Transducers Patents (Class 84/723)
  • Patent number: 8642877
    Abstract: A vibration applying assembly (VAA) 10 having a base from where extends a vertical tube having attached to its upper end a hollow forked structure and near its lower end a forked cradle. The structure and the cradle are dimensioned to releasably retain a stringed musical instrument such as an acoustic guitar inserted into the hollow forked structure are a pair of vibrator motors that when energized produce a vibration that permeates through the VAA and an attached acoustic guitar. The applied vibrations provide the means by which an acoustic guitar is pre-maturely aged to enhance the guitar's resonance and the tonal quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Blish
  • Patent number: 8642876
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting combinations of pickups on a guitar or other stringed instrument allows a performer to control the pickup selections without interrupting instrument play. Combinations of pickups are selected by a processor according to measurements of orientation, position, and/or rate of movement made by an accelerometer. The accelerometer measurements can be filtered. Any or all elements of the system can be contained in a hollow space within the instrument. A manual control can be included to override the processor. Pickup combinations and/or accelerometer measurement ranges can be specified by manual controls while in a training mode. In a sequential mode, pickup combinations are selected in a preset order and for preset time periods. The accelerometer sampling rate can be between 1000 and 100 samples per second, and the sampled data can be stored in an 11 by 11 array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rockerswitch LLC
    Inventors: Leonard A. DeRoche, Paul J. Schwab, Nelson Spike Jones, Gerald Griffin, John B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8633370
    Abstract: The present invention provides a complementary bifurcated circuit to process and optimize music digitally with high fidelity yet with wireless elements. In a particular embodiment, an audio transducer in close proximity to a musical instrument or vocalist's mouth transforms audible music to analog electrical signals, which are digitized and then filtered to remove external noise at the frequencies of alternating current as well as internally generated noise. A FPGA encoder optimizes the signal's latency and formats the signal for wireless transmission, which is then accomplished with a transmitter and receiver. A transmitter control interface programs one or more of the digital encoder, digital processor, FPGA encoder and wireless transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: PRA Audio Systems, LLC
    Inventors: K. Paul Raley, Howard A. Carnes
  • Publication number: 20140007755
    Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling an electronic system are provided. An embodiment of a device comprises a spring having a first end with a first handle and a second end with a second handle. A first sensor detects movement of the first end and a second sensor detects movement of the second end. Each sensor provides a control signal to the electronic system such that the electronic system can act according to the varying control signals. A method comprises providing a spring-based musical instrument and providing a computer having a speaker. The spring is altered by the musician in order to generate control signals to the computer. Sound is generated by the speaker and varied by the computer according to the received control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: José Tomás Henriques
  • Patent number: 8620661
    Abstract: A system for controlling digital effects in live performances with vocal improvisation is described. The system features a controller that utilizes several switches attached to clothing that is worn by an artist during a live performance. The switches activate a digital vocal processor unit that provides a dual mode, multi-channel phrase looping capability wherein individual channels can be selected for recording and replay during the performance. This combination of features allows a sequence of digital audio and video effects to be controlled by the artist during a performance while maintaining the freedom of movement desired to enhance the performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Momilani Ramstrum
  • Publication number: 20130340596
    Abstract: The invention discloses a detachable and foldable integrated drum including: a drum-pad which includes a base on which at least one drum body is provided, where the drum body has a tympan, a vibration is produced when the tympan is beaten, and a vibration sensor is provided within the drum body for producing an electrical audio signal in response to the vibration; and a host which is mounted detachably on the drum-pad, and adapted to process the electrical signal to cause a speaker to sound. Both the base and the drum body are made of flexible material, and thus the drum-pad is foldable. The drum-pad of the present invention is foldable and the tympan is small and thin, which can effectively reduce the volume of the drum-pad and make it easy to carry; meanwhile, the productivity is high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: SHENZHEN ZHONGKAIXIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Yao
  • Patent number: 8609970
    Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable managements system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Randall May International Incorporated
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: 8600065
    Abstract: Sound data acquisition means acquires, from a sound input device, sound data representing a sound signal. First evaluation means evaluates the sound signal represented by the sound data, by using a first criterion for detecting whether or not the sound inputted into the sound input device is a breath. Second evaluation means evaluates the sound signal represented by the sound data, by using a second criterion which is different from the first criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Junya Osada, Arisa Hosaka
  • Patent number: 8586852
