1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a music device and, more particularly, to a music device which includes first and second input parts.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditional music devices include string instruments, woodwind instruments, brass instruments, and keyboard instruments.
Traditional musical instruments and even electronic versions of traditional instruments have been essentially the same for hundreds of years. A high level of skill and time to learn are required to master most traditional instruments as a musician, which typically requires instruction from someone who has previously mastered that traditional instrument.
The basic construction of and methods for playing traditional musical instruments have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. Different skills and dexterities have evolved in societies over the centuries and there is the opportunity to create a new class of musical instruments and musicians, adapting to the technologies, skill sets and the trends of 21st century people and future musicians.
In view of the foregoing and other problems, disadvantages, and drawbacks of the aforementioned conventional systems and methods, an exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a music device which may allow musicians and composers to become proficient at playing music in much less time and with fewer physical requirements than with conventional musical instruments.
An exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a music device for making music, including a first input part for generating a first signal based on a user input, a music signal generator for generating a music signal based on the first signal, and a second input part for generating a second signal based on a user input, the second signal controlling the music signal generator, and the second input part including a plurality of first buttons which correspond to a range including at least one of a key, a note and a chord, and a plurality of second buttons which correspond to at least one of a note and a musical scale within the range.
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a music device for making music, including a body, a first input part formed on the body, for generating a first signal based on a user input, a music signal generator formed in the body, for generating a music signal based on the first signal, a neck connected to the body, a second input part for generating a second signal based on a user input, the second signal controlling the music signal generator, and the second input part including a plurality of first buttons which correspond to a range including at least one of a key, a note and a chord, and a plurality of second buttons which correspond to at least one of a note and a musical scale within the range, and an output part for outputting the music signal.
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for making music, including a device for generating a programming signal, and a music device which is programmable by the programming signal, for making music. The music device including a first input part for generating a first signal based on a user input, a music signal generator for generating a music signal based on the first signal, and a second input part for generating a second signal based on a user input, the second signal controlling the music signal generator, and the second input part including a plurality of first buttons which correspond to a range including at least one of a key, a note and a chord, and a plurality of second buttons which correspond to at least one of a note and a musical scale within the range.
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of making music. The method includes generating a first signal with a first input part based on a user input, generating a music signal with a music signal generator based on the first signal and generating a second signal with a second input part based on a user input, the second signal controlling the music signal generator, and the second input part including a plurality of first buttons which correspond to a range including at least one of a key, a note and a chord, and a plurality of second buttons which correspond to at least one of a note and a musical scale within the range.
With its unique and novel features, the present invention provides a music device which may allow musicians and composers greater variation of musical or tonal parameters and allow them to become proficient at playing music in much less time than with conventional musical instruments.
The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:
Referring now to the drawings,
A problem with a traditional music device is that mastering the device typically requires years of training, and thus, involves a great deal of time and expense. Electric music devices (e.g., electronic versions of traditional music devices) such as the piano and the guitar, have been developed. However, these electric versions have basically the same structure as their traditional counterpart, and are all played by a user in basically the same manner as the traditional music device.
For example, as with a traditional (e.g., acoustic) guitar, a user of an electric guitar must be able to finger the correct chords and strum the correct strings, etc., and as with a traditional piano, a user of an electric piano must be able to depress the correct keys for producing a musical chord. Therefore, as with traditional music devices, mastering an electric music device requires years of training, and thus, involves a great deal of time and expense.
Further, a traditional device (e.g., a piano) is capable of playing only a limited number (e.g., a small number) of musical notes. For example, a traditional piano includes twelve (12) keys (e.g., per octave), and a traditional guitar includes only six (6) strings.
The exemplary aspects of the present invention may address the problems of the prior art devices.
As illustrated in
The second input part 170 of the music device 100 may also include a plurality of third buttons 139 for defining a variation of the range or musical variables of the plurality of first buttons 135, and a plurality of fourth buttons P which include a programmable function for varying at least one of chord, pitch and octave or other frequency, tonal or musical variables.
It should be noted that in
In addition, although the second signal is described herein as controlling the music signal generator 130, it should be noted that the second signal may adjust the music signal which is generated by the music signal generator 130 to provide a similar effect, or in another aspect, the music device 100 may include a music signal adjuster and the second signal from the second input part 170 may control the music signal adjuster to provide a similar effect.
In the music device 100, a first button 135 of the plurality of first buttons may be touched by the user to select a key/chord mode of operation for the music device 100 (e.g., the key of “C”), and a second button 138 of the plurality of second buttons 138 may be touched by the user to select a note submode from one of the twelve notes in a chromatic scale within the key/chord mode selected by the user (e.g., a “G” note). In this case, for example, if a user plucks, strums or pulls a bow across the strings in the string instrument input module 160c (as illustrated in
The music device 100 may also include a body 110, and an electronic module (e.g., electrical circuit) formed in the body 110. The electronic module may include a microcontroller which is controls an operation and programming of the music device 100. The electronic module may also include the music signal generator 130 for generating the music signal.
The first input part 160 and/or the second input part 170 may be formed on the body 110 as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Further, the location of the plurality of first and second buttons 135, 138 on the body 110 and/or neck 175 is not limited. For example, as illustrated in
Alternatively, as illustrated in
Further, the body 110 may also include an output part 140 which may output the music signal (e.g., a speaker, amplifier, recorder, etc.). The output part 140 may be formed in the body 110 and may include, for example, a sound generator (e.g., speaker receiving the music signal from the music signal generator 130) or an output device for outputting the music signal to an external speaker. The sound generator may generate a sound corresponding to one of a string instrument, woodwind instrument, brass instrument and keyboard instrument, or a combination of any of these instruments based on the music signal.
