Constructional Details Patents (Class 84/743)
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Patent number: 11961499Abstract: A sound signal generation method for a keyboard including a pedal and a key, the method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises generating a first sound signal and a second sound signal different from the first sound signal based on first operation data corresponding to an operation of the key, and adjusting a relationship between the first sound signal and the second sound signal to sound at respective timings according to a physical quantity of a key pressing operation of the key to control a decay rate of the first sound signal to be different from a decay rate of the second sound signal based on a key release operation of the key.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiko Oba, Akihiko Komatsu, Michiko Tanoue
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Patent number: 11783802Abstract: A tremolo bar attachment accessory device for removably attaching an accessory to the end of a tremolo bar. The accessory may be decorative, functional, or a combination of both. The device can be used with a variety of popular and well-known tremolo systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Inventor: Clinton A. Kennedy
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Patent number: 11511200Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques of generating and playing games associated with a multimedia file. The techniques comprises obtaining a target audio signal from a multimedia file; determining a plurality of rhythm points in the target audio signal; configuring a plurality of interactive components corresponding to the plurality of rhythmic points based on one or more predetermined rules monitoring a progress of playing the multimedia file; and displaying a target interactive component on an interface of playing the multimedia file in response to determining that the progress reaches a time point corresponding to one of the plurality of rhythmic points.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: SHANGHAI BILIBILI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yingxuan Shi, Yong Wu, Chaoran Li, Yihong Zhong
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Patent number: 11430453Abstract: An apparatus for upmixing a downmix audio signal describing one or more downmix audio channels into an upmixed audio signal describing a plurality of upmixed audio channels includes an upmixer and a parameter determinator. The upmixer is configured to apply temporally variable upmix parameters to upmix the downmix audio signal in order to obtain the upmixed audio signal, wherein the temporally variable upmix parameters include temporally variable smoothened phase values. The parameter determinator is configured to obtain one or more temporally smoothened upmix parameters for usage by the upmixer on the basis of a quantized upmix parameter input information. The parameter determinator is configured to combine a scaled version of a previous smoothened phase value with a scaled version of an input phase information using a phase change limitation algorithm, to determine a current smoothened phase value on the basis of the previous smoothened phase value and the phase input information.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.Inventors: Matthias Neusinger, Julien Robilliard, Johannes Hilpert
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Patent number: 11355094Abstract: A human interface device including a processor coupled to a memory. A plurality of switch banks, also coupled to the processor and a rotary dial and a slider, both coupled to control circuitry, said control circuitry operable to provide positional information from the dial and the slider to the processor. The rotary dial and slider are disposed on the human interface device to form an association with the switch bank, a drive transducer coupled to said processor, said drive transducer including a plurality of LED sources spatially positioned on a positioning ring, a set of non-transitory processor instructions operable to direct the processor to provide MIDI commands through a BLE port.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: BadVR, Inc.Inventor: Jad Meouchy
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Patent number: 11173399Abstract: A music based video game provides a user directed sound generation feature. In some embodiments, the user is provided a video game controller simulating a musical instrument, which the user may operate similarly to its real musical instrument counterpart. A free play feature is provided for users to operate the video game controller, where a processor of a video game console receives input signals from the video game controller and outputs audio samples based on the received input signals. During the free play feature, multiple suggestions as to how to operate the video game controller are simultaneously provided to give users some guidance as to what to play using the video game controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Chrzanowski, Jr., Jonathan L. Hilliker, Robert L. Gallerani
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Patent number: 11112273Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a sensing system. The sensing system includes a pair of sensors, a target, and a pair of magnets. The target is configured to move along an axis of movement with respect to the pair of sensors. The pair of magnets are coupled to the target. Each of the pair of magnets has a first end and a second end. Each of the second ends of the pair of magnets are positioned axially adjacent to one another in a system longitudinal direction. The pair of magnets provide a greater field strength for determining a position of the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: KSR IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Lingmin Shao
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Patent number: 9418644Abstract: A string vibration pickup device and methods for using same. The device includes a sensor configured to engage a string to detect vibrations. A pickup base having a pickup in communication with the sensor receives electrical signals indicative of sensed vibrations for the string.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: New York UniversityInventor: Tae Hong Park
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Patent number: 9147381Abstract: A tubular neck for a stringed instrument is disclosed. The neck includes at least one sound tube having a first end and a second end. The neck further includes at least one resonator tube having a first end and a second end, the at least one resonator tube in mechanical communication with the at least one sound tube wherein said first end of the at least one sound tube overlaps a first end of the at least one resonator tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Inventor: Timothy Dlugasz
