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Low profile keyboard device and system for recording and scoring music
2010-03-23 00:00:00
level. The sequential strobing of the diodes results in minimal power requirements and a minimal number of data lines inand out of the device of the invention because only one reflective coupler is enabled at a time.

Analog voltage data from the device of the invention is analyzed preferably in a processing unit. The processing unit preferably comprises a comparator circuit which compares the incoming analog voltage with previously calibrated high and lowvoltage levels for purposes of determining key stroke velocity. During this comparison process, the voltage data is digitized. The processing unit further preferably comprises a compensation circuit which functions to increase the response time of thedevice and the system of the invention.

The processing unit also further comprises clocking means derived from the processor's oscillating crystal. Clock pulses are transmitted to the modular keyboard device of the invention, thereby sequentially enabling one reflective coupler witheach clock pulse. Algorithm instructions are also executed at the clock rate within the microcomputer. The clocking means then preferably provides the rate at which each LED is strobed, a means to detect key stroke velocity, and a rate for processingnote and note expression data.

The processing unit further comprises a microcomputer. The microcomputer initializes the system of the invention and prepares the computer-compatible link for data acquisition, analysis, and transmission. The microcomputer then enables clockpulses to be transmitted to the keyboard modular device. The reflective couplers are "turned on" at the varied clock rate, one at a time. (The varied or delay clock rate is recalled from processor memory to allow analog voltages to rise in accordancewith initial key surface reflection characteristics.) The resultant analog voltage signal generated by each transistor of the reflective couplers is sent to the comparator circuit. Output data from two comparators enters the microcomputer and iscompared. If the two outputs of the comparator circuit are not equal, a counter or timing register is loaded and incremented to calculate key stroke velocity. If the outputs of the comparator circuit are equal, i.e., both logical zero or both logicalone, then the microcomputer stops the counter and interrogates the previous state of the key. If no change has occurred in the state of the key between cycles of interrogation, then the next key of the keyboard is strobed. If a state change hasoccurred, then the timing register count is converted to note velocity information. Thus, the system of the invention operates efficiently because it monitors and transmits only changes of state of the keys, rather than monitoring the state of every keyat every strobe. Data conversion algorithms are burned into a PROM/ROM (programmable Read Only Memory/Read Only Memory ) chip contained in the microcomputer of the processing unit. As previously mentioned, program instructions contained in the PROM/ROMare executed in the microcomputer at clock rates; therefore, data from one key is acquired, analyzed, and transmitted before the next key on the keyboard is strobed. Additional data algorithms convert note and note expression data into a format that canbe transferred via a computer-compatible link, preferably the MIDI, by cross-referencing to a PROM/ROM table. Thereafter, commercially available computer software, common to the art, performs further editing and screening functions of the live musicalperformance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of seven interconnected low profile keyboard modular devices of the invention, their relation to a conventional keyboard, their relation to a processor unit, and their interface with a MIDI link and a personalcomputer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred modular device of the invention, comprising a one octave module, a series of reflective couplers, module circuitry, interconnecting pins, and a module cover;

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are perspective views of the principle of operation of the device of the invention detecting that a key has been played and detecting the velocity with which the key was struck, with FIG. 3(a) illustrating the principle ofoperation when the key is in a down or played position and FIG. 3(b) illustrating the principle of operation when the key is in an up or at rest position.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram which shows the decrease in analog voltage signal strength as a function of time to calculate key attack velocity;

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram which shows the increase in analog voltage signal strength as a function of time to calculate key release velocity;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an octave circuit board contained within a octave module of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the processing unit of the system of the invention and its relation to a computer-compatible link; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the instructions executed by the main program of the microcomputer of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing the instructions executed by the interrupt routine of the microcomputer of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This invention relates to a modular device used to acquire and record musical information comprising note and note expression data to be used in conjunction with a keyboard instrum...

Keyboard electronic musical instrument with guitar emulation function
2010-03-20 00:00:00
to command the tone generating device to initiate production of an audio sound. This sound may be a "chucka" sound, as would result if a guitarist strummed his guitar strings while muting them with his left hand. This sound may be produced by the playback of a "chucka" sample, by playing a series of six "click" sounds in rapid succession, or by commanding the tone generating device to play in rapid succession a very short portion (e.g., the first eight milliseconds) of six of the same guitar string tones used for the sustaining chords. Alternately, when the auxiliary device is in its first state, a strum key state change may result in no audio sound or tone at all.

