Burgett, Inc.

Overture Music Systems, Inc.

Charles R Lee

Pamela K Clift

Alana J Yorba

A device and related method for detecting, controlling, and recording keyboard motion in which individual magnets, sensors and actuators associated with each key capture and re-produce key motion with a high degree of accuracy. The method uses a non-contact sensing assembly technique that requires no mechanical or electrical connections with the keyboard assembly, thus making the device easy to service and install. The method also uses a mathematical algorithm to adjust actuator key movement at a very rapid rate making it possible to install in a variety of pianos with different key weights and still be able to play with high accuracy. Finally, the device system dynamically maps the keyboard to which keys are in playback mode and which are in record mode, allowing the use of both modes simultaneously, thus letting the player add to (layer) performances.

Method and apparatus for sensing, controlling and recording key motion in a keyboard musical instrument

A method and apparatus for measuring and recording keyboard motion in which an array of magnets and sensors capture key movement with high accuracy. This method uses a non-contact sensing and assembly technique that requires no mechanical or electrical connections with the entire keyboard assembly, thus making installation and servicing easier, as there are no cables or other devices required to connect or remove from the keyboard. This method also uses a mathematical algorithm to adjust for sensor distance variation (from the sensor to the key), allowing for high accuracy over the entire keyboard. Finally, this method allows for sideways keyboard movement (soft pedal in grand and some vertical pianos), without affecting the sensor readings.

Method and apparatus for sensing key movement in a musical keyboard

A piano pedal optical sensor apparatus and method for accurately measuring, recording and reproducing the pedal expression generated during piano performances. A plurality of optical emitter/sensors are mounted on the pedal support assembly of a piano, and a plurality of corresponding optical reflectors are mounted on the moving connecting rods associated with piano pedals on the piano. Output voltage signals from the optical emitter sensors, which vary according to pedal movement, are monitored and used to generate and record pedal position values. The recorded pedal position values are then used to recreate the original pedal expression of the piano performance by generation of pulse width modulation signals which are used to drive solenoids associated with piano pedals.

Method and apparatus for sensing pedal motion and actuating pedals in

A method and apparatus for accurately sensing key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument, in which optical emitters and sensors are positioned adjacent to the keys. The optical emitters and sensors are arranged on a plurality of individually addressable sensor boards, and the sensor boards are divided into a plurality of individually addressable sensor banks. Each sensor board is independently and sequentially activated by a controller according to a specified timing sequence. As the controller activates a sensor board in one bank, allowing the board to warm up, another sensor board in the second bank, which has previously been activated and warmed up, is read and analyzed by the controller. Activation and reading of sensor boards alternates between sensor banks as the sensor boards are sequenced through. This overlapping of sensor board activation and reading, which is made possible by the preferred arrangement of the dual sensor banks as well as the data acquisition method employed, provides for a higher throughput of data conversion than has been heretofore achieved, and thus more efficient sensing and recording of musical expression information from keyboard instruments than has been previously attained.

Method and apparatus for optically determining note characteristics from

A method and apparatus for accurately sensing key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument, in which optical emitters and sensors are positioned above the hammer catchers. The optical emitters and sensors are arranged on a plurality of individually addressable sensor boards, and the sensor boards are divided into a plurality of individually addressable sensor banks. Each sensor board is independently and sequentially activated by a controller according to a specified timing sequence. As the controller activates a sensor board in one bank, allowing the board to warm up, another sensor board in the second bank, which has previously been activated and warmed up, is read and analyzed by the controller. Activation and reading of sensor boards alternates between sensor banks as the sensor boards are sequenced through. This overlapping of sensor board activation and reading, which is made possible by the preferred arrangement of the dual sensor banks as well as the data acquisition method employed, provides for a higher throughput of data conversion than has been heretofore achieved, and thus more efficient sensing and recording of musical expression information from keyboard instruments than has been previously attained.

A method and apparatus for accurately sensing key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument, in which optical emitters and sensors are positioned above the hammer shanks. The optical emitters and sensors are arranged on a plurality of individually addressable sensor boards, and the sensor boards are divided into a plurality of individually addressable sensor banks. Each sensor board is independently and sequentially activated by a controller according to a specified timing sequence. As the controller activates a sensor board in one bank, allowing the board to warm up, another sensor board in the second bank, which has previously been activated and warmed up, is read and analyzed by the controller. Activation and reading of sensor boards alternates between sensor banks as the sensor boards are sequenced through. This overlapping of sensor board activation and reading, which is made possible by the preferred arrangement of the dual sensor banks as well as the data acquisition method employed, provides for a higher throughput of data conversion than has been heretofore achieved, and thus more efficient sensing and recording of musical expression information from keyboard instruments than has been previously attained.

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Placerville, CA, United States of America

Charles R Lee