one specific light emitting member connected to it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method that generates outputs based on the operating position of a sensor which is determined by the biomechanical positions or gestures of individual operators. The system including a garment on which one or more than one sensor is removably attached and the sensors provide a signal based on the biomechanical position, movement, action or gestures of the person wearing the garment, a transmitter receiving signals from the sensors and sends signals to a computer that is calibrated to recognize the signals as representing particular positions that are assigned selected outputs. Suitably the outputs are audio outputs of an instrument, such as a guitar, and the outputs simulate the sound of a guitar that would be played when the biomechanical motion, action, gesture or position of the operator resembles those that would occur when an actual instrument is played.

Abstract: An ergonomic, portable, electronic, string-like instrument that utilizes a pseudo-string interface. The pseudo-string interface is tactile for sightless playability and capable of advanced input such as force and pressure sensitivity. The pseudo-strings function to select a note, trigger a selected note, select and play a note on the instrument or an external peripheral. The instrument is played using the techniques of multiple other stringed instruments and the ergonomics allow the user to hold and handle the device consistent with traditional and non-traditional playing techniques familiar to musicians of various instruments. It is internally or externally powered and connects directly to industry-standard musical hardware such as MIDI devices, amplifiers and multi-track recorders.

Abstract: The game apparatus indicates to a player the slide playing technique that not less than two of fret buttons are operated according to the alignment sequence thereof. When the operation in replay to the indication is evaluated, the game apparatus determines whether the operation for the slide playing technique has succeeded or not, under such condition that with respect to the operations of adjacent two fret buttons, the operation to the preceding fret button to be operated precedingly is detected, the operation to the next fret button to be operated next is detected, and after detecting the operation, the release operation of the preceding fret button is detected, the condition being at least one part of required condition.

Abstract: A musical device is disclosed that performs a variety of user defined or user controlled activities. These activities include but are not limited to producing musical notes, determining, influencing or changing the sound, quality, voice, volume or other characteristics of a note, activating and coordinating the replay of stored loops, recording, editing and playing user created pieces previously produced and controlling peripheral devices such as lighting. The musical device uses a combination of strings and frets to locate notes on a fingerboard that a user may activate. As a result, the invention includes a system to generate a sound corresponding to a note selected and activated according to preselected parameters such as the voice (e.g., trumpet, violin). A user's intent to play a particular note can be confirmed by a system of sensors corresponding to each note position.

Abstract: An aiding device, “E-Z Master Chord”, for playing fretted string instruments, such as an acoustic guitar played by a beginner, is provided. The aiding device according to the current application is engaged over frets of an acoustic guitar to generate a chord with only two fingers of a player.

Abstract: A method and system for producing synthesizer and MIDI control data and for reconstructing and reproducing a signal from data collected by sensors coupled to a string instrument comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to the string instrument and a control unit that is associated with the plurality of sensors. The sensors are adapted to collect temporal and spatial data referring to performer's actions and to the sound generation process of the string instrument, specifically as to string deflection along time, while the control unit is adapted to process the data and generate a signal corresponding to the sound characteristics of the performer's playing and actions on the string instrument.

Abstract: A musical device is disclosed that generates note tones, influences the sound of notes that are generated independently and performs a variety of user defined or user controlled activities. These activities include but are not limited to producing musical notes, determining, influencing or changing the sound, quality, voice, volume or other characteristics of a note, activating and coordinating the replay of stored loops, recording, editing and playing user created pieces previously produced and controlling peripheral devices such as lighting. The musical device uses a combination of strings and frets to locate notes on a fingerboard that a user may activate. The notes correspond to locations on the fingerboard. As a result, the invention includes a system to generate a sound corresponding to a note selected and activated according to preselected parameters such as the voice (e.g., trumpet, violin).

Abstract: An automated computing system and method for determining fingering of musical instruments from digitized scored music or tablature. The computerized automated finger finder system and method analyzes a musical composition and determines hand and/or fingering positional information such that the musical composition can be efficiently played on a musical instrument of choice with minimal hand movement. The method and computing system also provide alternate or secondary fingering choices such that the musician can play with a different tonal stylization or with greater or lesser ease depending on his skill level.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.

