Expression Or Special Effects Patents (Class 84/737)
  • Patent number: 10446301
    Abstract: A manual operating device (100) for providing a first and a second control signal in accordance with a user's operation, e.g. for controlling electronic musical instruments, stage/theatre equipment and/or audio/video studio equipment. The manual operating device (100) comprises a linear position sensor device (110), providing the first control signal (120), representing a linear position of a longitudinally slidable element (130), and a rotary position sensor device (140), having a body attached to the longitudinally slidable element (130) and providing the second control signal (150) representing the rotary position of a rotatable shaft (160) to be manually operated by the user. A MIDI controller device (210) may include at least one such manual operating device (100). Converting the positions parameters to advanced studio equipment MIDI control signals and/or to legacy MIDI synthesizer tone control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: RELË AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Staavi
  • Patent number: 9704462
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are presented which provide for a musical instrument direct box combined with a musical instrument tuner which may be phantom powered from an external audio system. In some embodiments, an apparatus is presented that includes a direct box (DI) module and a musical instrument tuner module coupled to the DI module. The instrument tuner module may be phantom powered based on connection to a remote system geographically distinct from the apparatus, and configured to measure the pitch of the instrument signal and mute the instrument signal simultaneously. In some example embodiments, the apparatus may also include a tuning transformer coupled to the musical instrument tuner module and the DI module, the tuning transformer configured to galvanically isolate a ground domain of the instrument signal from a ground domain of the remote system while the musical instrument tuner module measures the pitch of the musical instrument signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SONIC NUANCE ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Vinko Burmas
  • Patent number: 9355629
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are presented which provide for a musical instrument direct box combined with a musical instrument tuner which may be phantom powered by an external audio system, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an apparatus is presented. The apparatus may include a direct box (DI) module, and a musical instrument tuner module coupled to the DI module. The musical instrument tuner module may be phantom powered based on a connection to a remote system geographically distinct from the apparatus. In some example embodiments, the apparatus may also include a tuning transformer coupled to the musical instrument tuner module and the DI module, the tuning transformer configured to galvanically isolate a ground domain of a musical instrument signal from a ground domain of the remote system while the musical instrument tuner module measures a pitch of the musical instrument signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SONIC NUANCE ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Vinko Burmas
  • Patent number: 9012759
    Abstract: A tone effects system for use with electric instruments that allows for reduced or eliminated signal loss before sound effects are applied. A cartridge receiver and a changeover switch are integrated into the body of a desired electric instrument, while an effects cartridge is attached to the electric instrument via the cartridge receiver. The cartridge receiver provides electronic connections between the electric instrument and the effects cartridge, while the changeover switch is used to direct the electronic signal of the electric instrument through the effects cartridge. The effects cartridge provides an effects circuit for manipulating the received electronic signal, as well as an at least one effects control for adjusting the extent to which the effect is applied to the electronic signal. As the effects cartridge is attached to the electric instrument, the at least one effects control is readily accessible while the electric instrument is being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Markus Oliver Hummel
  • Publication number: 20150059561
    Abstract: The present invention includes a guitar comprising: a hollow body, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper end, a lower end, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the first and second sidewall connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, the top surface having a central opening; an equalizer, the equalizer integral to the body; a mixer, the mixer integral to the body; a microphone jack, the microphone jack integral to the body; an amplifier, the amplifier integral to the body; a battery compartment, the battery compartment integral to the body, an output board, the output board integral to the body; an auxiliary input, the auxiliary input integral to the body. Other embodiments of the guitar include an all in one onboard mixer, a wireless system including a wireless transmitter and wireless receivers and an output board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Luis Mejia
  • Patent number: 8940994
    Abstract: A sound pickup for musical cymbals includes an integrated assembly attachable to a cymbal stand. The integrated assembly includes a plurality of microphones arranged to achieve optimal quality and relatively constant loudness regardless of cymbal tilt. In one embodiment, two microphones are used, with signal phase from one microphone being inverted prior to combination with the signal from the other microphone. An illumination system having one or more light sources and a controller is optional. The controller includes a processor couplable to the pickup by way of a cable having at least one signal conductor for delivering audio signals from the microphone to the processor. The controller also includes an illumination control signal source delivering a DC voltage bias to the pickup for actuating the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Avedis Zildjian Co.