The body 110 may also include core electronics, processing and interface modules. For example, the body 110 may also include a power source 115 such as a battery pack or a connection (e.g., by a power cord) to an external power source (e.g., standard electrical power source AC or DC). The body 110 may also include a selector 116 for selecting the music signal to correspond to one of a string instrument, woodwind instrument, brass instrument and keyboard instrument, or a combination of any of these instruments.
The second input part 170 of the body 110 may also include an aural feature setting selector 117, for fine-tuning an aural feature the first input part 160 and/or the second input part 170. The aural feature setting selector 117 may be used by the user to fine-tune a musical key, a note, a chord, a pitch, a pitch class, a scale or an octave to be played by the music device 100.
In particular, the aural feature setting selector 117 may be used by the user to select an aural feature setting for the second input part 170 from among a plurality of aural feature settings. The aural feature setting selector 117 may include at least one of a array of musical parameters or variables such as key setting selector, a note setting selector, a chord setting selector, a pitch setting selector, a pitch class setting selector, a scale setting selector and an octave setting selector.
The body 110 may also include a transceiver 118a which may allow the music device 100 to wirelessly communicate with external devices, and a port 118b (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, parallel port, serial port, etc.) for connecting a wire (e.g., parallel cable, serial cable, ethernet cable, coaxial cable, HDMI cable, etc.) to the body 110 so that the music device 100 may communicate with an external device by wire.
For example, the port 118b may include a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) port which is electrically connected to the music signal generator 130, for communicating an event message about musical notation, pitch, velocity, control signals for parameters (such as volume, vibrato, audio panning, cues, and clock signals (e.g., to set and synchronize tempo) between the musical device 100 and an external device.
The body 110 may also include additional inputs such as switches, dials, audio jacks, etc. which are not illustrated in
As illustrated in
In addition, as illustrated in
In addition, the electronic module (e.g., circuit including the music signal generator) of the music device 100 may include a memory device 370 (e.g., solid state memory device such as random access memory (RAM)) which stores musical compositions, and a microcontroller (e.g., see
In particular, the display device 125 may display a musical notation which may be read by the user to use the music device 100. The musical notation may include, for example, a novel notation which may indicate a chord/key, a note within that chord/key, and a duration of the note. That is, with the music device 100, a user does not need to know and the display does not need to display conventional musical notation such as a musical staff, whole notes, quarter notes, rest symbols, etc. Thus, the musical notation displayed on the display device 125 may include only a chord/key, a note within that chord/key, and a duration of the note.
The body 110 may also include a mode setting switch 119 for setting (e.g., selecting) a mode of the music device 100 from among a plurality of modes. For example, the music device 100 may include a programming mode in which the music device may be programmed such as by an external device (e.g., a computer connected to the music device 110 via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth) or by wire via the port 118b), or by using a keyboard formed on the body 110. For example, the display device 125 may include a touchscreen and the keyboard may be displayed on the touchscreen of the display device 125. The music device 100 may also include a left hand play mode, a right hand play mode, an acoustic instrument mode, an electrical/electronic instrument mode, and an acoustic/electronic hybrid instrument mode.
The body 110 may also include receiving parts 150a, 150b and 150c for receiving the first input part 160 (e.g., see
The music signal generated by the music signal generator 130 may be received by the output part 140 (e.g., sound generator, speaker, amplifier, output device for outputting the music signal to an external speaker) and cause the output part 140 to produce a sound (e.g., a sound such as chords, notes, pitches) which simulates the sound of a traditional musical instrument, and may also produce additional sounds (e.g., hybrid sounds, such as the sound of a combination of a trumpet and piano) which a traditional musical instrument is not capable of producing. More particularly, the music device 100 may include a hybrid traditional and electronic, analog and digital musical instrument in the traditional instrument categories of bowed strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboard and guitar, or a completely digital input musical instrument that may radically differ from traditional musical instruments. The music device 100 may provide a new methodology and system for creating musical, tonal and sound variations.
Due to its design, attributes and methodologies, the music device 100 can be more ergonomically designed, less physically demanding and more easily played by individuals with a larger variation of human hand sizes, finger strengths, arm lengths, breath capacities and physical characteristics. The music device 100 may facilitate easier learning, playing, composing and performing of music than traditional musical instruments, which would allow for more future musicians and composers of wider ages, physical variations and experience levels.
The music device 100 may completely eliminate a chance of improperly playing a desired chord, note, pitch or other variation, and may allow musicians and composers to easily and in much shorter timeframes become proficient at playing music, thus freeing the user to focus on creating, composing, playing, performing, and/or sharing music.
In an exemplary aspect, the music device 100 may provide a new system for making music, and more specifically, may allow a user to change the musical parameters (tonal or sounds) of keys, notes, chords, pitch or pitch class, scales and octaves in real time (e.g., on the fly). The music device 100 may provide a series of electronic, microprocessor or “machine intelligent” hybrid analog and or digital musical instruments in the traditional categories of string (e.g., guitar, violin, cello, etc.), woodwind, brass and keyboard instruments.