    Abstract: Provided is a program for musical performance which causes a computer of a musical performance apparatus to function as a posture variation acquisition unit 101 for acquiring the posture variation of a controller 5 per frame based on the angular velocity with respect to the posture or movement of the controller 5, a volume parameter setting unit 102 for setting a volume parameter for deciding the volume according to the posture variation, and a sound signal output unit 106 for outputting a sound signal of the volume according to the volume parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8581087
    Abstract: Detection is made of a physical amount caused by operation performed on a mouthpiece with a human player's mouth, and a tone pitch corresponding to the detected physical amount is identified by referencing a memory storing information defining relationship between various ranges of the physical amount and tone pitches. Expected tone generating style is notified to the player based on the identified tone pitch. The memory contains a pitch table defining relationship between various ranges of the physical amount and tone pitches, and a gain table defining gain information corresponding to deviations of the physical amount from a predetermined reference point for each tone pitch and within the range of the physical amount corresponding to the tone pitch. For the detected physical amount, a tone pitch and gain information are identified by referencing the pitch gain tables, so that the identified tone pitch and gain information is notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130276621
    Abstract: The invention provides elements used to attach a standard magnetic pickup, in conjunction with a feedback reduction device, into the sound hole of an acoustic guitar in a manner that does not alter the inherent sound characteristics of the underlying guitar. The approach put forward provides a significant advantage by providing the ability to install a broad range of commercially available standard magnetic pickups, which combined with the feedback reduction device, provides the capability to achieve high gain amplification utilizing an open body acoustic guitar while eliminating the highly objectionable squeal that is customary in this type of application. The invention consists of a basic modification kit: the pickup mounting elements, the pickup itself, the feedback reduction device, the metalized guitar strings, the conductive string anchor bracket, and the interconnect cable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Benjamin Randel Bekerman
  • Patent number: 8563843
    Abstract: An electronic percussion device including a drum shell, a drumhead as striking surface, vibration sensors, with a peripheral and a central vibration carrier. The vibration carriers abut against the drumhead to convey vibrations therefrom to the sensor(s). The central vibration carrier is a helicoidal spring. The peripheral vibration carrier is a rigid body of solid material supported by peripheral sensors disposed thereunder. The two electrical leads of each one of the peripheral sensors are correspondingly coupled in parallel to produce only two common output leads. An electronic sound module is configured to sample the sensors and employs software procedures to detect percussion strokes delivered on the drumhead, and to generate sounds accordingly. The software procedures use the averaged and aggregated signals to provide accurate detection of position and intensity of a drum stroke. Alternative embodiments of the device use only a peripheral vibration carrier or only a central vibration carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Guy Shemesh
  • Publication number: 20130263722
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods that make music in response to be contacted by a stream of liquid are disclosed. A music making device may include a sensor to detect when a stream of liquid is substantially in contact with the sensor. The sensor may produce an indicator signal at or around the time the liquid substantially contacts the sensor. A circuit may generate an electrical pulse in response to detecting the indicator signal. The electrical pulse may be coupled to a speaker which converts the electrical pulse into sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Charles Swendsen
  • Publication number: 20130255476
    Abstract: A sensor obtains an angular rate of a stick member. A sound source map includes plural areas disposed in a virtual space. CPU presumes a direction of a turning axis of the stick member based on the angular rate obtained by the sensor, while a user is operating the stick member, calculates an angular rate of a top of the stick member based on the angular rate obtained by the sensor with the angular rate in the longitudinal direction of the stick member removed, calculates a position of the holding member in the virtual space after a predetermined time, based on the recent direction of the turning axis of the stick member and recent angular rate of the top of the stick member, and sends a sound generating unit a note-on event of a musical tone assigned to an area corresponding to the calculated position among the plural areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi SAKURAI, Ryutaro HAYASHI, Yuji TABATA, Kazutaka KASUGA
  • Publication number: 20130255477
    Abstract: A system for controlling for at least one string of a musical instrument by selectively exciting or damping vibration of the string is provided. The system includes at least one transducer configured to sense a lateral vibration of the string and/or to apply an actuating force to the string. A controller is configured to determine an actuating signal for driving the actuator to apply a longitudinal actuating force to the string at a termination point of the string. The longitudinal actuating force are operable to modulate a tension of the string that increases and/or damps the lateral vibration and/or selected harmonics thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Paul F. Ierymenko, Edgar Joseph Berdahl
  • Publication number: 20130247747