    Inventor: Julia D. Truchsess
  • Patent number: 8937541
    Abstract: A musical instrument location transmitting device and system includes a musical instrument having a location transmitting device and an electric power source permanently secured in the musical instrument in a position that requires removal of a musical component of the musical instrument in order to remove the location transmitting device. The location transmitting device includes a location sensing unit and a wireless transmitter that outputs a location of the musical instrument. A system wirelessly monitors a location of the musical instruments. A method of making a musical instrument includes coupling a location transmitting device inside a musical instrument and closing the musical instrument to permanently install the location transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Michael John Schaal
  • Patent number: 8937239
    Abstract: Provided are a light emitting control device, computer readable memory device, and method to control a light emitter associated with a pad capable of being struck to produce a sound. In response to detecting a striking of the pad, a tone associated with the pad is produced. A level of the tone produced is determined and a level meter brightness is determined based on the determined level of the tone. An output brightness for the light emitter is calculated associated with the struck pad using the determined level meter brightness and a brightness change pattern. The light emitter associated with the pad is controlled according to the determined output brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Takasaki, Yoshinori Kusumoto, Kazuhiro Arai
  • Publication number: 20140345442
    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: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: José Tomás Henriques
  • Patent number: 8896458
    Abstract: This method of converting a displacement of a magnetic object into a signal directly perceptible by a human being, comprises: —the acquisition (32) of a temporal succession of measurements of a magnetic field modified by the displacements of the object during a sliding time window of predetermined duration, —the construction (34) on the basis of this acquired temporal succession of measurements of several signals each representing a characteristic of the measured magnetic field dependent on a corresponding characteristic of the displacement of the object, and —the adjustment (50) of several parameters of the directly perceptible signal as a function of the signals so as to render these characteristics directly perceptible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Jerome Doutaz, Roland Blanpain, Viviane Cattin
  • Patent number: 8859877
    Abstract: An elongated lifting rail is displaceable to collectively pivot a plurality of damper levers. An actuator is provided beside or underneath the lifting rail for automatically displacing the lifting rail. The lifting rail is displaced, in response to driving of the actuator, to displace the damper levers so that the dampers are moved away from contact with sounding members. Further, a position sensor is provided for detecting a displaced position of the lifting rail, so that position data detected by the position sensor is used for operating position control and/or operating position recording of the dampers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Oba, Yuji Fujiwara, Yoshiya Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20140290469
    Abstract: An audio effect control pedal for musicians has, in one embodiment, a first input connection (30), a second input connection (36), a first output connection (38), a second output connection (34), and a mixing circuit (32). The mixing circuit inputs are connected to the first (30) and second (36) input connections, and the output of the mixing circuit is connected to the first output connection (38). The mixing circuit creates an output signal that is a combination of the signals present on the first and second input connections. A treadle (46) is mechanically linked to a potentiometer (P1) that is part of the mixing circuit. Moving the treadle rotates the potentiometer and changes the proportion of signals from the first and second input connections. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Ray Michaud, Ryan Albert Marcel Michaud
  • Patent number: 8802958
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: José Tomás Henriques
  • Patent number: 8748724
    Abstract: Inventive methods and apparatuses for causing one or more effects to be generated based on analysis of an audio signal are disclosed. The apparatuses may be electrically coupled to an audio signal, may analyze the audio signal to determine if a control cue is present in the audio signal, and direct the effects generated by one or more effect generating devices if a control cue is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Michael G. Harmon
  • Patent number: 8729378
    Abstract: As described herein, a sound pickup for musical cymbals includes an integrated assembly attachable to a cymbal stand. The integrated assembly includes a plurality of microphones arranged and electrically connected such that the resulting amplified sound is of optimal quality and of relatively constant loudness regardless of cymbal tilt. In one embodiment, two microphones are used, with the signal phase from one microphone being inverted prior to combination with the signal from the other microphone. The inversion is implemented using an inverter and serves to cancel signals that are in phase with one another and augment signals that are out of phase with one another. This, along with suitable placement of the pickup, exploits the fact that the more desirable components of the cymbal's vibration at the inflection point of the cymbal are out of phase with each other, whereas the less-desirable components are in phase with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Avedis Zildjian Co.