The music device 100 may use different combinations or variations of input components, keys, switches, buttons, strings or touch sensitive zones to change musical parameters (e.g., musical or tonal) of keys, notes, chords, pitch or pitch class, scales and octaves (e.g., on a fixed or removable neck). The music device 100 may emulate the traditional musical instrument categories of string (e.g., guitar, violin, cello, etc.), woodwind, brass and keyboard instruments. As described in more detail below, the music device 100 may allow for variations not possible by traditional instruments or conventional electronic instruments (e.g., synthesized instruments, such as an electronic guitar or electronic piano).
Additionally, the music device 100 may include a common methodology for producing, changing and terminating tonal keys, notes, octaves, pitches or tonal key, note or any sound variations and parameters. Thus, with the music device 100, a musician (e.g., a beginning musician) may be able to learn these different instruments more easily and faster by virtue of the methodologies and commonality between the instruments.
Referring again to
The first input part 160 may include a structural element of a brass instrument (e.g., a brass instrument mouthpiece), woodwind instrument (e.g., a woodwind instrument mouthpiece), string instrument (e.g., strings for a string instrument) or keyboard instrument (e.g., a piano keyboard). The first input part 160 may be used by the user to control sound creation parameters of input including, but not limited to, loudness, duration, location variation, velocity, pressure, rhythm, strumming-keyboarding-bowing-blowing patterns, pitch bending, vibrato, tremolo, deadening, plucking, slapping and buzzing, etc.
For example, by plucking harder on the strings of the string instrument input module 160c in
The second input part 170 may be used by the user to provide a methodology for setting and/or adjusting a sound parameter which may be radically different than any conventional acoustic or electronic (e.g., synthesized) music device (e.g., musical instrument). In particular, the parameters which may be set by the first plurality of buttons 135 of the second input part 170 may include but are not limited to, musical key A thru G (including harmonic center or tonic), chords (including major, minor, sharp, flat, diminished, augmented, slash, power, dominant), pitch (including harmonics, frequency), and octave (twelve semitones).
The parameters which may be set by the second plurality of buttons 138 include scales (including chromatic, whole tone, pentatonic, diminished, diatonic, accidentals), and notes.
The parameters which may be set by the third plurality of buttons P include effects (including accent, sustain, distortion, dynamics, filters, modulation, time-based, reverb, feedback).
The plurality of fourth buttons P may be programmed, for example, to provide a fine adjustment of the key/chord set by the user by touching a button of the plurality of first buttons 135. Alternatively, the plurality of fourth buttons P may be programmed to provide other effects such as accent, sustain, distortion, dynamics, filters, modulation, time-based, reverb and feedback.
Importantly, the plurality of first, second, third and fourth buttons, 135, 138, 139, P may be programmable by the user. This may allow the music device 100 to be customized to the unique needs of the user. For example, if a user generally plays music only the key of “C”, the user can program the music device 100 to eliminate other keys (e.g., D, E, F, etc.) from the other plurality of first buttons 135, in which case the remaining plurality of first buttons 135 may be programmed to be dedicated for some other use (e.g., effects such as accent, sustain, distortion, dynamics, filters, modulation, time-based, reverb and feedback).
Further, the settings of the music device 100 may be stored in a memory device (e.g., memory device 370 for one or more users. Thus, for example, a first player may program the music device 100 to include his settings (e.g., first input part setting, second input part setting, etc.), and a second player may program the music device 100 to include his settings. Then, the first player may select first player mode using the mode setting switch 119 in which case, the music device 100 will be set to the settings of a first player, and the second player may select second player mode using the mode setting switch 119 in which case, the music device 100 will be set to the settings of a second player, and so on.
Further, as illustrated in
With the music device 100, if the user selects a C chord, then the music signal generator 130 may generate a music signal for creating a perfect C chord, regardless of a musical abilities, experience and talents of the user, regardless of the placement within the C chord section, and regardless of the force used by the user. If the user switches from a C chord to an Am7 and the input sequence is correct, then the music signal generator 130 may generate a perfect Am7 chord, again regardless of a musical abilities, experience and talents of the user, and regardless of the placement within the Am7 chord section, the force used by the user.
Further, the user may use the plurality of second buttons 138 to operate in a solo note section. For example, by selecting a button of the plurality of second buttons, a user may cause the music signal generator to generate a note within the twelve variations of the chromatic scale to be played, and moreover, the note may be perfectly based on the key/chord selected by the user by touching one of the plurality of first buttons 135. In short, each variation played by the user may be perfect tonally and musically.
Further, the first and second input parts 160, 170 of the music device 100 may be programmed to a unique desire of a user. For example, a user may program the music device 100 to have a first setting in which a button of the plurality of second buttons 138 includes C (e.g., C4 in the chromatic scale), C#, D and D# which are depressed by a user to cause the music signal generator 130 to generate a music signal corresponding to a musical notes C, C#, D and D# respectively (i.e., sounds having frequencies of 261.63 Hz, 277.18 Hz, 293.67 Hz and 311.13 Hz, respectively).
Alternatively, a user may desire to play particular parts (e.g., notes) of the music device 100 “out of tune” or “off key” in some circumstances. In this case, for example, the user may program the music device 100 to have a second setting such that a button of the plurality of second buttons 138 may be depressed by a user to cause the music signal generator 130 to generate a music signal corresponding to a sound which is other than a frequency of a musical note of the musical scale (e.g., other than notes C, C#, D and D#). Thus, for example, a second button of the plurality of second buttons 138 may be depressed to generate a sound having a frequency between 261.63 Hz and 277.18 Hz, another second button of the plurality of second buttons 138 may be depressed to generate a sound having a frequency between 277.18 Hz and 293.67 Hz, and so on.