    Abstract: A plurality of pads SN to CY2 each of which is assigned a tone color of a different musical instrument, and has a surface which a player strikes are provided. Furthermore, a controller CT having a CPU 18a for identifying a pad included in the pads SN to CY2 and struck by the player is also provided. The controller CT has a tone generator 16 for generating musical tones of a musical instrument assigned to the identified pad. The CPU 18a evaluates the player's performance and scores the performance. More specifically, the CPU 18a awards an amount of points when the first and the second pads which are included in the pads SN to CY2 but are different with each other are struck in a sequence. Furthermore, a display unit 15 for displaying the awarded score is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8525006
    Abstract: An input device including: a first operation detecting section which is provided on one stick and detects acceleration based on movement of the one stick; a second operation detecting section which is provided on an other stick and detects acceleration based on movement of the other stick; a first strike judging section which judges whether or not the one stick and the other stick have struck against one another, based on the acceleration detected by the first operation detecting section and the acceleration detected by the second operation detecting section; and an instructing section which instructs to produce a sound corresponding to striking of the one stick and the other stick against one another, when the first strike judging section judges that the one stick and the other stick have struck against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morio Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 8519251
    Abstract: An instrument pickup including a stack of thin laminated printed circuit boards. Each layer includes an etched coil conductor structure with narrow lines and spaces defining the coil structure. The layers are connected via through holes. The etched lines are smaller than the insulated copper wire (also sometimes called magnetic wire) of a conventional instrument pickup, which means that the size, volume and/or height of the pickup may be reduced relative to a conventional wire wound instrument pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Anaren, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Lingel
  • Patent number: 8509692
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the real-time wireless transmission of a digital audio signal and control data. A transmitter may be coupled to an audio source. The transmitter includes a processor to combine control data with a digital audio signal from the audio source and the processor wirelessly transmits the combined control data and digital audio signal to a receiver. The receiver includes a processor that is used to receive the combined control data and digital audio signal and to process the control data to perform a user pre-defined function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Line 6, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Guy Coker
  • Publication number: 20130192449
    Abstract: A percussion instrument including an acoustic chamber housing having a zigzag shape, a material chamber housing having the zigzag shape, a sound board having the zigzag shape arranged between the acoustic chamber housing and the material chamber housing to form an acoustic chamber defined by the acoustic chamber housing and the sound board, and a material chamber defined by the material chamber housing and the sound board, and particulate material arranged in the material chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: J. Greg DAHL
  • Patent number: 8492627
    Abstract: A string musical instrument comprising an instrument body having a fretboard and a plurality of electrically common and electrically conductive frets spaced along the fretboard. One or more electrically isolated and electrically conductive vibratory strings are laterally disposed on the instrument body and held in tension over and in close proximity to the frets and a picking means for each of the strings. The picking means is an actuating assembly with a power supply. The actuating assembly is electrically connected to the one or more electrically isolated and electrically conductive vibratory strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Andre DuPra
  • Patent number: 8492640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive sound-and-light art device with wireless transmission and sensing functions, which is primarily composed of a plurality of acoustic sensor nodes in artistic shapes, whereas each of the plural acoustic sensor nodes is designed to interact with people through the detection of multi-track music playing or voice-based exhibition of twitter conversations. Substantially, each acoustic sensor node is an artistically-shaped frame having a plurality of sensors embedded therein, which includes sensors for detecting environmental information, and sensors for detection human motion. Moreover, each artistically-shaped frame can further be embedded with interactive components, using which each acoustic sensor node is able to interact with people through multi-track music playing or exhibition of LED light variations, according to the detection of its environment sensors and human motion sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Tamkang University
    Inventors: Chih-Yung Chang, Kuei-Ping Shih, Su-Chu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130180388
    Abstract: A percussion instrument that suppresses erroneous detection by a rim sensor includes a first plate affixed to a frame, a second plate elastically supported on the first plate by one or more elastic members, and a rim sensor attached to the second plate. Large vibrations of the frame from an impact of a strike on the rim are transmitted to the second plate, and the rim sensor provides an output corresponding to the striking force. Also, vibrations of the frame generated by striking sound or external sound is attenuated by the elastic member, to suppress transmission of such vibrations to the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Publication number: 20130180389
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a digital instrument are described, for example to simulate or be used in conjunction with a stringed instrument. A sensor system detects the location of one or more fingers or objects at selected locations on a playing surface of the instrument, and the detected locations are combined with information indicative of one or more strings being played to generate a digital signal containing information as to the notes being played.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Zivix LLC
