Programmable rhythm unit
US4163407A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 1977 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S84/12
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A programmable rhythm unit is disclosed for electrically simulating sounds of a plurality of rhythm instruments being played in selected ones of a plurality of different rhythmic patterns. A variable frequency oscillator cooperates with a counter/divider and decoder circuit to provide a predetermined number of beats or pulses per measure at a tempo which may be varied by the user. Also provided is a plurality of keyed audio circuits which each produce a characteristic burst of output signals that simulate the audible output or voice of a corresponding rhythm instrument. Switching means are provided whereby the user can select any of the voices to play at any beat position. In addition an alternate beat pulse source is provided which can be selected by the switching means to play any of the voices at a particular beat position every other measure. A pseudo-random generator is also included which may be selected to play any of the voices at a random beat position in each measure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.