Further, the user may touch a third button of the plurality of third buttons 139, or a fourth button of the plurality of fourth buttons P, to “tweak” the settings of the plurality of first and second buttons 135, 138 in real time (e.g., to adjust the settings “on the fly”). Thus, for example, a user may be playing in the first setting (e.g., playing notes C, C#, D and D#), and may touch a third button of the plurality of third buttons 139, or a fourth button of the plurality of fourth buttons P to change to the second setting (e.g., playing other than notes C, C#, D and D#).
Referring again to the drawings,
The input module 160a may have a shape and function similar to that of a mouthpiece of a conventional brass instrument (e.g., French horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba), and the input module 160b may have a shape and function similar to that of a mouthpiece of a conventional woodwind instrument (e.g., bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe and saxophone, harmonica, bagpipe, etc.).
The first input part 160 may include systems or intelligence imbedded therein which may operate with the music device 100 to recognize multiple parameters of the music device 100, including but not limited to left or right-handed designation and type of conventional instrument emulation, electrification or non-electrification, lighted or non-lighted, etc.
The metal contacts 151 and 161 may also be used to transmit power from the power source 115 in the body 110 to the brass instrument input module 160a. In addition, the input module 160a includes a metal contact 169 and the receiving part 150a includes a metal contact 159 which may be used to transmit the second input signal which is generated in the input module 160a to the body 110.
It should be noted that the drawings are only exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. That is, the first input part 160 and the receiving part 150a may include any number of metal contacts for transmitting power from the body 110 to the first input part 160, and for transmitting the second input signal from the first input part 160 to the body 110. In addition, it should be noted that a portion of the circuit 165 (e.g., filter, amplifier, etc.) for generating the second input signal may also be located in the body 110 instead of in the first input part 160.
In addition, the receiving part 150a includes a second portion 152 (e.g., connecting part 152) of a fastening structure (e.g., snap, clip, clamp, screw, hole, etc.) which is configured to mate with the first portion 162 in order to securely and detachably connect the brass instrument input module 160a to the receiving part 150a of the body.
The pressure transducer 164a may be used to convert the pressure inside the input module 160a (e.g., mouthpiece) which is caused, for example, by a user blowing into the hole 165 (e.g., see
A structure and operation of the woodwind instrument input module 160b may be similar to the structure and operation of the brass instrument input module 160a described above.
Similar to the first input part 160, the neck 175 includes metal contacts 161 and a first portion 162 of a fastening structure (e.g., snap, clip, clamp, screw, etc.), and the receiving part 150c includes metal contacts 151 which mate with the metal contacts 161 to complete an electrical connection between the neck 175 and the receiving part 150c. In addition, the receiving part 150c includes a second portion 152 of the fastening structure (e.g., snap, clip, clamp, screw, etc.) which is configured to mate with the first portion 162 in order to securely and detachably (e.g., and rotatably) connect the neck 175 to the receiving part 150c of the body 110.
Similar to the body 110, the neck 175 may also include core electronics, processing and interface modules. For example, the neck 175 may also include a power source such as a battery pack or a connection (e.g., by a power cord) to an external power source (e.g., standard AC or DC electrical power source). The neck 175 may also include a selector for selecting the music signal to correspond to one of a string instrument, woodwind instrument, brass instrument and keyboard instrument. The neck 175 may also include systems or intelligence imbedded therein which may operate with the music device 100 to recognize multiple parameters of the music device 100, including but not limited to left or right-handed designation and type of conventional instrument emulation, electrification or non-electrification, lighted or non-lighted, etc.
As illustrated in
The neck 175 may also include an aural feature setting selector, for selecting an aural feature setting for the first input part (e.g., and other input parts described below), from among a plurality of aural feature settings, the aural feature setting selector includes one of a musical key setting selector, a note setting selector, a chord setting selector, a pitch setting selector, a pitch class setting selector, a scale setting selector and an octave setting selector. The neck 175 may also include inputs such as switches, dials, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), parallel ports and serial ports, and may also include outputs such as audio jacks, wireless transmitters, etc.
Further, the neck 175 may be connected to the receiving part 150a or the receiving part 150c, which may allow the user to configure the music device 100 as a primarily left-handed or right-handed instrument. This may allow the music device 100 to be arranged in a right-handed mode or a left-handed mode. Further, the music device 100 may be symmetrically configured for either left or right-hand use.
As illustrated in
The neck 175 may also include a receiving part 179, and a logo 190 which is detachably connected to the receiving part 179. The logo 190 may be connected to the receiving part 179 in a manner similar to that described with respect to
The logo 190 may also be equipped with electronics for providing a “handshake” protocol between the logo 190 and neck 175. With such a protocol, the electronic module of the music device 100 may be required to detect a recognized handshake signature of the logo 190 in order for the logo 190 to connect properly to the neck 175 and operate properly. Other features of the music device 100 may also include such a handshake signature (e.g., the neck 175, the brass instrument input module 160a, etc.).