Abstract: An automated computing system and method for determining fingering of musical instruments from digitized scored music or tablature. The computerized automated finger finder system and method analyzes a musical composition and determines hand and/or fingering positional information such that the musical composition can be efficiently played on a musical instrument of choice with minimal hand movement. The method and computing system also provide alternate or secondary fingering choices such that the musician can play with a different tonal stylization or with greater or lesser ease depending on his skill level.

Abstract: An automated computing system and method for determining fingering of musical instruments from digitized scored music or tablature. The computerized automated finger finder system and method analyzes a musical composition and determines hand and/or fingering positional information such that the musical composition can be efficiently played on a musical instrument of choice with minimal hand movement. The method and computing system also provide alternate or secondary fingering choices such that the musician can play with a different tonal stylization or with greater or lesser ease depending on his skill level.

Abstract: A musical device is disclosed that generates note tones, influences the sound of notes that are generated independently and performs a variety of user defined or user controlled activities. These activities include but are not limited to producing musical notes, determining, influencing or changing the sound, quality, voice, volume or other characteristics of a note, activating and coordinating the replay of stored loops, recording, editing and playing user created pieces previously produced and controlling peripheral devices such as lighting. The musical device uses a combination of strings and frets to locate notes on a fingerboard that a user may activate. The notes correspond to locations on the fingerboard. As a result, the invention includes a system to generate a sound corresponding to a note selected and activated according to preselected parameters such as the voice (e.g., trumpet, violin).

Abstract: There is provided an electronic musical instrument which is capable of muting by a simple operation. A plurality of fret operating elements are provided on a fingerboard, for determining the pitch. Six stringed operating elements for determining sounding timing are provided on a string input section of the body of the electronic musical instrument. A tone generator and a sound system generate musical tones according to operations of the fret operating elements and the stringed operating elements. A mute fingerboard larger in transverse size than the transverse region over which the six stringed operating elements are arranged is disposed on an operating element holder protecting section engaged with latches of the operating elements. The mute fingerboard is located in the vicinity of operated ends of the stringed operating elements within the range where the stringed operating elements can be operated, and is exposed on a surface of the body.

Abstract: A computerized automated method for determining fingering of musical instruments from digitized scored music or tablature. The computerized automated finger finder method determines fingering such that hand movement is minimized on a specified instrument for maximum performance from analysis of the music score or tablature. The method also provides alternate fingering choices when the musician desires a different tonal stylization or finds an alternate fingering easier to play for their skill level.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information comprises a pickup head for registering string motion, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic musical instrument which is capable of muting by a simple operation. A plurality of fret operating elements are provided on a fingerboard, for determining the pitch. Six stringed operating elements for determining sounding timing are provided on a string input section of the body of the electronic musical instrument. A tone generator and a sound system generate musical tones according to operations of the fret operating elements and the stringed operating elements. A mute fingerboard larger in transverse size than the transverse region over which the six stringed operating elements are arranged is disposed on an operating element holder protecting section engaged with latches of the operating elements. The mute fingerboard is located in the vicinity of operated ends of the stringed operating elements within the range where the stringed operating elements can be operated, and is exposed on a surface of the body.

Abstract: Electronic guitar including a case, a keyboard, a sound synthesis electronic assembly and an output line. The keyboard is divided into an upper keyboard arranged on a neck of the case and a lower keyboard arranged on a body of the case. The upper and lower keyboards constitute a complex array. When a key on the upper keyboard and a key on the lower keyboard are pressed, a determined note is generated by the sound synthesis electronic assembly and can be output to a karaoke CD player. It is thus possible to play this guitar while singing the karaoke.