When the auxiliary device is in its second state, a strum key state change from first to second state causes the data processing system to command the tone generating device to produce an ascending arpeggio of the corresponding predetermined chord; and a reverse state change (i.e., from second to first state) of the same strum key results in a descending arpeggio of the same chord. The tone generating device is allowed to continue sustaining the chord until (a) the auxiliary device is returned to its first state, at which time the chord is terminated; or (b) a second strum key state change is performed, at which time the chord is terminated and the predetermined chord corresponding with the second state change is initiated. If this second strum key state change is the reverse state change of the same key, the new chord is identical to the first chord, with the arpeggiation direction reversed.

When applied to a conventional keyboard, this method enjoys an advantage over the Multiple Trigger Pairs Method: Since only one octave is required for one type of chord, more chord types may be provided in a single keyboard without a patch change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a general overview of electronic systems/hardware and recommended keyboard which may be used to realize the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an overview of the software program used in the preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 3-14 detail various program subroutines which are used in the preferred embodiment. Subroutines which require two drawing figures are split into two parts--a & b, for example, 14a & 14b.

FIG. 15 shows a cutaway side view of a front guide pin and bushing recommended for the keyboard of the preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 16A-D show various views of a rear guide pin and bushing recommended for the keyboard of the preferred embodiment. FIG. 16A is an exploded view, FIG. 16B is an overhead view with key not shown, FIG. 16C is cutaway rear view taken along line XVI-C of FIG. 16B, and FIG. 16D is a cutaway side view taken along line XVI-D of FIG. 16B.

ORIENTATION TERMS AND CLARIFICATIONS

In this specification and appended claims orientation terms are based on the orientation of a musician as most commonly positioned at a piano keyboard; thus:

The longitudinal axis is that which extends from the bass, or left end of the keyboard to the right, or treble end.

The lateral or transverse axis is that which extends from the front to the rear of the keyboard.

The vertical axis refers to the key axis of motion.

In this specification and appended claims, a statement that a key is "depressed" or "down" means that a key is moved from rest to depressed position. Depressed position does not necessarily refer to the absolute bottom end of key travel. Rather, this term refers to any depth of key depression which is beyond the threshold at which the key state sensing system interprets the key to be in depressed position. For example, this threshold may occur at 2/3 down from rest position. Likewise, rest position is any position above a predetermined rest position threshold; for example, the upper 1/3 of key travel. For example, an embodiment which is well within the scope of the 2nd aspect of the invention would be one in which when a first key is held down as a second key is depressed, the first tone is muted as the second key reaches 1/3 of its downward stroke, and the second tone is initiated when the second key reaches 2/3 of its downward stroke.

The term "key row" refers to a row of keys which extend substantially from left to right. Key rows within a keyboard according to the present invention are not necessarily precisely parallel to the left-right keyboard axis. For example, a keyboard with angled rows (e.g., the Uniscala Keyboard shown in Keyboard magazine, June 1995) may be adapted to utilize the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

I. Overview

The preferred embodiment of the invention is a five-row Janko controller keyboard with independent keys. Various aspects and embodiments of this keyboard are described in the applicant's prior patents, U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,490 (Key Guide) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,772 (Linearly Reciprocating Keyboard Key Incorporating Two Guide Pins), and copending applications Ser. Nos. 08/173,855, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,763 (Tactile Key Tops), and 08/345,067, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,115 (Keyboard Key Return and Motion Sensing Mechanisms Incorporating a Swing Arm). These prior specifications are hereby incorporated by reference.

With guidance from these prior specifications and the present specification, a person of ordinary skill in the art may engineer a keyboard with the necessary features to implement the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, these features include:

(1) a keyboard 25 (A portion of a 5-level Janko keyboard is shown with an example of two keys 27 which occupy the same position on the X axis and which may be used as a strum trigger keys pair.);

(2) a key state sensing system (including key position/velocity/pressure sensors 28 and a system to scan these sensors 30) which can, for each key of the keyboard 25, sense downward/upward velocity and at least 16 levels of aftertouch pressure;

(3) at least two foot pedals 35 each with sensors capable of measuring ...