In addition to the second input part 170 (or instead of the second input part 170) the neck 175 may include a touch sensitive surface. In particular, the touch sensitive surface may include a touchscreen (e.g., a display screen with a touch sensitive surface) for displaying features for generating an input signal which may be used by the music signal generator 130 to generate the music signal. For example, a touch sensitive surface on the neck 175 may display a plurality of first buttons 135, a plurality of second buttons 138, and a plurality of fourth buttons P (e.g., similar to the second input part 170). That is, for example, a user may touch the touch sensitive surface of the neck 175 at a location at which the first button 135 is displayed in order to generate a second input signal corresponding to the first button 135, and so on.
Further, as illustrated in
Further, the first input part 160 (e.g., the brass instrument input module 160a, woodwind instrument input module 160b, string instrument input module 160c and keyboard instrument input module 160d) may include both electronic and traditional acoustic features.
Thus, for example, a user may select acoustic mode (e.g., using the mode setting switch 119) which causes the first input part 160 to operate in an acoustic mode causing the music signal generator 130 to generate a music signal corresponding to an acoustic instrument. For example, if the string instrument input module 160c is connected to the body 110, and acoustic mode is selected by the user, then the music signal generator 130 may generate a music signal corresponding to an acoustic guitar, acoustic violin, etc.
The acoustic features of the string instrument input module 160c may include, for example, a soundboard (e.g., wooden piece mounted on the front of the body 110) which amplifies the sound generated by a sound generator which is connected to the strings of the module 160c, to generate a sound of an acoustic guitar.
Thus, in the music device 100 of
The body 110 may also include a vibrato lever (e.g., whammy bar) which is connected to the input module 160c, and may enable a user to quickly vary the tension and sometimes the length of the strings on the input module 160c temporarily, changing the pitch to create a vibrato, portamento or pitch bend effect.
Similar to the brass instrument input module 160a in
The circuit 165 in the string instrument input module 160c may be similar to a circuit in a conventional electric guitar. For example, the sensor 167 may include a magnetic pickup mounted under the strings on the string instrument input module. The magnetic pickup may include a bar magnet wrapped with a coil, the vibrating strings produces a corresponding vibration in the magnet's magnetic field and therefore a vibrating current in the coil.
The string instrument input module 160c may also include a signal processing circuit 168 (e.g., similar to a traditional electric guitar processing circuit) for processing the current generated in the coil into the second input signal. For example, the processing circuit 168 may include a variable resistor for adjusting a tone of the first input signal, and a low-pass filter for filtering out higher frequencies, and a resistor for controlling an amplitude of the second input signal.
The keyboard instrument input module 160d, may include a circuit similar to circuit 165 in
For example, configured as a digital piano, the input module 160d may duplicate the sound and feel of playing an acoustic piano, by producing a digitally-sampled sound signal, and having keys with a weighted key action to imitate the action of an acoustic piano. Configured as an electric piano, the input module 160d may include a metal tine or string which vibrates, and a pickup (e.g., as in an electric guitar) to detect the vibration of the string. Configured as an electronic piano (e.g., electronic keyboard), the input module 160d may include a memory for storing a database of computer-generated sounds, and may generate a computer-generated sound signal based on a selected key on the keyboard of the input module 160d.
Similar to the second input part 170 and the neck 175, the receiving part 150a may be replaced with a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a touchscreen) for displaying the structural elements of a string instrument, woodwind instrument, brass instrument, or keyboard instrument. That is, for example, a user may touch the touch sensitive surface at a location at which the structural element to generate a second input signal corresponding to the structural element.
Further, the connector 191 may include a mechanism (e.g., a socket or biaxial hinge) which allows the neck 175 to rotate down and out of the plane of the body 110, and may also allow the neck 175 to rotate side-to-side (e.g., in the plane of the body).
The connector 191 may also include a rotating mechanism for allowing the neck 195 to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis (e.g., the dashed line in
Further, although the neck 175 is illustrated in
As illustrated in
Thus, the music device 100 may include many different configurations. For example,
Further, the keys displayed on touch sensitive surface 280 and/or touch sensitive surface 285 may correspond to the keys of the second input part 170. Thus, for example, by touching a key displayed on the touch sensitive surface 280, 285, the music signal may cause a C note to be generated, by touching a different key the music signal may cause a G note to be generated, and so on.
The touch sensitive surfaces 280, 285 may include a programmable touch-sensitive user interface that can be programmed by the user for various input play modes. For example, the touch sensitive surface 280, 285 may display the keys of a keyboard (e.g., a traditional piano key layout), the valves of a brass instrument, the keys of a woodwind instrument and/or the strings of a string instrument.
Like the second input part 170 and the input modules 160a-160d, the touch sensitive surfaces 280, 285 may include embedded processing or intelligence electronics that interfaces with the electronics of the music device 100 (e.g., see
A user may use the selector 116 to select an instrument structural element to be displayed on the touch sensitive surface 280 and the touch sensitive surface 285 from among a plurality of structural elements (e.g., clarinet keys, trumpet valves, saxophone keys, piano keys, guitar strings, etc.). In addition, the neck 175 may include a selector 295 for adjusting the display of an instrument structural element to be displayed of the touch sensitive surface 285.
As illustrated in
Alternatively, the string instrument input module 160c in
As illustrated in
The system 300 may also include a display device 360 which may display musical notation (e.g., indicia) corresponding to the plurality of first buttons of the first input part of the music device. The display device 360 may include a transceiver for communicating (e.g., wired or wirelessly communicating) with the music device 350. A user may read and follow a musical composition displayed on the display device 360 to play the device 350.