    Inventors: Christopher Ryan, Julia D. Truchsess, David A. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8716586
    Abstract: Process for synthesis of a synthesized audio signal, in which at least one audio signal of contact is produced for each excitation contact of a sequence of contacts carried out on a vibrating body (2). A partial attenuation signal of remanence is generated from at least one vibration signal representative of the vibration of the vibrating body (2) generated by at least one excitation contact, named partial contact, the partial attenuation signal of remanence being representative, of a partial attenuation of at least one remanent audio signal of contact, resulting from an excitation contact that is previous to said partial contact. The synthesized audio signal after said partial contact is produced by mixing the audio signal of contact of said partial contact and each remanent audio signal of contact affected by the partial attenuation signal of remanence. The invention extends to a device (3) for synthesizing said synthesized audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Etienne Edmond Jacques Thuillier
  • Patent number: 8692101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument that includes a plurality of strings and a pickup to which each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled that is connectable to a computer to implement DSP modeling. A serial interface circuit is coupled to the pickup and to a digital connector that formats each digital string vibration signal received from the pickup into a digital serial protocol. A computer is coupled by a serial link to the digital connector such that the computer receives each serially formatted digital string signal (SFDSS). The computer operates at least one audio DSP-based software module to process each received SFDSS wherein each SFDSS is processed in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of stringed instruments to create an emulated digital string tone signal (EDSTS). Each EDSTS is then transmitted back over the serial link to the stringed instrument for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Line 6, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Michel A. Doidic, Peter J. Celi, Alan Zak
  • Patent number: 8669842
    Abstract: Provided is a technology for controlling a contents player based on a grasping power information of a hand by measuring a change of the bundle shape of a tendons in an inside muscle of wrist, in which the device and method for controlling the contents player comprises a sensing unit that generates a grasping power information; a control state managing unit that manages a control state of the contents player; and a control order generating unit that generates a control order controlling the contents player based on the control state and the grasping power information, and transmits the control order, in which the control state can be changed or can be generates in response to the grasping power information, and the sensing unit can be existed in both hands, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jeong-Mook Lim, Dong-Woo Lee, Yong-Ki Son, Bae-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8609972
    Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 is provided with a first acceleration sensor 22 at its head portion and a second acceleration sensor 23 at its base portion. CPU 21 determines operation of the performance apparatus 11 during a period from the first timing to the second timing, based on a first acceleration-sensor value and a second acceleration-sensor value, and determines operation mode corresponding to the operation of the performance apparatus. Referring to a tone-color table stored in RAM 26, CPU 21 determines a tone color of musical tones to be generated, based on the determined operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Harada, Naotaka Uehara
  • Patent number: 8609973
    Abstract: This invention introduces several methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling musician audio effects or musical instruments wirelessly from the performer's footwear. In one embodiment, the performer's foot motions are monitored using a motion detection device and compared against a set of criteria by a microprocessor to activate or deactivate one or more audio effects that are ready or “armed.” Once the foot controller is activated, a radio transmits sampled foot pressure that is used by the Base Unit to modulate all armed audio effects capable of being modulated. Tactile feedback is provided in the footwear as a means to confirm system status changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: CleanStage LLC
    Inventor: John Robert D'Amours
  • Patent number: 8497418
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronic cymbal system includes a first pickup configured to generate an electrical signal representative of vibrations in a first cymbal, and a controller configured to receive the first electrical signal and to process the first electrical signal to generate an output. The controller includes a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to subject a version of the first electrical signal to a digital signal processing technique. The digital signal processing technique includes one or more of dynamic range compression, expansion, frequency equalization, harmonic excitation, comb filtering, and pitch shifting. The cymbals may be any of variety of known cymbals, such as hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals, and may be of the perforated type configured to reduce noise for indoor use. Lighting control may be provided to illuminate the cymbal for functional or aesthetic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Avedis Zildjian Co.