Abstract: The stringless fret instrument to be played as on a twitch instrument consists of the neck (1) on which there are frets (2) located transversely to a lengthwise axis of the neck (1), between which there are situated, in rows parallel with the axis of the neck (1), digital tone push-buttons (3), and of the body (5) equipped with the management (6) of the synthesizer accompaniment, a loudspeaker (4) and a direct current charger. Above each row of digital tone push-buttons (3), there is a flexible rope (31) situated in a lengthwise rabbet (32) created in the neck (1) parallel with the lengthwise axis of the neck (1), movable in the direction to digital tone push-buttons (3), fixed at least on the neck (1) behind the side digital tone push-button (3). The management (6) of the synthesizer accompaniment consists of three mutually parallel rows of keys (7 to 18) each of which consisting of four tone keys (7 to 18).

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a two-dimension array of note producing elements wherein the elements along one dimension of the array have three-quarter steps or increasing fundamental frequencies F.sub.n according to the equationF.sub.n =F.sub.0 *2.sup.n/8wherein F.sub.0 is the fundamental frequency of the first note producing element in the one dimension and n is the number of the note producing element in the one direction from the first note producing element. The note producing elements along a second dimension of the array have fundamental frequencies which differ by frequency differences (such as perfect fourth intervals) greater than the frequency differences between adjacent note producing elements along the one dimension of the array.

Abstract: An electronic guitar music simulation system which includes a guitar shaped keyboard having multiple key switches corresponding to various musical notes. A control processor within the guitar shaped keyboard is utilized to detect each change in a key switch state and infrared transmitter then transmits a unique code corresponding to the change in state for each key switch. A battery powered infrared receiver unit receives each unique code and couples binary codes to the processor of a personal computer system, via an electrical connection to a parallel port of the computer system. A software module within the computer system then converts the binary code into a corresponding audio output signal which may be output via the computer system speaker. A power control circuit within the infrared receiver unit activates the infrared receiver unit only in response to a selected control signal from the computer system, preventing false activation of the infrared receiver unit.

Abstract: An electronic stringed instrument which simulates an acoustic counterpart, such as a guitar, in the aspect of string arrangement. The strings on the novel electronic instrument are actually depressed and picked in a manner similar to playing the acoustic counterpart to sound musical tones. The strings form partial circuits conducting signals to a conventional musical tone synthesizer. The pick completes the circuit for each tone, having a flexible conductor electrically joining the pick to each circuit. A complete signalling circuit for each tone is closed when the string is contacted by the pick, and when the string simultaneously contacts an electrically conductive terminal forming part of the circuit. Contact of the string is achieved either by depressing the string or by leaving the string undisturbed. In each instance, a signal will sound a tone corresponding to that which would ensue if the same actions were taken on the acoustic counterpart.

Abstract: In order to accurately simulate the sounding system of the stringed instrument such as the violin and cello, an electronic musical instrument provides a performance unit such as a keyboard and a multi-channel sound source unit. As the sound source unit, there is provided a plurality of string sound generating circuits, each corresponding to each of plural strings provided in the stringed instrument, each of which forms a musical tone waveform signal having a different tone color. When performance information is created by operating the performance unit, one of the string sound generating circuits and its fingering position is selected on the basis of the preceding tone-generation assignment state, and then tone-generation corresponding to the created performance information is assigned to the selected circuit. Normally, plural musical tones can be sounded simultaneously in the stringed instrument.

Abstract: In an electronic stringed instrument, when a fingered string is plucked, the initiation of vibration of the plucked string is detected by a string vibration sensor to generate timing data representing the vibration initiation timing and number data representing the number of the string which is vibrated. Every time the timing data is obtained, pitch data, timing data and number data are respectively stored in the memory.

Abstract: A fingerboard and a neck for an electronic musical instrument according to the present invention are used for an electronic musical instrument, such as an electronic guitar, an electronic violin, and a guitar synthesizer. A flexible sheet made of a slippery material is formed on the upper surface of a fingerboard incorporating a plurality of pitch designating means so as to allow smooth and quick fingering. A plurality of frets are formed on the upper surface of the flexible sheet so as to partition the pitch designating means.