The system 300 may also include a display device 397 which may be worn by a user, such as a heads-up display device display device. The display device 397 may include, for example, a wireless transceiver which is wirelessly connected to the music device 100.
The microcontroller 371 may also be connected to the transceiver 118 so that the microcontroller 371 can control a communication between the music device 350 and external devices such as the other devices in the system 300.
Referring again to
The system 300 may include a bow 392 (e.g., a hybrid bow) for playing the music device 350 when configured to include a string instrument input module 160c. The bow 392 may also include a transceiver for communicating (e.g., wired or wirelessly communicating) with the music device 350.
The system 300 may also include an external sound generator 393 which may, for example, include an amplifier for amplifying the music signal generated by the music signal generator 130. The external sound generator 393 may also include a transceiver for communicating (e.g., wired or wirelessly communicating) with the music device 350.
The system 300 may also include a computer 394 or a computer system (e.g., server) which is connected to a network (e.g., Internet). The computer 394 may be used, for example, to program the microcontroller 371 of the music device 350. Further, the music device 350 may access information such as music libraries online through the computer 394 (e.g., online music libraries), and store such information in the memory device 370. The computer 394 may also include a transceiver for communicating (e.g., wired or wirelessly communicating) with the music device 350.
The elements of the system 300 may represent an input, output, interface, control, operating system, processing, storage, memory, software, firmware, interconnect, standard and proprietary protocols, power supply and battery components, wired and wireless connections and updateable software and/or firmware and upgradeable capability system to not only emulate traditional musical instruments, systems and sounds, but also to allow for inputs and outputs not possible on conventional musical instruments. Achieving this capability requires the following elements:
The components of the system 300 include but not limited to fixed or removable input, output, interfaces, controls, operating system, processing, storage, memory, software, firmware, interconnects, standard and proprietary protocols, power supply and battery components, wired and wireless connections and updateable software and/or firmware and upgradeable capability.
It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in
In particular, the plurality of first buttons 135 in the second input part 170 in
Further, the neck 175 in
Further, the foot pedal module 390 illustrated in
The invention and its various input/output parts (e.g., first input part 160, second input part 170, foot pedal module 390) may enable the user to never play an incorrect musical sound or variation. The user may attain virtually perfect timbre. For example, if the user selects a C chord, it will always be a perfect C chord regardless of the time the user has dedicated to the invention, the placement within the C chord section, the force used by the user, the duration over which the user depresses the button (e.g., key, etc.), or the number of times the user has played a C chord.
If the user switches from a C chord to an Am7 and the input sequence is correct, it will also be a perfect Am7 chord. If the user moves to the solo note section, the twelve variations of the chromatic scale will be perfectly based on the key the user is currently playing. Even if the sequence or variation of notes, chords, etc. were not intended to be played by the user, each variation will be perfect tonally and musically.
Further, the components of the music device 100, 350 and the other components of the system 300 may be digital electronics components, and may include an operating system and supporting software for supporting the operating system. The invention contemplates both digital and analog input/output between the music device 100, 350 and other features of the system 300. Further, although not illustrated in
For example, the transceiver 118 (e.g., wireless transceivers) in the music device 350 may allow for wireless communication between a plurality of music devices 100, 350. Thus, for example, user 1 may play a music device 100 and may coordinate his performance with user 2 which is playing a different music device 100. For example, user 1 and user 2 may coordinate rhythms, harmonies, chords, compositions, etc. on the music devices 100 via their respective transceivers 118.
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a user-selectable primarily left or right-handed operable neck (e.g., neck 175) including a connecting part (e.g., connecting part 191 in
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a user-selectable primarily left or right-handed operable input module (e.g., input modules 160a-160e), including a connecting part (e.g., connecting part 191 in
Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to an electronic logo, including a connector and compatibility verifiable part (e.g., connecting part 191 in
Referring now to
In addition to the system described above, a different aspect of the invention includes a computer-implemented method for performing the above method. As an example, this method may be implemented in the particular environment discussed above.
Such a method may be implemented, for example, by operating a computer, as embodied by a digital data processing apparatus, to execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions. These instructions may reside in various types of non-transitory signal-bearing media.
Thus, this aspect of the present invention is directed to a programmed product, including signal-bearing media tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor to perform the above method.
Such a method may be implemented, for example, by operating the CPU 511 to execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions. These instructions may reside in various types of signal bearing media.
Thus, this aspect of the present invention is directed to a programmed product, including a non-transitory signal-bearing media tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital data processor incorporating the CPU 511 and hardware above, to perform the method of the invention.
This signal-bearing media may include, for example, a RAM contained within the CPU 511, as represented by the fast-access storage for example. Alternatively, the instructions may be contained in another signal-bearing media, such as a magnetic data storage diskette 600 or compact disc 602 (
Whether contained in the computer server/CPU 511, or elsewhere, the instructions may be stored on a variety of machine-readable data storage media, such as DASD storage (e.g., a conventional “hard drive” or a RAID array), magnetic tape, electronic read-only memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM), an optical storage device (e.g., CD-ROM, WORM, DVD, digital optical tape, etc.), paper “punch” cards, or other suitable non-transitory signal-bearing media. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the machine-readable instructions may include software object code, compiled from a language such as C, C++, etc.