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Patent number: 9132348Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Ubisoft EntertainmentInventor: Jakob Parks
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Patent number: 9012759Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Inventor: Markus Oliver Hummel
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Patent number: 9006555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Roland CorporationInventor: Yoshiaki Mori
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Patent number: 8987576Abstract: An automatic tuning system for pendulum clocks provides for a separable magnet and ferromagnetic attractor, one positioned on the pendulum and one positioned off of the pendulum and adjustable to change the separation between the two. The magnetic attraction between these elements serves to simulate a changing gravitational force fundamentally affecting pendulum period.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Keith M Baxter
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Patent number: 8975502Abstract: A very efficient guitar design, light weight and having a body-mounted tuning system to assist with performance is disclosed. The guitar comprises two main components: an acoustic body and a housing. This separation is intended so that the acoustic body is isolated from the housing and free to vibrate. The guitar further optionally comprises seven strings, twelve-strings, a vibrato system and a retractable built-in stand attached to the back of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Rodulfo Delgado
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Publication number: 20150053070Abstract: An electronic percussion pad includes a pad layer and a holding layer that holds this pad layer from a back surface thereof, in which the pad layer is formed of polyurethane foam laminated on a front surface of the holding layer. This pad layer is directly bonded to the holding layer by allowing a polyurethane foam composition, which is supplied to one surface of the holding layer, to foam and be cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: TOMOYA MIYATA
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Patent number: 8962966Abstract: In response to an operation of a key, a drive signal indicating a sound waveform corresponding to the key is supplied to an excitation unit provided on a soundboard. The soundboard is vibrated in response to a mechanical vibration generated by the excitation unit and generates an actively-vibrated-soundboard sound as well as an acoustic effect generated by propagation of the vibration of the soundboard to a string. The excitation unit has a voice coil excited by the drive signal. The length of the voice coil is equal to or smaller than a sum of a magnetic path width (mw) of a magnetic path space and a double of a maximum deflection amount (sw) of the vibration member connected to the soundboard. In this way, an effective drive force for exciting the soundboard can be obtained and an enhanced responsiveness in a high frequency band can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Kenta Ohnishi, Rokurouta Mantani, Jun Ishii
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Patent number: 8946535Abstract: A split keyboard with an optional middle section of keys for controlling regular PC input to a host, to play music, and to input and play music with a multiple octave keyboard that when the middle section of keys are removed can be portable to travel. And when working on just the split keyboard inputting data to a host the operator arms are not abducted due to the perpendicular advantage or slide apart keyboard where an operators arms are perpendicular to the keyboard keys.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: James H. Bowen
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Patent number: 8946536Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for temporary dampening and temporary conversion of a wide range of an analog percussion surfaces into electronic percussive surfaces by means of a modular self-dampening trigger system attachable in an openly modular configuration to the underside of said analog percussive surfaces in a manner that allows physical variations to traverse different media and span distance and time and allowing for discrete detection and manipulation of said variations. A trigger system that is releasably attachable to an acoustic percussion element has a metal cover plate releasably affixable to an undersurface of the acoustic percussion element, the metal cover plate partially covering less than half of the undersurface. A plurality of piezo sensors are releasably affixable to the undersurface of the acoustic percussion element.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Field Electronic Drums, LLCInventor: William Todd Field
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Patent number: 8933315Abstract: A portable electronic drumhead includes a sensor responsive to drumstick impacts in producing electrical signal pulses input to headphones to thereby simulate sounds of an acoustic drumhead. The sensor includes a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) lamination coated with an electrically conductive polymer ink, a spacer lamination, and a flexible electrode lamination having on an inner surface thereof a pair of interdigitated electrodes, the electrode lamination elastically contacting the FSR lamination in response to drumstick impacts on the outer surface of the electrode lamination or FSR lamination to thus momentarily reduce electrical resistance between the electrodes. Resilient batter pads overlying the laminations muffle sounds produced by drumstick impacts. Optionally, the sensor may have an annular ring shape which may be placed concentrically on the head of an acoustic drum, the sensor having an upwardly protruding resilient bumper strikable to produce electronically synthesized rim shot sounds.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignees: Aquarian Coatings Corp., Miditronix LLCInventors: Ronald G. Marquez, Franklin N. Eventoff, Mario J. DeCiutis
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Publication number: 20150000508Abstract: The Pole Position Sliding Pickup System changes the way tonal variety is arrived at by electric guitar players. Rather than installing multiple pickups in different positions in order to achieve a limited variety in tone, the Pole Position Sliding Pickup System uses a single pickup which can be moved quickly and easily to any position between the base of the neck and the bridge in order to achieve a much greater variety in tone. Not only are the variety of possible tones increased, but so is the ease with which they can be attained, because the method of sliding the pickup into place is easier than conventional methods of choosing stationary pickups.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Michael John Canavan