Abstract: An electronic stringed instrument employs a plurality of sensors or monitors for instrument performance. Preferred sensors or monitors include a detector for detecting that a string of the instrument is vibrated, an apparatus for evaluating a string-vibration strength or a string touch, an apparatus for discriminating a fret operation position on a fingerboard or a fundamental frequency of a vibration of the vibrated string, a tremolo arm sensor, and a string-bending sensor. These performance input parameters are assigned to various control functions for musical tones generated by a sound source and/or various control functions for effects added to these musical tones by an effector. The function assignment is preferably programmable. In an operation, a music control apparatus control the sound source and/or effector in response to a performance monitor so that musical tones for the strings can be distinguished from each other or effects for the musical tones can be distinguished from each other.

Abstract: A plurality of strings are extended along a surface of a body, and an operation by a player with respect to the strings is detected by two detection systems. The first detection system is operated when a string vibration is started, and electrically obtains an operated fret position of the string by detecting an ON/OFF operation of a switch arranged below each fret. The second detection system is enabled after the first detection system is enabled, and directly measures a pitch period of the string vibration. The second detection system detects a change in pitch by a choking operation or an arming operation of a tremolo arm with respect to the string after tone generation is started.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument with a fret-split function, which is used in electronic stringed instruments such as an electronic guitar, electronic violin, guitar synthesizer. Fingering areas provided on a finger-board are divided on the basis of a particular fret among a plurality of frets provided on the fingering areas. Specific tone colors are assigned to these fingering areas thus divided, respectively. Fingering operation on fingering areas to which specific tone colors are assigned allows to generate a musical tone having a tone color previously assigned.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument having a parameter adjustment mode and playing mode of operation includes a plurality of fret members located at predetermined spacings, a string stretched over the fret members so that a player's depression of the string causes contact between the string and at least one of the first members, and a vibration generating and receiving means for producing supersonic vibrations having a variable waveform in the string and receiving the supersonic vibrations reflected from any of the fret members through the string. The supersonic vibrations transmitted from the vibration generating and receiving means are reflected from a fret member contacted by the string, so that the vibration generating and receiving means detects transmitting characteristics of the string when a parameter adjustment mode is selected.

Abstract: Root and type of a chord are discriminated at discriminators in accordance with the operation status on a fingerboard. The chord is designated according to a simplified fingering rule predetermined on the fingerboard so as to designate the chord. An automatic accompaniment or a manual play is performed according to the discriminated chord obtained at chord discriminating device.

Abstract: For reading the frets of a stringed electronic musical instrument, a plurality of resistance wire strings are secured to a nut end and a bridge of the instrument, with the strings superposing in parallel relationship over a plurality of conducting frets mounted on a fingerboard on the instrument. The voltages produced by depressing the strings to the conducting frets, after being inverted and linearized, are quantized to levels representative of the particular frets to obviate the effects of contact resistance, and decision voltage levels are selected so as to account for such contact resistance. To enable the signals to be fed as conventional information through a MIDI channel to a synthesizer for generating frequencies corresponding to the signals, an analog to digital converter is used. The different components, as well as the digitized linearized signals, are selectively controlled and fed, respectively, to a microprocessor.

Abstract: For elimination of an error made in a sound production, an electronic fretted and stringed musical instrument operates in a parameter adjusting mode of operation prior to a playing mode of operation, and the fret positions are adjusted for actual fret members in the parameter adjusting mode of operation for precisely deciding the fret position where a string is engaged, thereby allowing a sound with a note assigned to the decided fret position to be produced.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument including fret members located at predetermined spacings, a string stretched over the fret members and contactable with any of the fret members when depressed by a player, a fret-position detector for producing supersonic vibrations in the string and receiving the supersonic vibrations reflected from any of the fret members through the string, the supersonic vibrations transmitted from the fret-position detector being reflected from a fret member contacted by the string, wherein the fret member contacted by the string is detected on the basis of a threshold value and or a reference time interval determined in respect of the string responsive to the supersonic vibrations transmitted from and reflected to the fret-position detector during a parameter adjusting mode of operation.