    Inventor: Zivix LLC
  • Patent number: 8481841
    Abstract: A musical tone control system for an electronic keyboard instrument, which is capable of calculating a key depression velocity of a key with high accuracy without being adversely affected by a large rotational resistance of the key during a let-off, and stopping sounding of a musical tone in appropriate timing. The system detects first key depression information on a key at a first position corresponding to a key depression depth obtained before start of a let-off, second key depression information on the key at a second position which corresponds to a larger key depression depth than the first position does, and third key depression information, obtained after termination of the let-off, on the key at a third position which corresponds to a larger key depression depth than the second position does. The tone volume of a musical tone is set based on a key depression velocity of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Shimoda
  • Patent number: 8461445
    Abstract: An electronic percussion musical instrument comprises a plurality of playing pads for playing music by striking the face of each pad. The pads are configured to work either as individual pads respectively for playing different percussion tones or as grouped pad zones by combining some of the pads, each zone playing a same percussion tone. Plural timbres of musical tones are stored in a storage unit and are respectively allocated to the individual playing pads or the grouped pad zones. The grouped pad zone can be handled just as a wide area pad. When an individual pad or a grouped pad zone is struck, the allocated tone will be generated. Some of the pads or grouped pad zones can be used as a special playing technique instruction pad to input an instruction to impart an effect of special playing technique to the tones to be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Takehisa, Haruo Watanabe, Shinya Miyashita, Daizo Sato
  • Patent number: 8450593
    Abstract: A system for controlling for at least one string of a musical instrument by selectively exciting or damping vibration of the string is provided. The system includes at least one transducer configured to sense a lateral vibration of the string and/or to apply an actuating force to the string. A controller is configured to determine an actuating signal for driving the actuator to apply a longitudinal actuating force to the string at a termination point of the string. The longitudinal actuating force are operable to modulate a tension of the string that increases and/or damps the lateral vibration and/or selected harmonics thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Paul F. Ierymenko, Edgar Joseph Berdahl
  • Publication number: 20130125735
    Abstract: A cymbal pickup is described, including a sensor detecting the vibration of the cymbal, and a sensor attaching part to which the sensor is attached. The cymbal has, through its center, a hole that allows a rod to be inserted through. The sensor attaching part includes: a first abutting part having a first insertion hole for pass of the rod, a second abutting part configured opposite to a side of the first abutting part and having a second insertion hole for pass of the rod, and an insertion part between the two abutting parts to maintain a separation distance between the opposite sides of the two abutting parts. The sensor is attached to a side of the first or the second abutting part. The cymbal pickup abuts the cymbal and is fixed together with the cymbal to detect its vibration while the rod is inserted through them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ROLAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: YOSHIAKI MORI
  • Patent number: 8445769
    Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in its longitudinal direction to be held by a player with his or her hand, and is provided with an acceleration sensor 23 for detecting an acceleration sensor value and an angular rate sensor 22 for detecting an angular rate of rotation of the apparatus 11 about its longitudinal axis. CPU 21 detects a sound-generation timing based on the acceleration sensor value. Using the angular rate, CPU 21 calculates a rotation angle of the performance apparatus 11 made about its longitudinal axis in a period from a first and a second timing, wherein the first and second timing correspond to starting and finishing of swinging motion of the performance apparatus, respectively. CPU 21 determines to increase or decrease a sound volume level, in accordance with the direction and amount of the calculated rotation angle, thereby adjusting a sound volume level of musical tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiroki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8440897
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Keith M. Baxter
  • Publication number: 20130112068
    Abstract: An acoustic/electronic drum assembly comprising a mesh batter drumhead comprising a mesh membrane and an annular ring, a resonant drumhead comprising an acoustic membrane and an annular ring, the acoustic membrane capable of creating acoustic sound in response to a force applied to the mesh batter drumhead, an annular shell member for maintaining the mesh batter drumhead in fixed relation to the resonant drumhead, and a pick-up acoustically coupled to at least the resonant drumhead for picking up the acoustic sound and creating an electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas P. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8431813
    Abstract: A percussion instrument may include a plurality of coupling device for operatively connecting a first hoop member, which may be configured to hold down a head arranged across a first end of a shell, with a second hoop member, which may be arranged on a second end of the shell. A sensor adjacent the head configured to detect vibration of the head may be operatively connected to the second hoop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Publication number: 20130098227