    Inventors: John V. Roderick, Julia Truchsess, Christopher Ryan, David McDonald, Jonathan A. Marks
  • 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: 8445770
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a programmable switch for configuring circuit topologies. The switch can be any type of mechanical or electronic switch. Every setting of the switch can be programmed by a user, selecting topologies such as circuit elements in series, in parallel, in phase or out of phase. In a dual switch embodiment, the first switch selects the circuit elements to be used, and the second switch configures those selected elements in a wide variety of topologies. This division in switch circuit design between element selection and then topology provides an extremely wide range of circuit topologies available, unlike prior art designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce Ledley Jacob
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130055879
    Abstract: We describe a musical effect device comprising drive electronics to drive a first tuned resonant circuit at a resonant frequency, a moveable mechanical control associated with a second, passive tuned resonant circuit and read-out electronics coupled to the first tuned resonant circuit to sense a position of the control. A first frequency of resonance of the first tuned resonant circuit matches a second frequency of resonance of the second, passive tuned circuit, and the first and second frequency resonance match a resonant frequency of the drive signal. The first tuned resonant circuit has an input coupled to the drive electronics, an output coupled to the read-out electronics and a resonant LC circuit coupled in series between the input and output. The variable output signal is dependent on an amplitude of a signal at the output of the first tuned resonant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SONUUS LIMITED
    Inventors: James Hastings Clark, Morag E. Clark, John M. McAuliffe
  • Patent number: 8309837
    Abstract: A tone generation apparatus detects a position of a mouthpiece section having been pressed by a human player holding the mouthpiece section in his or her mouth. The tone generation apparatus identifies a tone pitch on the basis of the detected position and human player's operation on a piston control. Also, the tone generation apparatus detects a pressure of breath blown by the human player into the mouthpiece section and generates a tone signal of a wind instrument having the identified tone pitch, and audibly reproduces the tone signal after amplifying the tone signal in accordance with a tone volume level corresponding to the detected pressure of breath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8311657
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer system for processing an audio track. This system includes at least on DSP for processing the audio track. It also includes an application for editing the audio track. To process audio data in a first interval of the audio track, the application first asks and obtains from the DSP an impulse response parameter related to the DSP's processing of audio data. From the received impulse response parameter, the application identifies a second audio track interval that is before the first interval. To process audio data in the first interval, the application then directs the DSP to process audio data within the first and second intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Cannistraro, William George Stewart, Roger A. Powell, Kevin Christopher Rogers, Kelly B. Jacklin, Doug Wyatt
  • Patent number: 8278546
    Abstract: A mobile terminal having a disc-like interface and a controlling method thereof allows various functions to be controlled and pre-stored sound effects are outputted when performing music playback music such that an improved user interface and more intuitive control can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hwan-Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 8183455
    Abstract: A removable inline signal interrupter having a male/female combination plug, the male portion of the plug insertable into an electric guitar output receptacle, the female portion of the male/female plug having an internal negative-negative connection and an internal positive-positive connection, the positive-positive connection extending externally from the female portion of the male/female plug, and having an inline minimum volume dial and spring loaded on/off switch incorporated into the circuitry, the female portion of the male/female plug serving as a receptacle for the insertion of a male plug from the amplifier, the spring-loaded on/off lever switch allowing the guitarist to selectively interrupt the signal from the guitar to the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8178773
    Abstract: A System and method for the creation and performance of enriched musical composition. One aspect of the invention allows a composer to associate content with one or more triggers, and to define behavior characteristics that control the functioning of each trigger. Another aspect of the invention provides a variety of user interfaces through which a performer can cause content to be presented to an audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Beamz Interaction, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Henry Riopelle, Gary Bencar
  • Patent number: 8153883
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to control and audio manipulation of a digital audio signal by a user manipulable rotary control. The disclosure is specifically applicable to manipulation of a digital audio signal by disc jockeys (DJs). A magnet and corresponding sensor are used to obtain rotational state information from the turning of the user manipulable rotary control. This rotational state information is used to manipulate a digital audio signal. Manipulation of the digital audio includes forward and backward motion as well as a “scratch effect”. Rotational state information obtained from rotating magnet includes the possibility of absolute rotation position as well as relative rotational position, or rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Gibson Guitar Corp.
