Harold A Hildebrand

Title: **Harold A. Hildebrand: Innovating Musical Pitch Correction**

Introduction

Harold A. Hildebrand, an accomplished inventor based in Felton, California, has made significant contributions to the field of music technology through his remarkable innovations. With a total of nine patents to his name, Hildebrand has focused primarily on enhancing the accuracy and quality of musical instrumentation.

Latest Patents

Two of Hildebrand's latest patents exemplify his innovative spirit and technical expertise. The first is titled "Virtual Tuning of a String Instrument," which addresses the challenges faced by musicians when their instruments are in an un-tuned state. In this invention, strings of a string instrument are excited, and a standard adjustment factor is determined for each string. When a pitch is generated as a result of a string being strummed, the pitch is adjusted by this factor alongside an intonation adjustment factor, resulting in a sound that is in-tune and exhibits accurate intonation.

The second patent, "Pitch Detection and Intonation Correction Apparatus and Method," presents a device and method designed to correct intonation errors and generate vibrato in real-time for solo instruments and vocal performances. This invention employs a pitch detector that quickly recognizes the pitch of musical notes and utilizes a pitch corrector to align the output with the desired pitch standard. The device operates using a microprocessor that samples signals from instruments or voices, continuously determining the waveform period and re-sampling it to produce high-fidelity audio outputs.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Hildebrand has collaborated with notable companies, including Landmark Graphics Corporation and Auburn Audio Technologies, Inc. His work in these organizations reflects his dedication to advancing music technology and his ability to merge creativity with technical know-how.

Collaborations

Hildebrand's professional journey has also seen him collaborate with prominent coworkers, including William E. Good and Cedric V. Snyder, Jr. These partnerships have likely played a role in his success and have contributed to the development of his innovative patents.

Conclusion

Harold A. Hildebrand's contributions to music technology, particularly through his patents focused on pitch correction and tuning instruments, demonstrate a powerful intersection of innovation and artistry. His work continues to influence musicians and enrich the quality of musical performance, underscoring the vital role of inventors in advancing technology within the arts.