Due to its design, attributes and methodologies, the hybrid instrument according to the exemplary aspects of the present invention may be more ergonomically designed, less physically demanding and more easily played by individuals with a larger variation of human hand sizes, finger strengths, arm lengths, breath capacities and physical characteristics.
The hybrid instrument according to the exemplary aspects of the present invention may also facilitate easier learning, playing, composing and performing of music than traditional musical instruments, which may allow for more future musicians and composers of wider ages, physical variations and experience levels.
The exemplary aspects of the present invention may completely eliminate playing the selected chord, note, pitch or other variation improperly. The exemplary aspects of the present invention may allow musicians and composers to easily and in much shorter timeframes become proficient on the hybrid instrument of the exemplary aspects of the present invention, thus freeing the user of the present hybrid musical instrument to focus on creating, composing, playing, performing, and/or sharing music.
In an exemplary aspect, the present invention includes a new system for making music, and more specifically, changing the musical parameters (tonal or sounds) of keys, notes, chords, pitch or pitch class, scales and octaves.
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a series of electronic, microprocessor or “machine intelligent” hybrid analog and or digital musical instruments in the traditional categories of bowed strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboard and guitar instruments.
The present invention may use different combinations or variations of input components, keys, switches, buttons, strings or touch sensitive zones to change musical parameters of (musical or tonal) keys, notes, chords, pitch or pitch class, scales and octaves on a fixed or removable neck. The exemplary aspects of the present invention may emulate the traditional musical instrument categories of bowed strings, woodwind, brass, keyboard and guitar.
The exemplary features of the present invention may also allow for variations not possible by traditional instruments or current synthesized instruments.
In one exemplary embodiment, the hybrid musical instruments have a main body which includes different input and output sections, fixed or optional switchable string, “piano” key, mouthpiece input or touch sensitive pad or touch sensitive bar modules with various switchable modules and/or “necks” to create an entirely new class of musical instruments.
Further, the exemplary aspects of the present invention can be manufactured as a single unit or in modules to be configured by the user of the exemplary aspects of the present invention as a primarily left-handed or right-handed instrument.
For example, the body of the hybrid instrument according to the exemplary aspects of the present invention includes the core electronics, processing and interface modules. The exemplary aspects of the present invention may use various input and output interfaces for musicians.
Additionally, the exemplary aspects of the present invention may include a common methodology for producing, changing and terminating tonal keys, notes, octaves, pitches or tonal key, note or any sound variations and parameters. Thus, with the exemplary aspects of the present invention, a musician (or beginner) may be able to learn these different instruments more easily and faster by virtue of the methodologies and commonality between the instruments.
Additionally, the exemplary aspects of the present invention may be able to output both digital and/or analog signals, allowing for different output interfaces to various devices including amplifiers, computers, recording equipment and any device that can accept the specific analog or digital outputs of the exemplary aspects of the present invention.
Referring now to the exemplary aspects of the present invention in more detail, in
In
In FIGS. 8A and 8E-8G, there are shown sections body 800, first input/output zone 801 and corresponding modules strings 810, touch pad 811 or keys 812, input/output zones and corresponding modules 802, first removable neck connection zones CZ 803 and corresponding input/output zone two, I/O Two necks, and neck 8051 (
Also provided are a neck 8052 (
In
In
In
Referring to
The instrument bow 702 has input and output elements. In
Also shown are a neck 1261 which is a right-handed mode switch neck 1261 (
In
In
In
In
Referring to wind 703, in
In
In
In
In
In
In
In 2202 (seed
In
In more detail, the invention of finger 701, bow 702 and wind 703, and pedal 704, may include a system of inputs and outputs to change musical parameters (tonal or sounds). The finger 701, bow 702, wind 703 and pedal 704 represent an input, output, interface, control, operating system, processing, storage, memory, software, firmware, interconnect, standard and proprietary protocols, power supply and battery components, wired and wireless connections and updateable software and/or firmware and upgradeable capability system to not only emulate traditional musical instruments, systems and sounds, but also to allow for inputs and outputs not possible on conventional musical instruments. Achieving this capability may require the following elements:
In
The system's components may include but are not limited to fixed or removable input, output, interfaces, controls, operating system, processing, storage, memory, software, firmware, interconnects, standard and proprietary protocols, power supply and battery components, wired and wireless connections and updateable software and/or firmware and upgradeable capability. The finger 701, bow 702, and wind 703 when manufactured as a system comprised of components detailed in the figures and descriptions of
In
When designed as removable modules strings 810, touch pad 811, keys 812, strings 1210, touch bars 1211 and mouthpiece 1709 have systems or intelligence imbedded within the module that allow systems within body 800, 1200 and 1700 to recognize multiple parameters of the modules including but not limited to left or right-handed designation and type of conventional instrument emulation.
The face or top of body 800, 1200, 1700 and 2200 also includes input/output zones 802, 1202, 1702 and 2201, respectively, which can have dedicated or programmable inputs or outputs. Many embodiments directed to functionality, size, number of inputs or outputs, etc. are contemplated and the I/O Zones 802, 1202, 1702, and 2201 are designated as primary input methodology utilizing fingers.
The face of body 800 and 1200 also includes a connection zone CZ 804 and 1204, respectively, used for input and output functions in conjunction with handle 8041 or chin rest 1241.