    Inventors: Alan Flum, James Mazur
  • Patent number: 8148624
    Abstract: A control unit for a musical instrument having a keypad and/or touch pad areas for controlling a signal processing unit. The control unit is preferably formed in a thin and elastic layered structure whereby touching electrode surfaces of the structure generates a charge, voltage or capacitance that is subsequently processed. The control unit includes a surface element, whereby settings and values of the signal processing unit can be changed and controlled by a user applying physical contact to the surface element. A user control device is further coupled to the control unit, and is operable under at least two forms of operation, and wherein the user control device is configured to (1) select an acoustic parameters and (2) adjust the selected acoustic parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: B-Band Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Raisanen
  • Patent number: 7982124
    Abstract: A wireless guitar synthesizer for creating theremin like sounds on an unmodified electric guitar. The wireless synthesizer generally includes a portable housing adapted to be moved independent of an electric guitar to influence a sound outputted by an audio means connected to the guitar and a circuit supported by the housing for generating an electromagnetic field to be received by the coil pickup of the guitar to influence the outputted sound. The circuit generally includes a signal generator for producing an output signal, at least one user-adjustable modulator electrically coupled to the signal generator for varying the output signal, and an LED antenna array electrically coupled to the signal generator to receive the modulated output signal and output the electromagnetic field. The user-adjustable modulators may include a joystick movable along an X-Y axis, as well as a plurality of switches, each of which independently alter the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: John A. Landis, Thomas Prevost
  • Patent number: 7973233
    Abstract: A musical tone control system for a grand-type piano, which not only enables a shutter to be mounted on a hammer without any inconvenience even when a space above the hammer is small, but also is capable of properly controlling musical tones to be sounded. In this system, first to third optical sensors are disposed along the length of a hammer shank. Depression or non-depress of a key and a pivoting direction of an associated hammer are determined based on signals from the first and second optical sensors, respectively. Further, the pivoting speed of the hammer is calculated based on a signal from the third optical sensor. A musical tone to be sounded is controlled based on the determined depression or non-depression of the key and pivoting direction and the calculated speed of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hisamitsu Honda, Kenichi Hirota, Tetsuya Hirano
  • Patent number: 7915515
    Abstract: A device for digitally producing signals representative of sounds having a sonority simulating that of an instrument with keyboard and strings that are linked to a sounding board of the instrument, these sounds each corresponding to a note of the instrument. The device produces at least one signal representative of a keyboard and stringed instrument sound on the basis of at least one trigger signal and parameters, termed physical parameters. The physical parameters include at least one parameter, the so-called sounding-board parameter, characteristic of a sounding board of a keyboard and stringed instrument to be simulated. Furthermore, the physical parameters according to the invention comprise at least one parameter, termed the string(s) parameter, characteristic of at least one string of the keyboard and stringed instrument to be simulated. The device includes elements (9, 10, 11, 33) for inputting at least one physical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Modartt
    Inventor: Philippe Guillaume
  • Patent number: 7859409
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus which allows even a visually-handicapped user to perceive the function or state related to an operating element in advance. When an operator makes a RF tag mounted in a predetermined portion of the human body operating an operating element approach the operating element and then a RFID reader reads an ID stored in the RF tag, the function of the operating element or the state corresponding to the operating element is notified to the operator through voice in accordance with the read ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Sakurada
  • Patent number: 7799986
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stringed instrument that includes a plurality of strings and a pickup to which each of the plurality of strings is respectively coupled that is connectable to a computer to implement DSP modeling. A serial interface circuit is coupled to the pickup and to a digital connector that formats each digital string vibration signal received from the pickup into a digital serial protocol. A computer is coupled by a serial link to the digital connector such that the computer receives each serially formatted digital string signal (SFDSS). The computer operates at least one audio DSP-based software module to process each received SFDSS wherein each SFDSS is processed in order to emulate a corresponding string tone of one of a plurality of stringed instruments to create an emulated digital string tone signal (EDSTS). Each EDSTS is then transmitted back over the serial link to the stringed instrument for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Line 6, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Ryle, Michel A. Doidic, Peter J. Celi, Alan Zak