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Publication number: 20140373703Abstract: A pickup unit cavity for a stringed musical instrument is provided. The pickup unit cavity comprises a top, a bottom, at least one side, and at least one aperture in the cavity bottom, wherein the depth of the aperture allows for adjustment of a pole piece of a pickup unit. In some embodiments, the depth of the cavity from the top to the bottom is about ½ inch and the depth of the at least one aperture is ½ inch. In certain embodiments, the pickup unit cavity is in a housing. An electrical stringed musical instrument in combination with the pickup unit cavity is additionally provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: GIBSON BRANDS, INC.Inventors: Phillip Whorton, Matthew Kline
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Patent number: 8916763Abstract: Provided is a transducer that can be attached to a desired position and removed therefrom and that does not damage musical instruments. A first magnet member and a second magnet member are mutually attracted toward one another by magnetic force across the top board of a ukulele. Thus, a receiver unit including a piezoelectric element, which is supported by the first magnet member, can be positioned at a desired position. Because the receiver unit is kept in position only by the mutually attracting magnetic forces, the receiver unit can be moved to any desired position even after once being positioned on the top surface of the ukulele.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Inventor: Tsuji Tetsuro
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Patent number: 8907201Abstract: A device for producing percussive sounds while simultaneously playing a plucked stringed instrument such as a guitar is disclosed. A plate attached to the front panel of a guitar contains a pivoting arm assembly. The arm is placed below the guitar strings such that it enables the player's hand to strike the swinging arm at the completion of a strumming downstroke on the strings. This causes the arm to swing down causing the actuation of an electric switch which then actuates the transmission of a signal for playing the percussive sound. This may be accomplished within less than 0.01 seconds; therefore, the resulting percussive sound virtually coincides with striking of the swinging arm. The swinging arm is attached to the plate with a spring loaded mechanism in a way that the arm rebounds to its original position following the swing-down making the arm ready for the next hand strike.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: Lars Otto Jensen
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Patent number: 8907199Abstract: A musical instrument pickup with hard ferromagnetic backplates that are coupled to self-magnetized pole pieces, thereby enabling the tonal parameters of the pickup to be varied over an extended range. The tonal range of pickups with composite pole pieces are extended by a hard ferromagnetic backplates and the tonal range of pickups with monolithic pole pieces are extended by backplates that are formed from hard ferromagnetic materials with coercivities in the range of 300 Oersteds to 1000 Oersteds.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: George J. Dixon
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Patent number: 8884151Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an electronic drum pad comprising: a base body having a frame rim protruding upwardly at an edge part of an upper surface thereof, and having a frame dike protruding downwardly at an edge part of a lower surface thereof, and the frame dike buckled and fastened on a drum frame of a jazz drum; a striking region portion arranged in a center of the base body; a first trigger configured for sensing the vibration of the striking region portion, arranged inside a first electronic component groove of the base body, and located in a bottom part of the striking region portion; a second trigger configured for sensing the vibration of the frame rim, arranged inside a second electronic component groove of the base body, and the second electronic component groove being close to the frame rim.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Inventor: Chun-Ming Lee
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Patent number: 8872015Abstract: In one embodiment, a cymbal system includes a cymbal and a transducer couplable to the cymbal. The transducer has a sound pressure microphone, and a casing hermetically sealing the sound pressure microphone to prevent communication of air pressure differentials into the sound pressure microphone. The cymbal may be a perforated low volume cymbal. In one embodiment, a method for making a cymbal transducer includes sealing a sound pressure microphone in an airtight enclosure, and configuring the sealed sound pressure microphone for attachment to a cymbal.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Avedis Zildjian Co.Inventor: Julia D. Truchsess
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Publication number: 20140298978Abstract: An electronic cymbal includes a disk-shaped main body portion and a striking sensor. A covering member is provided to cover an outer circumferential edge portion of the main body portion and includes an upper covering portion covering an upper surface side of the main body portion, an extending portion extending further toward an outer circumferential side than the outer circumferential edge portion of the main body portion, a lower covering portion covering a lower surface side of the main body portion. The striking sensor at least includes an edge sensor between the lower surface of the main body portion and the lower covering portion, and by pressing down the extending portion, the lower covering portion is elastically deformed in a direction toward the main body portion to sandwich the edge sensor with the lower covering portion and the main body portion and press the edge sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: ROLAND CORPORATIONInventor: KIYOSHI YOSHINO
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Patent number: 8841538Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: AI-Musics Technology Inc.Inventor: Guo-Hsiung Wei