    Abstract: An electronic drum has an induction board and a securing frame. The induction board has a drumhead, a connection device and a detecting assembly. The connection device is adapted to be electrically connected with an outer acoustic device. The detecting assembly is mounted under the drumhead and is electrically connected with the connection device to detect beats on the drumhead and to send acoustic signal to the connection device. The annular securing frame is mounted around the induction board and has an annular bracket, an outer securing rib and a bottom securing rib. The annular bracket has an outer periphery and a bottom. The outer securing rib protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the annular bracket. The bottom securing rib protrudes from the bottom of the annular bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Guo-Hsiung WEI
  • Patent number: 8420924
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field pickup (10) for a musical instrument including an electromagnetic signal generator (12), an electromagnetic field transducer (18), a mixer (28), the electromagnetic signal generator (12), the electromagnetic field transducer (18) and the mixer (28) are respectively connected in series, the electromagnetic signal generator (12) is also connected directly to the mixer (28), so constructed and arranged that when power is supplied to the electromagnetic field pickup (10) an audio electrical signal of substantially same pitch, intonation and sustain as a vibrating element (22) of the instrument is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Francis Joseph Loftus
  • Patent number: 8415551
    Abstract: A magnetic pickup for a stringed musical instrument has one or more composite ferromagnetic pole pieces. The composite pole pieces have two or more components with different ferromagnetic materials properties in fixed and contiguous positions. The tonal properties of the pickup are partially determined by the materials and arrangement of the components and are variable over a wide parameter space. Pickups with composite pole pieces and methods for reconfiguring pickup with monolithic pole pieces are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: George J. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20130074681
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating sound from an object that is not a traditional musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to an object capable of producing sound waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Aaron Langberg
  • Publication number: 20130074682
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to a second musical instrument capable of producing sound waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Aaron Langberg
  • Publication number: 20130047826
    Abstract: An electronic hi-hat cymbal controller is disclosed. The controller includes a hi-hat cymbal stand having a pedal and a shaft. The pedal is configured and arranged to move the shaft. A lower cymbal is mounted to the hi-hat cymbal stand and an upper cymbal is mounted to the shaft. A sensor assembly is mounted to the hi-hat cymbal stand. The sensor assembly is configured and arranged to detect the position of the upper cymbal relative to the lower cymbal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ALESIS, L.P.
    Inventor: Jan Wissmuller
  • Publication number: 20130047825
    Abstract: A method for treating musical instruments is provided. The method applies suitable acoustic energy through the surrounding medium (e.g., air) without direct contact between the instrument and the acoustic source so as to achieve a more desirable response and performance form the musical instrument. In some embodiments, the instrument is properly supported and positioned with respect to an audio source, which audio source is driven with a suitable tone or sequence or electrical driving signal, which audio source then provides the needed sound for the needed duration and cycle to achieve the transformation in the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Lawrence Kernaghan
  • Patent number: 8378202
    Abstract: An instrument-playing portable communication device is provided. The device includes an instrument-playing key unit having one or more keys, provided on a body of the instrument-playing portable communication device. When a user selects a chord of a selected instrument by pressing at least one of the one or more keys, the instrument-playing key unit converts the at least one key press into a first signal. The device also includes a sensor unit mounted in the body, for sensing a motion of a user. When the user presses the at least one of the one or more keys and moves in a location near the sensor unit, the sensor unit senses a motion of the user and converts the motion into a second signal. The device further includes a controller for receiving the first signal from the instrument-playing key unit and the second signal from the sensor unit, generating a tone frequency of the selected instrument based on the received signals, and converting the tone frequency into a tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chi-Young Ahn, Sang-Min Hyun, Chang-Hwan Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130034240
    Abstract: A wireless interface device for at least one of wireless transmission from an electric analogue audio device and wireless reception at an electric analogue audio device of an audio signal, comprises an audio connector jack plug or jack socket in communication with a system that is at least one of a wireless internet system or a WLAN-enabled system and connectable to at least one of an audio connector jack plug of the electric analogue audio device, an audio connector jack socket of the electric analogue audio device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ingenious Audio Limited
    Inventor: John Crawford
  • Patent number: 8362349
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of control and manipulation of a digital audio signal by a user manipulable touch sensitive control surface. The present invention is specifically applicable to user manipulation of digital audio signals by disc jockeys (DJs). A touch sensitive surface substantially circumferential in shape is divided into two regions: an inner or central portion and an outer or circumferential portion. The inner portion responds to linear motion imparted by the user while the outer portion responds to circumferential motion. The linear motion imparted by the user in the central portion is used manipulate a digital audio data stream in order to impart a scratch effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Gibson Guitar Corp.