  • Patent number: 7786374
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pianoforte instrument comprising a musical mechanism with keys. Also provided are strings which are struck via a mechanism when the keys are actuated and are made to vibrate. The vibrations of the strings are transmitted to a sound board. A device is provided for delivering additional oscillating energy into the sound board. Also provided are sensors which directly or indirectly detect actuation of the keys of the musical mechanism. The measured values of the sensors are fed to a sound-amplifying device. The sound-amplifying device is equipped with units which compile data corresponding to a desired characteristic sound in accordance with the measured values of the sensors. The sound amplifying device supplies the sound board with additional oscillation energy via the delivering device according to the determined data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Schimmel Pianofortefabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Roberto Valli, Luigi Lamacchia, Nikolaus Schimmel
  • Patent number: 7772481
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simulating the sound of an acoustic percussion instrument. A first stored waveform signal representative of the impulse response of an acoustic percussion instrument is convolved with a waveform produced by a sensor circuit attached to a physical playing surface. Undesirable response characteristics of the playing surface and sensor circuit may be filtered out by deconvolving sensor output, or the stored waveform representing the acoustic instrument, with the impulse response of the combination of the playing surface and the sensor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Roberto M. Aimi
  • Patent number: 7767902
    Abstract: System and method expanding and generalizing string selection aspects of an autoharp and applying to general forms of string arrays. String vibration may be sympathetic or induced by strumming, plucking, and/or electrical drive transducers. Volume of individual vibrating strings within arrays of strings may be mechanically or electronically controlled by chord buttons or a music keyboard. Electronic control can also be made with foot switches or incoming MIDI control signals. These controls may be used individually or in combination. Keyboard keys may be provided with key-travel sensors, key-surface sensors, or other sensors for continuously controlling volumes and octave mixings of subgroups of individual strings. Incoming MIDI control signals may also be used for controlling volumes and octave mixings of subgroups of individual strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7671269
    Abstract: Methods and systems for graphical actuation of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application are disclosed. An identifier of a graphical element or elements that are traversed is received wherein the graphical element or elements are located on a coded surface. In one embodiment, the traversal has a velocity and a direction. Moreover, the traversal can be performed with an optical pen on a graphical representation of a sound generation system. The velocity and the direction of the traversal are determined and an identifier of the velocity and the direction of the traversal is used to actuate a directionally sensitive sound generation application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises
    Inventors: George Krueger, Dean Burris, Stephen Dmytriw
  • Patent number: 7667131
    Abstract: A system for producing music from a stringed musical instrument includes a sensor/actuating transducer arrangement coupled to each or all of one or a plurality of the tensioned strings and supervisory system that governs one or more motion controllers associated with the transducer to affect the string vibration through at least one actuator transducer coupled to the string(s) in accordance with technique commands issued by the player of the instrument, the technique commands being recognized by processes in the supervisor from among characteristics of signal features extracted by further processes continuously analyzing the motional behavior of one or more strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Paul F. Ierymenko
  • Patent number: 7667129
    Abstract: An audio effects control for and method of controlling the application of special audio effects applied to an audio signal, comprises a sensor configured to sense movement associated with the generation of the audio signal, wherein the sensor produces a control signal in response to detecting the movement, and the control signal is transmitted to an audio effects unit to control application of an audio effect on an audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Source Audio LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Chidlaw, Jesse M. Remignanti