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Patent number: 8822805Abstract: A musical instrument and acoustic/electrical pickup is provided. The instrument includes acoustic and/or electrical pickup capabilities but also retains the feel of an acoustic instrument. The pickup is removable from the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Eliton, LLCInventor: Viacheslav Miniaev
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Patent number: 8809666Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic drum induction structure, and more particularly to a structure eliminating noise generated from a drumhead of an electronic drum so as to transmit electronic induction sound only. The electronic drum induction structure of the present invention is mainly formed by combining an induction ring with a woven net, where the induction ring is an annular foam, inside which an induction sheet is sandwiched, and an induction signal line is connected; the woven net is formed by weaving resin fibers, and an induction ring is attached on the rear face of the woven net at the inner diameter of the circumference thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventor: Tzu-Chen Liu
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Patent number: 8802958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: José Tomás Henriques
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Patent number: 8796529Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Artiphon, Inc.Inventors: Michael V. Butera, Jack Jenkins
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Patent number: 8791352Abstract: A speaker unit used for a musical instrument and configured to generate music sounds based on a performance operation in a main body of the musical instrument, including: an electrostatic speaker; and a stationary portion which is a portion fixed to the main body of the musical instrument or which is a member attachable to the main body of the musical instrument, wherein the electrostatic speaker is supported by the stationary portion such that at least one of a position and a posture of the electrostatic speaker with respect to the stationary portion is variable.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Yuji Takahashi
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Patent number: 8754319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Yuji Yamada
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Patent number: 8729378Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Avedis Zildjian Co.Inventors: Christopher Ryan, Julia D. Truchsess, David A. McDonald
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Patent number: 8716587Abstract: Musical instruments are described including a first portion designed to be operated by one hand of a player and a second portion designed to be operated by the other hand. The two portions include means within each for sensing hand and/or finger activity, position or movement, and one of the portions is adapted to produce an output signal corresponding to the music being played by the user. The two portions may be physically connected together or they may be separate, each including its own power supply to enable it to operate, and for the two portions to communicate with one another. The invention is of particular value in the construction of practice instruments which do not need to include a sound box, and can thus be very compact, especially if the two parts, such as a fingerboard (20) and a body (82) with strings (83) mounted on it are connected by a telescopic neck (60A).Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Eric John Degerland
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Patent number: 8710345Abstract: A performance apparatus prevents a player's unintentional motion from being detected as a playing, thereby generating no sound, when the player plays a virtual musical instrument. The performance apparatus has a player operated stick, a ROM for storing layout information, which correlates plural areas set on a virtual plane to tone colors, respectively, an image sensor for continuously taking pickup images of a subject including the stick, and a CPU for calculating a difference image between a first pickup image and a second pickup image taken prior to the first pickup image and for detecting an operating position of the stick based on the difference image. A CPU refers to the ROM to specify a tone color correlated to the area corresponding to the operating position detected by the CPU. And a sound source generates a tone of the tone color specified by the CPU.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Tabata
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Patent number: 8692102Abstract: A pickup cable for a stringed instrument can switch between the output of the direct vibrational sound of strings and the output of the sound from the stringed instrument body generated by the vibrations of the strings and can also simultaneously output both the sound components. The pickup cable for a stringed instrument includes an input terminal to be inserted in a jack of the stringed instrument; a microphone to collect and convert sound of an internal space of the stringed instrument into collected-sound electrical signals; and an output terminal to output the collected-sound electrical signals. The microphone is incorporated in the input terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventors: Kazuhisa Kondo, Pen-Hao Ma, Yoshiaki Abe
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Patent number: 8680389Abstract: A pickup device mountable on a body of an electric stringed musical instrument and configured to convert vibrations of strings of the musical instrument into electric signals, including: at least one magnet each being disposed near one of the strings when the pickup device is mounted; a coil wound around the magnet; and a magnetic attaching member which is conductably connected to the coil and which can be magnetized, wherein the magnetic attaching member is constituted by a magnet which is magnetically attachable to an attachment member provided on a surface of the body, wherein the attachment member is conductably connected to at least one electric component provided on the body, and wherein the magnetic attaching member is configured such that an electrically conductive state can be established between the magnetic attaching member and the attachment member when the magnetic attaching member is magnetically attached to the attachment member.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Koreaki Yamanaka
