Method and apparatus for re-creating expression effects on solenoid actuated music producing instruments
US5083491A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10F1/02
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for re-creating expression effects contained in musical renditions recorded in MIDI format for reproduction on solenoid actuated player piano systems. Detected strike velocity information contained in the MIDI recording is decoded and correlated to strike maps stored in a controlling microprocessor, the strike maps containing data corresponding to desired expression effects. Time differentiated pulses of fixed width and amplitude are directed to the actuating solenoids in accordance with the data in the strike maps, and the actuating solenoids in turn strike the piano strings. Thereafter, pulses of uniform amplitude and frequency are directed to the actuating solenoids to sustain the strike until the end of the musical note. The strike maps dynamically control the position of the solenoid during the entire duration of the strike to compensate for non-linear characteristics of solenoid operation and piano key movement, thus providing true reproduction of the original musical performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.