Method and apparatus for sensing pedal motion and actuating pedals in player pianos
US5905220A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10C3/26
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.