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Patent number: 8653355Abstract: A chord-playing robot system is disclosed. The robot system includes a computer including an anti-collision program, two linear motors, two moving devices, and two finger-like devices. The finger-like devices are respectively connected with the moving devices. The anti-collision program is executed to prevent the moving devices from colliding with each other. The linear motors are controlled by the computer and are operable to drive the moving devices. Each finger-like device includes a plurality of tubular solenoids and a plurality of electromagnetic bars. The tubular solenoids are disposed in alternating sequence in two rows. The computer is operable to determine if there is any one of the tubular solenoids shall be switched on. The at least one tubular solenoid, upon switched on, is configured to move the associated electromagnetic bar toward for pressing a key on a piano.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Chin-Shyurng Fahn, Yung-Wei Lin
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Patent number: 8633370Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: PRA Audio Systems, LLCInventors: K. Paul Raley, Howard A. Carnes
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Patent number: 8609970Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Randall May International IncorporatedInventor: Randall L. May
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Patent number: 8598444Abstract: A controller for a tablet computing device is disclosed. The controller has a body having a number of control surfaces. A dock is on the body and has an L-shaped groove configured and arranged to receive a tablet computing device docked therein. A microcontroller is configured and arranged to detect interactions with the control surfaces and transmit the interactions to the tablet computing device. An analog output is configured and arranged to receive audio signals from the tablet computing device whereby interactions from the control surfaces are processed by the tablet computing device into audio signals for transmission through the audio output.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: inMusic Brands, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Morrissey, John A. Souppa
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Patent number: 8586850Abstract: Disclosed is a pickup assembly for stringed musical instruments with improved acoustic sound quality, and related methods. In one embodiment, the pickup features, three mechanisms for converting the mechanical vibrations of the instrument into an electric signal: first, a mechanism for converting the vibrations of the instruments strings into an electric signal; second, a acoustic chamber mechanism for converting the vibrations of the sound box (e.g. sound waves) into an electric signal; and third, a mechanism for converting the vibrations of the instruments head into an electric signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Robert Turner
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Patent number: 8586853Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in its longitudinal direction to be held by a player with his or her hand. The performance apparatus is provided with a geomagnetic sensor 22 and an acceleration sensor 23 in its extending portion. CPU 21 gives an instruction to an electronic musical instrument 19 to generate a musical tone of a tone color at a timing when a position of the performance apparatus obtained by the geomagnetic sensor and acceleration sensor passes through a sound generation area defined in space, wherein the tone color of the musical tone corresponds to the sound generation area. The sound generation areas and corresponding tone colors are stored in an area/tone color table in RAM 26. Upon receipt of an instruction, the electronic musical instrument generates a musical tone having a tone color corresponding to the sound generation area.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoyuki Sakazaki
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Publication number: 20130298751Abstract: A standard electronic module for an electric stringed musical instrument is provided. The standard electronic module is mounted within the main body of the electric stringed musical instrument in a module cavity in the back of the electric stringed musical instrument. The standard electronic module comprises two printed circuit boards, a main printed circuit board and a connector circuit board, wherein the standard electronic module provides rapid exchange of the main printed circuit board without changing the wiring harness of the electric stringed musical instrument, which is directly connected to the connector printed circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Henry E. Juszkiewicz
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Patent number: 8575466Abstract: A ball plunger-style lateral connector assembly for electrical connections, comprising an electrically conductive connector body with an electrically conductive pin positioned in an aperture in a closed end of the body. A first end portion of the pin member extends at least partially into the interior area of the connector body. An electrically conductive connector plate is adjacent to the closed end of the connector body and engages the first end portion of the pin member and provides an electrical connection therebetween. An insulator sleeve may be disposed in the interior area of the connector body and adjacent to the sidewall of the connector body. An electrically conductive biasing member is disposed in the interior area of the connector body. The biasing member has a first end portion in engagement with the connector plate, and wherein the insulator sleeve is disposed between the biasing member and the connector body.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Gordon van Ekstrom
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Patent number: 8563843Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Guy Shemesh
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Patent number: 8546678Abstract: A compact electronic timpani configured to provide substantially the same or better performance characteristics as a conventional full-size acoustic timpani while being substantially smaller in size. A compact electronic timpani consistent with the present disclosure provides a musician with a similar playing experience as that of conventional full-size acoustic timpani or set of timpani. The compact electronic timpani may allow a performer to perform conventional timpani playing techniques and experience substantially the same acoustical properties, physical sensations and tone production as the performer would encounter when playing a full-size acoustic timpani without the limitations commonly associated with size and/or cost of a full-size acoustic timpani.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Scott Stevens
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Patent number: 8525006Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Morio Yamanouchi