    Inventors: James Mazur, Brian Gibson, Damon Langlois
  • Publication number: 20130014632
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power supply device for supplying power to a pickup device for a guitar. The pickup device includes a battery casing detachably provided with a battery for supplying power to a pickup unit and a TRS connector configured such that signal lines are connected thereto. The power supply line of the battery is connected in parallel to two of the signal lines between the battery casing and the TRS connector. The power supply device includes a pickup connector connected to the TRS connector, an external device connector connected to an external device, and a step-down transformer configured to step down commercial power and supply the stepped-down power to the pickup device via the TRS connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Man-Guen HAN
  • Patent number: 8354581
    Abstract: A hybrid drum as described combines the characteristics of both acoustic and electronic percussion apparatus enabling a musician to have a single instrument and have either acoustic or electronic output. A hybrid drum includes a multilayer drum head with a built-in FSR sensor such that the FSR drum head replaces the drum head of the acoustic drum and can be used to perform acoustically and or electronically. The FSR sensor is built into a double layer, double-head acoustic drum head, wherein one layer of the double head system has the FSR element printed on it, while the other layer of the double layer head has the inter-digiting conductive fingers printed on it and facing the FSR element. A conductive tail extends from one of the drum head layers and is operably connected to an electronic module secured to the drum shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Miditronix, LLC
    Inventors: Franklin N. Eventoff, Mario J. DeCiutiis
  • Publication number: 20130000468
    Abstract: An improved electronic cymbal is disclosed. The electronic cymbal includes a frame having an edge, an upper surface and bottom surface. A cover is received over the upper surface of the frame. A sensor is captured in a pocket in the cover. The cover may include one or more layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ALESIS, L.P.
    Inventor: Jan Wissmuller
  • Patent number: 8314322
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to a second musical instrument capable of producing sound waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Aaron Langberg
  • Patent number: 8309836
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a musical instrument pickup comprises a first plurality of non-magnetic pole pieces a second plurality of non-magnetic pole pieces, a plurality of magnetic pole pieces, a first coil disposed around the first plurality of non-magnetic pole pieces, a second coil disposed around the second plurality of non-magnetic pole pieces and the plurality of magnetic pole pieces, and a bar magnet magnetically coupled to the first plurality of non-magnetic pole pieces and the second plurality of non-magnetic pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: David Thomas Bolger, Thomas Bolger
  • Patent number: 8283551
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for seasoning stringed musical instruments comprises an electric vibration generator coupled to a string cradle. The string cradle is detachably attachable to the strings of the instrument through a plurality of flanges extending between the strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tonerite, Inc.
    Inventor: Agapitus B. Lye
  • Patent number: 8263850
    Abstract: A percussion detecting apparatus capable of enhancing an effect of disturbance interception by intercepting a micro-vibration conveyed from a support frame. A pad member has a pad having a back-side surface to which a base is fixed, and a percussion sensor is disposed on a back-side surface of the base. The pad member is supported by a frame via fixing members integral with the pad member and intervening members made of silicon rubber. Vertical protrusions having different protrusion heights are formed on an upper surface of a flange of each intervening member, and horizontal protrusions are formed on an inner peripheral surface of a through-hole of each intervening member. When the pad member in an unstruck state, each fixing member is in contact with a corresponding one of the intervening members only at the vertical and horizontal protrusions of the intervening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuji Hashimoto, Kenichi Nishida
  • Publication number: 20120220187
    Abstract: An enhanced toy produces repeating, decaying notes in response to applied pressure. The tone of each note is determined, based on the location at which a user applies pressure. The initial amplitude of each note is proportional to the intensity, as measured by a stress sensor. The toy periodically repeats each note, attenuating the amplitude of each successive repetition by a decay factor. The toy may alter the notes associated with each of a plurality of locations. For example, if all currently repeating notes have decayed below a predetermined threshold, the currently available set of notes may be exchanged for a new set of notes, e.g. with different tones or timbres. The stress sensors may comprise flexible capacitors within the toy. As the user applies pressure, the geometry of one or more capacitors deform, altering the measured capacitance, through which the intensity of the applied pressure is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: W. Daniel HILLIS, Russel Howe