  • Patent number: 7598450
    Abstract: A musical instrument includes a fretboard, frets aligned in a first direction on the fretboard, a number of strings, aligned in a second direction above the frets, and tensioning devices operable to hold the strings in tension such that the pitch of adjacent strings at any given fret differ by one whole tone. Signals from string vibration pickups may be electronically processed and amplified to modify the sound produced by the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Marcodi Musical Products, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy E Meeks
  • Publication number: 20090241761
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of pad devices that can be moved independent of each other includes: a sensor section for detecting a strike; and a transmitting section for transmitting operation information according to an output of the sensor section with wireless communication. A receiving section is provided in connection with a sound generating device to receive the operation information transmitted from each of the pad devices with wireless communication. The sound generating device generates a musical tone signal in accordance with the received operation information. A pad location detecting section detects a location of each of the pad devices. The sound generating device carries out tone generation control, for example, sound image localization control, for the musical tone signal generated in correspondence with each of the pad devices in accordance with the location of each of the pad devices detected by the pad location detecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harumichi HOTTA, Takahiro HARA, Atsushi FUKADA, Shinya SAKURADA
  • Patent number: 7572972
    Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for software or hardware emulation of acoustic feedback effects. The invention comprises an analog to digital interface (200) for the input, whose output is summed (202) with a feedback of this digital signal passing through an amplifier model (204), a room acoustics model (206) and a string model (210). The summed signal (202) is converted from digital to analog (205) and can then be connected to a standard amplifier. The room acoustic model comprises a volume control (208) where the degree of feedback is controlled, while the string model contains a model (212) of which harmonics to feed back, and finally an algorithm (214) that decides which fundamental frequencies that the incoming digital signal contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Softube AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 7572971
    Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Verax Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Randall B. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 7566827
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a scratch effect controller for use by a disk jockey, wherein at least one electromagnet creates the slippage tension or friction effect between the user manipulated disc, which includes a vinyl-like surface thereby simulating a vinyl record, and the rotatable or fixed platter. The strength of the electromagnet is variable so as to create a variable slippage tension or friction effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Stanton Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mazur, Alan Flum
  • Publication number: 20090139390
    Abstract: A control unit for a musical instrument having a keypad and/or touch pad areas for controlling a signal processing unit. The control unit is preferably formed in a thin and elastic layered structure whereby touching electrode surfaces of the structure generates a charge, voltage or capacitance that is subsequently processed. The control unit includes a surface element, whereby settings and values of the signal processing unit can be changed and controlled by a user applying physical contact to the surface element. A user control device is further coupled to the control unit, and is operable under at least two forms of operation, and wherein the user control device is configured to (1) select an acoustic parameters and (2) adjust the selected acoustic parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: B-BAND OY
    Inventor: Heikki Raisanen
  • Patent number: 7528318
    Abstract: There is provided a musical tone control apparatus that enables a user to easily play a musical instrument without spoiling the user's feeling that he is actually playing a musical instrument. A storage device stores musical piece data containing interval data indicative of intervals of musical tones constituting a musical piece. A motion of an operator is detected. A controller provides control so as to instruct a musical tone output device capable of outputting musical tones to adopt the intervals as one of characteristic amounts relating to musical tones to be output from the musical tone output device, according to the interval data, and instruct the musical tone output device to adopt at least one of the characteristic amounts other than the intervals according to the detected motion of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Kenichi Miyazawa, Nagayuki Kato, Masaharu Ono