Method for encoding music printing information in a MIDI message
2010-03-10 00:00:00
keys on the modern keyboard. Early chant was not composed in what we today call the major-minor system of keys but rather in an older system call modes. All modes used the same diatonic scale tones, but each mode started at a different degree (note) of the diatonic scale. Thus, for example, the Dorian Mode started on what we today call the diatonic pitch of D and consisted of the notes, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. This mode sounds a lot like the modern key of D minor, but includes a "raised" sixth degree (the note B instead of the B-鈾?that would be called for in modern D minor.

The system for notating pitch in chants and other early music was quite simple. A set of lines was drawn (sometimes four, sometimes five, sometimes more than five), and the degrees of the scale were represented as positions on the lines or on the spaces in between them. This is the origin of our modem five-line staff system. In the case of the Dorian mode referred to above, the notation of the scale would look as shown in FIG. 1.

The important thing to notice is that each degree (note) of the scale has a position that is one level higher than the previous degree, but that the actual size of musical interval between two consecutive degrees is not the same in all cases. For example, the size of musical interval between D and E is what we today call a whole step. In terms of sound frequency, the pitch E is on the order of 12.24 percent higher than the pitch D (the actual size will depend on the system of tuning used). The size of the musical interval between E and F is what we today call a half step. In terms of sound frequency, the pitch F is on the order of 5.94 percent higher than the pitch E. To restate the point in another way, the levels on the musical staff do not all represent the same size musical interval.

The modern system of major-minor keys, which is the basis of practically all music written and/or performed today (both classical and popular), grew out of the earlier modal system. What allowed the major-minor system to develop was the ability to alter selectively the basic pitches of the modes either by raising them with what we today call a sharp (#), or lowering them with what we today call a flat (鈾?. The amount by which a pitch is raised or lowered by a sharp or a flat is a half-step, about 5.94 percent of the base (starting) frequency. The Dorian scale in the previous example can be made into a D-minor scale by flatting the B. In CMN the flat is put in front of the note making the scale shown in FIG. 2.

For the purpose of this discussion, it is important to note that raising the A in the example above with a sharp will produce a pitch (musical frequency) which is alm...

Electronic musical instrument with exponential keyboard and voltage controlled oscillator
2010-02-26 00:00:00
a depressed key of the keyboard. The key selects a control voltage, from an exponential voltage divider, for controlling the frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator, which produces a frequency which is directly proportional to the control voltage and inversely proportional to a reference voltage. The reference voltage compensates for variations in the level of the supply voltage, so that the oscillator frequency is independent of the supply voltage.ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An electronic musical instrument having a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a sound signal having a frequency proportional to a control voltage applied to it, akeyboard having a plurality of keys, a plurality of switches, one for each of said keys, each adapted to be operated by depression of its associated key, and a voltage divider connected with said switches for connecting a control voltage to saidoscillator which corresponds to the position of the key associated with an operated one of said switches, said voltage divider comprising a plurality of resistance elements connected in series, each of said elements having different resistance valueswhich bear an exponential relation to the resistance values of the adjacent connected resistors such that the voltage at successive junctions of said resistance elements correspond to a geometric series, said resistance elements being formed of the samematerial and being physically located in close physical juxtaposition with each other, so that all said resistors are maintained at approximately the same temperature, with approximately constant relative resistances.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said resistance elements are formed simultaneously as portions of a single integrated thick-film circuit.

3. In an electronic musical instrument having an electrical power supply, a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a sound signal having a frequency proportional to a control voltage applied to it, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, aplurality of switches, one for each of said keys, each adapted to be operated by depression of its associated key, and connecting means connected with said switches for connecting a control voltage to said oscillator which corresponds to the position ofthe key associated with an operated one of said switches, the combination comprising a reference voltage generator connected to said electrical power supply for producing a reference voltage, and means connecting said oscillator to said reference voltagegenerator, said reference voltage generator being adapted to produce a shift in the level of said reference voltage in response to a change in the level of voltage of said electrical power supply, said shift having a magnitude and direction tending tocompensate for said change in power supply voltage level, whereby said oscillator frequency is substantially independent of said change.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said reference voltage generator comprises an inverter having an input connected with said power supply.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said oscillator comprises an integrator for integrating a voltage derived from said voltage divider, a comparator connected to said integrator and operative to compare an output produced by saidintegrator with said reference voltage, and means connected with said comparator and operative upon a comparison of said integrator output and said reference voltage for resetting said integrator for a subsequent cycle of integration.

