Multiple channel metronome for use by split ensemble or antiphonal performers

• US 20060070511A1
• Filed: 05/26/2005
• Published: 04/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Solutions For Thought LLC
• Original Assignee: Solutions For Thought LLC
• Inventors: Tumey, David M., Colton, Wayne J., Parsons, Christopher V.
• Application Number:
  US11/138,751
• Publication Number:
  US 20060070511A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 84/730
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 5/025 Electronic metronomes rhytem generation for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/36
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/311 with controlled tactile or haptic feedback effect; output interfaces therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/3114 Cross-sectional configuration of the strand material is other than circular
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/3138 Including inorganic filament
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/674 Nonwoven fabric with a preformed polymeric film or sheet

Abstract

A multiple channel metronome for use by a plurality of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to desired timing schemes and a plurality of transducers in communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to one of the musicians in response to one of the generated electrical signals. The communication may be established with hardwired connections, infrared links or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor. A measuring device for determining the time of sound travel between two locations is also provided.

Claims

1. A multiple channel metronome for use under the control of a leader by a plurality of musicians, said multiple channel metronome comprising:

a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to a plurality of desired timing schemes, each said timing scheme being produced by a controller and output from said signal generator on an independent communication channel;

a plurality of transducers in communication with said signal generator, said each said transducer being adapted to impart a sensation to a musician in response to one said electrical signal; and

wherein;

the said electrical signal associated with each said transducer is selected by placing each said transducer in communication with one of said communication channels; and

said signal generator is adapted to produce outputs having predetermined time shifts therebetween.

2. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 1, wherein:

each said electrical signal comprises a indicator of downbeats and an indicator of divisional beats, said indicators being distinct one from the other; and

each said timing scheme comprises a user selectable tempo.

3. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 1, wherein said timing schemes comprise complex rhythms.

4. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 3, wherein said complex rhythms are user selectable.

5. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 4, wherein said complex rhythms are user definable.

6. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 5, said multiple channel metronome further comprising a programming interface to said controller, said programming interface being adapted to enable the user to input a rhythmic pattern to said controller.

7. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 6, wherein said rhythmic pattern comprises a musical score.

8. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one said transducer comprises a vibrating transducer.

9. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 8, wherein each said vibrating transducer comprises:

a rigid housing;

an electric motor enclosed within said rigid housing, said electric motor having attached thereto an eccentric weight; and

wherein said electric motor is supported within said rigid housing by a flexible motor mount.

10. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 9, wherein said rigid housing comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube.

11. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 8, wherein said vibrating transducer comprises:

a rigid housing;

an electric motor enclosed within said rigid housing, said electric motor having attached thereto an eccentric weight; and

wherein said electric motor is supported within said rigid housing by a flexible motor mount, said flexible motor mount comprising a cushion.

12. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 11, wherein said rigid housing comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube.

13. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 11, wherein said cushion comprises a foam material.

14. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 8, wherein said vibrating transducer comprises a driver circuit for facilitating operation of said electric motor.

15. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 14, wherein said driver circuit comprises a current amplifier.

16. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 1, wherein said controller comprises an input for user selection of said predetermined time shifts.

17. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 16, said multiple channel metronome further comprising a measurement device for determining the time of sound travel between two locations.

18. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 17, wherein said measurement device comprises:

a audible time generator, said audible tone generator having a speaker associated therewith;

a clocking circuit, said clocking circuit having a microphone associated therewith for receiving tones generated by said audible tone generator; and

an instantaneous communications link between said audible tone generator and said clocking circuit, said communications link being adapted to signal to said clocking circuit the time of generation of an audible tone.

19. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 18, wherein said communications link comprises a radio frequency transmission system.

20. A multiple channel metronome for use under the control of a leader by a plurality of musicians, said metronome comprising:

a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to a plurality of desired timing schemes, each said timing scheme being produced by a controller and output from said signal generator on an independent communication channel;

a transmitter, in electrical communication with said signal generator, for transmitting the information represented by one of said electrical signals to a remote location;

a receiver compatible with said transmitter, for receiving the transmission from said transmitter at the remote location;

a plurality of transducers in communication with said signal generator, each said transducer being adapted to impart a sensation to one of the musicians in response to said one said electrical signal; and

wherein;

at least one said transducer is in electrical communication with said receiver; and

each said signal generator is adapted to produce outputs having predetermined time shifts therebetween.

21. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 20, wherein said transmitter is adapted to transmit an infrared signal.

22. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 20, wherein said transmitter is adapted to transmit a radio frequency signal.

23. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 22, wherein said radio frequency signal is frequency modulated.

24. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 20, wherein said controller is programmable by interface with a computer.

25. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 24, wherein said computer comprises a personal computer.

26. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 24, wherein said computer comprises a PDA.

27. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 20, wherein said controller comprises an input for user selection of said predetermined time shifts.

28. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 27, said multiple channel metronome further comprising a measurement device for determining the time of sound travel between two locations.

29. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 28, wherein said measurement device comprises:

a audible time generator, said audible tone generator having a speaker associated therewith;

a clocking circuit, said clocking circuit having a microphone associated therewith for receiving tones generated by said audible tone generator; and

an instantaneous communications link between said audible tone generator and said clocking circuit, said communications link being adapted to signal to said clocking circuit the time of generation of an audible tone.

30. The multiple channel metronome as recited in claim 29, wherein said communications link comprises a radio frequency transmission system.

31. A measurement device for determining the time of sound travel between two locations, said measurement device comprising:

a audible time generator, said audible tone generator having a speaker associated therewith;

a clocking circuit, said clocking circuit having a microphone associated therewith for receiving tones generated by said audible tone generator; and

an instantaneous communications link between said audible tone generator and said clocking circuit, said communications link being adapted to signal to said clocking circuit the time of generation of an audible tone.

32. The measurement device as recited in claim 31, wherein said communications link comprises a radio frequency transmission system.