The back of body 800, 1200, 1700 and 2200, (e.g., see
In
There is shown connect zones CZ 804 and 1204 on the face of body 800 and 1200, respectively. The connection zones may have the primary task of providing an input for pitch bending when handle 8041 is designated as primary input methodology utilizing hands and fingers on finger 701 or chin rest 1241 is designated as primary input methodology utilizing chin, cheek or jaw, on bow 702. The connection zones can take on additional functionality with a series of anticipated input and output modules.
In
In
When designed and designated as removable I/O necks, neck 8051, 8052, 8061 and 8062; 1251, 1252, 1261 and 1262; 1704 and 1705 have systems or intelligence embedded within the neck that allow systems within body 800, 1200 and 1700 to recognize multiple parameters of the modules including, but not limited to, left or right-handed designation, types of conventional instrument emulation, electrification or non-electrification, lighted or non-lighted, types of conventional instrument emulation, types of I/O neck input system (NIS), first NIS 808, 1208 and 1707; second NIS 809, 1209 and 1708, the programming interface protocol for input/output zones 807, 1207, 1706.
When designed and designated as non-removable I/O necks, neck 8051, 8052, 8061 and 8062; 1251, 1252, 1261 and 1262; 1704 and 1705 may or may not have the same functions, systems and components embedded within neck 8051, 8052, 8061 and 8062; 1251, 1252, 1261 and 1262; 1704 and 1705.
In
Still referring to the invention in more detail
In strings 810 shown in
Touch pad 811 is a programmable “touch-sensitive” pad that can be programmed by the user for various input play modes. Keys 812 shows a “piano” type key configuration, and embodies a traditional “piano” key layout or as shown in keys 812 a finger 701 invention specific “piano” type key layout.
Strings 810, touch pad 811, keys 812 and other future embodiment modules may have embedded processing or intelligence electronics that interface with first I/O 801 to identify type of input module, type of instruments to be emulated, left-handed or right-handed mode selection and other future contemplated variations.
In
Touch bars 1211 are programmable “touch-sensitive” bars that can be programmed by the user for various input play modes. Strings 1210, touch bars 1211 and other future embodiment modules may have embedded processing or intelligence electronics that interface with first I/O 1201 to identify type of input module, type of instruments to be emulated, left-handed or right-handed mode selection and other future contemplated variations.
In
In
The second input/output section of the invention encompasses (see
Unlike conventional instruments, input/output methodology system of the second I/O section of the invention of FIGS. 7A-7B's finger 701 and bow 702 may be virtually identical. FIG. 7C's wind 703, by virtue of the first input zone of wind 703 using a mouthpiece 1709, has the same input/output system methodology as finger 701 and bow 702, but allows for using both hands on the FIG. 17A-17D's neck 1704 and 1705, thereby allowing two symmetrical sets of MS 1707 and 1708 (right- and left-hand), on neck 1704 and 1705.
The methodology system parameters are exemplary embodiments and thus other embodiments are contemplated. The parameters of sound or music can be changed by second input/output section necks of
The parameters may include but are not limited to, musical key A thru G (including harmonic center or tonic), chords (including major, minor, sharp, flat, diminished, augmented, slash, power, dominant), pitch (including harmonics, frequency), octave (twelve semitones), scales (including chromatic, whole tone, pentatonic, diminished, diatonic, accidentals), notes, effects (including accent, sustain, distortion, dynamics, filters, modulation, time-based, reverb, feedback). The partial list of parameters can be executed with variations beyond any conventional instrument based on the user's ability to change virtually all sound parameters in real-time as fast as the correct input sequence can be made by the user.
In
However, an exemplary version program is the first seven subdivisions (those nearest logo 814, 1213 and 1711) which are primary (tonic, key of instrument's tune) or secondary (key or major chord of sound or music being played) musical keys A through G inputs.
The next two input output subdivisions in conjunction with third I/O 1001, 1401 and 1901, are programmable for variations including, but not limited to, chords, pitch, and octave.
The next twelve input output subdivisions are programmed for the solo note play in the select key, chromatic scales or twelve octave semitones.
In
In
The invention and its three input/output zones enable the user to never play an incorrect musical sound or variation. The user attains virtual perfect timbre or the user may choose to select off timbre variations as they choose for musical variations.
For example, if the user selects a C chord, it will always be a perfect C chord regardless of the time the user has dedicated to the invention, placement within the C chord section, the force used, the duration time, or the number of times the user has played a C chord. If the user switches from a C chord to an Am7 and the input sequence is correct, it will also be a perfect Am7 chord. If the user moves to the solo note section, the twelve variations of the chromatic scale will be perfectly based on the key the user is current playing. The user may not like the sequence or variations chosen, but with the exemplary aspects of the present invention, each variation will be perfect tonally and musically.
In
In further detail, still referring to the invention of finger 701, bow 702, wind 703, pedal 704 and xbow 706 shown in
In summary, the exemplary aspects of the present invention may provide an electronic hybrid or completely digital musical instruments and a system for producing, changing and terminating tonal keys, notes, chords, scales, pitch, octaves and sound variations.
With its unique and novel features, the present invention provides a music device which may allow musicians and composers to become proficient at playing music in much less time than with conventional musical instruments.
While the invention has been described in terms of one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Specifically, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the drawings herein are meant to be illustrative, and the design of the inventive assembly is not limited to that disclosed herein but may be modified within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, Applicant's intent is to encompass the equivalents of all claim elements, and no amendment to any claim the present application should be construed as a disclaimer of any interest in or right to an equivalent of any element or feature of the amended claim.
This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511,041 which was filed on Jul. 23, 2011.