6. An electronic musical instrument having a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a sound signal having a frequency proportional to a control voltage applied to it, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, a plurality of switches, one foreach of said keys, each adapted to be operated by depression of its associated key, a voltage divider connected with said switches for connecting a control voltage to said oscillator which corresponds to the position of the key associated with anoperated one of said switches, said voltage divider comprising a plurality of resistance elements connected in series, each of said elements having resistance values which bear an exponential relation to the resistan...

Electronic musical instrument with means for automatically generating chords and harmony
2010-02-05 00:00:00
chord mode, a chord is selected automatically, corresponding to an operated key of the keyboard. The chord components include the root, the third (which may be selectively minored), the fifth, the sixth and the seventh (which can be selected or not). The several chord components are mixed in a stair step network for one output signal, amd may selectively be produced individually for an arpeggio or a strum or both.ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. In an electronic musical instrument having a plurality of function selecting switches, a keyboard, tone signal generating means responsive to operation of the keyboardkeys, and an output system responsive to said tone signal generating means, the combination comprising: signal producing means responsive to the operation of one or more keys of said keyboard for producing a digitally coded signal indicative of aselected chord; said tone generating means including N separate tone signal generators, one for each note of an N note chord; first connector means for applying at least a selected portion of said coded signal to each of said tone signal generators,each of said tone signal generators producing an output tone signal, in response to the signal applied thereto, corresponding to a different note of said selected chord; and second connector means, connected to said function switches and to said outputsystem and responsive at least in part to said function switches, for selectively applying the output tone signals from said tone signal generators to said output system.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, including multiplex means comprising a plurality of single-pole switches associated with the keys of said keyboard, one pole of each of said switches being connected to one of a first set of conductors, thesecond pole of each of said switches being connected to one of a second set of conductors, said first set of conductors connecting in common the first terminal of all said switches associated with keys of the same note name, said second set of conductorsconnecting in common a second terminal of all of said switches associated with keys of the same octave group, means for repetitively scanning said first set of conductors at a first rate, means connected with said second set of conductors for scanningsaid second set of conductors at a second rate which permits the complete scan of all of said first set of conductors while each individual conductor of said second set is being scanned, and means for connecting said second set of conductors to a commonoutput terminal, whereby there is produced at said common output terminal a train of pulses corresponding to operated ones of said switches, occurring in time encoded position in accordance with the operated switches.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the scanning means for said first set of conductors incorporates counting means for manifesting a representation of the note name of the key being scanned at any instant, and means for connecting saidstorage means to said counting means, for storing a representation of said note name in response to a pulse received from one of a group of predetermined keys.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2, including pulse adding means connected to said common output terminal, for adding pulses to said pulse train corresponding to unoperated keys which are related to the tone signals produced by said tone signalgenerators.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said signal producing means include means for producing a series of separate pulses, one for each operated key of a predetermined group of keys, means responsive to a first of said pulses for initiatinga window period, means responsive to another of said pulses for terminating said window period, and means for manifesting a window signal during said window period.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, including means responsive to said window signal and to one of said pulses occurring during said window period for producing a gating pulse, and means for connecting said gating pulse to said storage means,manifesting means for manifesting a representation of the note name of the key represented by said gating pulse and means for connecting said manifesting means to said storage means to cause said storage means to store said representation at the time ofsaid gating pulse.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, including means for identifying the first of said pulses occurring during a window period and for producing said gating pulse in response thereto.

8. Apparatus according to claim 6, including means for identifying every one of said pulses occurring during said window period and producing said gating pulse in response thereto, whereby said storage means is caused to store the representationof the key corresponding to the last pulse received within said window period.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, including manifesting means responsive to said signal producing means for manifesting a representation of the note name of an operated key of said keyboard, storage means connected to said manifesting means andto said signal generating means and operative to store the representation manifested by said manifesting means, means connecting all of said tone signal generators to said storage means, said tone signal generators being responsive to the output of saidstorage means for generating tone signals having frequencies bearing a predetermined relation to the note name representation stored in said storage means.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of said generators comprises a programmable frequency synthesizer having a read only memory, addressing means for said read only memory, and a programmable divider connected to said read onlymemory, means for connecting said storage means to said addressing means for addressing a section of said read only memory corresponding to the representation stored in said storage means, said divider being programmed by signals produced by said readonly memory in accordance with signals supplied to said addressing means, and means for connecting said programmable divider to a source of clock pulses, whereby said programmable divider produces an output signal having a frequency which is a quotientof the frequency of said clock pulses.

11. Apparatus according to clai...